The Boys' Deer Hunt

Clayton and Carson were not successful in their hunt this year. They hiked around the mountain Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday without being able to get shot at anything. Uncle Aaron killed this spike and the boys were able to get a picture with it. Better luck next year!

Whose Church Calling Is It Anyways?

Dayson has been gone hunting since Monday morning at 3:00 am. He said he would probably be back home late Monday night. Of course I know he really isn't going to be home if the boys haven't tagged a deer yet. Okay fine, but he should be home Tuesday night, right. Wrong! So Wednesday morning is here and I have to re-schedule jobs and deal with everything myself. Not a problem, I'm used to this kind of thing anyways. Than I get a phone call reminding Dayson that he is in charge of the combined stake activity for the Varsity Scouts (14 & 15 year olds). Dayson is nowhere in sight and I can't even get a hold of him on his phone. So I call the scout leader back and tell him I will take care of the activity myself. I come up with some corny balloon games and an arm wrestling contest in about 30 seconds and we're ready to go. I was the only girl with about 20 young men and 10 adult men leaders. It was a lot of fun. I think the boys had a really good time, even if it seemed a little childish. They were very kind and good sports. There is something about the youth that I just love being around them. What a great opportunity for me. But I have to act like it was the hardest thing in the world so I can use it against Dayson in the future!!

I love my husband and I would do anything for him, even if that means doing his calling for him! I just wished I had a picture for proof that it really happened.

Primary Program

Yesterday was our ward Primary Program. This was also Carson's last one. He turns 12 in just a few days and is off to the Deacon's class with his brother. The picture was supposed to be just the kids in primary but Adam wanted to be in the picture and wasn't going to move. All of the kids did a really good job on their parts and Carson gave a really nice testimony. I am so proud of the sweet little spirits they have and really enjoyed watching all of their different personalities take place on stage.

....Let's try this again

...one more time, oh well that's going to have to do!

Why is it so hard to get one good photo of all the kids!

Harly's First Deer Hunt

Thursday night Dayson and four of the kids went hunting. This was Harly's first deer hunt and Aarron wanted to tag along. It was a very nice break at home with only 3 kids. We had a good time and while they were gone the rest of us stayed home and watched chick flicks, ate candy & popcorn, and I cleaned out and re-organized bedrooms.
Carson, Harly, Clayton
and
Aarron (ready to go with gun and all)


Harly's first hunting story in her own words:

First thing I did was I had to hike a moutain and my uncle Adam had to glass it up for us.
Then it got really foggy so we had to wait about half an hour. Then we hiked some more and we saw it and my dad { Dayson Merrill } helped me aim through the scope and BOOM I shot it right in the chest and so we hiked over to it and my dad { DAYSON MERRILL } cut it in the stomach and its guts exploded out and it was very disgusting.
AND THATS THE END OF HARLY'S HUNTING STORY!





Harly & her daddy

The mountain Harly climbed to the top of with her dad

Harly taking a break after a long morning of hunting...with her deer right behind her!

Aarron, Clayton & Carson are very proud of their sister for killing such a big buck.

Aarron waiting for the day he can kill a deer

Harly and her brothers had such a good time and she said that she never wants to go hunting again! Like mother, like daughter!

Carson's First Wrestling Match

Dayson and I were so impressed with Carson at his very first wrestling match. He was very agressive and never gave up. He didn't win, but he never got pinned either. The score was 7-2. He had so much adrenaline afterwards that he couldn't help from shaking and letting out a few tears. It was amazing...I can't wait until the next wrestling match.

Random Pics

Harly completed her Field day training for the Hunter Safety Course...she is now ready to hunt!

Adam before church...I love the cross-eyed look, it's so cute!

Aarron also ready for church...he too is cross-eyed!

Girls Night Out!

Kortnee & Harly

Daycee, Bella and Kenzie

This was a funny one. I was working in the office and these little kids wanted their picture taken with their underwear on the their heads.

Aarron, MacKenzie and Adam

These pictures will be so much fun to look back on in about 15 years!