4 by Forty

Daniel Cole, 1

2011-12-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

Awe, our baby is over a year now! He is well loved by all and keeping us on our toes. He's a happy boy with lots of energy. He must have a high metabolism because he's eating constantly and it's a rare night that he doesn't wake, chug a full bottle, and crash back asleep. He started walking right at a year and now practically runs to keep up with Naomi, Luke, and Ava. He also loves to wrestle with Daddy. Daniel is a delight!

Luke, Age 3

2011-12-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

This boy is hilarious and super charming! Just this morning he enthusiastically told Steve five times, "Dad, you gotta twy dees (pancakes). Day willy yummy!" Since these pictures in October, his hair has grown out in curls. He enjoys wrestling with Steve and still snuggles his blankie whenever he can get a chance. He loves hitting and throwing balls of all shapes and sizes. Thankfully, he is starting to get over his fear of heights.

We are excited to see what the Lord has planned Luke!

Ava, Age 5

2011-12-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

Ava is a spunky kindergartener who speaks her mind and loves to sing. She enjoys helping Daniel, coordinating playtime and being a princess. This year she's learning to read and enjoys doing her own hair.

I love that she is set in her way, and am challenged as I point her to the narrow path.

Naomi, Age 7

2011-12-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

Our first born is a lovely young lady. This year she has learned to cook, reads voraciously, and asks hard questions about faith and trusting Jesus. She is a treasure to guide and nurture.

PreChristmas Celebration

2011-12-24T21:38:00.000-08:00

Lyle, Steve, and Marcus making paper airplanes

Stephanie, saint of dishes

The silly cousins, minus sleeping Daniel

Naomi was very excited to give Kim the ornament she made.

Stacie made this cute Woody vest for Luke!

Advent

2011-12-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

A wonderful visit from Breann, Aunt Toni and Cody!

Simpson had a beautiful Nativity Set and the kids wanted to takc a pic with baby Jesus. Better than some fat old man in a red coat! :-)

I was inspired after seeing cute ornaments on Pinterest from danamadeit.com

November

2011-11-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

Fieldtrip to Fire Station #4!

Fall Art: leaves pressed on window with contact paper

Drying apples in Granpa Chet's dehydrator

Thanksgiving Watson Style

RISK!

Decor by the Watson Girls and Nature!

Sir Luke's Third Birthday Sword Contest!

2011-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

"I'm the birthday licker!"

We had a wonderful, yet simple birthday making balloon swords and all sorts of creations!

One word of warning: balloon art is loud!

Yes, I made these... all 6 of them!

2011-10-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

Pig King, Red Bird, Blue Bird & Yellow Bird

The whole Angry Bird Family!

Grandpa Paul & Ladybugs!

2011-10-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

We love Grandpa!

Science in the front yard with ladybugs hatching!

A Two for Uno Birthday!

2011-10-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Have 2 children with the same birthday calls for some creativity! Seeing some cute Uno themed first birthday ideas on Pinterest sealed the deal and who enjoys Uno more that a soon to be seven year old?!

The cakes

A little Uno birthday decor... plus red, blue, yellow, and green streamers

The guests of honor and the mama

Pin the O on UNO!

Our big girl

Our baby

I used the center of the UNO card I made, to make this sign

Big D and his uber creative Auntie Susan who made the cakes

The proud daddy and his girl

Hawes Farm Field Trip

2011-10-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

We had a fun but very warm time at Hawes Farm with our homeschool friends!

The rest of September

2011-09-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

After spending a third of the month at Hume Lake we were just warming up! Here's the rest of a great full month!

Steve pulled not one, but two of Naomi's teeth! Here's the video to prove it!

The First Day of School. Ava started Kindergarten and Naomi's in Second Grade!

Had to take a picture in front of the school ;-)

Ava enjoying math... that's her and Olivia in a boat.

We had the pleasure of hosting Grandma Koehler and Grandma Hunnell, Steve's mom and grandma. What a special visit!

Grandma and all her grand kids!

All of us!

