just because I haven't put any pictures up lately..

Here we are at a great swimming place close to our town. Jesse is in the water with Bella - our friends' little girl. Beautiful water!!




This is pretty much the expression on Elijah's face all the time! Such joy!

My Mother's Day

For Mother's Day, Jesse gave me the day to do whatever I wanted. He watched the boys (and my girlfriend Mandy's 3yr old daughter so that us moms could hang out). What a man! It was glorious...we jumped in our car at 7am and took off. Garage sales, shopping, Starbuck's, delicious Thai lunch, more shopping, movie, another Starbucks treat (wired by now).....thanks my love! (sorry girls, none of my purchases are shown!)

some shots....of course at the beach!

why i love hawaii

late afternoon at a beach and a river that flows into the ocean. close to our house.

Elijah can't get enough of his big brother

"My big Muscles"

Micah asked me to pray for his muscles last night during my prayer to God to make him feel better!

I can't believe it has been a month already!!

Here are some pictures from our BBQ at a close beach park. It was great....whales jumping, music playing, food eating (!)...

(the russian tourist is sad he lost his hat!)

i LOVE my boys

I am so in love with all of my boys! I have so much. So so much. Period.

micah, kellie, and .........GREEN GRASS!!

so, I played football with micah today on our "lawn". as you can see in the picture story, it was a labor of (jesse's) love and took a lot of time. but, even as I broke my flip flop running around, I was happy to be barefoot on our grass!funny what i took for granted in previous homes!!
(the other pics are micah running down our property to pick some flowers (for me)....melts me!)

Kite Days

We flew kites at our place on Christmas day (and everyday since!). Jesse's dad gave him this great fighter kite that is a lot of fun to fly.

Some of our Christmas

photogenic family?

look at each of our faces!



p.s. that's a back brace that Kellie is wearing.

visiting family

here's the visit in a slideshow... much easier than picking out the best!

hunting boys in their hunting pants

micah and noah out looking for pigs on our property:



hiding from the pigs...







this is when a ladybug flew down micah's "hunting pants"

...because i haven't blogged in a while...

hairplugs to toupee

our grass plugs are spreading!!! its a long process....
don't take your nice green lawns for granted!

(the BEFORE pictures)


the AFTER picture is probably a few months away still!

Elijah photo update....for mom!

Here mom.....buddha baby in stripes! Oh, and he found his fingers, but I am trying to curb that habit!!

family hike in "our" backyard to fish a little

couldn't resist

rager at the acostas!!

so, what mother of two lil' ones living in a 500sq.ft. home that is surrounded by dirt invites over 20 people over the night before? not me...but my HUSBAND does!! BUT.....it was a good idea - we had a really great time! We have met some really quality people out here and at the last minute invited some of them over for a little hike to the water to show the young boys some fishing and then a BBQ. We wanted everyone that we ended up talking to that day to come....so we ended up with about 23 people. we had no great green lawn to offer, a big entertaining room with lots of seating, or even a bathroom door (!!!!) , but this is Hawaii and it didn't really matter! so great!
You'll see David, who came with his beautiful wife, Mahealani, and two boys just jumped right in and fixed our door in the kitchen which had been inoperative since we moved in! WHAT A HUGE BLESSING! The rest of the day was down to the water from our house with the boys and then lots of laughing, chatting, and eating.....oh and meltdowns of the young ones as the night carried on.

"oohhh....fire burned my nipple!!"

Our daily lives in Kohala:
There are a lot of things that I am really loving about it here. Here are just 3 shots of some things that we do here. Jesse meets us at the pool after work and Micah jumps and swims (still learning) to mom or dad. THen micah rides the motorcycle home (all back gravel roads) with jesse; they usually pck some fruit somewhere on their way home). Tonight they picked breadfruit which is what jesse was cooking in the fire. A spark flew out and micah shouted: "oohhh....fire burned my nipple!!"



Here is a shot of the "before" picture of one project that I hope will be done relatively soon - GRASSY LAWN!!! Jesse weeded the whole front and found some pieces of sod (chunks of grass) on the side of the road which we have been watering and bringing back to life! (the green in the right corner) Next step is to plant it all around in grids and hope it will spread. Kellie might have to sing and dance around each plug, but we have faith!

