The Mergenthaler Family

We had a great trip to Colorado and felt very blessed to be able to go after thinking we might be stuck at home for the summer.  We haven't experienced a road trip as a family that equated to more than 7 hours of driving in a very long time, so I was nervous about how the kids would do.  They must have been a little nervous too considering our horrible recent experiences of fighting and throwing up for just our short 2-5 hour drives. Our anxiety made for very good preparation. The kids helped plan activities to keep themselves busy and I was better about planning snacks. We also made sure each section of the car had access to a garbage bag.  The kids did very well with a little fighting, mess, and silliness. I had expected a lot worse considering we have no empty seats in our car and, therefore, no way to get away from each other.  Our first day of driving took us to a hotel in Denver (12 hours). The next day, we drove 6 more hours to the Belts house in Durango....

Happy Fathers' Day to the love of my life!  I'm sorry it has kind of stunk. I wouldn't even normally put this stuff on a public blog except for the fact that we are travelling and I don't have paper. I know I should have planned better.  Thank you for being such a good leader of our family and a sweet and thoughtful husband. Your sense of humor brightens my days and your hard work ethic lightens my load. You are a positive example to our children. They love that you take time to read to them and play with them. You are a hero each of our children. You honor your priesthood and thoughtfully consider how the Lord would have you serve, teach, and lead in your various responsibilities. Most importantly, you place your responsibilities as husband and father above all others and as a result, our family is strong and happy. I love you!!!

Written by Rick about his dad: Many young people have heroes in their lives and while I certainly had some myself, my greatest hero was and still is my father.   I suppose this is natural for a young boy, but I hope to convey my feelings about my dad.   Dad is a basketball coach and as the coach's son I practically lived in the gym with my father.   I was at practice (when I was old enough not to get into trouble ) and watched my father motivate, drive, and most importantly love his players.   I dreamed of playing for my hero and making him proud.   It was at these very early ages that I learned more about my father and at these early stages of my life I learned about my hero.   In this post, I hope to convey why my father is my hero.   My father is my hero because he truly loves others.   The story of Pat Katzer is my first recollection of seeing how my father loved others.   Pat Katzer was the first player on one of my Dad’s team...