We also "officially" dedicated ourselves to raising Daniel in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Thankfully not all of the pictures are of the back of Daniel's head!

Hume Lake 2011, Part 3

2011-09-13T22:50:00.000-07:00

The boys were mesmerized by Steve chopping wood!

Daniel, 10 months; Luke, 2.75 years

We had a great visit with Grandma Ardis!

Grandma & Daniel swinging on the front porch

The girls jumping into Pharis Beach, our "private oasis." Here's the video!

Our Oasis :-)

Us with Grandma. First, third and fourth generation of Pharis cabin lovers!

A picture of the cabin and grounds around the cabin, nicely raked, at least when we left.

Naomi in Hume Lake, brrr!

That was as far as Luke would get in

Both Ava and Luke wore their goggle to protect from the gusty wind

The classic picture by the cabin. Yay!

Hume Lake 2011, Part 2

2011-09-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

The kids enjoyed fishing

And so did Daddy!

Tub time with Isaak and Koen! This is another classic!

Papa Tex is a popular guy!

Uncle Doug's adventure walk thru Wagon Train

Hike to the petroglyphs with Nana, Papa and Cody!

Naomi & Cody

Dirt boy loved hiking!

Our adventure road

Led to this grove Steve had seen on a mountain biking trip below the dam

The reality of traveling with children. Sometimes you gotta ditch the carseat!

The amazing hidden grove of Giant Redwood Sequoias

Steve hiked down to these 2 redwoods that had fallen last winter

That white speck is our Suburban

If you don't know what this is ask someone who loves nature ;-)

Us at the base of a massive Sequoia

Hiking back out. Daniel's is definitely having the most fun!

If you click on this picture you can see the road down to Kings Canyon.

God's creativity is amazing and hard to capture with a camera!

Hume Lake 2011, Part 1

2011-09-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hume Lake is one of our favorite places on earth! My grandpa Chet Pharis built our cabin back in 1959 with a lot of reused material and a desire to have his family near him while he served the Lord by building a camp unlike any other. Today the cabin is remarkably the same as it was in the 60's and even more loved by the next generation blessed to use it! I'm breaking this trip into three posts because there are too many good pictures!

Daniel (10 months) and his Great Aunt Toni

This is the classic kid in the kitchen sink picture... I have one of every kid in it and my mom probably has one of me!

The kids and Grandpa Paul

Twin Sisters, Kings Canyon National Park

Hume Lake from Kings Canyon Nat'l Park

Our wonderful friends Steve and Pam spent a few days with us. Fun!

He's just a little dirty!

Road's End, Kings Canyon

August = Lake time!

2011-08-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Lake Siskyou with the MacAdams and Grandpa and Grandma Watson

Who needs water?

Oh, there's the water!

Hey look, its me! Not someone you see much on this blog :-)

Us and our peeps at Whiskeytown Lake

Our church has a "lake day" every summer. It's great fun with our church friends!

"Schooling" a Young Child

2011-08-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

I had a few friends over today to talk about homeschooling. Their children are too young for "school" but they feel the pressure to start educating. My goal was to encourage them that they are already doing this as they live life, counting grapes, saying colors of toys, reading books, etc. I also promised some links to resources that were helpful to me.

My ABC Bible Verses is an excellent start to learning letters and Scripture.

Kendra at Preschoolers and Peace always has great tips and ideas! it is one of my favorite homeschool blogs.

Leila has great tips on home management, child rearing, etc. at Our Mother's Daughters

Five in a Row is a great resource when you're ready for a more formal curriculum.

Here’s the Before Five in a Row Free Resources http://www.homeschoolshare.com/before_five_in_a_row_resources.php

This is great letter reinforcement: http://www.starfall.com/

Lots of free printable resources: http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/

Ideas galore! http://www.icanteachmychild.com/

Fun Learning http://www.playfulearning.com/Playful_Learning/Blog/Blog.html

Ava and Olivia

2011-08-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

These two sweet 5 year olds get to be cousins and share the same special birthday!

What fun!