"pow pow water" and undies

Micah LOVES "pow pow water" aka seltzer water (the bubbles go "pow" ...get it?). And, he is pretty much potty trained (woohoo!) - hence mom thinking he is so cute in his first undies! So, mom had to share these - the photos pretty much characterize micah well. He still sucks on his two fingers; loves his water (especially out of the can); always calls dad on the phone and has a conversation (make believe); and is a "big boy" now!

Brothers

Here are the boys and Eli's double chin (it is actually a lot bigger in person!)

"Go to work with Daddy" Day

Jesse had to get some seeds from drought tolerant plants for fire breaks for his job. So, he came to our land (since we are basically in a dry period) and "worked". SO, we tagged along. The land in the pictures is the property adjacent to ours - a 5 minute walk from our house.

tresspassing livestock!

I thought it funny that I wasn't really surprised to find a bunch of cows right out my kitchen window. Guess I have adjusted to rural living! Had they not seen me, I think the cows may have gone for the pool water!! And no, we don't have cows...they traveled over from across the gulch!

This is how dad helps with the laundry and dirty kids!

For Annie

So, our dear friend, Annie (see "Hock Family" link) said:
"So, Kellie, I love Micah and I think he's the cutest kid and all....but, I want to see pictures of Elijah already!"
Here you go.

Some highlights from the past few weeks....

Just thought I would add some pictures of life "on the farm!" Notice: Jesse's snazzy attire with a machete and beer in hand; Elijah's old man look ("Where are my teeth?!?); family ride on the motorcycle on our property; Micah on the skateboard in the mud (what? naked, again?!?!?); Micah in clothes!!!!; Kellie's 31st birthday (Micah is the one that reminded us to "do a candle and sing"; mema time, Micah and best bud Noah watching a tractor movie while the adults partied with great food hunted by Jesse and friends; etc. Fun times. Everyday times.

Mom won't stop!.......

So, my mom is here...and as I said before, she came on a white horse to save the day! She has been busy cooking, cleaning, and up to her usual busy self...projects, projects, projects! And, BOY do we have projects here!!! First she killed 19 centipedes (YIKES!!!! i would've run the other way). That's her chopping them up with the shovel! Then she planted a hibiscus with Micah. Bubbles with Micah, pulling weeds, showering Micah (and all his mud) off, taking pictures....painting, cleaning windows, etc. And the list goes on! While we were inside visiting with a friend, we noticed Micah was quiet. When we looked outside, we found him on his skateboard - just sittin' there (see pictures below)!! (And here are a few pics mixed in of the fam) Oh - and notice Micah teaching ELijah "shaka"!!

Mom came ....on a white horse!

....and Micah tried to nurse!

The Name Game

We had been thinking about a name for the little guy for months now. WE have even been praying that God would name him (see scripture card below). So, then he came (and early at that) with still no name picked out. In the midst of Jesse and I discussing our list of names and me asking God to name him, Micah pulled this book off of our shelf. He has never read one of these series or brought one to us. But, he came to daddy and asked to read one particular one - vol 5. Jesse opened to the first story and this is what we found!











His name is Elijah.

Labor Day

Drive to Hospital



Skip the excruciating and uuhh...exciting details of getting him out....and....

36 or so weeks along....

What??? No ladder anymore?

The long awaited stairs are here? It only took 30lbs on my belly and a couple weeks before baby #2 to come to make it happen!

john deere

Someone at Jesse's work was getting rid of this electric tractor! Micah was loving it. When it got to the wood plank that it would not go over, he said "it not working!" We have a great spot here for him...and me :) I am enjoying a lot about our little living environment here on this rock!

backtrack to CA

So, although we had to deal with lots of sicknesses (stomach flu, eye infections, colds....we must have a weakened immune system after living on this rock!) we managed to fit in some great times with family in California. I am so sorry to my good friends that I didn't get to contact while we were there. It was a amazingly fast trip...way too short, but I wanted to get home to have the baby here in Hawaii. I will have to post a picture of me and my belly so that everyone can understand while flying even at 34 weeks made people nervous (with the size that I am!!)

Anyhow, here are a few shots of Micah's first Padres game.





getting peanuts from papa

back on the "farm"...

I know...kinda cheesy. But, to be totally honest, Micah was dressed first and Jesse came down half dressed like him and I thought it would be cute to go all the way! It was Father's Day! OH! AND NOTICE THE FRONT DOOR!!!! OUR LATEST ADDITION! YEA!!!!!
(more and more luxurious living out here!)

