The Watkins Factory

Enjoying grandma's blankets

2012-01-31T20:22:00.001-07:00

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T15:14:00.002-07:00

Well it was a 4-day weekend of holiday adventure. The kids received some great gifts. Cale enjoyed some angry bird stuffed animals, Zibits, slot car tracks, hex bug habitat, and plenty more. Maya is now the very proud owner of a panda pillow pet, art supplies, and plenty of accessories for her American girl doll. Aden loves his play cash register, millions of squinkies, make-your-own volcano kit, and all of the candy. They all received some germ and cell themed stuffed animals that seem to be a big hit.

We had a lot of fun and ate a lot of food we would normally avoid. Now it is time to return to our routines. For Draper and Ruby this means continuing to nap in the sun.

Happy Birthday Maya

2011-12-21T16:24:00.003-07:00

Of skateboards and pinball

2011-12-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Cale!

Happy birthday

2011-11-18T20:55:00.002-07:00

Mountains o' Candy

2011-11-01T19:11:00.001-06:00

Haunted Weekend

2011-10-23T14:13:00.002-06:00

Maya

2011-10-18T05:05:00.003-06:00

As usual I am neglecting to provide my family with updates about the lives of their grandchildren/niece/nephews. So here is one about Maya.

Two months ago Maya was dreading going back to school. She also was refusing to practice soccer with me in the back yard. It seemed it was going to be a rough start to the year and that she might not make it in the extracurricular activity we had signed her up for.

Two months later she loves school and has many new friends. Her reading skills have exploded, She loves soccer and plans on playing again in the spring. All three of the children recently took some swimming lessons and let's just say Maya is the most graceful of the three in her movements. I once heard Carrie's brother say he doesn't like swimming b/c he just sinks like a brick. I fear the boys got those swimming genes.

Maya loves scary stories; especially during this time of year. Last night Cale and I got to go on a ghost tour of Old Town. When we got home Maya wanted us to share some of the stories. She was fascinated but also woke up at 2am with a bad dream. When I first met Carrie she loved scary movies. Any sort of scary movie was usually followed by a night of restless terrified sleep.
It seems Maya has inherited those genes as well.

Children + Rattlesnake = Fun outing!

2011-10-02T19:01:00.000-06:00

Self Portrait

2011-09-15T20:27:00.003-06:00

Halftime refreshment

2011-09-10T19:14:00.000-06:00

This Is Just Wrong...

2011-08-21T10:45:00.001-06:00

Exotic locations

2011-08-21T10:40:00.003-06:00

This picture may not look much different from any old Colorado mountain picture but it was taken a couple weeks back in Wyoming. This was the first day Maya and Aden (and Draper) have ever left Colorado. I hope they don't feel neglected. For now Wyoming is about the best we can do as far as inter-state travel goes.

Scout Camp

2011-07-21T16:48:00.002-06:00

Cale and I recently spent a few days at the Cub Scout camp near Red Feather. He earned the right to own and carry a pocket knife. Watch your backs!

Happy Birthday Aden

2011-07-10T09:25:00.000-06:00

Vacation Day 4 an 5

2011-07-08T17:30:00.003-06:00

The 4th day of vacation was camping at Trappers Lake just outside the Flat Tops Wilderness. Sadly, Maya had a fever and a stomach ache so we only stayed one night. Also, despite the pictures, there was a decent amount of rain in the afternoon and over night. The next morning looked foreboding so it may have been for the best anyway.

Vacation Day 3

2011-07-05T15:39:00.002-06:00

On the third day of our vacation we took a gondola up to the top of the ski area. Aden said he was 'freaked out'. On the top of the mountain we hiked around, admired bear scat, and discussed why we aren't skiers. Why don't they make giant winter resorts just for sledding?

Vacation Day 2

2011-07-02T18:32:00.005-06:00

Day 2 of our vacation was busy. After our run in with the bear we went for a brief hike to an overlook at Fish Creek Falls. We then hiked to the base. It's no secret that there is a lot of water in Colorado this year and it can be a bit nerve racking have children near it. After the hike we played a round of mini-golf which was equally nerve racking but for different reasons. We then went back to the hotel for some swimming. That was followed by a trip to see Cars 2 followed by dinner at one of those 'diners' that pretends to be from the 50s. Finally, we returned to the falls to get a view in the evening light.

