The California King Family

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Hurricane Katrina Survivors

On Sunday, August 28, our family was sent to a shelter on Keesler AFB near the Mississippi coast due to the approaching Hurricane Katrina. Although we didn't feel much of the hurricane's impact in the large building, we were pretty miserable sleeping on the tile floor in a small room with 10 other people. There was moisture everywhere and the heat made the building a sauna. We had water, but no showers. The shelter was getting dirty and people were getting sick, including Ammon. At our first opportunity we knew we had to take off. They finally let us go on Thursday, September 1, with the understanding that it was at our own risk. There were rumors that all the roads were closed and there was no gas within 8 hours of driving. Fortunately, we discovered that they were not true and we were able to get out of the area. The sights we saw as we drove out of Biloxi were heartbreaking. We had to take a detour to Florida to get gas and after 20 hours of driving, we finally made it back to Kansas. We never thought we would be so happy to be in Kansas, but we were so ecstatic. Lona and I would like to thank all of those who sent us their prayers. We feel extremely blessed to be home safe and sound.

Ammon and Lona try to get some rest in the shelter.

Nathan and Ammon stand in front of our shelter. The debris around us is from the shelter roof.

A scene from a parking lot near the shelter.

Despite the uncomfortable conditions, Ammon refused to let him down. Notice the defiant face and the "I Rule" on the blanket.

Ammon was so happy to get out of the shelter and back home to his throne.

Grandma King came to help mom and dad recover and spend time with Ammon

An Angel Sleeping

Friday, August 26, 2005

Ammon Watch 2005

The results of the two month check-up are in - 11 lbs 5 oz, 23 inches, and a mild case of pink eye. He is on antibiotics and is doing fine. His eye already looks much better. Ammon is starting to smile more often and has even giggled a few times in his sleep. A sure fire way to make him smile is to introduce him to a pretty girl. He is a big flirt just like his daddy was.

Ammon loves kicking back on his mommy's lap

This picture is from Ammon's first smiling session. We caught several smiling shots, but we love this one the best.

Daddy and Ammon are ready for church.

The outfit says it all. This is one cuddly boy.

This is a picture taken at an old plantation in Louisiana. It was a hot humid day, but Ammon braved it like a champ.

Ammon - A heartbreaker in the making.

Friday, August 12, 2005

Ammon The World Traveler

Ammon sure knows how to get around. In his first 6 weeks of life, Ammon has traveled through 7 different states and has stayed the night in 6 of those. We took him to Arizona and enjoyed sharing him with all of our friends and family. Currently, our family is in Biloxi, Mississippi where Nathan is going through a 10 week finance training at Keesler AFB. Ammon has become a very active 7 week old who can be a handful, but how can we not love something so cute! He is now weighing in at just over 9 lbs, but since he wants to eat 24 hours a day, we are suspecting that he will top 11 lbs by the end of August.

Ammon dressed in his special baby blessing outfit.

We were so happy to be able to share our joy with our family and friends, especially to be able to bless him with so many of our loved ones present.

Ammon knows how to pull his moms heart strings.

Traveling takes a lot out of ya, just ask Ammon.

Resting at home before the trip to Mississippi.

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

The Latest and Greatest

Ammon lost about 12 ounces after his birth and mommy was a little worried, but thanks to a lot of good eatin', Ammon gained 11 ounces in four days this past week to tip the scales at 6 pounds 7 ounces.

The future is so bright, he has to wear shades.

Ammon doing his favorite thing...sleeping after the feast.

Uncle Collin loves to be close to his first nephew.

Friday, July 01, 2005

More Pictures of Our Little Angel

Both Ammon and Lona are doing well. Ammon had his first appointment with our pediatrician yesterday and everything looked great. We appreciate all of the comments and calls that we have received from our wonderful family and friends. We feel truly blessed and are loving our lives as parents.

Ammon sleeping in his mother's arms. I took the picture and changed the colors a bit on the computer.