Sailing with Grandpa Clinger!

Grandpa Clinger recently purchased a sailboat. Dan is very excited and learning all the sailing basics. It is, conveniently for us, docked at the Ventura Harbor. Saturday afternoon Grandma and Grandpa came and picked us up and took us all sailing. Spencer had been once before, but we wanted to see how the girls would do. They did great I think. OK, except for Melanie. We gave each of the kids Bonine for motion sickness. Well, Melanie spit hers out because she didn't like the taste, so she didn't get any and she was the one to get sea sick. The sea was pretty ruff, that scared Spencer and Grandma terribly. Chelsea however is our sailor girl. She had a blast! Each of the kids had a turn at driving. They loved that! So, we are home safe mom. The kids say they want to go again, but the waves can't be big like they were. Melanie feeling sea sick (she learned her lesson!)

He is how old?

I can't believe my first baby is 7 years old today. He is so big! There were some family from our family reunion that stayed an extra week with us. We all celebrated Spencer's birthday at Chuck-E -Cheese. We had a blast!

Twins?

I think Heavenly Father knew I wouldn't be able to handle twins, so he gave me one at a time! They are so alike in so many ways. I hope they always stay close!

OOPS! I hate when that happens!

We were touching bat rays at Sea World and had the kids up on the edge of the "pool". I had a hold of Chelsea with my knee as you can see in the second picture (ok, minus my hands). Chelsea decided she was hot and wanted to get a little closer. I didn't even notice until she turned around to look at me. She dipped her head in the Bat Ray pool. She didn't fall in, she just dipped. Gross! Well, the gross, dirty water will either kill off her present cold or give her a new sickness of some sort! I know I need to watch this girl!

Merrill Reunion 07

We just had our 2007 Merrill Family Reunion. Thanks to my wonderful brother Matt and his sparky wife Heather, it was a very fun FILLED week! We loved every minute of it. Thanks guys!

This is our clan!

The 21 Grandchildren!

We started the week with all the adults meeting at the Temple. There, we were able to do a TON of family sealings. This experience is one we will never forget. Thanks mom for all your hard work.


Sunday we all gathered at the Newbury Park Stake Center for church in our "home ward." We then had dinner at "our house" and a FHE by mom.

All 7 kids and Dad!

Monday morning and afternoon we had our traditional

Merrill family Olympics. Thanks for all your hard work Marylyn! Monday night we went to Hollywood Bowl for the best fireworks show ever!


Tuesday we left the 100 degree heat in NP and all met at Silverstand beach for a full day of sand, water, and lots of cousin fun!

Wednesday the 4th was the zoo and then at night for one last year at Dave's for the T.O. Mall fireworks show/BBQ.

Thursday we had to say goodbye to some of the group. Many of us left for San Diego's Sea World for a couple days. Spencer, Mel and Chelsea has an absolute blast there!

Thanks family for the wonderful week!