In my previous post I wrote about how our forty years is tied to our family and did a montage of photos for each of my first three children, all daughters. Continuing is a collection of photos about our two boys, Seth and Solomon, who came to our family in March 1987 and March 1989.
I was working on my PhD at Arizona State University (which I never completed) when Seth decided to come into our world in March 1987. At that time the three girls were seven, six and four and a half. It was a new experience for us as we actually had children old enough to appreciate the newborn young boy and even, in some respects, assist us with him.
SETH DAVID
Three sisters started adoring on their little brother Seth almost immediately
Baby Seth was a cutie with red hair that he soon lost.
When Seth was about 5 months old, the family was on its way to Oita, Japan, where we would live from 1987 to late 1991. So, for most of Seth’s early years he was watching Japanese television and getting the Japanese experience (as were the three girls, who made their way into Japanese public schools, learned the language and the culture, etc.)
Shortly after arriving in Japan, Marissa helped Julianne with Seth
It was easier to carry Seth on our back everywhere we went
Seth’s favorite bath place was on our balcony overlooking the Oita River.
And he liked the beach to. This was in Saga-no-Seki, Japan
Like the other kids, Seth was pulled into Japanese ads. He was in a number of them as a blonde baby boy.
Another shot for a different ad in Japan
Japan had a major influence on Seth
Marissa and Seth were captains of a ship in Beppu (at least for a few minutes)
Seth prized his Mickey Mouse wizard doll when in Japan
Finally back in the United States in 1992, Seth was able to get established in American schools and did well.
Seth visiting the Grand Canyon shortly after getting back to the U.S.
Visiting Sunset Crater National Monument near Flagstaff in 1992
Seth became a Jamestown settler for a while in Jamestown settlement Virginia in 1993
Hanging with his sister Amaree in 1992 (celebrating our 13th Anniversary)
Looking dapper in 1994
Seth in elementary school in Nicholasville, KY
Seth the high schooler
We visited a “bodily function” exhibit in St. Louis. Chelsea and Seth seemed to enjoy the Poo to You display
The Giant kid with the Jolly Green Giant in 2004. He accompanied Amaree to Great Falls, Montana when she moved there after graduation from UK
Seth as a football player at Lafayette
Shortly before graduating high school, Seth obtained his Eagle Scout. A proud moment.
Seth at Lafayette High School Graduation
Seth served an LDS mission in Salt Lake City
Seth and Holly Wedding Day in December 2009
Seth was so popular that they named a town after him in West Virginia
SOLOMON JOSEPH
Julianne and Sol in 1989 shortly after he was born. This was in Oita, Japan
We were already living in Japan when Solomon decided to join our family. According to Julianne, he was her easiest birth. And, almost instantly he was a hit in Oita. Not many “gaijin” children were born in that part of Japan. So, it was great news for all of us and for many of our Japanese friends.
Solomon had long, fun curly hair
He always had a smile on his face (or so it seemed)
Seth and Solomon pretty much grew up together and were pretty much inseparable until about high school days…
Got a nice shot of Marissa and Solomon at a Japanese cafe around 1991
One of our favorite pics of the two boys together.
Solomon had his favorite toys too. This was at his grandmother’s house in Mesa, AZ
Amaree and Solomon together at some event. That’s Chelsea in the background
Watching the horse events at the Kentucky Horse Park
Solomon and Seth looking nice in their ties
Fishing with Grandpa Bateman in Utah in 1997
Some of the kids, including Solomon at Bowlin’s Akela Flats in southeastern New Mexico December 1999
Seth and Solomon with Marissa in Chicago, just a couple of weeks before she was married
Solomon was always playful
Solomon and Seth giving “Aunt Beula” a kiss after a Trailer Park Troubadours concert
Seth and Solomon were mentored in many ways by University of Kentucky (and later pro) football player Aaron Boone
Solomon really liked hanging out with my friend, former Steppenwolf and Trailer Park Troubadours guitarist Bobby Cochran
Solomon as a football player at Lafayette. As a Senior in 2006 he was named All-City.
Solomon was a tough wrestler as a sophomore. He ended up going to state
Solomon at his Eagle Court of Honor
Both Seth and Solomon were linemen for Lafayette High School’s Generals
Solomon graduation from High School with his lovely mother
Ha! They named a town after Solomon too!
Soon after graduation Solomon made his way to Colorado to work in the Medical Marijuana industry. He has become an expert in growing and prepping medical grade cannabis and is now in Kentucky working on a large hemp facility.
Solomon shows off the Cannabis Cup that he helped his company win in Colorado. He still works with Todd (in the left) growing hemp in Kentucky
We have certainly been blessed with a wonderful family of five children. Tomorrow, I’ll talk about the expansion of our family…our ten wonderful grandchildren. These have extended the joy we have as we approach our 40th anniversary in a few days.
Solomon with Mom and Dad in 2017