Give a Cheer for A-V-A, Ava!

2011-08-12T22:25:00.000-07:00

Naomi was very into running the snack shack

If you ask Ava what she's going to be when she grows up, "Cheerleader!" is always the answer, but it fits, right? So we threw her a Cheerleader Birthday Party complete with skirts, a visit and cheer seesion with 2 AHS Cheerleaders, a snack bar and a football game! It was great fun and we are so thrilled to see our enthusiastic 5 year old grow and become a leader who cheers others on toward Christ and good works!

Daddy and his Boys

2011-08-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

A Gift from Grandma Koehler

2011-08-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

Steve's mom is an amazing minature artist and was so wonderful to send the girls these rooms. They LOVE them and play with them almost everyday! There are some cute videos of them openning their package on our YouTube channel too!

July

2011-07-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

What can I say... it's half way through August and I'm just blogging about July! Life is full, full, full! July was lots of fun and started off with a visit from Nana & Papa Tex (my Mom & her husband). We celebrated Steve's birthday and got to see the MacAdams when Leah played a softball tournament in town. Then we had two weeks of swim lessons and an awesome visit from the Shinns. Hopefully it was the first annual trip :-) The last week was spent wiping noses and administering acetaminophen. Here's a few of my favorite pictures!

2011-07-31T11:33:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe Daniel's 9 months old! He is becoming a fast crawler, pulls up on any thing and every thing, waves hi, gives "5," and loves to eat! This is his first time wearing shoes and using them.

June

2011-06-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

Life has been full! Besides having 4 small children to nurture and care for, we are doing some premarital counseling, Steve is playing softball, I'm getting some organizing done and we're squeezing in as much summer fun as we can! We are so blessed to live in an amazing part of God's creation. We have amazing views of Shasta Bali, Mt Shasta, and Mt Lassen as we run errands. We live 20 minutes from a gorgeous lake. The street we live on has low traffic so our kids can ride their bikes up and down the street! Our soil is fertile so the kids get to eat sugar snap peas and tomatoes from the garden, plus I get my beloved zucchini! We even got a few peaches, nectarines and plums after all that crazy spring weather. We are blessed more than we deserve!

Grandpa, Daniel and Grandma

Here's a quick recap of June: We started our month in Florida with Steve's Mom and Gary. What a wonderful, relaxing time we had! Daniel turned 7 months right before we left. His second tooth popped through and learned to sit up well and clap. He charmed everyone, including Uncle Mick! We hung out with Grandpa & Grandma, Steve's Uncle Mick & Aunt Sandy, counsins and even Grandma Hunnell from Ohio! A day a Disney almost did us in, but we survived and hit the beach and the snake-a-torium!

The girls and I in our "Nazareth" costumes. Behind us is the amazing set designed and made by Steve's sister Stacie.

Jude, Caleb, & Luke.

After we got home my Dad came for a weekend that went by too fast! Then we prepped for "Nazareth; where Jesus was a kid!" Naomi and Ava attended and I ran a "Jewelry" making booth with my friend Pam.

We also got a pool and the kids spent lots of time "swimming" in 12 inches of water.

2011-06-30T20:04:00.001-07:00

Come on tooth #3!

2011-06-28T18:24:00.001-07:00

Naomi made her first meal tonight: Make-Ahead Turkey Burgers! Yum!

2011-06-20T19:28:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when you have two older sisters. Luke needs some manly dress up clothes!

2011-06-03T06:36:00.001-07:00

We spent Wednesday and Thursday at Daytona Beach. The water is warm and the kids wore us out! Luke kept saying, "I like the ocean!"

2011-05-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

We've had a great week swimming, playing, and visiting with Mom, Gary and Grandma Hunnell. We saw a gator from afar at Blue Springs State Park Monday. Then on Thursday we went to Reptile discovery center and saw venomous snakes milked. Yes, milked. I was thankful for the thick glass between us and the snakes! We also got to hear Grandma sing and hear Steve's Uncle Mick play the organ. What a treat! Last night we said goodbye to Grandma, and boy will we miss her! The Reptile Discovery Center
Swimming
Crafting with Grandma
At Blue Springs
Worship at St. Andrew's Chapel

2011-05-25T12:26:00.001-07:00

The day of creatures... And we didn't even leave grandpa and grandma's neighborhood

2011-05-21T22:45:00.001-07:00

Grandma & Daniel
We made it to grandma's! Woo! Hoo!