The Bear

2011-06-30T20:26:00.003-06:00

This isn't the greatest shot but it's a freaking bear! I know people in the area see them all the time but this was the kid's first time to see a wild black bear. He was actually just sort of standing there waiting for us to drive off so he could get back to the overturned trash can that is just out of the picture.

Vacation Day 1

2011-06-30T19:46:00.004-06:00

Day 1 of our vacation consisted mostly of raging rivers, open roads, and large tooth-busting lollypops. We arrived in Steamboat Springs in the late afternoon, checked into our hotel, and strolled around the downtown area. There we admired the local ski jerks (who are probably perfectly nice human beings - well as long as you own a Subaru) and the tourists. Nothing is better than laughing internally at the tourists who are in stupid T-Shirts and have no control over their children. Did I say laughing? No I meant - crying at the realization of what I look like to them is what they look like to me. Still, it can't be denied (not by the readers of this blog anyway) that my kids are so much cuter, well behaved, smarter, and kinder than those kids. At least they are when I wave a stick of sugary doom in their face.

Into the Woods

2011-06-21T22:52:00.001-06:00

Landscaping

2011-05-06T18:29:00.002-06:00

We had our monster junipers pruned heavily. Suddenly we find ourselves with a lot more yard and some crazy looking bonsai trees. Time for a big vegetable garden.

Springtime in the Backyard

2011-04-21T19:05:00.003-06:00

The backyard has been seeing a lot of activity lately. It's a great place to tune up your tractor and to reenact crucifixions. To be fair he said he was pretending to be a scarecrow but it's essentially the same thing.

Pinewood Cars

2011-03-24T18:32:00.002-06:00

Race this Saturday!

Horsetooth Falls

2011-03-15T19:45:00.003-06:00

I had taken yesterday and today off to enjoy some spring break time with the kids. Yesterday was a trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Today was a hike to Horsetooth Falls.
The kids were energetic throughout. The waterfall was only a trickle but that is more than I expected given how dry it has been. The kids didn't complain even though they need some good hiking shoes. I guess when you get to play in a waterfall and explore a 'cave' there isn't time to complain. Sadly, the camera died before that part.

Fat and Shaved

2011-03-15T19:33:00.003-06:00

Well this picture is over a month old at this point. He doesn't look quite so silly anymore. We have finally found a brand of litter that he seems to love and there are few if any surprises around the house for us. I think if he keeps it up even Carrie will come around to him.

Of course just as one pet problem disappears another arises. Over the last couple days, Ruby has not been walking well. Hip issues are a common lab problem. Nothing is more heartbreaking then seeing an old dog hobble around. She is only seven and I thought we might have a couple more years before we had to deal with 'old dog' issues but I guess not.

Ipod Pictures

2011-03-10T18:55:00.004-07:00

For years I have kept random pictures on my Ipod. I don't have pictures in my wallet and if I'm traveling or at work or where ever and I want to show some one my beautiful army of children I just pull out my Information Pod. Here is a sampling of what is in this collection:

Posting on My Personal Regrets in Regards to Man's Domestication of Certain Animal Species

2011-02-05T19:46:00.002-07:00

I post these pictures to remind myself that Ruby and Goblin were once tiny cute animals and I was once a naive (but not tiny and cute) human. The pictures are from 2003. It is not fun to feel like you are stuck with animals you do not really want but the alternatives seem worse. We did get rid of an animal once because she took to attacking our children and guests. Ruby has never attacked anyone. She has never purposely hurt a child. She is good at catching house flys in the summer. After seven years of life she has finally learned to walk at a decent pace instead of pulling until she can barely breathe, Some of her issues come from her status as a rather unspectacular specimen of a beast but to be fair some comes from us not training her properly in the beginning. Her main issue now involves her inability to be controlled around house guests. We are stuck with her until the end and I don't speak for Carrie when I say this but I will miss her when she is finally gone.

Goblin on the other hand has taken us to our wit's end. He has urination issues; as in he urinates all over the house including on children's clothes; towels, and now our nice couch. I have just spent a lot of money on various products to help him become a more consistent user of the litter box. But what will happen if this fails? I don't want to live 10 more years in a house that smells like urine and no one is going to take him off our hands. He is a very friendly cat but we just don't know what to do. Hopefully, I can change him.

