Spring walk through the park

A few weeks ago our family was hit again with a stomach bug. We did not attend church thinking we were still contagious but felt better and wanted to celebrate the Lords day. We had our family worship and sing time at home and then decided to enjoy a beautiful spring day at the park.

Jessica is still not too old to enjoy a swing ride

Levi loved the swing.

Jacob cried when we took him out.

Alainna posing for her Papa.

Who can make the biggest splash with their rock? I think Caitlin won this one.

Exploring to find something interesting.


Levi came out of his hiding place in the bush when Laurn said "anyone want some candy?"

NEW LOOK

Well, after several hours I finally came up with a new look for our blog. Thank you Chelsea for your help. It's not exactly how I want it but it will do for now until I can get more experienced. I think it will be a while before I attempt this again though so I hope you all like it.

MONTANA

On our way

Dan drove almost the entire way there and back.

Laurn eat the entire way there and back and helped with the drive the last couple of hours.

The cute little boy to the left is Elliott. He is quite a boy. He will draw whatever you want him to and he will do it ALL DAY. He is 3 years old and just as cute as can be. He was a delight to Caitlin and they had fun drawing together.


Sunday nights blizzard.

This is Wessy. He is about 1 1/2 and is very fun to watch, especially whe he eats.

Relaxing Sunday afternoon. We had a wonderful meal with R.C. and Denise and then just sit around watching the blizzard outside wondering if we were going to make it home the next day.

Caitlin got a lot of reading in whenever Elliott and Julia were not around to draw with. She got some new books from Mrs. Elliott to borrow to.

King's driveway

View from back porch of King's house

Great room where we had our couples camp. R.C. is seated to the left of the fireplace. The King's were wonderful to let all 20 couple take over their house for 2 days.

King's house

Front porch

Laurn getting ready to go to the rim

A walk along the rim

A beautiful view of Billings

It was very windy and cold. About 21, but sunny and clear.

As cold as it was the men still had to have a smoke

Elliott's back yard

One of Caitlin's favorite places in Montana is the rim. She took several walks there with her Dad while we were there.


Caitlin and Mrs. Elliott talked Laurn in to letting her come as a "babysitter". She was thrilled to be able to go and was able to meet lots of kids her age.

Red Lodge

Caitlin and I overlooking Billings. It was a great trip to spend together.

Montana

The Guest Room

Our new guest room is now open to receive guests

I decided on this verse because it was one my Dad had on his day planner when he worked as a negotiator for the Union. He had a very stressful job and this was a good reminder. Since he told me that it has come to mind several times and helped me through stressful days.

I recently decided to transform our school room into a guest room. We are expecting some friends from Montana for a visit which was a good excuse for getting it done.

Happy Birthday Caitlin

February 12th was Caitlin's 15th birthday. We decided to take the day off and go have some fun. Caitlin ordered the day. We went to a tack shop, to Goodwill (Marcus could not find his shoes) and to Wilco. At Wilco she get her gift from her father. She got a cute western belt and an extra "Farm Princess" John Deer belt buckle.

Since she was born in the winter she never gets the fun summer birthday's. This year we decided to give her a summer birthday lunch. We got lunch and took it to Lewisville for a picnic. It was 29 degrees. We all had a great time though and it will be a birthday to remember.

An interesting fact about Caitlin and Levi. They were born 1 week short of 12 years apart to the day and were born in the same hospital and in the same hospital room.

A few weeks ago we celebrated Levi's 3rd birthday. He has gotten so big so fast.

He got a Nerf gun like Marcus so now they play Nerf war ALL DAY it seams.

For dinner he asked for Salmon, and blue cake. How many 3 year old's know what Salmon is?

Merry Christmas (early)

Merry Christmas to the Koch Kids (early)

Laurn just could not resist giving the kids their Christmas gift so that they could play in the snow with it. They have been having a blast. In fact last night (22nd) it came in handy. My parents decided to come down early and parked at our neighbors so we used the quad to transport their entire car load of gifts, luggage, and food for their 4 day stay. It was fun. Just as we were pulling out of our driveway, 6 snowmobiles flew past us down Carty road. What a site. The locals here (from Reidikes) say they have not seen this much snow since 1979. Here are a few fun pictures. More will follow of the kids on the quad.

Sunday Afternoon

A few weeks ago on a sunny warm fall Sunday afternoon we took the kids to the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge for a picnic and a walk. We all had a great time.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all you strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hears. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the toad, when yo lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on you hands and bind them on you foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of you houses and on your gates.

Today I had the pleasure of not only having a wonderful scripture written in our dining room but of visiting with Chelsea Berkompas. She agreed to bless our family with her artistic talent. She did a wonderful job and it was a very enjoyable afternoon. She also encouraged me to "post something new" on our blog.
If anyone reading would like to have a scripture done call Chelsea.
Thank You!!!