Paul Celebrates Joining Quorum of the 70

Paul received a birthday card this past week from Ralph welcoming him into the "quorum of the 70." This is the birthday Paul was trying to ignore. He really didn't want to become a member. But we celebrated the day by visiting a beautiful rhododendron and bonsai garden in Federal Way, about 20 miles north of us.

The garden is in the woods--22 acres of beautiful area with many species of rhodies as well as other plants. Most of them are labeled, so you can decide what you would like to plant in your garden.

The color and size of the rhodies and azaleas are amazing!

The rhodies are blooming all over the area right now. Neighborhoods are full of color. The garden focuses on the many different species, rather than just the variety in color.

On the same property is the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection. This is an outdoor museum displaying more than 100 bonsai from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Canada, and the US. Some of the bonsai plants were over 150 years old! They were created as early as 1820 and passed down from one person to another.

Family Fun

Hot Lips Pizza and Spence!

Fields Snow Folks on Christmas

Pretty hair on two heads and an unidentified leg!

John is a Lincoln Log specialist these days.

Chris's drooly surprised smile. What a cutie!

Rue waits for Val to make a bubble so she can pop it!

A laugh with Mike and Naomi, John and Pete.

Checking off some Scouting requirements with Uncle Nate.

Ms and Mr. Merrill--too cute!!

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!

Running through the sprinklers with Dad!

We miss you so much!!

Cute Grandkids

We haven't posted for awhile, but the camera has been running on Merrill grand kids....very photogenic!

In alphabetical order:

ALEX - Considering jumping in the pool with his brother John on a warm spring day in Lincoln.

ANGELA--investigating a puddle in the park last October, and a recent shot showing how she has grown int the last six months!

ANDY--Sweeping the floor in his PJs and "driving" in the park.

CHRISTOPHER--Smiling with his big blue eyes and doing a little shopping.

JOHN--Who has added riding a two-wheeler and cooking to his skill set.

LAUREN--Getting a lot of support from Lindsey and chatting on the phone on snowing Christmas day.

LINDSEY--Showing her new coat, a Christmas gift, and taking shots of the train ride for her photo journalism article.

MASON--Who we are convinced hides from the camera, but we did catch him on his 12th birthday last September.

MATTHEW--Sort of sitting on the fence and showing his Cub Scout smile.

PETE--Turning 11 and going on a Scout overnight with Uncle Mike.

SPENCER--All wrapped up for Christmas.

TIMMY--The Lego King...the builder of mighty structures....even Egypt...here thoughtfully drawing his plan for carving his pumpkin. (Grandma had two other great shots, but they didn't turn out due to low battery!)