Hilton Head Island

(July 11-16)
Josh has been blessed in his job since our move to North Carolina.  As a result, he won the All-Star for the family to Hilton Head Island.  This was our first trip to Hilton Head and we LOVED it.  We enjoyed swimming in the pool, combing the beaches for seashells, great seafood, a sunset bike ride through Spanish moss laden trees, and a whole lot of relaxing, family time.

Although, the kids have taken some swim lessons this summer, this mama still required life jackets.

Soaking up the sun

The theme for this year's All-Star was a beach party.  Micah was playing pirate ship.

Jude enjoying the show!!

Future guitarist?

Clearly, air guitarist skills are hereditary!!!

Look at her go!!

Good morning!!  Jude is laying on Micah!!

Going for a bike ride....this is the life!!

Admiring a little seashell

Rachel

Baby Brothers Shower

(June 22, 2013)

My sweet sister Stephanie and her husband Tommy had a baby shower to prepare for their new baby boy.  Although Stephanie has a 10 year old son and Tommy has an 8 year old son, it has been awhile since a little baby has graced their home and they definitely needed all the goodies that come from a shower.  Here are some pictures of the festive affair.

Another beautiful cake made by my sister in law Pam.  The baby's room has frogs and alligators.

Wishing Tree...guests of the shower were able to write a tidbit of advice for the parents and hang them on a wishing tree.

 

Tommy and Stephanie Brothers

All of the goodies!!!

Rachel

"Take Me Out the Ballgame"

Down and Ready!!

Micah receiving his medal

Ball season was a busy one for the Wilson kids.  Abby played on two ball teams and Micah played on his very first tee-ball team.  Abby played on a parks and rec softball team and a church sponsored baseball team.

This was Abby's third year playing ball and to be honest, she didn't enjoy it as much as in the past.  We really missed having Timmy Link as her coach.  He can really bring the best out in the young girls he coaches.  Although Abby enjoys playing softball, the fate of her future is still in the air.  She may decide to not play next year.

Micah really enjoyed his first year of tee-ball.  Of course, watching a group of four year olds fight over the ball, run the bases backwards, and pile up at home plate is always enjoyable for the parents to watch.
Rachel

Goodbye First Grade...Finally

(June 12, 2013)

The longest school year EVER concluded on June 12.  Of course, missing 20 days of school due to snow will definitely delay to end of school year.  Abby had a really great year transitioning to a new school year.  But part of that reason was her wonderful teacher, Mrs. Matthews.  She loved Abby like she was her own daughter and welcomed the whole family into her heart.  Abby loved school and loved her teacher.  Here are some pictures of the "End of the Year Movie Premier Party."

Mrs. Story (Instructional Assistant).  Such a sweet person that loved and helped Abby all year.

Mrs. Matthews and Abby

Rachel

Operation Dance

(June 1, 2013)

Abby's first year in clogging concluded with a great recital entitled "Operation Dance"--which was a wonderful salute to veterans.  It also displayed a variety of dance routines that was super enjoyable to watch.  Although the pictures of the recital turned out blurry, I did capture a couple before she took the stage.

Rachel

A Six Month Vacation?

Wow...6 months!  That's how long it has been since my last post.  No, I haven't fell of the face of the earth, banned technology, been on a six month vacation, or taken a vow of blogging silence. So where have I been?

Right after my last post, our family moved from our condo on top of the mountain to a house in the valley.  Although the views were beautiful on top of the mountain, the drive was terrible and the condo wasn't conducive to family life.  So we now have a house that has more room than we have ever had in our entire married life plus it has a yard.  We are so blessed to have this house and we really love it.  Lots of room for the kids, an extra bedroom for visiting family and friends, and a "man cave" for Josh.  He is so excited to have his deer hung on the wall and his wildlife prints proudly displayed for all to see.  Of course, it quickly turned into a family room for everyone, but so nice to have the extra room.  We are truly blessed!! 

The kids enjoyed the packing paper WAY more than mama!!

However, the move proved traumatic for our computer.  It has been unable to connect to the internet and even had to be placed in "CCU" for a while.  But it's now up and going, so blogging can begin again.  Of course, it has been working for about a month, but I just haven't taken the time to write a post until today.

In addition to the move, we now have a walker on our hands.  Jude officially started walking one week shy of 18 months, our latest walker.  However, Abby was 17 1/2 months and Micah was 16 months, so they have all taken their sweet time.  But no complaints from me.  When you have a late walker, it's almost like you have a baby longer! :)

We also have two,new family members.  Federal Heavyshot Drake joined our family in May.  He's a German Shorthair with whom I have a love/hate relationship.  He is a super smart dog that shows a promising future with bird hunting, but he has dug up geraniums, hostas, tomatoes, and chewed on anything that gets in his way, including trash, shoes, cups, toys...I'm sure you get the picture!!  I'm hoping that he outgrows this before...well....just sometime very, very soon!!!  In addition to Drake, we also have Sweetie Pie, Abby's little yellow kitten....with whom Josh has a love/hate relationship.  He loves to hate the cat!!  She isn't allowed in the house because Josh and Micah are both allergic.  But she has killed two mice and proudly displayed them on the front porch for all to see. She has also proven the perfect play toy for Drake.  His days are filled with chasing, tormenting, chewing on, and carrying around the cat.  Although it seems torturous, she always returns for more.

This picture was snapped right after Drake was added to our family.  He is bigger than Jude now.  Josh will LOVE that I posted a picture of Jude with a purple pacifier.

We also concluded the school year, had an end of the year dance recital, completed two ball seasons for Abby and one for Micah, swim lessons for the older two, a baby shower for my sister, a family vacation, and a NEW baby nephew!!! 

But the biggest change is a new school year....AT HOME!!  Josh and I decided that this school year, we would be homeschooling, so lots of new and exciting things at the Wilson home.  (More about homeschooling later.)

Each of these events deserve some pictures on a post of their own.  Until then, ta-ta!  I promise it won't be another six months.

Rachel