Micah keeps busy hammering nails into the porch!

Some shots from CA. wedding time

rehearsal - a quick view of the belly at 32 or so weeks

DON'T GIVE UP ON ME!!! More coming very soon!

We have been in CA for my lil' sister's wedding since middle of May and I am about to load of some photos of our entire stay. It has been great and we are sad that it is coming to an end! Stay tuned!!
Here is the blushing bride and her new husband......announcing Nicki and Eric Appel!!

CA buddies marsha and ian....

Our great friends from santa barbara came out to stay with us the past 5 days.
-just wanted to show some highlights of all the fun we have been having out here. you TOO could have this much fun!!!



Ian trying to stay out of the sun wearing marsha's cute lil' beach cover up!

Grand sushi dinner in our town.




(at a friend's house - see the belly in the back? can you miss it?)

A night at the Ranch

We just went to a big party at a local (and famous) ranch - owned by cal poly grads i might add! I had to put some pictures up of Micah in his cowboy boots, his greatest entertainment (eating ice out of the cooler), and of course the all-too common 350lb pig sitting in the middle of the room!

"motorcycle away"

Everyday Micah waits for Jesse to come home so that they can put "motorcycle [a]way"!!! How cute are these guys. Micah LOVES motorcycles right now!

Moments with Micah....here Mema:

finally moved back into our home...

so, we had to move out of place so that we could FINALLY get our floors sanded and finished. many of you have asked for some new pictures of the house. so, here are a few.
the new floors!





upstairs loft



the dangerous scale downstairs. micah will be a serious climber as an adult...i am sure of it!

my baby lovin' on my baby

Calling all parents of boys!!!

So, we just found out that this next little one in the oven is XY. Although I am so grateful for this child, I have to say I was really hoping for an XX species (!). Pregnancies are so rough for me that we were possibly going to be done after this one. BUT...the thought of chasing around boys makes me tired! If you have two or more boys (or have insights from observing such dynamics), please tell me what I have to look forward to!

Smokey has a job!

Woohoo!!!!!!!! Jesse was offered the two jobs he interviewed for! We are so grateful. They even moved the location of one the jobs to Waimea - a town 40minutes away- from the original location 2hours away! It is not easy finding jobs out here! So, his title is "Fire Supression Coordinator." More info on what all that title entails once he starts! It seems like a great position.

thumper?

Okay....I had to write about this real quick. Last night Jes and I were sitting around when we heard this thumping noise happening every 20 seconds or so. I at first was afraid that someone was breaking into all the tools we have in the work area outside. (But we are so far out, who would really come out for that?!?) Jesse thought that Micah was moving around in his crib. (But what kid can move his whole crib forward and backward 6 inches to get a loud "thump" out of it?)
Then Jesse called me outside. It turned out to be WHALES slapping their fins and tails on the water. Because of the full moon, we could see the splashes. We pulled our chairs out onto the roof and sat there listening. That was cool :)

just washing dishes...minding my own business

and this is what i see from my kitchen window (granted...i got the binoculars!) wow! it was pretty cool - a magnificent sight for sure! (and no, this is not the exact shot - i was looking from land to water - no buildings out there! i didn't want to get a camera and miss it!)

Explanation

Guess I needed to explain the belly shot! Yes, I (kellie) am pregnant. 17weeks. I had a really rough time with extreme nausea - hence the 2 month stay in CA. with my mom (I had 2 nurses and my dad taking care of me and Micah!...the nurses were my mom and sister!) But, I have been on medication which kept me out of the hospital. I think that it is getting better - this will be day 2 of being off the medicine and functioning pretty well. We kept it on the "DL" because of the last pregnancy when we lost the baby. It seemed easier that way. Anyhow, now I feel pretty confident and grateful for this little one - even though I am not a fan of being pregnant!!!

proof of a house....and latest hawaii days

Here are some shots of what we have been up to since we arrived back with Jesse. sorry, but all of the house progress photos are at the end of the slideshow. no, i did not do this on purpose so that you could see all the cute pics of micah, but it is late and i don't care to rearrange all of them!

HOUSE: so, there is a lot to be done, but jesse has worked really hard on so much. i wish i could show some of the details in the pictures, but you'll get the idea. so far it is a totally liveable place. we are just waiting to get the hot water going, a front door, flooring sanded/finished, railing on the loft, and stairs to the loft - those are the biggies. other than that everything is just cosmetic! so, a lot to do, but have the grand beginnings of our first home!

