We went over to Lehi to visit family on Christmas Day, but we took the scenic route (something my dad always did).  We drove up American Fork Canyon to enjoy the beauty.  On Christmas Eve Russell went ice fishing up this canyon and when he returned home he couldn't stop talking about the beauty.  He said it looked just like a Christmas card.  So, that's why we took the drive.  It truly was like an old-fasioned Christmas card.  The snow-covered trees hung over the road and made a covered canopy.  It was breathtaking.  We drove to Tibble Fork and got out and took a few pictures.  We quickly got back into the warm cars though.  We are suroound by God's beautiful creations everywhere.  

So close, yet so far away

The best part of Christmas, when you have a child serving a mission, is talking to them!  We got to talk to Tyson for an hour.  He seemed so close, but then again so far away.  We put the phone on speaker so we could all listen to him.  He sounded so good.  His Spanish is sounding good too.  Feliz Navidad.

Christmas Visitors & Gifts Exchange

Christmas morning was filled with family visitors.  We enjoyed each others company and more gifts exchanging.  Lindsey and Trent gave Kyle a t-shirt that fit his passions and personality perfectly, "Not all who wander are lost."

Christmas Morning

Santa borrowed our camera after he delivered our presents and he took a picture of our tree and gifts before we all woke up.  How nice of him!  Our children know that before any gifts get opened, they need to pose for a picture holding their stockings before they get the "green light" to start opening gifts.  First they start with their stockings and then it's free for all after that.  Lacey was so excited about ther new cowgirls boots.  Merry Christmas to one and all.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Hyrum, Courtney, and Zoey came and joined us for Christmas Eve Dinner.  We enjoyed good food, stories, gifts, and the best of all...EACH OTHER.

Merrill Family Christmas Party

I didn't get very many picutres at our family Christmas party and the ones I did get aren't great...but here they are.

Hungry Girls

Lacey and her friend, Heather, came home from church one day STARVING.  They found all sorts of food to eat.

November Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Lindsey, Sky, & Bronco.