Lice Lice Baby

2011-01-24T18:59:00.002-07:00

Well besides for the lice infestation it has been a decent month. By the way, do not get lice. It's horrible. Everyone got some except Aden. Lucky kid.

2011-01-01T16:36:00.003-07:00

December can be a long month for our family. Three birthdays (five if you count Ruby and that whole Jesus thing). Well we have survived. We have picked up some new toys (woohoo mandolin!!!) and donated some away. As the kid's get older things like birthdays and holidays don't seem as stressful anymore and the time is appreciated a little more. We all even managed to stay awake for the New Year. I don't really like the whole yearly recap thing so I'll just say 2010 was a great year for the family. Some of us grew a little and some of us grew enough that we are no longer considered a demon by our parents (Aden).

2010-11-30T18:37:00.002-07:00

Well it has been a month since I have posted anything so I might as well now. I don't want this blog to get all smelly and old. It has been a month of corporate takeovers, masters degrees, and very little snow (boo!). Now it is time to relax with the creatures that lurk about my residence. Have a good month!

Halloween/Fall

2010-11-03T17:27:00.003-06:00

Carrie's Homemade Stuffed Animals

2010-11-03T17:25:00.000-06:00

I think there is a great business idea in this.

First day of school

2010-08-17T17:17:00.002-06:00

New camera

2010-08-15T12:59:00.005-06:00

Big Man in a Little Car

2010-08-05T18:56:00.002-06:00

My previous post contained little information regarding our vacation. Basically we spent a couple of days camping at the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the San Luis Valley. It was very beautiful there (and very hot). The dunes are contained in the valley by the large peaks of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The kids enjoyed hiking the dunes and discovering some of the stange insects that exist only at the dunes. We brought our bathing suits to play in the creek but by this time of year the creek was nothing but mud.

And yes our camera died at the dunes but luckily Carrie purchased some disposable camera's for the kids and had an extra for us.

After the sand dunes we took a day to have a scenic drive through Alamosa and over La Veta pass and right by the gigantic Spanish Peaks. Then we headed to Colorado Springs where we cleaned up from the sand and mud. We enjoyed the 'Old Town' area of the city that evening.

The next day we started the morning in the Garden of the Gods but not for long since the kids were eager to head to our next destination... the North Pole. Yes, nestled in the hills below Pike's Peak a small Christmas themed amusement park sits. I admit I was dreading this place a little bit... I imagined a David Lynch type nightmare with small elfs directing us into a dark forest of Christmas fear. In reality, it wasn't bad and the kids loved it. I'll take it over Elitch Gardens any day.

On the final day of vacation we drove to the top of Pikes Peak where the only cloud for 100 miles completely obscured the view. On the drive down they actually had stopped the traffic going up because the fog was too thick to see. I can't help but wander if the Christmas elves had something to do with this sinister cloud.

Sand... A Lot of Sand

2010-08-01T14:53:00.002-06:00

So much sand that our camera stopped working after these.

Setting Out

2010-08-01T14:49:00.002-06:00

Aden and the Cake of Many Colors

2010-07-15T16:59:00.003-06:00

A week ago Aden turned 4. We celebrated as a family with pizza, balloon animals (and balloon bow & arrow), and an amazing cake made by an amazing lady. I can't even make a chocolate cake out of a box right. Actually - I can't even cut a cake without it disintegrating. This cake was pure art.

Cub Scout Camp

2010-06-29T17:33:00.003-06:00

Cale and I spent a few days last week at cub scout camp. We had a lot of fun doing archery, shooting BB guns, building a trail, and skinning cute woodland creatures (only joking - don't think we do that until next year). The camp is actually super nice and Cale can't wait to go back again.

Summer so far...

2010-06-27T18:55:00.009-06:00

Preschool graduation cupcake!

Hiking

One dumb dog

And the dumbest dog

Soccer hooligan after a riot

On the light rail in Denver

Carrie made Maya and Aden some dolls for a summer project

And we return...

2010-03-04T18:18:00.002-07:00

Well it would seem I am unfit to maintain a blog. Here is a picture two months out of date. The kids are bigger. The puppy is bigger.

I am planning to dive into my final master's project and work on it through the summer. I make no promises but at the moment I am feeling a bit bloggy so perhaps there will be some more posts in the near future.

