Merrick – Gracious Rain

August 31, 2025October 19, 2025

Road Trip- Day 3 Sunday

We woke up to a glorious, HUGE breakfast that Dane made while we were all still sleeping. This guy is awesome.

Next, sacrament meeting with the families.

And, no, I probably shouldn’t be taking pictures during the prayer. But tell me this little guys isn’t the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.

I couldn’t help myself.

Dane taught the Gospel Doctrine class…

and even had the missionaries help.

He is such a good teacher…and SO handsome!

Afterwards the kids came back from their classes and we got ready to go home.

The ladies made us another lovely feast.

Merrick chose to postpone his “birthday” cake until we came to visit, so we gave him our presents too and had a mini birthday party for him.

Then we headed back to church for the whole reason that we came to Arkansas…

Merrick turned eight…

and today was his baptism day!!

So proud of this sweet boy and his family.

Josh did the tech stuff so the folks back home could tune in.

April and Lily…

were in charge of the music.

The Bishop spoke.

I spoke too, but there is no physical evidence. Thank goodness.

What a wonderful day. Congratulations Merrick!

I sure do love these people.

May 20, 2025July 7, 2025

Arkansas Skies

My boy Dane and his boy Merrick went on a road trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas.

They camped a bit on the road and had a lovely time.

Even had a little rain. But who’s afraid of a little rain–right?

Ummmmm….until it changes to a bunch of this nasty looking stuff and we get this text from Dane:

Next I get a scary, very emotional call from Kortney, at home, saying that the guys are in the hotel and the sirens are blaring, the power is off and they’ve been evacuated to a lower hallway. They are crouched on the floor, in the dark with their heads against the wall…praying.

Sent the message out to the ENTIRE family to please, PLEASE, PRAY!

We watched the weather service and it was not looking good. They were expecting the tornado to rip the roof off of the hotel.

Praying. Praying. Praying. Praying. Praying. Praying. Praying. Praying.

Dane is comforting his terrified 7 year old saying, “Be brave, Merrick. Heavenly Father will protect us.”

Then, the miracle happened.

The weatherman said, “Well, would you look at that?! Sometimes a tornado will take a sharp turn and go the other way, for no reason at all. We call that a hook.”