Chip Lay

January 1, 2025

A New Season at the Bluff House

Chip Lay

January 1, 2025

I meant to write this earlier, but here we are at the close of the year, and I’m writing it now. I thought it would be good to document the beginning of a new season at the Bluff House.

Early this past fall, we went to the Bluff House, and we had some time there to ourselves. Chip and I decided to make the most of the time and do some much needed cleaning out! We packed up some of the baby furniture and cleaned out a lot of clutter, which Jimmy was kind to help us get rid of.

It is always a little sad to get rid of things, but it felt good to clear out some of the space, and make room for new things. The kids had mostly outgrown the tiny table! It was also fun to see how, in this new season of no more naps and no more diapers, that we could do some new things!

Marjorie spotted the blue Jeep in Granpda’s shelter, and asked several times if we could ride in it. I was happy to get it out, and we had so much fun riding around the pond and through the woods. She loved it, and it was fun to have time to do some adventuring that has always felt difficult in between prepping food and getting small people down for naps and bedtimes!

**Despite appearances (Don’t you love her hat?), Marjorie did not do the actual driving.**

The weather was perfect, and we had such a fun and productive weekend making way for new seasons of adventuring at the farm!

**Brigie found a really cute baby lizard.**

Here’s to a new season and lots more sweet memories to be made!

**I could almost cry, as I look at this photo and realize the time can almost be measured in minutes before my baby stands taller than the gates! (See the final photograph below for proof!)**

It has been 17 years since I entered these same gates for the last time as a single woman! Sometimes it seems closer to 17 minutes! Is it possible that in another 17 or so years, my “little ginger” in the previous photo will do the same, as she enters into a “new season” in her life?
**Thank You, Lord for all the new seasons you have given me, and for Chip, Vivi, Brigette, Ellie, and Marjorie who entered these seasons in my arms and by my side.**

Chip Lay

December 31, 2024

Christmas 2024 at the Farm

Chip Lay

December 31, 2024

Written by Brigette

Christmas at the farm is always so exciting. On our first full day, after breakfast, we all went over to the cabin to plant new, baby pine trees.

Marjorie found a huge snail , and he bit her. We put it in a jar and found some food and moss. Grandpa came back with the longleaf trees (he called them containerized longleaf seedlings), and showed us how to plant them. To plant a tree is very fun. All you have to do is wiggle the dibble (a metal tool used to make a hole in the ground) to make a hole to accommodate the seedling and root ball. Grandpa told us to never bury the baby tree too deep, as longleaf seedlings are particularly sensitive to planting depth, and he said that the tree must be packed in tight. We planted these to replace the old loblolly and shortleaf trees that recently died from forest insect pests.

**Grandpa with the dibble in his left hand, giving me instructions on proper planting techniques.**

After this demonstration, we each took turns with the dibble, and planted trees. We were all very proud of ourselves for planting 30 trees.

**My little sister Marjorie proudly holding three healthy longleaf seedlings as we prepared to plant them.**

**Vivi, with dibble in hand, helps Ellie and me with the planting.**

**Ellie, following Grandpa’s lead, packs the soil tightly to the newly planted seedling.**

**Ok, test time! Can you match the footwear to the participants? I learned to not wear my best tennis shoes for this labor intensive task.**

Thankfully we were blessed with a good soaking rain the night following our planting. Grandpa said this should ensure good survival for the seedlings.

Sadly it was time to let go of the snail (according to Marjorie: Bob). We found a hole in a tree and placed Bob there.

After lunch we went to look at Gran's house. It was fun to look at her old furniture and decorations. Gran had passed away, so we were allowed to “borrow” a couple things. My favorite part of the house is the pecan trees in her front yard.

The beginnings of our belated Christmas dinner with Grandpa’s family. Grandpa, following Mama’s request last year of a loblolly pine Christmas tree, surprised us this year with a longleaf pine! Note to Grandpa: Hands off the trees we planted, as they are NOT to be cut for Christmas trees!

That night was the annual Christmas dinner, and we had hamburgers, hot dogs, and chili for dinner. All of Daddy’s family, with the exception of Aunt Ashley and her family (who were on their after-Christmas vacation) were in attendance. We also celebrated Uncle Bill's birthday. It was fun getting to play with all the other kids.

**Grandpa got us all cool hiking sticks, canteens, and flashlights(for future adventures).**

We played for a while until it was dark, and people slowly dispersed.

**Marjorie strikes her “I am ready for a hike” pose!**

**Great Grandpa is 93 years old, but he was not the oldest in attendance. Our Great Great Uncles Bobby (age 94) and Billy (age 96!) were there also, and entertained us all with their stories**

My favorite thing we did though was with JEE JEE. After we ate the next morning, we all (Ellie, Marjorie, Jee Jee, and I) got our gear on (Vivi preferred to stay at the Bluff House and read). This included: one canteen and flashlight, rain boots (thankfully!), and new hiking sticks. All prepared, we climbed into the Kawasaki Mule (I got to drive) and embarked on our adventure!

We drove across the pond and stopped in the Dr. Seuss field (Vivi’s clever name for the longleaf stand east of the pond). We climbed out with a plan on where we should go. Ellie and Marjorie stopped at every mushroom they saw.

At this rate I thought we’d never get there. We wanted to find a stream, and could hear water nearby. Ellie and Marjorie picked up their pace.

We were almost there, when we saw a huge tree turned over. We stopped to take a couple pictures, and I managed to climb it. After a couple more steps, we found a small stream. It wasn’t where we had planned to hike, but we were determined to follow it. I told everyone to use their sticks to check for mucky holes. (we have had bad experiences with getting stuck in mud before—right, Aunt Ashley?).

