Happily Ever After...

At the request of some people, I have decided to post my brother and his sweet fiance's announcement for their wedding April 11th. I am so completely excited. Jamie and I have been the best of friends since high school. It began my 5th year at girls camp when Annaliese Bell and I were her cabin mom's. However, I was not able to really get to know her until the following school year when we were in the same 1st period ASL class. From then on it was history :) I am looking forward to becoming sisters with my best friend! As for Bryce, we were like 2 peas in a pod growing up...Congrats you two!!

Better Late Than Never!

I always tell myself this...It helps me feel better when I slack :) Anyway, below is a picture of one part of our Valentines date. Eric and I went to a dance hosted by the stake and held at our church building with Eric and Bea... It was really fun to be together and to not worry about miss Shanna running around crazy!

Pay it Froward

So a few of my friends are doing this, so I'm joining the crowd (because it's an awesome idea)!

Here's how this game works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! Except I am changing the catch here, you don't have to do it yourself, just post, but it is kind of fun to participate so feel free! If you do want to be the host of the "pay it forward game", then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Send me an email with your address, to: carrissa.merrill@gmail.com

Remember only the first three get a gift....so be quick!

Family Pictures!

We got family pictures on Saturday morning and our photographer was absolutely wonderful!! She did a fantastic job. If any of you live in the Kitsap County area be sure to look her up. You can go here for her site and some fun pics that she posted of our little family! Tell me what you think! Enjoy :)

Snow, Christmas, and a little twinkle!

So we totally had to play in the snow! This was our creation, Christmas Eve was the snowiest night for us and so we couldn't resist!

Christmas Day...So I know I am a little behind and out of order, but it doesn't matter right? Anyway, we had a wonderful white Christmas. That hasn't happened here in Washington for quite some time. Shortly after Christmas, Bryce came home from his mission in Asuncion Paraguay. It was a joy to watch Shanna this Christmas. She was so excited about everything! I think she finally gets it!

Yay for DDR!! :)

Early Christmas morning! Even earlier than Shanna :)



Princess Shanna

Shanna and Grandpa

This was taken during Shanna's birthday party in Decemeber. She is learning knew things every day and it is such a joy to watch her learn and grow. She is such a smart little girl. Currently, we have been trying to potty train her and so far shes doing wonderfully! Enjoy...

What has Shanna been up to lately?

Well I am on a roll today! Shanna Love. What a doll. Need I say more? :) She makes me laugh more every day. She is such a joy to be around and the things she comes up with on her own amaze me more and more every day. Bear with me as you look at the pictures because there are kind of a lot. But a picture says a thousand words right? And since words don't come to me as eloquently as they may to others. Well...Enjoy :)

Beloved Veggie Tales. Shes not into watching TV or movies much, but boy does she love the "sing along Veggie Tales". They are a bunch of silly songs all compiled together and she gets a kick out of them.

I frequently find (or trip over..whichever..) her little white chairs from her room strategically placed everywhere in the house and as this picture depicts she uses them for everything and anything. Turning off and on light switches is a favorite.

Now as you will notice in the next few pictures her baby dolls are everywhere. She is quite the little mother to her "babies". They eat with her...



They sleep with her...

And of course she has to carry them everywhere she goes as well! I don't know if you can tell but she has 2 babies and a couple of blankets in one arm and 2 baby doll bottles in the other hand. She is already experiences the need for more arms!!

She loves to watch us play the wii. Mainly Mario Kart. Oh, and of course she has to play as well...Or think shes playing anyway! ;)

Well...Thats Shanna. She is quite the character. We love her so much!

Playing Catch up

November 22nd a good friend of mine got married in the Oakland California temple. My mom and I went to California for a few days to be the "family" that accompanied him inside the temple since he is the only member in his family. My dad was supposed to go as well but he collapsed one of his lungs while playing racquetball a few days before we left and the doctor forbid flying. Lets see, what is that... Like number 5 injury in our family this year?!

Tyler and Natalia:

Now I just have to take a minute and explain these pictures because it totally shows Tyler's personality. He likes to be in control. This tree was crooked and half the lights didn't work so he just got rid of it :) He planned the majority of his wedding including colors, decor, and announcements.

Can't we all relate to this?! :)