Celebrate Christ's birth

Tis a month before Christmas and we've been celebrating all year
As Jesus Christ is most prominent in our hearts and we  cheer
At soccer, basketball, swimming, orchestra and dance
A lot of travel and visits for a fabulous year.

Our family challenged ourselves mentally with college,
work and inventions.
And physically in the water, on tracks and on bikes.
Both long and sprints and hitting the waves
and on hikes.

Highlights for our  family are mostly mentioned above,
But  specifically  remembered are:
Tanner's wedding, Peter's baptism, College for Megan and Conner
And many graduations.. Karina, Blake, Conner, And Alyish and Logan.
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We continue to serve the Lord as Pathway Worldwide Senior Missionaries
Merry Christmas to All and to all a Healthy New Year

Most thankful in Michigan with the Mercados

whenever we visit family, that is the biggest and best activity---just being together. This time we went the last day the famous cider mill was open and got to enjoy Michigan famous apple cider and donuts. We were excited to share this cold evening and family tradition/

More family traditions are playing games.

preparing to run. even if it is too cold and wet and slippery to go out, we figure out another way to get our heart going before the big feast.

making gifts  for others

more game playing

Jason is the best turkey man ever

after the feast Val and Victoria got their Christmas going by getting tickets to the Moscow Ballet of the Nutcracker

we got to celebrate Eriks 7th birthday and then

just before we left he lost his front tooth!

Celebrating with Val and her family always is joyful, active, and full of love. We love being together, especially watching foot ball with Jason. They always find repairs and service projects for Jim! This year was more challenging for me when I got the text about Blake coming home, but, sharing it with family made it easier.