As we walked farther , the stream broke off into more small waterways. We had fun wading through the pools of water. Before we knew it we were stuck in the middle of a huge, gross, muddy marsh.

A little ways off, Ellie spotted a large hill (dry). We all agreed that was our best chance of getting out. I helped every one get through the first quarter, by finding easy ways to cross. But then, we found a spot where Jee Jee's boots weren’t tall enough to cross. I told Ellie to wait with Marjorie until I could get to them. She agreed and, after a lot of tries and crossing different places, we made it to them.

We all were tired, thirsty, dirty, and our boots were full of water. Jee Jee called Grandpa, and he agreed to pick us up at the field. All we had to do now was get there. After some more work, we made it to the top of the hill. And there was Vivi and Grandpa waiting for us. We ran to them and couldn’t wait to tell everyone about our exciting adventure. Christmas at the farm this year has been so full of surprises, and I can not wait ‘til next year!

**“Thanks, Vivi for driving to our rescue. We definitely were not looking forward to another trip through that swamp!”**

Post Script from JeeJee:

Brigette was an excellent, experienced leader, guiding us through the swamp. For this reason, I am recommending her for a Distinguished Leadership Award.
Ellie was very patient and helpful to all of us, especially Marjorie and me! I am recommending her for the “Don’t worry, you can do this” Award.
Marjorie demonstrated bravery and maturity beyond her years and was such a trooper during the very adventurous hike! As with the lion in the Wizard of Oz, she easily qualifies for a Medal commending her courage in trying circumstances.

Chip Lay

March 29, 2023

Winter Wading Adventures (Christmas 2021)

Chip Lay

March 29, 2023

These pictures are from Christmas a year ago, but I wanted to be sure to post them because it was such a fun memory. Christmas of 2021 was so warm! The kids had so much fun getting into the water and wading. It was crazy to have a December that felt like springtime! Everyone loved it, though.

Chip Lay

December 28, 2021

Holiday Traditions at the Farm

Chip Lay

December 28, 2021

As we come to the close of another holiday season, let’s pause and reflect back on all of the memories and traditions we’ve created over the years. It’s special to see which ones stay the same year after year and which ones evolve as our families change and grow.

It’s time to take a walk down memory lane together and give thanks for how richly we have been blessed all these many years.

Watson’s Christmas Tree Farm

We all know that one of the best parts of Christmas is picking out a tree, and what better idea than to bring everyone along! Of course, this little tree was the winner. And of course, it was the 50th tree we had looked at. Dada (Chip) did all of the sawing, and the kids took all of the credit as they proudly showed it off to everyone at the Bluff House.

Here we are, 3 years later in 2021, and not much has changed. Mama (Joni) is still taking many photos, and we are still carefully avoiding the fire ant beds. We know that the Watson’s Tree Farm is a fun place to be, and always will be. Whenever we go, you can count on a big old “TIMBER” from everyone whenever the tree falls.

Christmas Card Photos

Ok, you can cry now. *uncontrollable weeping* These two photos really show you how original we are, and how much Mama’s (Joni) camera skills have improved over the years. Of course, the Lay girls have had tons of experience in the “picture department,” and now are practically experts. Just look at those smiles!

Hayrides

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a Grandpa special hayride around the farm. There is nothing like snuggling up in the sleeping bags, gazing up at the stars, and singing Christmas carols together as a family. Then we gather around the bonfire and roast marshmallows for S’mores! Whether it’s 30 degrees or 80, it’s always a great time.

Holiday Meals

That table almost seems as if it goes on forever, doesn’t it? Well, it pretty much has to if it is going to hold the whole lot of us. And this was just the “grownup’s table.” Trust me, with everyone in here that night, you could barely turn around! We sure are fortunate to have such hardworking moms to keep everyone in order, and to keep the kids away from the dessert tables!

Sweet, isn’t it? Our family multiplies like 🐰. It is so fun to pour over old photos, honoring those who have passed, and welcoming those who have just joined our family. Our family always seems like it is the perfect size, and yet ever time we get a new member, we realize that they were just what we were missing.

New Traditions

Holidays at the “Shelter”

We are so fortunate to have a new shelter that we can celebrate and hang out in! By just looking at these pictures, you can tell that we have a lot more elbow room. Even though the location has changed, the food is as good as ever. Every year we grow even more anxious for the goodness to be spooned on to our plate.

Just take some time to appreciate that picture, because it was the 20th or so take. Just look at how our family has grown! Whether new babies or grownups, it seems that at every gathering there is someone new. We are proud to introduce to you the three newest members of our family, Baby Joshua, Baby Pippa, and Delaney’s new fiance, Keaten.

I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane. Here is to many more traditions to come!

~ Vivi “Peanut” & Chip “Dada” Lay

Chip Lay

December 2, 2021

Henry Fishing

Chip Lay

December 2, 2021

Earlier this fall, we entered Henry into a contest from Bass Pro Shops for a chance to win a new bass fishing boat and a trip to a fishing competition. While Henry did not win the intended prize, we won the prize of looking back at how much he has enjoyed fishing at the pond over the years.

Chip Lay

March 22, 2018

Building a Treehouse

Chip Lay

March 22, 2018

We are building a treehouse! Grandpa is heading up this project, and came up with a concept using two 30' steel beams, and we all worked together to make a plan for a special space that we will get to use and love for years to come. We are so excited to watch it come together!

Look at that bridge! The entire structure is 12' off the ground, and framing is beginning this week on the treehouse part.

Grandpa, Vivi, and I inspected the windows and the front door, all of which came from Vivi, Brigette, Henry, Ellie, and Stella's great-great-great grandparents house. They are going to look so good refurbished with new panes and fresh paint.