Thanks

2009-11-26T18:53:00.002-07:00

I am thankful that Cale has learned to play chess this week and that Maya doesn't think I'm a total dork yet and that Aden can levitate above the ground.

Draper

2009-11-26T18:38:00.004-07:00

Well it finally happened. Carrie slipped something in my drink last Saturday night and I awoke to find myself driving to the middle of nowhere at 8 am on Sunday morning - apparently to pick up this guy:

His name is Draper. Yes he was named after the Don Draper character from Mad Men - because like Mr. Draper he is a true gentleman. And also a womanizing chain-smoking depressed alcoholic. Like any gentleman proper introductions were made - especially with the ladies of the house:

And some random puppy pics:

Sledding

2009-11-12T17:54:00.001-07:00

Okay this one is actually late too. These were taken on Halloween. The snow is now melted and the days are warm. I am patiently waiting for more snow.

Halloween

2009-11-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry - a little late.

Snow! Destruction! Mayhem!

2009-10-30T19:42:00.004-06:00

I realize I'm the only one but I wish it would snow 20 inches every week. Somethings in life have lost that childhood magic to me; the holidays, amusement parks, booze. Snow however still gets me as excited as it did when I was 8 years old. Really I've thought about it and at my funeral someone will certainly mention my love of winter weather. Go ahead, scatter my ashes in a blizzard.

Autumn

2009-10-25T11:03:00.002-06:00

Snow

2009-10-11T19:35:00.002-06:00

Well the Watkins boys at least enjoy snow and record cold in early October. Now if only it would keep up until April.

Wrist Rocket

2009-10-05T19:24:00.003-06:00

I love cold foggy rainy mountain days. I really do. Hopefully it snows soon.

We spent most of the day Sunday at the Cub Scout camp near Red Feather Lakes. BB Guns, archery, and wrist rockets. Everything my parents didn't let me do. I mean all I wanted to do was shoot some birds, rodents, and siblings! Cale really had a blast and said it was more fun than video games. Guess that means I should get him out more.

I've recently heard rumors that my father was an Eagle Scout. How come I haven't heard more about this?

2009-09-26T14:14:00.000-06:00

2009-09-26T14:08:00.003-06:00

Cat Shaving

2009-09-26T14:05:00.003-06:00

Sometimes when you neglect to brush your big fat long-haired cat he will get dreadlocks. Then he has to get a ridiculous cat haircut.

School time

2009-08-24T18:51:00.000-06:00

Why do the evil ones look so good?

2009-08-24T18:49:00.000-06:00

Camping

2009-08-19T18:36:00.002-06:00

Went went camping last week in the State Forest State Park over Cameron Pass. It went mostly well with the exception of Aden not wanting to sleep. It was his first camping trip.

Trolley Ride

2009-08-19T18:31:00.000-06:00

Fort Collins has a restored trolley from the early 20th century that travels between City Park and Old Town during the summer. It's only 50 cents for kids so we hopped on board.

2009-07-31T19:47:00.000-06:00

Dear Blog

2009-07-31T19:41:00.002-06:00

Dear Blog -

I am so sorry for neglecting you. It's just that ... well... our camera broke in April... work is stressful... Ok there are no excuses. Please forgive me blog. Please.

Jason

Elephant Maya

2009-05-19T19:19:00.002-06:00

Maya's preschool program was today. It was circus themed. It was hot! Stupid summer. Ruins the whole year. I know I'm in the minority.

I finished school last week, Maya is done this week, and Cale next week.

For anyone waiting on an update... I am down 24 lbs and have plateaued. I don't think my weight loss is even noticeable but I have gained a lot of muscle ... just needs this pesky belly to shrink.

Room

2009-05-19T19:17:00.003-06:00

New carpet and furniture!

Aden the Terrible

2009-05-18T17:55:00.003-06:00

Cale is the creative one. He'll write a book or paint. Maya is a leader and maybe a bit of an athlete. Aden... well Aden will destroy us all.

Sprinkler Time

2009-05-17T16:57:00.002-06:00

Aden not pictured due to fear of sprinkler.

2009-04-05T17:07:00.000-06:00

Snow

2009-03-26T18:45:00.000-06:00

Finally! Snow! Blizzard!

