Christmas Eve 2009!

The little kids act out the Nativity on Christmas Eve while the older ones narrate. Such a fun tradition!
Jarrett was a sheep and loved it - obviously.

Grandma & Grandpa Wilkinson and the kids with their loot!
Mom & kiddos
Mom & 'the boys'

Dad & kiddos

Merrill kids!

December! 2009

We love you, Grandpa Cope!

James Austin Cope, Jr. Spanish Fork 1918 - 2009

James Austin Cope, Jr., 90, Spanish Fork, Utah, completed his mortal ministry on March 21, 2009. He was born September 10, 1918, in Tropic, Utah, to James Austin and Irma Shumway Cope. He moved to Provo his senior year of high school, where he graduated from BY High. He attended BYU for a year, where he met his future sweetheart, before he served in the Western States Mission. He served faithfully, spending most of his time in Colorado. He married Florence Annetta Fairbanks in the Salt Lake Temple on October 22, 1941.

Jim served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. After the war, Jim and Florence settled in Spanish Fork. In 1946, he was elected as Utah County Assessor and served for seven years, before becoming Postmaster in Spanish Fork. He retired as Postmaster in 1980. He was a masterful organizer, and his help was often sought to get projects started or completed when they had stalled. Active in the community, he was a member of Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion. He worked tirelessly to raise funds for the American Family Monument in Provo and for the Father Escalante Monument in Spanish Fork. He and Florence served for years on the BYU Parent’s Committee and on the Alumni Committee.

An active member of The Church of Latter Day Saints all his life, he served as the first Bishop of the Spanish Fork Seventh Ward, President of the Spanish Fork Palmyra Stake, Patriarch, ordinance worker and Sealer in the Provo Temple. He and Florence served in the Lansing Michigan Mission, 1986-1987; and the San Antonio Mission, 1990-1991.

Jim was always a hard worker, known for his integrity. He loved people and offered a helping hand to anyone in need. His tender care of his mother for 38 years, after the death of his father, was exemplary. He applied the principles the Savior taught in everything he did.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Bernard and Lloyd; daughter, Janet; son-in-law, A. David Merrill; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.He is survived by his devoted wife, Florence; and 12 children: Ann Etta C. Merrill; James Austin III (Sharon), Nellie (Michael) Golden, Maurine (Ronald) Hatfield, Bernard (Norma), NaDene (Gary) Simmons, Patricia (Ronald) Sanders, Jonathan (Nadene), Valdean (Marilyn), Victor (Elizabeth), Richard (Sheila), and Todd (Denise); brothers: Evan (Jean), Ray (Renee); sisters: Clyda C. Smith, Donna (Clark) Nelson, Margaret C. Daley, and Beth (Tom) Peterson; sister-in-law: Kay Wallentine Cope; 78 grandchildren and spouses, 185 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.Jim was a friend to all he met. We will miss his warm smile, friendly wave, and ready sense of humor. Our lives are better because of all he taught us.

Services will be under the direction of Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork, Utah. There will be a viewing for the public at the mortuary, Tuesday, March 24, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Palmyra Stake Center, 505 East 900 North, Spanish Fork, Utah, where there will also be a viewing from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

Happy Birthday, Dalton

Happy Birthday, Dalton! You are such a wonderful boy and we love having you as the oldest boy in our family. You are a great example to your younger brothers and your older sister and you keep us laughing. We love your stories and ALL the details you include whenever you are relating something to us. You have a great sense of humor and you do a great job of keeping us on our toes. We can't believe you are 'double digits' already and we love having you in our family. We hope this year of being 10 is one of the best yet! We love you!

I am Thankful...

Thirteen-ager!

Happy Birthday, Lexi!
We look back over the years and can't believe you are 13.
Where did the time go? It seems like we were barely holding you for the first time and we were in awe of your tiny fingers and toes and beautiful features. Now, we look at you and we still see beauty, but we also see an inner beauty that shines so brightly. You will always be our little girl, but we are so proud of the person you are becoming! We look forward to the next 13 years with happiness and excitement!
We love you, Lexi Jane!