2011-05-21T22:31:00.001-07:00

Great Grandma & Daniel

2011-05-21T16:24:00.001-07:00

Here we come Grandma & Grandpa Koehler!

2011-05-20T16:59:00.001-07:00

Happy Boy

2011-05-20T16:45:00.001-07:00

Tutu+snake+necklace= Watson Girls

2011-05-20T13:24:00.001-07:00

I just set up mobile blogging so here's a test with my uber-cute 7 month old!

Girl's Choir

2011-05-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of leading the first girl's choir at our church. The girls did an awesome job at the Women's Luncheon and during the Sunday worship service. Here's the video. Enjoy!

Field Trip

2011-05-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

Luke and Luke playing in the water

Lorikeet Love!

Ava had a great time feeding the Lorikeets

We have the most amazing little gem in Redding called Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The kids had fun while learning about and feeding small parrots called Lorikeets. They were amazed by the animals in the show and really liked being pooped out at the grossology exhibit. They made dams and slid through trees. We learned about all sorts of things at our local museum!

Daddy Date!

2011-05-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Daddy and his Girls

Steve took the girls on a date to see the Music Man. They were so excited to spend time with him and see a live performance with their friends Betsy & Hayley performing! This is a great opportunity for him to continue to show them how a Godly man treats women. It's my prayer that some day their hearts will be captured by our Savior and then a kind God-fearing man like their daddy.

Science is fun with Live Butterflies!

2011-05-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

This butterfly landed on one of the strawberry plants that Naomi planted herself!

Good bye butterfly!

Today Naomi set her butterflies free into "God's new world." At least it was new to the butterflies. She has really enjoyed watching each step of the butterflies lives and was even okay with the one that died, because then she really got to inspect it. We kept a nature journal and were amazed at how quickly they changed. We serve a creative God!

Easter Children

2011-04-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

Eye candy for the grandparents!

Yes, its a snake

The cousins lined up for the hunt.

Aww...

There's the real cousins!

Holy Week: Friday

2011-04-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Sad faces

Naomi made the sign

Naomi has crossed out "Good" and wrote in "Sad" before Friday on her calendar. She's pretty sure those that killed Jesus are the ones that named it "Good Friday." Sweet girl can't imagine being one of people that nailed Jesus to the cross.

Holy Week: Thursday

2011-04-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

The girls made this Easter mountain and people for Holy week. I got the idea here.

Jesus is green with blue arms.

Can you tell what's happening?

Daniel Cole - 6 months old

2011-04-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

What can I say? This boy is fabulous! He's drooly and smiley, loves his mama and can almost sit up on his own. He really enjoys his sweet potatoes with rice cereal and likes to watch all the family action from his bumbo.

We are truly blessed to raise this little guy for the Lord!

Just today Luke said, "Dan-el my best fwend!" This was a refreshing change from, "I don like Dan-el!"

We are Family: the Reedley edition

2011-04-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

Isaak giving Ava a big wet kiss!

Isaak & Steve

Ava, Janel, Clara, Holly & Naomi painting nails and possibly a few other things!

Naomi painting Breann's nails.

Clara, Daniel, & Koen

Walking with the Wise

2011-03-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

This is our new favorite new "CDs." It has a great beats and even better words! Plus, it was downloadable from the Sovereign Grace Music website, with the accompaniment tracks! Why would I need accompaniments, you may ask? Well, I need them for the girls choir I'm leading at church. This should be a fun little adventure that culminates May 7 & 8 when the girls will sing at the Ladies Luncheon and at church the next day. Please pray for me as I plan and lead!

Highlights of my Day (and it's only 9 AM!)

