Tricerapops

Utah

We headed to Utah in late summer (August 17th-29th) to help with Dad in Morgan and in Springville with home repairs after the "plumbing incident". On the way through Idaho, KR and I stopped at Bruneau Dunes so she could climb one of them - why do we always pick the hot times of the year (KT and I climbed to the top of this same dune on a very hot day). You can see her progress, the moment of victory, and her burning feet bathing in the cold air from the air conditioning vent. A comment on the picture of her returning through the grass. I was watching her as I was taking pictures and noticed a change in her wariness and speed. As she approached, I made a comment about the huge number of large snakes that bask in the sun in that particular patch of grass. She just smiled. Some things never change. Nor do I want them to change. We were in Springville on Olivia's first day of school and also got to see a double rainbow. Cool.

Envy

In my opinion, a good dictionary ought to have pictures. And right by the word "envy" would be the first picture below (taken at our recent Merrill Reunion). The second picture is added to make sure you don't think we are not fair in the treatment of each of our grandchildren.

Merrill Family Reunion

What a fun time! Almost all of the extended Merrill clan gathered on the Olympic Peninsula at old Fort Worden for a few days of fun under the August sun (August 1st-4th). The weather held, the food was good, and the bonds of family strengthened. It was a magnificent day on the ride over on the ferry. We also had some low tides to explore the beach and the wandering deer were fun to watch. Fort Worden has some old 1900's-era gun emplacements, much like Fort Casey, to explore. We stayed in the old homes on Officer's Row that have been kept more or less intact over the years. Kudos to Mary for all of the hours she spent planning this event. It was over too quickly.