Back in the game!

Ok! Well, here is the latest. Micah and I (kellie) are back in hawaii with jesse. woohoo!! we just got the internet hooked up today. we do not have electricity in our house (which makes having internet worthless) BUT...we do have a generator. SO....when the generator is running, I will update this page.

we have a lot to share.....
-latest house pictures
-latest news about a pregnancy
-recovery of over two months of home health care for kellie
-and of course, cute micah documentation!

but because today is jesse's birthday, we are off to a BBQ and I will do all of that later!

just wanted to let you faithful onlookers that we are not gone!

i know....boring blog...need something new!

well, things have been a bit abnormal in our lives lately and there is not much to write about. i (kellie) and micah are still in san diego....7 weeks away from jesse so far. it has been too long! but, the circumstances prove this necessary. we will get to be with jes on Wednesday, so i am so excited about that! but our time here has been so incredibly blessed by my family taking care of us. the thought of leaving is really saddening.

while down here in san diego, i have been able to see a few good friends, one of which has micah's girlfriend, leia! here are some photos of micah putting the moves (and i really do not know where he learned them) on leia. he would literally pull her in and try to kiss her and tell her to sit next to him only so that he could put his arm around her!

Christmas Fun

Here are a few shots of the family together. I am so thankful for my family. WE are missing a sister and brother, but we'll take what we can get! Oh and yes, I did chop my hair!

Headed back East

east? what? i have always lived as far west as possible....going east meant to japan! anyhow, we have traveled east back to california to be with family for the holidys. unfortunately,jesse is back in hawaii working hard to finish the house so that we have a place to live in when we get back. at this point he will not be joining us for Christmas - so sad - so if you think about him alone on Christmas, give him a call!
I know I seem like a terrible wife to leave him, but I have been really sick and needing help (to take care of both Micah and myslef!) SO, this was the best solution.

Anyhow, here are some shots of our sister and mom times in San Francisco...






In this picture, Micah was told that he could not touch the ornaments, so he just stared at them...fighting temptations!

Warrior

Micah seems to be feeling more a part of the land lately. This was not staged (okay, the loin cloth was added for modesty after the fact.)

Mission: House

We have three friends from SLO that have come to help! Praise the Lord...Hallelujah!!! George, Katie, and Nate are busting their butts to help us out. We do not deserve this! (But, boy am I glad!)
Jesse;s buddy from college, Kevin also came out here to help and has spent most of his time under the house (eegad!)....oh and also wrangling up loose cattle!







Micah helped out as well!

Finally the mullet is GONE!

Yes, we cut Micah's hair. He is officially a little boy...no more a baby!

Beach Day for the Boys

Jesse and our good friend, Olivier, took the boys (micah and Noah) on a boat ride to this beautiful beach

Notice the nudist and his mullet(!), Olivier diving in blue water, and the gift of living in Hawaii - turquoise warm water!

Micah the Great

This went on for about at hour!

like i said...the rain is upon us!

and so is all of the mud from the rain!

Deutsche Boy!

Jesse and I played the music at this Harvest Festival. We didn't know what to expect. But when we showed up, all the kids were dressed up...except Micah. So, I ran home and put on his lederhosen (which every mom has in their closet for their son, right?!) We laughed at the perfect image he had as a lil' german boy.

Jesse here just want to say I must be one of the most blessed people on earth

Rainbows in Hawaii...and our pot of gold!

Things seem dramatic here. This includes the rainbows. I have seen the most incredible ones since living here. Doubles, Triples, perfect arches that complete about 280 degrees about a circle....but this was one of the best because the pot of gold was our little home!

Oh My Goodness!!

So, I am blown away. I have friends out there!! You know we are in a place that seems like ...well....a remote island (!) ...I mean we were living without electricity and plumbing...the only grocery store closes at 1pm on Sundays....it costs $3 to send one fax at the local mail store which is only open when they feel like it....AND I have one girlfriend here! So, I was so encouraged to see all the comments from people special in our lives (and their families!...of which I have also been a "lurker"!!!). I am definitely spurred on to continue sharing our lives. And when we see each other it will seem like we've been (well those of you that also have blogs) right there along the way!
By the way...I have added more blogs to my list of those friends that I now know have one!


Thanks you guys!!

