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Most of it was outdated by the time we got her.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.

The Girl Loves Her Cupcake!!!

Daddy lives to get pictures and videos of his little girl. She is growing up a little bit more each and every day.

And clearly, she loves her cupcakes!

What's Merrilee Been Up To?

So what's Merrilee been up to in Georgia?

Nothing much.

Just hanging around...

Daddy's Little Monkey

Daddy got a chance to visit Merrilee the first weekend of October. The weather was beautiful, and while daddy was there, Merrilee's Halloween costume arrived.

Merrilee just loves monkeys. So this year, when she goes through the neighborhood trick or treating, she'll be dressed as a monkey...

Merrilee really enjoys playing with all of her stuffed animals -- especially her monkeys and alligators. Just the other day, mommy thought Merrilee was being a little too quiet. When she went into Merrilee's room, she found out that Merrilee was hosting a tea party!