2009-03-24T20:16:00.001-06:00

Dog Tail-Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol

2009-03-24T20:13:00.000-06:00

Tuesday

2009-03-24T20:07:00.003-06:00

For the 2nd time in his life Cale had to have medical assistance to extract a bead from an ear. Luckily we happened to see the doc who kept, on staff, an expert at extracting items from ears.

I am still sick. This isn't going away.

Today our real estate agent dropped off a box of baking soda as a spring gift. What does that mean? Does our house stink? Do we have bad breath? Should we bake something? Likely, all of the above.

I am the least motivated graduate student in the tri city area.

2009-03-22T18:55:00.002-06:00

While I slaved away at a theory midterm for 10 hours today Carrie and the kids went to the Swetsville Zoo in Timnath. It's a fun place with fun sculptures made from scrap. Too bad Wal-Mart and tract housing will soon replace it.

We have been sick for the past week and it's not over yet. I haven't worked out since Wednesday but am still hovering around 20lbs lost. Still eating healthy altough probably not as perfect. I think when I'm sick my willpower weakens a bit. Coke Zero is not going to help me get better I know.

Well sounds like Fort Collins may be on the border of a blizzard tomorrow. Can't wait to what side we fall on. C'mon snow!

2009-02-23T20:27:00.002-07:00

Time for some updates!

Aden has the flu today but despite this he still wants to run around and drink lots of milk. As you can imagine that doesn't go well with illness. Soon enough he will learn that when you are sick it is okay to lay around all day watching cartoons. Cale has also developed some not so fun symptoms this evening. Things could get nasty around here the next few days.

Besides the illness of today and probably tomorrow, all has been well in the Watkins household. Aden is sleeping better at night and has made it a few nights without getting up at all. He also started his first 'class' with no mom or dad present. He is going to the city's farm every week to color and meet cute little farm creatures.

Maya is enjoying life but not enjoying dinner. I always thought the two went hand in hand. Her menu is limited to PB&J, yogurt, hot dogs, cereal, and cinnamon toast. Even pizza is questionable to her. Questioning pizza is almost as un-American as questioning Oprah. It's not right.

Cale is still reading like a mad man. He is still addicted to the Wii and we question getting it. We hardly ever play so it has mostly become the domain of Cale. We have created a monster. He does read a lot but isn't the artist he used to be but at least he doesn't question pizza. Actually he'll eat anything we prepare which is very nice.

Carrie has been busy making the doll pictured below. She has started her 2nd and continues her other hobby; making moonshine in a laundy room tub.

I'm down 17lbs now since Jan 11th. I am afraid that I had to question pizza to achieve this. I feel that I have developed a nice healthy eating habit and I am continuing on my workout program. Hopefully this flu doesn't throw me off.

Look What Carrie Made

2009-02-18T18:44:00.002-07:00

Feel like wrestlin!

2009-02-08T18:21:00.002-07:00

Carrie and I were surprised at how much we enjoyed The Wrestler. I know I always love the depressing ones but this one is really well done.

My workout/nutrition program is measured in 30 day periods and tomorrow is day 30. I'll have to take new pictures (and one day I may post them here or perhaps to here). I've lost some inches and as of this morning I'm down 13 pounds from Day 1. Carrie notices the difference and I can see and feel a difference. I can also now increase my carbs a bit. I'm more than happy to cut back on the egg whites a little bit for some whole wheat or some hummus.

Happy Valentines to all! Your box of chocolates is in the mail.

Oh sweet pain!

2009-02-02T20:15:00.003-07:00

I had a bag of gummi worms but gave most of them to the little one pictured above and her sugar loving cohorts. I am down 9 lbs in 3 weeks. I am eating healthy with the exception of a couple delicious meals in California. My Coke Zero addiction has been gone for a month. I wake up at 430 in the morning to work out.

This semester is going to be a rough one but I suppose I should expect that from a master's program.

If anyone is curious I am strongly leaning towards a thesis related to health data. Specifically, I would like to model the potential spread of disease as it relates to immunization or I should say the anti-immunization movement. Last year the US had it's first outbreaks of measles since the 60s due to some anti-immuniztion parent's taking their non-immune child to another country and then bringing him home to infect other children. Basically I want to model the potential spread of the disease if there were more outbreaks perhaps on a state or even city scale and based on some social factors. Basically the US is an interesting case where poor children are ostly immunized but many upper middle class/rich children are not getting their shots thanks to their fearful parents. But enough about that.