All for Mom's Joy (facade or not)

So, I have been thinking about this whole blogging thing. Granted, my blogging purely consists of adding pictures, which I am a little disappointed in myself about. I thought for sure that when I moved away from all of my good friends and family that I would have to use this blog as a tool for processing thoughts and feelings...my virtual listener across the table in Linneas's coffee perk! But, needless to say, I haven't written anything the least bit thought provoking. I was even thinking about my pictures and who it is that sees them. I mean, is anyone really interested in our lives. I know my good friend Shannon looks at the blog. I have to always remind my family. So, all the pictures that I get excited to put up are for Shannon and my own joy (the perhaps unrealistic notion that all the others out there will also see how cute my lil' family is and what we are up to!!)

Starfruit Buddies

Micah's best buddy his age, Noah, and he were hangin' out chowing on some starfruit - one of Micah's favorites.

Rain Boots

So, I just thought that he was too cute and couldn't decide which pictures to put up. So, here is a slew of them! The rain is upon us and Micah was put with his new red rain boots. Dad was power washing (that's right...in between the rains!!) which explains the ear covers (what's the right term?).

micah's own language

The Chronicles of Erecting our House

How awesome is that sky?!

B...b...b...a..a...a..a.................lllllll

BALL!!! Micah's favorite toy. Here is Micah getting so excited to play with the Basketball. It is a series of him getting the word "ball" out.

Kohala Fair

Our area has an annual county fair (food, entertainment, games, crafts, pumpkins, etc.)
It is a funny picture of the demographics of the area. The first half is full of food booths from Hawaiian food, Thai, Philipino, and more Hawaiian (pork wrapped in leaves, mac salad, poi, pupus (appetizers) other meats, etc.). The second half is hippy stuff: vegan options (cashew and carrot spread, taro burgers), organic juice and veggie spreads, etc. and tie-dye clothes, Reggae colors, and haolie craft booths with Hawaiian novelties. But the entertainment was genuine hula and ukelele performers. We don't know quite where we fit in, but we enjoy bits of it all!! It was a great day and I am happy that something so sweet happens every year. Next year Micah will be on the playhouse, the climbing wall, the train, etc.!

More Annie and Seth

Great White Hunters

Our great friends, Annie and Seth, were here this past week. Woohoo!!!! We had a great time, but it went too fast. Seth helped Jesse on the house, which was a HUGE help. Then they got some hunting and fishing in. (Our hunters and gatherers!) Here are a few shots of their kills!

As promised....

Here are some pictures of the progress of the house. Jes is working so hard all by himself! NOTICE: Windows are not yet cut out of the plywood. They are framed in in the walls behind the plywood. So, this will not be one dark box!! In fact, Jesse has put in a lot of BIG windows!

Stars aligning and God's provisions...

So, we sometimes have a functioning computer and internet connection. It happens to be that right now our internet is working, but I have no new photos of the house to put up! BUT....there will be some tomorrow if all the stars align!

I thought I would write a little right now. So, we have been busy almost every night of the week. This shows that we are making friends and building a social life. Woohoo!! I have found a couple great friends that love the Lord - a request that I had asked for upon making the big move out here. Then, since living here God has provided a place for us to stay while we are building our lil' home. (It's been over 3months.) Without having an income while Jesse is building the house, these free places to stay have been such a blessing. And on top of just a place, we have been living among great and fun people.

So, until more pictures come, here is a testimony to God keeping us in His hands and taking care of us!

Oahu

So, some good friends, Shannon and Derek Paulo, came out to visit and we met up with them on Oahu. Unfortunately I don't have many pictures because I was sick in the hotel room for the majority of the time. However, here are two from our surf day at Waikiki. Boy was I happy to come home to MUCH LESS POPULATED beautiful beaches and town!

Cuties...

Micah on the potty! This was his second experience on the pot, not sure if he is really into it just yet! But, he looks happy here!

Slowly, but surely...

that is....the timing of my updates. However, i realised that such is the case of our house building as well! Jesse is busily working away at building our little home. I have to say it is quite exciting and special doing this adventure together! We are so greatful for what God has given us.
So, here is some of the progress.The final picture is looking from our porch (which will most likely be the kitchen) out. The plan is to have a nice lawn all around the house.

Our first home....that we (jesse) built!

First stages...

