Aaauuuggghhhh!

So it's obviously been awhile since I posted on our blog. I attribute this to one major reason: we switched from a PC to a Mac. (On a side note, my second smaller reason is that I was spending lots of my free time helping my mom with her college calculus class over the phone. Thank goodness she passed.) For two months I think the only thing I used the computer for was to check my email and use the Internet. Isabella has found a much better use, playing various games. Now that we are not at risk of getting viruses, Izzy was granted use of the computer. I too often use it as a tool of occupying her time. Anyway, the other day I finally consented to trying out iMovie and iPhoto. I had 300 photos that needed a place to go and my old photo editing software is not compatible with the mac without spending further money. I gave in to Justin's suggestion and familiarized myself with iPhoto. It takes a little getting used to, but I think I'm really going to love it. In another huge break-through, I also made a document on Pages, mac's word processor. Little by little I'm learning to appreciate our mac. I may never go back.

So here is a bit of and update filled with illustrations.

Justin hit the big 30 in March. We just had a small celebration, but did manage a date a few days later.

Izzy is getting so big and independent. Sometimes I wish she would just stop. Yes the crying and selfishness are a little overbearing and yes she can be a stinker, but she knows how to turn on the charm and be a little sweetie. I dread the day I have to worry about boys, driving, make-up, etc.

My little dude is learning from his big sister. He is sure to cry and scream when Iz tries to take things away or touch him. He knows to run if he has something he is positive I wouldn't approve of him touching. Wes is my little love bug. Especially when he is sleepy.

We buzzed Wesley's hair the other day. It made me so sad. He looks too grown-up.

My brother, Ben and his family were able to drive down from Ohio for Easter. My parents, unbeknown to them flew out for a few days too. Amy and family stopped by for a day on the way to their spring break destination. So fun to have family here!

Wesley absolutely adored his grandpa and followed him all over the house.

My wonderful mother with my niece Bree.

Finally, Justin had last week off. We performed various tasks around the house like cleaning out the garage, washing cars, and planting flowers. We did take a break from the work and hit the zoo one day. We were a little concerned that the zoo might be closed from all the insane flooding in the Nashville area, but it was up and running.

Hope to catch up with everyone's blogs soon!

Dance Magic Dance

Here is my star! He makes me laugh every time. It's a few minutes long for grandparents sake.

Snow = Christmas

Isabella: "Yay!! It's snowing!! Now we can get those Christmas things out! Yay!!!"

I wish it were that simple.

We were thrilled about our 4 inches of snow and couldn't wait to get all bundled up to head out for 10 minutes of making snow angels and foot prints. I wish I had a sled or something. I honestly don't if know if you can buy one here. It still astounds me how the world shuts down when it snows. Church was canceled today and school is canceled for tomorrow. Oh it's not snowing any more, it's just that the pavement isn't showing or something. I'm sure they have their reasons though. I'm thankful they want to keep everyone safe.

Poor Wes. I really thought that he needed a "first snow" experience. However the only 12 month snow clothing we have is extra-sparkly pink. I hope he doesn't dislike me for this picture one day. He still looks like a little boy to me. :)

My Wonderful One-Year-Old

I love little one-year-olds!!! It's so easy to forget that merely one year ago Wes was incapable of climbing up and down stairs, feeding himself, babbling non stop, crawling, figuring out how all the toys work, nearly walking, and all the hundreds of other things one year-olds are capable of. Although he has his moments, I love my dude so much! The joy and delight he brings to my life is so unique and unmatched by any other. Whenever I see his smiling face coming towards me as fast as his little legs can crawl, I can't help but scoop him up for a slobbery kiss. If I had it my way, I would forget my other responsibilities and make it my goal to get him to laugh all day long. Thank goodness he has Isabella to help me out.


We celebrated numero uno a few days early while Grandma Wilson was still here. It was like Christmas all over again. He loved every present. He was a little crabby and after cake went straight to bed (after a nice cleansing bath).

Snow

It never snows enough for me in Tennessee, but we did have a few days of snowfall and we at least had to attempt to enjoy it. It was too stinking cold to stay out for long. I can't wait for Isabella to play in some "real" snow.

Vacation

It was so nice for Justin to finally get some days off work. He had 2 1/2 weeks off and we certainly kept busy.

First we went to a Charlie Brown Christmas in Ice at Opryland with two of Justin's cousins. It's amazing what these sculptors do with ice. Izzy kept saying, "it's cold" and shaking her whole body.

Next off to the Carter's in Georgia for New Year's. Madison stayed up until midnight with us playing Boggle and doing some karaoke. Early the next morning the men got up to see if they could get a deer. They didn't have much luck, but a guy in their group shot two deer, so we inherited a half a deer. Amy and I were able to get out one morning for some much needed sister time. Bryce and Justin braved Walmart with all six kids. Izzy and Maddy got matching Webkinz. Man I love having these guys close.

After we were home for a few days unpacking and cleaning, Justin's late Christmas present arrived. I'm so proud of myself for keeping this a secret for so long. Justin didn't even have a clue that I arranged for his BFF, Steve to come out for a few days. It was great having him here. He was super cute with our kids. As you can tell from this picture:

Justin's Mom also came out for a week long visit. It's always nice having Grandma around. The kids absolutely loved playing with her. Unfortunately I failed to snap any picts of Grandma. Shame on me.

Christmas Time Has Come (and Gone)

Christmas morning in the Wilson home was filled with joy! We had to wait for Daddy to get home, but once he made it, our fun-filled and relaxing day could begin. The kiddos loved their presents from Santa Claus. I didn't take pictures of present opening, but here are some Christmasy pictures:

I never thought I would love matching so much.

Our Christmas Morning pjs.

I made all of us matching pj pants. They turned out pretty dang cute!