Sunday, February 27, 2011

And then we said Good Bye

Amber loves staying in Hotels. We decided to go to Moab before Ralph left to work over seas for a few months. Bruce had no problems going to sleep.

The girls, on the other hand, were up for an hour and a half after lights out! Until we made Amber sleep with Ralph and I slept with Hannah.

One of the only places open during the off season was Love Muffin Cafe. Amber loved the name, and the food was really good.

Driving out to Dead Horse Point.


At Dead Horse Point.


Amber took this picture. Pretty good, egh?







Ralph's job in Draper was put on hold due to federal funding issues. He had been going through the process of going back to Iraq with the same company he worked for a few year back. He found out on a Wednesday that that would be his last day of work, then on Friday he got a phone call to schedule his flight out to Virginia to get processes. So the timing was perfect. He will be gone for six months or more, saving up all of his income to go to University of Utah for a masters degree, ultimately to become a collage professor. We are excited for this change of direction, and for the chance to have an "out" from translation contracting. 

Stay tuned for updates of the family while he is gone. He will start a blog of what he is doing, instead of sending emails this time around. We will be making both blogs private, so let us know if you want to be invited to view them!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

On to Seven Months

This is the Place! We went to the monument in Salt Lake.

Bruce loves his toes.

Feb 5, he can sit up!

Amber took a picture of us. Turned out kinda nice.

Playing on the iPod together.

It's snuggle time.

Happy Birthday to Mommy.

Valentine puppets.

My pitiful attempts at a Valentine breakfast. (They were wheat. The girls didn't eat much of them.)

Seven Months Old! Big boy sitting up, chewing on bread. His first tooth broke free on Feb 13th.

Another Valentine attempt. We made chocolate covered strawberries. They didn't look very fancy, but they sure tasted great! Amber's friend's family joined us.

It was like pulling teeth to get a good picture in their heart clothes. Amber insisted that I pulled this dress out of the 3t box for her. She grew out of it a year ago! But Valentine's is her favorite holiday, so we did what we could to celebrate.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Six Months Old Already?

We found that Bruce likes his feet. He starts to fuss, we take his shoes and socks off, and he's happy for 20 more minutes after.

Just laying around one night.
The many faces of Hannah.



Learning to sit up. Still a little top heavy.

On Bruce's six month birthday.

Christmas and New Years

Over the course of the month, we made Gingersnaps about four times. I would make the ball and the girls would roll them in sugar.



Hinkson Christmas Eve party at our house. The girls with their new fancy things.

Ralph spent the whole day making all of this wonderful Middle Eastern food. Survey says, Ralph and Julie don't like Middle Eastern food.

One of the games, marshmallow toss. Hugh showing his skills.

Followed by Mark.

Our cousin Hank holding Bruce. Hank will be two in March, and when Bruce was born, we all called him Hank for the first week.

Christmas Eve brunch in Park City. Celebrating our niece's 19th birthday!

As we got in the car to go, I looked over and saw the group getting their picture taken by my brother. This is the group in front of the restaurant. A Merrill family tradition.

Hannah and Eli play so well now! Merrill Christmas Eve party.

Ready to go see our presents!

Christmas Day visitors.

No pictures of New Years Eve, but we had the Merrills over for pizza, left over treats, a murder mystery game, and to celebrate our nephew's 3rd birthday. It was a really fun night!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Five Months Old

Five Months Old. It was late, I didn't get a good picture.

Discovery Gateway. Even Bruce had a place to play.

Our firefighter girls. Hannah kept calling Amber, "Firefighter Amber, come over here!"

The girls being brave in the car wash. Usually they are scared and crying the whole time.

Temple Square!



Interesting praying positions.

Santa Bruce!