The last two weeks have been quite busy. We are all doing well. The gerbils are still with us, but Salem is having a hard time understanding why every time he puts his paw on the glass he is unable to get the gerbil. We watched him several times last night bat the glass and I could swear each time the gerbil flexed one of its digits on the front paw.

Matthew and Nikolas survived parent teacher conferences. Matthew is doing so much better this year and we are glad. He has 2 A's so far, one of which is in PE, which is amazing in of itself. Nikolas has shown some improvements as well. We are proud of both of the boys. Nikolas continues to enjoy band and is showing improvement every day.

Gail remains busy with her students, singing and "The Forgotten Carols" all of which keep her busy. Andy is the same. He returned from a conference in Seattle last week and reported it was a beautiful place.

The big trip was a trip to Salt Lake City. It was a boys trip. Matthew had a doctor's appointment and Friday was Nevada Day, so Thursday after school the boys left. They went to a movie, did some shopping, had sushi for lunch (yes, Nikolas admitted he likes it) and spent several hours at the Clark Planetarium. All were exhausted when they got home.

This weeks update begins with a report on the animals of the Mierins' Zoo. Vanilla and Garlic are still with us. Salem as assumed nearly all the "security" detail, diligently posting up on top of the cage. He reports no unusual activity, but seems quite confused by the gestures the gerbils give him. He was unaware gerbils have a middle digit on their paws.

The boys continue to do well in their activities and school, which keeps Andy and Gail happy. Parent/Teacher Conferences are in two weeks. Hopefully the reports match the increased effort we have seen at home.

Andy continues to be busy as always. He was appointed by the State Bar of Nevada as a temporary member of the Commission on Judicial Selection. This is the group which nominates candidates to the governor for vacant judicial positions. Elko County has two vacancies to fill. He is excited to serve.

Gail continues with the busy schedule she has. She and Andy are excited to celebrate their 18th anniversary tomorrow. How grateful both are for temple ordinances.

Overall, things are great in Nevada. We enjoyed some summer like weather the past few days. We are thankful for all our friends and family and hope all is well with you.

The Mierins family's week was magnificent. Mother Nature mocked us for bragging about the beautiful weather we were experiencing by asserting herself with the first snowfall of the season. Tuesday to Friday it was cloudy outside, with occasional rain. Wednesday we saw our first snow fall in the mountains. Despite this the week went great.

Matthew's Zoo continues to prosper. Salem and Blizzard have volunteered to "watch" the gerbils for him while he is at school. Both take turns posting up on the screen covering the cage, reporting no unusual activity. Vanilla and garlic are not sure what to make of the security detail.

Nikolas is enjoying band and doing well progressing on learning the flute. He still sits on his island at school but has come to the conclusion maybe if he focused more on his work and less on socializing he may get to return to the mainland.

Gail and Andy remain busy as always and cannot believe in one week will celebrate their 18th anniversary.

We hope all is well.

October is now here and it is amazing to think we have lived in Nevada for almost 4 years. We have had many trials, but at the same time we have enjoyed many blessings and when we look back upon how the Lord has blessed our family since we arrived, we all are coming to the realization this was a good change.

The past week saw some changes to our family. We have added two gerbils to our list of animals. "Vanilla" and "Garlic" joined us on Monday afternoon. While Matthew has been ecstatic, Salem has been licking his chops more frequently. We have caught Salem sitting on top of the screen cover looking down at the gerbils. It is quite amusing.

Matthew continues to have a great start to the school year and unlike in years past, he is doing well in all of his classes. His most recent grades show nothing less than a C, which is a great improvement. Matthew also enjoys being in school which makes Gail and Andy happy.

Nikolas started band practice this last week and is doing well practicing his flute. Gail is quite excited she has a child very interested in music. He is getting as much bike and rip stick riding in as he possibly can. The weather has been very warm, which he loves.

Gail and Andy continue to be their busy selves. Andy's job, teaching, community work and church service keep him away most of the week. He was glad to have General Conference this weekend as it has kept him home. Speaking of conference how grateful we have been to hear the uplifting messages of our leaders. Gail keeps busy with her students and "Forgotten Carols."

We hope all is well with you.