As most of you know, my grandfather passed away and I traveled to California to celebrate his life and to visit with my grandmother. My grandfather was 91 years old. He was always a strong, kind, and confident figure to me. Through him I was exposed to culture, history, and religion that I would have otherwise missed. I have lived my entire life as a mountain boy but my grandfather was always there to connect me to the sea. He will always be my link to the water.

Here is his great-grandson Cale wearing his hat during a visit to Sandbridge, VA in 2004.

Clean eatin!

2009-01-15T19:13:00.002-07:00

So far my resolutions are going well. My boss has noticed an improvement in my attitude in 2009. It helps when I talk to the people I work with. I finished Last Evening on Earth and have started Then We Came to the End
. I really liked the Bolano stories but am not so sure about the other one yet.

I have been eating clean since Sunday. No diet soda, no sugar or corn syrup. No fast food. For the initial 4 weeks of my program I am eating mostly veggies and protein. I have been getting up between 430 and 5 am depending on the length of the workout. Workouts are between 1 and 1.5 hours.

I am quitting the stupid computer game for good. I guess I have lost interest. On the other hand we are getting a Wii and some Mario Kart. I will play with Cale and Maya. After the kids are in bed Carrie and I might play and yell profanities at each other. It's actually kinda sweet.

More Classics!

2009-01-15T18:48:00.008-07:00

2009-01-11T18:37:00.002-07:00

Once again it has been a long time since the blog was updated. The holidays are over and we are glad. As much as we all like to despise our daily routines the consistency and routine can be comforting.

I have a lot of New Year's resolutions. My main one is too have a positive attitude about my job. I work with a lot of great people and have the security many lack. I have started P90X workout and nutrition program. Maybe you've seen the infomercial. I have managed to workout for months on end in the past but have never eaten as healthy as I'd like and now I'm trying. I even took fat pictures with my shirt off and we'll do more in 4 weeks. If I get results maybe I'll actually post them. I plan to read a lot more this year for both fun and school. Finally, I want to quit wasting my time with a certain video game. It detracts from school, movie, wife, and kid time. So everyone hold me accountable.

Carrie's resolution is to give high fives to at least one stranger everyday. Cale wants to continue building Lego's and we want to help him learn to ride his bike. I don't think Maya and Aden have any stated resolutions but I'd like to see Maya be a little more social at school. Aden just needs to sleep from 8pm to at least 6am without wake and I'll be so happy.

Goblin needs to re-discover that poop is best placed inside of a litter box. I don't how he forget. Maybe he has seasonal disorder or something. I think Ruby is much better than she was at this time last year but I hope she lowers her anxiety level a little bit. She really has nothing to worry about.

Go President Obama!

Happy New Year everyone.

Classic Pictures

2009-01-11T18:33:00.001-07:00

Strange Form of Life

2008-12-21T19:39:00.002-07:00

I should not forget to mention that since my November blog it has also been Cale's birthday and I now have one year left in my twenties. Ruby, our beloved pup, shares her birthday with Baby Jesus. Maybe one day Ruby we'll save us all from a burning fire and December 25th will become much more about her than about Christmas. Not that it is about Christmas now. I hope I am not offending anyone by saying so but our family is part of the 15% of Americans that do not have a religious affiliation (and prefer to keep it that way). Still we love Christmas... mostly we love the cold and snow and we all have birthdays in December. One day Ruby will save us all.

All My Days

2008-12-21T19:34:00.002-07:00

Today is Maya's birthday. She is four years old and like any good father I hope she stays this old forever.

New Camera! Muy Picturos!

2008-11-29T17:38:00.004-07:00

Cale and Butch

2008-11-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Halloween

2008-11-13T18:59:00.002-07:00

Two months later...

2008-11-10T18:43:00.007-07:00

Ok I admit I'm super lazy and haven't posted for two months. Everyone is probably waiting on Halloween pics but since we forgot our camera keep waiting. Maybe those wonderful in-laws of mine can send over some pics, please.

Well what has happened the last two months? Cale started and finished a season of soccer. Sometimes he tried to run and once or twice a game he actually kicked the ball but I think he had fun.

He is one of the smartest kids in his class and can read most of his books and has excellent handwriting. I also have beautiful handwriting as anyone will tell you.