2011-03-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Daniel only woke once in the night. This is a first, but hopefully not a last! The silly part is that I'm so used to waking that I didn't sleep well! Ugh!
I ran into the bathroom expecting to find a disaster of the nastiest kind after hearing Luke holler, "I went poo poo!" To my amazement he was on the toilet ready to be wiped. All the nastiness was where it belonged in the toilet. This is a milestone only a mother could love! Disclaimer: he's been wearing underpants when we're at home, since Saturday, but I've done lots of cleaning (if you know what I mean).

New videos

2011-03-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

See Naomi making butter and Luke & Ava sing on these videos I just uploaded.

Cooking with Ava

2011-03-10T22:54:00.000-08:00

Ava and I made chicken potpies for dinner. I made a double batch so we made individual pies in jars and I froze the rest for another dinner. Ava had fun stirring the pie ingredients and scooping them into the jars (a handy substitute for ramekins) and REALLY liked crimping the pie crust onto the jars. Our little girl is a big helper and was so proud to tell daddy she made dinner :-)

Dining Room Table

2011-02-25T23:36:00.000-08:00

While talking to Carol I realized I hadn't posted pictures of the new eight foot table and 8 chairs. Did I mention that I think craigslist is a fabulous invention?

Now I just have to decorate!

4 Months Old

2011-02-19T23:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Boy!

Can you stand it?! He's so fabulous, despite the fact that he doesn't sleep through the night yet!

Daniel is growing and changing so fast. His list of "skills" includes giggling, smiling, sucking on his thumb or both hands at the same time, hanging with his peeps, grabbing stuff, and drooling. I've yet to see it, but I've found him flipped over in his crib several times.

I still don't know why the Lord has chosen to bless us so much, but I am so thankful!

More Snow

2011-02-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

Snow more than once a year is a big deal in Redding!

Great Quote

2011-01-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

“Luther’s faith was simple enough to trust that after a conscientious day’s labor, a Christian father could come home and eat his sausage, drink his beer, play his flute, sing with his children, and make love to his wife—all to the glory of God!”

- William Lazareth via Mark Driscoll

Morning Focus

2011-01-26T22:20:00.000-08:00

This book has been so useful for teaching God's Word and helping the kids hide it in their hearts. Naomi knew almost the entire alphabet at one point (part 1 and part 2), but is a little rusty, and Luke had never heard them before. So in the mornings we've started reviewing and read the story to go along with the verse. Then they can impress daddy (who happens to have rock star status) with the new (or old) verse they remember. The bonus of learning these particular scriptures is that they help with regular sin issues that young children are plagued with (sharing, kindness, spoken words). Plus they convict Mama (see verse A for an example)!

Naomi's new look

2011-01-16T22:38:00.000-08:00

Naomi jumped off her bed and whacked her loose tooth with her knee. It was bleeding quite a bit but she was so excited because now it was loose enough to pull. She'd been asking Steve to pull it out for the last week or two. It didn't take much of a pull for Daddy to get it out. She's still excited about it!

Great Weather

2011-01-15T22:51:00.000-08:00

We've gone from snow on January 1 to spring-like sunshine and heat. It was nice enough to picnic on the driveway and hangout in the fresh air. A super cute video of Daniel "talking" should be up on youtube shortly.

2011-01-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

The drapes are up. Now what do I do with that big blank wall?! Suggestions?

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Ava, Luke, Steve & Naomi built a snowman at the Ballards!

While Daniel and I stayed warm at home

Ava in the snow in our backyard

We had fun with Nana (my mom) and Papa Tex too!

The best of Christmas

2010-12-31T14:53:00.000-08:00

The crew waiting for Kim's Christmas concert to begin.

Anyone for an Indiana Jones Movie fest?

Toots from Grandpa Paul include giant apples, hot cocoa and candy!

Daniel & Grandpa Paul

Cheers!