So, until we can get the money and man power to build our bigger house, we decided to build a little cottage (scrap the whole bus idea). Yes, it looks a lot bigger than a "lil' cottage".....but that is because the walls are 10ft. high (standard) but on top of the floor which is raised - typical here in Hawaii for airflow (and the plumbers like you "mo betta"). This will be for all of you friends and family visiting..the guest ohana!

finally...a family photo..

Micah's first steps!

So, our good friends, the Paulo's, are visiting and for the past couple days have stayed at this fancy resort for a conference. Micah decided to take his first steps on carpet (we are still in a bus on dirt!) - who can blame him! So, here it is family....you are so far away, but you get to see his first steps!

why we haven't posted in a while...

We just wanted to let you know that we lost the baby a couple weeks ago. Most of you already know and have been such an amazing support. We are so grateful for friends and family like you. Time has past and we are doing great now. The Lord has been such a source of peace and comfort.

.....and yes....it is here!

MY STROLLER!......and all of our stuff! Some casualties that I have noticed so far are the big plastic tupperware containers (smashed a bit), but the stroller is FINE!! :)


...and no, this outfit match was not planned! how cute!!!

The container has arrived!

So, finally the container and ALL of our stuff has arrived! I'd like to say that I have been fine with what we have, but really, I miss a lot of things! First, I cannot wait to get the stroller!! Micah is getting heavy, I am less sick, and my legs are ready for more movement! SOme books and pictures will be nice to have as well. THanks to my good friend SHannon, I am overly supplied with cute clothes - the cows are the only audience, but hey...still feels good to wear something other than the same 2 pairs of shorts and 2 skirts (what I packed on the plane that is cool enough to wear!) thanks again shannon!
Here is the "ceremonial opening" of the container. We are hoping things are not all broken inside.....stay tuned....

this next one was one of the scariest moments of my life....we didn't get it on camera, but he was pretty much all the way under that 45,000lb container!

For shannon....

SO, the latest on the adventure: We rented a D4 bulldozer and jesse and sully (and a friend, peter) have been moving the earth! THey have graded two pads so far - one for the house, and one for a work barn. It is exciting to see some progress towards our house! I can't wait to have an indoor home!




BEFORE...


AFTER...



THen they started to build (create) a road in the gulch. Momma and Micah are standing by, watching, keeping the boys in line with their big toys!






And of course, nakie baby in hawaii! And micah with baby chicks and mema jenny.

We've landed!

our current bedroom/living space

SO, I have to apologize, the real blogging/picture adding is not really going to start until we get our own computer and camera set up. So, don't give up on us...keep checking back. Hopefullly by the middle of July we will have our goods set up. Until then, this will have to do!

So, we are here and kind of camping! We are adjusting -slowly. We are staying on family's property in a school bus, using an outhouse, a great outdoor shower, and a fully set up camp kitchen. It is a big change from my folks' home in san diego...an adventure for sure!

We have been swimming a lot in the ocean and the local swim pool. Micah loves the water and the sand. Kellie is meeting a few girls although they don't live right across the street as in SLO. Plus, Kellie's morning sickness (well, all-day/night nausea) is setting in, making it all that much harder. Prayers are appreciated!

Jesse started working with his dad and that is going well. The goal is still to get the photo business going. So, if you know anyone coming to Hawaii for a wedding.......!?!?!?


Micah and his coconut!

Step TWO: pack the container

So, one evening a load of guys (great friends of ours) packed the container like pros. We are so blessed to have friends like which makes it even harder to leave. Thanks guys!



This is a part of our kitchen that Jesse salvaged from a house being demolished. We practically won the lottery with this salvage job of Jesse's.

It's begun....Step One!

Well, this is not actually the first step since planning this whole move has been quite involved. (I'd say it can be likened to planning a wedding, except I really didn't care the color of the container!) So, here is our 40ft container/storage unit/.....playhouse for the kids??!! It was unloaded yesterday after Jesse spent from 10am-5pm (literally) digging a
hole/canyon in order for the tires of the chassie to fit into so that it could be level with the ramp into the barn where we have been storing a lot of stuff. (yes, stuff! stuff that better be worth shipping over! stuff that we can use to build a house...sinks, bath tubs, kitchen cabinets, etc. So, yes, the stuff is worth it!). Micah looked on from Jesse's red truck. let the adventure begin.....

Happy Birthday Micah!

It's Official.....we're off!! A bittersweet thing.