Maya is mostly just being Maya. She goes to preschool where we think she is fairly quiet. Her and Aden are playing a lot together lately.

Aden is starting to sleep a little better and I'm not up too much in the middle of the night. He loves Dora the Explorer now and his siblings tolerate it for his sake. They would rather be watching MTV or whatever the kids watch these days.

Finally, I feel a great deal of hope for the future and for my children. Reason has finally triumphed over extremism. I realize things will not be perfect but at this moment in history it would seem that things can only get better.

Grandma Skips a Stone!

2008-09-07T17:19:00.004-06:00

Well it has been quite some time since I last posted and it is now the Watkins familys' favorite time of year. Summer is just about over and we don't have to worry about oppressive heat for nine more months. Bring on that early season Colorado snow!

In the past month Cale and Maya have started school. Cale started soccer. Maya starts soccer tomorrow! Ruby graduated some sort of obedience training (don't expect great things when you see her next- just slightly better things) Oh and most importantly Grandma skipped a stone at least twice!

To go back to the dog class thing- I find it strange when the instructor calls me "Ruby's dad". Biologically it is impossible, right? And really when you have children I think it puts your pets into a different category. I love Ruby but I'm not her dad. I'm just an accomplice to her stupidity. I am her partner in testing the limits of Carrie's temper. Thats is all. I have no domain over her. Ruby is her own dog.

Some other interesting occurances in our life...

-Cale has already found his way to the principals office. He has a breakdown in PE class.

-Child Protective Services does a lot of good work I'm sure but they need to learn when then have been brought into a situation that warrants no attention.

-Aden still doesn't like to sleep

-Aden may decide to sleep if you vote for his favorite presidential candidate come election day. You'll have to ask him who that is, although I think he might go Nader... go ahead throw away your vote.

-I have sweet new shoes with bright orange laces.

Camping with Cale

2008-07-28T18:54:00.003-06:00

They grow uo so fast!

2008-07-28T18:52:00.002-06:00

Maya is starting to get facial hair.

The Mid-Summer Blues

2008-07-15T19:01:00.003-06:00

Oppressive heat is keeping us down. We don't care for summer. It is too costly to take a drive to the high mountains. Perhaps it is time to follow through with our plan to move to Anchorage or Portland or the Falkland Islands.

However, we aren't just lazing around. Sadie and Ruby are in dog class. There seems to be some progress but it takes a lot of time to train dogs. Maya still has dance class and has a princess party on Friday. She starting preschool August 26. Aden is two now. As a result he can yell twice as loud. Oh.. and his head-butting causes twice the pain. Cale took a planes and locomotion class today. We are still working on the bike riding. We have decided to sign him up for a soccer team and see what he thinks. That will start the same week he starts kindergarten. Cale. Maya, and I will go camping with grandaddy and Joni in a couple weeks.

Speaking of Joni, she'll start working at my place of employment on the 21st. She'll even sit in close proximity to me. Exciting! John and/or Jessica? Want a job?

Carrie hates the heat the most of all of us. She has headed north for a few months and is currently enjoying the benefits of socialized health care and year round ice hockey. See you in October darling!

Happy Birthday Aden!

2008-07-15T18:54:00.003-06:00

In Summary

2008-07-06T18:33:00.001-06:00

The vacation is now over and even though I didn't actually go anywhere it will be rough to return to work. Maybe next year we can rent a house in the mountains for a week or so and everyone can come!

New Bike!

2008-07-03T20:10:00.002-06:00

Cale got a shiny new bike. He is learning to ride it. So is Carrie.

Walking the Dog

2008-07-02T16:39:00.002-06:00

Storm

2008-07-02T16:37:00.001-06:00

2008-07-01T18:07:00.002-06:00

Well today we took a break from floors, lawn work, and dog taming to actually go somewhere. We drove to Rocky Mountain National Park and started to make the drive up Trail Ridge Road. It was obvious from the beginning that we may have picked the wrong week to go. Apparently this is the week for Texans in Suburbans to swarm on the park. I prefer to enjoy my nature as alone as possible (with the exception of a couple friends or family and maybe even a very stupid brown dog). I know it is my own fault for going to this particular destination but I wanted to take my little kids above treeline and this was the quickest way.

The first stop was some waterfall with a short quarter mile hike. The kids enjoyed sticking their feet in the freezing water. As I mentioned before, the entire city of Omaha was visiting this waterfall today but besides that it was enjoyable.

