Summer Adventures Recap Part I: Merrill Reunion Trip June 5-8

My family had our "first" family reunion this summer. It still has been over six years since we have all been together with missions and whatnot, but this was the most we've had yet! We went to a cabin in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona and spent a couple days just being together visiting, eating, and playing games. We missed Jenni, but she was doing good work.

On our way there, we wanted to stop by an Indian ruin (of course we did), that wasn't far from the cabin area. There were some similarities and differences from the ruins we have been to here in New Mexico, but "supposedly" there are connections between these people and all those in New Mexico. Something unique about this location is how it was built on and out of volcanic rock. It

This was a little different, a square kiva. Normally they are round.

Stan told me that he would give me $10 if I could find pottery in the "wild"...he said that this collection didn't count.

The entrance to the kiva.

They "think" this was a special seat in the kiva.

Petroglyphs. There were lots of crevices with all the huge rocks this place was built next to and on. Our guide said that there were a number of petroglyphs throughout the site.

We climbed up a "natural stairway" (like the one at Chaco Canyon) to get up to the top here.

Scott was a pretty good camper on the drive. It was at a time that he was discovering his hands a little bit and so he would hold them up like this:

And just stare at them. He is such a funny boy.

So we finally got together with my family, and it was so fun to have all six grand-kids together. Here are our fun times all together in no particular order.

Hallie getting the first chance to hold him

If I remember right, Scott was crying before Dave got him and Dave was able to calm him down.

Clarification again: This crying was not related to Dave holding him.

Annie hanging out with Scott.

Waiting for our turn on the paddle boats.

All three boys together. This was the best picture we got of them. Nate was not appreciative of Ethan trying to touch his arm.

I love this man!

I loved spending time with Hallie! She was so fun to talk to. Such a pretty girl

Dave, Stan, and I took a turn on the paddle boats. It was so good to spend time with Dave, it's been too long. I have a good brother.

One of other boats full of our people.

Some of my favorite good-looking boys.

Visiting in the living room with Annie.

I love this woman. She has helped me become everything I am. She is wonderful!

We went for a hike on our last morning.

This was our turning around point where we had our snacks.

We got our ham radios right before this trip and so Stan was learning how to use repeaters and the like.

the kids hanging out with Uncle Ben.

Aubrey helping Scott get his pacifier. She was fascinated by him.

Steve and his cute family.

We all headed to Mesa Saturday right after lunch to have Mike's missionary dinner. Before we headed to the dinner, we took a family picture:

It was so fun to be with everyone for a few days!!