The House

2010-12-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I can finally say it, "The house is done!" We had our final inspection Monday and the inspector signed off on Wednesday. It feels weird to be done, but it is so great to have some space! If you'd like a tour come on by, or email me and I'll send you some pictures. God has been so gracious to allow us to expand our home with a great contractor and minimal challenges. We give Him the glory for this project's completion.

Merry Christmas from us!

2010-12-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning

The picture on our card.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.

Shower and Cabinets!

2010-12-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

7 Weeks Old

2010-12-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

Daniel is starting to use the Bumbo. Thanks Doug & Jill!

He likes it! We're all enjoying that smile too!

Youtube

2010-12-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

New video on our channel! Check them out

Momma in training

2010-12-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Naomi was so excited when Daniel fell asleep while she was holding him. She will be a great mommy some day, but I have to reminder her often that today is not that day. :-)

Paint

2010-12-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

Steve's Study was christened "The War Room."

It helps to have an expert in the family! We're thankful for all of Dad's help and 30+ years of experience!

Texture

2010-11-24T18:57:00.000-08:00

and a messy house. Oy!

Happy Birthday Luke!

2010-11-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

Our funloving boy turned 2! What a blessing of boyness he is to us. I pray he will grow to be a God-fearing people-loving man like his daddy!

Some call it progress, I call it chaos!

2010-11-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

The current living room, soon to be the dining room

Luke's Room, soon to be the homeschool room

Our room, soon to be the girls' room

The new living room

1 Month Old

2010-11-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

2010-11-18T17:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is sideways! I'm going to have to ask the computer genius in the family why it's uploading sideways when I changed it on my computer...grrr! Anyway, we're training him young, GO GATORS!

Like father, like son

2010-11-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

A great visit from cousins

2010-11-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Naomi and Isaak

Luke, Ava, Koen, and Naomi

Three Weeks Old

2010-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:00

Daniel's first 2 weeks

2010-11-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is one loved little brother!

Halloween: Walk like an Egyptian

2010-10-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

The girls enjoyed dressing up Egyptian style for VBS and wanted to do it again for Halloween

The cutest puppy ever!

Loved

2010-10-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Pam (and Steve)

Aunt Stacie

Kim and Marton

Nana and Papa Tex

Aunt Stephanie (and Leah and Joshua)

Cousin Kimberly (and Jacob)

Grandpa and Grandma Watson

Aunt Susan and Grandpa Paul

Thank you all for loving our boy!

Naomi's new look

2010-10-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

October 26

October 27

Within a week of turning six Naomi has lost her first 2 teeth!

Who said she could grow up so quickly?!

Introducing Daniel Cole Watson

2010-10-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

Our sweet boy arrived at 4:33 pm

His big sisters and brother were excited to meet him finally!

Our Family!

Ava & Daniel

The big brother Luke, so excited to hold baby "Dan-el"

Naomi got what she wanted for her birthday, a baby!

What a sweetie! Now we just have to get a picture with his eyes open!

Surprise #6!

2010-10-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Today we had a last minute surprise birthday party for Naomi at our favorite local park. It was great to see her face when Steve explained why we were all there! We had a great time celebrating our sweet Naomi Rose with some of our great friends.

Progress!

2010-10-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

looking at our new living room window from our current one

In the office, through the wall to the left is our closet and bathroom behind that. To the right is a bedroom and the master beyond (see the window?)

The living room view from the new hallway

From the Northeast corner of the new living room to the current back of the house. When completed there will be no windows or doors but a 6 foot wide archway where the large window is.

View from the patio

View from the chicken fence. We've got siding and the shingles will go on the roof next week! Anyone know a good painter? :-)

The View

2010-10-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

the view from the northwest

the view from the northeast

Fun Fieldtrip to Hawes Farm!

2010-10-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Luke, Luke Swanson, Ava & Naomi

Hay ride to the pumpkin patch

"Choo, choo!"

The tractor was a huge hit with Luke because he could climb in the engine compartment and under the seat to the back trailer. Fun!

Happy Farmer!

We had a great time with our homeschool friends at Hawes Farm.

