Photos

I (Ben) am guest-blogging so I can get some pictures up for my mom. Here are some that I like.

This could be evidence that vanity is natural to women.

Prior to getting her hair colored, it was my thought that, had I not seen Kathryn have Gabe, I would have thought he was Allison's son. I'm glad he's mine.

Here is the second hat Kathryn made for the girls. Although Sophia is modeling it, it was intended for Anna who refused to wear it.

Here is a Cooper's Hawk (I think) eating a Mourning Dove for breakfast. It was cool getting so close to it.

I got Matt a bow and arrow for his fourth birthday. Don't worry, he can only use it with me.

Oops. I was wrong. Anna had her hat on for a minute.

This was last November at Rockwoods Reservation in Eureka. Gabe walked across that whole log with almost no help from me (there was a lot more to it than the picture shows).

Gabe is looking down at a cave at Rockwoods Reservation.

Here is the entrance to the cave that Matt and I went about 4 feet into. We didn't have a flashlight, and, well, caves are dark!

Hair.

Cheeks.

Matt & Gabe's new swing...

...here.

This is all Ben's doing, but the boys love it. Gabe has since gotten the hang of it.

four

Can you believe this is Matthew at 2 days? Now here he is at 4 years old! These pictures were taken at his birthday party. I tried to recreate the Battle of Bunkerhill for the cake. It didn't turn out like I wanted, but he seemed to like it.

(FYI: The army men on the 'ship' are the red coats. Also, did you know the American's ran out of gun powder in this battle? *A fact my son taught me.* )

We decided to wage war on the cake (it seemed fitting) and since it was only our family at the shin-dig everyone went at it.

Matthew LOVES his Auntie Allie.

Excitement over opening the 'Jenny' cd. Thanks Grampy and Grammie Kate!!

Fun Facts:

Matthew is the sweetest kid! We had Gramma Patti and Uncle Max over the other night for dinner and everything was on the table. I couldn't find Matt, but I heard commotion in the basement. I yell for him and he says, "Yeah!?"

ME: "Come upstairs, it's time to eat. What are you doing?"

MATT: "I'm getting a chair for Gramma Patti."

He had gone downstairs to get a fold-up chair for my mom - no one had mentioned anything about us needing another chair - he did it all on his own. The amazing thing is he actually carried it all the way up the stairs by himself. I admit I was quite proud of his gentleman-ly behaviour!

Matthew loves having races in the basement with his brother.

He loves the American Revolution and has watched the A&E documentary many times. He could probably quote it by now.

He love his rope swing that dad put up for him in the basement.

He's very affectionate and loving. In the morning he snuggles with me on the couch while I read.

He loves the Lord and talks about wanting to obey and please Him.

He REALLY wants to play the trumpet like Quincy from Little Einsteins.

Acting like a cheetah is an everyday event.

He wants to have a farm with animals and crops.

He is a great helper! He puts up with my requests for diapers and wipes numerous times each day. :)

There's much more that could be said about this beautiful, sweet child! He really is such a joy to watch! I love him so much and can't imagine life without him!

I don't have any recent pictures - the cord seems to have been misplaced. I'll continue the search.......

pictures from the park

Sophia playing with her favortie toy
Anna doing push-ups. (We start them young.)

Actually she was trying to crawl on the hardwood floor, but wasn't able to get on her knees to crawl.

Gabe next to a beautiful tree.

Brave mountain climbers.

We went on a picnic with the Putz's about a month ago. It was GORGEOUS!!

Good Friends

Matt messing up a squirrel's stash of nuts.

Uncle Max and Anna

A hat my Aunt Barb knit for the girls. It's so pretty! Thanks Aunt Barb!!

Family

It's amazing how difficult it can be to get a family picture with four kids under 4!!

Well, that's all I have time for right now.... Anna's screaming and exhausted. Enjoy!

Photo Shoot!

Sophie
Happy Sophie

Happy Anna

Sisters....sisters.....never were there such devoted sisters ..... screaming ..... puking....on everything that mommy's wearing.......

YO! That's it for now, dude

Guess that song!

Here's Matthew playing the kazoo ... can you guess what song he's playing?

My Grandma Ruth Hanson

My Grandma Ruth passed away on the morning of Monday, September 10th from kidney failure. She was in a lot of pain in the end. She had fallen four weeks ago and hit her head and arm, she didn't break anything, but was uncomfortable. Her major organs were starting to shut down; and on Sunday (9th) she was given 24 hours to live. She was 91 years old. God blessed her with a good long life! I thank God that she loved the Lord and was a strong Christian woman! She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her!
This was the last time I saw her in Feb of 2006. I remember that day she gave Allison a $10.00 bill telling her to get herself a new pair of jeans because the ones she was wearing had holes in the knees. She was always thinking of other people.

My grandma's funeral is tomorrow. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go, but I will be thinking of everyone in California celebrating the life of Ruth Hanson tomorrow!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Anna got her first tooth (bottom left). Two others are popping through, so needless to say, she's a little grumpy.
Gabe having fun on his swing.

Matt hangin around.

Cool man Gabe helping Seth go.

Seth spent the day with us last Thursday and we had a fun time!

Anna knawing on the bars of the crib.

Gabe and Matt enjoying the newly added rope ladder.

*Trying* to get a good picture with grandpa.

This is the best we got. At least they're all looking in the same direction!

Sophie and Grandpa Liebi

Matt holding Anna

Sophia ... when laying on her belly she sticks her arms and legs up in the air and 'hmmmm's. It's quite entertaining.

Anna on the left and Sophia.

I was going for something more 'artsy', oh well -- they look cute at least. :)