Next stop was on top of the world -somewhere between 11000 and 12000 feet. It was probably in the 50s and windy. We all noticed that is more difficult for even us highlanders to breathe. We found a little patch of snow which Aden fell in so we left. Once again there were a lot of people. I did notice that the Park Service is doing something right. All these people are so scared to step of the set path and damage anything to the point of silliness. This just leaves more places for me.

On the way down we pulled into the Hidden Valley picnic area and for some reason no one was there. I guess there were no spectacular waterfalls or alpine peaks to draw the crowds. Fine by us. We had a very lovely lunch.

Back in Estes Park we stopped at a large store shaped like Noah's Ark that sells stuffed animals. Cale got a flying squirrel, Maya a bear, and Aden a frog.

2008-06-30T12:49:00.002-06:00

We are up to much of the same old normal stuff. Playgrounds, playrooms, and a lot of whining.

Tomorrow will be the hottest day of the week and the Watkins hate hot (seriously what's so great about summer?). Naturally we will head to the mountains.

Day 3

2008-06-28T17:50:00.003-06:00

So yesterday we discovered that I am unable to stain hardwood floor without creating large visible blotches ... so I will focus on pulling up carpet, nails and staples. Carrie will put on the layers of conditioner, stain, and gloss.

Today I took down the eight foot TV antenna on top of the roof and I went to the landfill twice. You really can't beat that.

Carrie did more floor work and cleaned out the car.

Ruby stained the couch with paw prints.

Maya rediscovered her My Little Ponys!

Carnival

2008-06-27T06:24:00.003-06:00

The carnival is a questionable place where chain smokers charge you 2 dollars for each child to go on a 2 minute ride but hopefully Cale remembers it as something wonderful so he can grow up and have his children drag him to one.

Oh and Aden was not ready for the mini-dragon rollercoaster. It just may be the scariest event in his life to this point.

Mugshots

2008-06-25T19:44:00.000-06:00

Fun old fashioned family vacation....

2008-06-25T19:27:00.002-06:00

Gather round one and all. Let me tell you a little tale of the Watkins family vacation. You know the one... where it is too expensive to actually go anywhere thanks in large part to some certain foreign policies of every one's favorite president. Oh well, at least next year President Obama will be giving out free vacations to all Americans. Right? That's why I'm voting for him.

I do have 11 days off, starting tomorrow and extending until July 7th. The price of gas really isn't the only reason not to go anywhere. A very angry two year old does not like to travel and generally likes to live life by his own terms... and likes for everyone else to live by his terms. In addition, we are blessed with two wonderful dogs who everyone is clamouring to dog sit... so thanks again almighty ruler of the underworld... thanks for letting us borrow your hounds for 10-15 years!!! Also, I think we found your cat.

So we will do little things. Tomorrow we will finish pulling up carpet There is also a carnival in town so we will go to that. After that things are more uncertain: some time in the mountains, cleaning, naps, swimming, and a general neglect of personal hygiene (at least for me).

I want to try to keep this blog updated about everyday of this period. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, I have taken some mugshots of my children in case I decide that selling them on craigslist is the only humane option. Please don't call the cops that was only a joke.

Loveland

2008-06-25T19:21:00.003-06:00

Last Sunday we took a trip to Loveland to look at a xeriscape garden. We discovered that Loveland had a very nice civic center and I have to ask; is Loveland the new Fort Collins? Will the hippies, yuppies, and guppies move from here to there. Will they take there banjos, jam bands, and subarus with them? I doubt all of this but they will migrate from somewhere.

May

2008-05-31T09:55:00.003-06:00

I admit to being horrible at this blog thing.

It has been a month and a lot has happened.

I finished my first semester of school. Cale graduated preschool. We planted a vegetable garden. Maya is starting a dance/gymnastics class next week. Aden doesn't really believe that sleep is necessary but he does believe that milk and gummy bears are. Sadie has bitten at least 500 people. Ruby has dug a hole under bush (probably one of the great accomplishments of her life).

This morning just about the biggest bee I have ever seen is flying around the garage. Cale is scared to death but Maya said it is her friend bee. Maya also made friends with a rather large snake we saw.

A lot of outside time.

Next weekend we are taking all the kids camping. We want to see if Aden is ready for it.