It is a bittersweet time for the acosta family! We are finally doing it! We are moving to Hawaii. It has been on our minds and hearts for a very long time (on Jesse's before we even got married) and now is the time. Our official "off of the mainland" date is June 20, 2007. It is going to be so hard leaving our home here in SLO (great friends and community).
More to come....just thought I would post this, since it is a sure date for us to move.

/

modesty like his dad's

two of mom's favorite men

just one morning....

dad takes me on a walk to get coffee many mornings. we just got back and i am ready for breakfast. great morning so far!

This goes out to my Texas fam....

GO LONGHORNS!!!!


I really miss all my cousins and uncle Corey and auntie Koren out there in Austin!

Just some cute moments with Micah!

More Moments of San Diego family Time

The starters of all this madness!!

Another new addition: Chloe!

Cousins: Blake and Kendall (just finishing their brews!)


Look at the drool on that kid!

McKenzie....a cutie and a great poser!

Couch sibings (and signigicant others) night out!

Mom and Dad sent us all out for a night our (without the kids)! We went to a really fun piano dueling bar and then dancing. It was great and so much being all together. Mom and dad had their hands full with 7 grandkids (most under the age of 1.5yrs) and dinner,baths, and bedtimes! Thanks mom and dad! It was a night to remember!

Family All Together!!!Micah finally got to meet all of the Couch family! All the cousins and aunties and uncle!

Mema and Papa with 5 of the 7 grandkids!

Crazy aunties!


Papa taking 6 grandkids to the park. Kellie had 1 on her back and in the stroller!

Torrie and auntie Michelle

Corey with 2 of his 4...only way to (or can) travel!

The Latest in Eyewear

So, Micah had an appointment with the optometrist. His pupils were dilated when we left, so we had to keep him out of the sun. I only had a stroller, so we had no choice but to walk home...hence the cool sunglasses! We got some smiles (...laughs) along our walk home! Thought we should share with you all! And, yes, he kept the glasses on the whole time!

just sittin' in my stripes!

Christmas Time Shots

Bad Pappa!!!!!

Christmas Photo Shoot (#1)!

I always have fun with dad!

Micah's photo shoot

I really love just kickin' it with my dad!

A picture essay of Micahs first attempt at solid food (avocado)!

interested....

hmmmm....I think I like this...

uhhh.....yuck! What did you put in my mouth, dad?

...decided to play with it instead!

what you lookin' at?

It's a bird......it's a plane...it's......MICAH!!!

Halloween Cuteness!!




Thanks mom for the cool costume!

Oktoberfest macht spass!While baby is down to stay, the parents will play! Prost!

Check out the hottie in the lederhosen! Yes, he is leading a sing-along and doing some traditional leather slappin'!

Family Love

Micah got baptized last weekend. It was a really neat and special moment. As parents, we were encouraged in our prayer lives for Micah and reminded of the amazing and wonderful responsibility we have as his parents and as examples. Family from all over came and mom and dad couch through a celebration party. Unfortunately both of the pro photographers in the family failed to take any pictures! We may have some coming, but in the mean time, here is one moment with Papa.

Some cousins...many more to meet!

Look at the drool Micah is nailing Nathaniel with! Here are Alexia and Lucas (about 8 months old here).

Imagine these boys in a few years....what trouble are they causing??!!

Some shots at the studio

Check out some shots we took for fun with Jethro at his studio in Santa Barbara: copy and paste this address in your URL bar ( or click on the Infocus Studio link to your right on this page!)
http://infocusstudio.smugmug.com/gallery/2023519/1/103697280

Fun moments at home!

It is rare to find Micah without his fingers in his mouth. Jesse has termed this his "anti-social fist" - can't see his smiles and reactions. Oh...and they are sights that bring lots of joy!

Finally.....Hawaii family gets to meet Micah!

Sweet baby blues!

Okay...so don't mind Kellie in those silly glasses (but, hey...they do the job! That is, the job of keeping out the sun from every direction and keeping up with fashion! -some may disagree!) Anyhow, SLO is great for short hikes close by. After this particular hike, Kellie's legs were so sore - from carrying the 13lb little peanut! You may realize that we have no pictures of family....yet! Family, come and visit! Micah needs you!

Circus Baby

We are pretty proud of our little guy!



...thanks to Curtis for the imovie help!

Taking after dad!

Micah loves hearing Dad read aloud.....something about the parents talking in their regular (deeper!) voices, we assume!

Madonna peak