Watson/Warren Brookfield Zoo Get Away

This past weekend was the first of hopefully many Watson / Warren Family Get-Aways.  This past weekend my cousin's family and ours took a little trip to the Chicago area and spent a night in a hotel and then visited the Brookfield Zoo.  It was a wonderful weekend.  

There are a lot of "firsts" for our family to report.  First, it was our first little get-away with Maddison where I can honestly say NOBODY would have ever guessed or known what that little girl of ours has been through.  And, I think it was the first time that both Jeff & I did not feel compelled to have to share a little bit of her history.  We can't figure out why, but for some reason everytime we go somewhere or start talking to people, her heart somehow comes up.  Part of it I think is the motherly / fatherly instinct of protecting her kicking in, as it always makes people take a little step back, hence, the germ thing is much more controlled, and another part of me thinks we are just so appreciative of all God has provided us and all the miracles He has worked, and we want to share that with others.  Anyways, this weekend we were a "normal" family, on a family outing to the Zoo, and to the eyes of all those around us, it was nothing more, nothing less.  

To us however it was amazement.  It was yet another one of those moments that most people don't think twice about (not for any other reason than they just don't have to) and here we were taking in every little moment.  

Saturday evening Maddie WENT SWIMMING!!!!  At first, she wasn't so sure, but when she got into Mommy's arms (just as she finally warmed up) she began to really like it.  She was all smiles!  Devin especially was so proud of her.  He is such a wonderful big brother to her.  I know as she gets older she will certainly be protected by him. 

Maddie w/ David Swimming Chillin on the Side of the Pool

The Whole Gang in the Pool, Less Daddy, the Photographer

Devin w/ Cousin David, Getting His Hair Pulled.  He never minds!

Our Jacob...Being Jacob!

Sunday we visited the Brookfield Zoo.  It was nice to visit a different zoo.  They had some great exhibit buildings and we saw a Dolphin Show that Maddie was very inthralled with.  

The Kids!

Can You Envision this Weekend Yet??

Daddy w/ His Boys!  

Nicole & Cousin Michael w/ the Kiddies!

Maddie also got to go on her first CAROUSAL RIDE!  She wasn't hesitant at all, and was smiles again from ear to ear.  If you haven't picked up on this yet, Maddie ALWAYS seems to be smiles!!  

Mommy & Maddie 

Loving the Carousal 

Jacob & Nina (the kids' cousin) had a blast together and got into more trouble than you can ever think possible!  Just full of mischief for sure, probably a payback from my childhood I guess. But wow...they sure keep Mommies & Daddies on our toes!!  

We are truly fortunate to have such wonderful family to share times and make memories with!  

Enjoy the photos!  

Best Brothers!!!

Live. Laugh. Love....ALWAYS!!!

Love,

The Watson's

Jeff, Nicole, Devin, Jacob, & Maddie

Go Brewers Go!

July 16th, 2008...Maddie's first baseball game at Miller Park.  She was so observant of everything going on, and enjoyed, as she always does, the company of her two big brothers, Devin & Jacob!  

Maddie just couldn't get enough of everything going on.  

Devin is really exploring sports now, and is really into them.  He loved being at the game, and talking to all the fans around him about stats, players, etc.  He puts me to shame for sure!

Jacob got lucky once again and got to take home a baseball from the game!  I think he's off to a pretty good collection!!

Not directly related to the game last night, but still baseball related, are my boys who are off to a great season of Little League.  Look at this catcher!  Any recruits looking???  

And then we have Jacob...batting average over 500 I think!  The offers I'm sure will be storming in!

Both of those photos are courtesy of my father-in-law and his clever camera skills.  Thanks.

Here's to some wonderful summer days ahead!!

Love,

The Watson Family

"Living. Loving. Laughing."

Mischief Maddie!

Well, today is a good day to share a little bit of my little girl and the mischief she manages to get herself in to!!!  Now, don't get me wrong.  This was just another "incident" that made me laugh and yet another happening that brought the biggest smile to my face in appreciation of being her and how far she has come in life already!  Another thing to sit back and just enjoy our children!  

Okay...ready...

Yup...this sure looked fun for her.  POWDERED SUGAR!!!  

NOW, I REALLY WAS THE ONE WHO LEFT THE CABINET OPEN, SO I GUESS I AM THE ONE TO BLAME FOR THE FUN SHE GOT HERSELF IN TO!

IT REALLY WAS ALL TOO CUTE THOUGH, AND SO WORTH THE MESS!!!

Soon after she enjoyed indulging into the powdered sugar, she helped me by rearranging my tupperware drawer.  Thanks Maddie!!!  The smile, or rather, expression, says it all!

Everything else has been great.  Devin had his first baseball game last week.  Check out my little stud!

Devin had a great first game and did really well.  We are so very proud of him.  To support him, brother Jacob & little sister Maddie were there to cheer him on!!

That's it at the Watson's Household.  Maddie continues to do well and we continue to be thankful each and every day for the countless blessings God has granted us with our three amazing children!!

Don't forget to Live. Laugh. Love....each & every day!!

The Watson Family