FOUR (4)!

Happy Birthday, Jarrett!

It is with a tiny bit of sadness mixed in with a whole lot of happiness as we watch you grow and change. This is because we know that as of yesterday there will not be another 3 year old in our family. We have all moved on to 4, and you, being the youngest will always hold a special place in our heart of "lasts". Yesterday was the last time we kissed our own 3 year old goodnight and even though we can't wait to kiss a 4 year old this morning, there is a little bit of yearning for that 3 year old that is now left to our memories. You're role in our family is inspired and your fulfilling it wonderfully. We love you!

October!

Sisters!

We went to Boston, my sisters and me.

We toured the city and ate Mike's pastries

We went to the Library at Harvard Law,
You wouldn't believe the smart people we saw!
(My sis in law, Karen's husband goes to Harvard Law School!)
We dined on seafood and snacked on cream pie,
We couldn't believe how fast time did fly by.
A wonderful trip for my sisters and me,
What do you say girls, next time D.C.?
(Back row: Tasha, Janey, Jennifer, Rebecca, Ann Etta {mom}, Liz)
(Front row: Karen, Kathie, Angie)

Week-end Getaway!

A few week-ends ago we went to this cabin thanks to some sweet friends of ours!
We looked at this view.
And this cutie!
And we did this!
And this!

We had a great time - it was so fun to be together in the mountains!

A little surgery

And, when I say "little" I don't mean in the sense of it was a "little" money or a "little" stress or a "little" bit of time. But, it was little in the fact in that it was juts a benign cyst, Dalton came through it like a champ and the scars are barely noticeable! Dalton, we love you!

1st Day of Preschool & Happy Birthday, Milo!

Yesterday (September 3) was Jarrett's 1st day of Preschool and Milo's 39th Birthday! We had such a great day celebrating both of these events!Jarrett ready to go! Did you think he wouldn't pose?
Carter so excited that Jarrett gets to go his old preschool!
Jarrett walking in the door!
Jarrett sitting at his table!
Carter helped me dropped Jarrett off before he had to go school and he decided he would rather go to Miss Shauna's preschool than Kindergarten. Don't worry Carter - we'll get you out of Kindergarten to go on a few of the fieldtrips at Jarrett's school!
Milo opening his presents! We took him out to dinner and then showered him with gifts! We love you - you are the best!

Kindergarten!

Carter started Kindergarten today. The rest of the kids started last week and he has been so excited for today to come. He goes in the afternoon and he is in Miss Myntti's class. I got choked up but Milo was there to tell me to quit it. This little guy is so awesome and I love being his mom! I can't believe he is Kindergarten already. On the way to school, I told him that it seemed like he was just born yesterday and he sighed and said, "ya." Love you, Carter!Ready to walk out the door!
Another smile - I think this is a record for him!
Hooking up with Eli outside the classroom!
In line ready to go in!

After school Carter told me that he loved it and it was really short. His buddy Eli reminded him that today was early out and tomorrow it will be longer. So, cute! I'm so happy he loved it!

4th Grade!

Dalton started 4th grade on Monday! I can't believe he is in "upper elementary".

Mrs. Durrant is his teacher and she has an EpiPen because she is allergic to bees.

Dalton was so excited that she knows about food allergies and he is feeling great

about being in her class.

Ready for the 1st day of school!

7th Grade

So hard to believe that this girl is a 7th grader! Wasn't she just born yesterday? Could I really be this old? I knew she would do great and have a fun day but I really wanted it to be a good experience. I didn't want her to come home and be discouraged. When asked about her day she responded with, "I loved it! I wish tomorrow was a school day instead of Saturday so I could go back!" Phew! What a relief! Watch out PG Jr. High! All ready to go!
Lexi and Jessie getting ready to head to to the bus stop.
Walking to the bus stop.

Lexi, you are so cute!