The roof sheeting is on

2010-10-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

The other building project

2010-10-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

38 weeks pregnant

Baby boy's due date is Naomi's Birthday, but I'm hoping he'll arrive sooner. Either way, the countdown is on!

Can you smell the wood?

2010-10-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Cheers!

Day 23

2010-10-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

The trusses are up!

Trusses! Day 22

2010-10-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Day 21

2010-10-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow the trusses arrive!

Swim Leah, Swim!

2010-10-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

We got to cheer on as Leah swam for YHS at a meet in Anderson. We were very proud of her!

Daddy's Helper

2010-09-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Day 18

2010-09-29T23:55:00.000-07:00

The house and the ham bones

Things are going well on our addition! Bill, Chad and Billy are very efficient and after our double disaster the first weekend (lets just say Steve was thinking of changing his name to Noah), we're on a role! The part you can’t see is the shed pad that was poured out by the chicken coup. It was fun to walk through the addition with the rooms chalked out. The kids are standing on the patio, in front of the living room, to left along our current house is the L shaped hallway that leads to Steve's office (in the middle), bedroom far left next to the house) and our master bedroom & bathroom (see the plumbing sticking out?). Hooray!

Tuesday the trusses will be here!

Grandma!

2010-09-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ava, Naomi, & Luke with the Carol Sue Koehler Original. A one of a kind miniature replica of our living room. It's AMAZING! You really have to see it in person to be stunned by the similarities.

It has begun!

2010-09-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

Our "summer project" began last Monday, September 6.

Tools+dirt= little boy bliss!

The first blessing: the septic stub out was in our yard. We didn't have to go through the ditch or the street!

How does this work?

Watson Family Campout: The Slide!

2010-09-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

You'll have to ask Stacie, Steve, Stephanie, Lyle or Steve Sr. what happened :-)

Watson Family Campout

2010-09-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with Grandpa and Grandma Watson, Stacie and kids and the MacAdam Family at Kidder Creek Camp. My pictures are all from the pond but we also had fun roasting marshmallows, paintballing, riding horses, doing the ropes coarse, archery and playing in the dirt!

Ready to go!

Naomi and Kim fishing

Not sure if Josh, Jacob and Leah are catching or releasing this fish!

Cute little camper Luke

Lassen Volcanic National Park

2010-08-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Only forty minutes from our home is the most amazing park and last Sunday we got to enjoy it after church!

The kids: Kimberly, Naomi, Ava, Luke, & Jacob

It was truly a holy outing, we had ice cream!

The Adventure Crew at Lake Helen: Kim, Tricia, Steve, Luke, Steve, Marton, Ava, Jacob, Naomi & Pam

Yes, that's a chicken leg snack.

At the Sulphur Works

Yes, it really does smell that bad!

Cousin Love at the Kings Creek overlook

Shamefully this is the first time we've taken our family to the park, since there's been more than two of us. The overwhelming consensus is that we're going back, soon!

The First Day of Watson Super School! 2010

2010-08-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hambone in the middle saying, "Cheese!"

Sweet Sisters!

The girls picked out their clothes for the first day and Naomi did her own hair. Who said they could get so big?

Naomi (5), Ava (4), Luke (21 months), Tricia (31 weeks pregnant!)

We started school this past Monday and what a blessing its been! I was unsure of how difficult it would be to start up our school routine, but all three kids have done great. Ava works on her "Pre-K" while Luke colors or plays with something at the table while I teach Naomi her Math or Phonics. Then we all do Five in a Row together. So far we're just reviewing, but I've been pleasantly surprised by how much she's remembered.

Ava's 4th Birthday Party

2010-08-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

We had the party at a nearby park

Kim

The wild tire swing with Marton & Daddy. Thankfully no one blew chunks!

Naomi

Brooke, Ava, & Olivia

Luke

Amy S & Ava

The adults can thank me later... most of the pictures were of them eating do-dos!

Ava, Luke S, and Olivia

Later that day Ava got to pick out her very own Cowgirl outfit from Nana & Papa. She insisted on the red hat!