Summer Views

Haven't been writing much on the blog. Most of the pics and video of Merrilee gets posted on mommy and daddy's Facebook pages.

But, here are some pics from the summer. frim the 4th of July, to trips to the Maryland Zoo and National Aquarium.

Little Merrilee turned four in June. And every day, she is growing up a little bit more.

A Quick Visit

Merrilee and mommy came home for a quick visit this weekend.

Today, daddy took Merrilee to her favorite pond to feed the ducks and geese.

But alas, there were few ducks and geese to be found. But there were plenty of seagulls.



Guess even the seagulls need to eat!!!

Getting Caught Up

Time to get caught up on some older videos.

First, on the drive to Georgia in September 2010, Merrilee got to visit her friend Kassidy, and she had fun blowing bubbles with Kassidy and Kassidy's dad, Billy...



Next, there was the trip to the pumpkin patch and the fall festival with mom...



There was also the trip through the maze...



And of course, there was trick or treating, though Merrilee had a bad cold and wasn't feeling too well. Still, she "monkeyed it up..."



Some video from her first haircut...



And lastly, ice cream with mom...

Reading To Her Animals

Merrilee loves books. She loves to read books with mom and dad, at school, and with her friends.

And sometimes, Merrilee likes to do the reading.

Usually, her audience is a few of her favorite stuffed animals...

The Chinese Were RIght About A Few Things...

Before we picked up our sweet little girl, the Chinese sent us a packet of information about her.

Most of it was outdated by the time we got her. But three things were very true:

Merrilee has a great appetite....

Merrilee loves the outdoors....

Merrilee loves music (and that apparently means dancing too!)

Merrilee's First Haircut

Well, it only took three and a half years, but mommy mustered up the courage for Merrilee's first haircut.

Here are some pictures from that historic occasion -- February 19, 2011 -- Merrilee's first haircut!

A Christmas Together

Life has been so busy these past few months, and we haven't been posting many updates to this blog.

But today is Christmas! It is Merrilee's third Christmas with us -- but only the second with both mommy and daddy.

This time last year, mommy was in Iraq. And this year, we pause and say of word of thanks to all of those service men and women who are serving their country and separated from their families. They make it possible for us all to sleep a little better at night.

We're not certain, but we think Rudolph flew by about 3 a.m. and when we woke up this morning, sure enough, the jolly man in red had made a visit while we were asleep.

Here are some scenes from Christmas 2010!

And now everyone is bracing for the newest snow storm...

May the new year bring everyone health, peace, and happiness.