Emma's Ninth Birthday

This year for Emma's birthday, she chose to invite her friends to Get Air.  I loved this idea since it meant her friends could run around and get crazy without being at our house!  We did go back to our house for presents and cake and ice cream though.  It's funny how most of her friends gave her craft supplies.  I think this is a hard age for birthdays because they are not really into toys, but are not quite into clothes or makeup or jewelry (or at least Emma is not interested in that stuff)!  Later that night, we had a family party and she received a giant stuffed gorilla, some games, books and gift cards.  I can't believe Emma is nine!  She is a great big sister and helps out a lot around the house.  She loves soccer, swimming, basketball and playing the piano.  She loves to do art projects or play with her stuffed animals.  She is very smart and loves her teacher this year.  We are so grateful to have her in our family!

Brielle's Birthday

Brielle had some specific requests this year for her birthday.  First, she wanted a horse cake which we already had on hand from one of Emma's birthdays.  Then, during her party she wanted to sit on a bean bag wearing the robe she got for Christmas and a princess crown.  The robe didn't last long since it got too hot with all of our family over for the celebration.  Lego Friends' sets were also a big request ever since she received a few from Christmas.  She loves to put those together and play with them.  Brielle is such a funny girl!  She makes us laugh all the time.  She is doing so well in Kindergarten and she loves her teacher.  It has also been fun to coach her and her friends in soccer.  I don't know if she loves the sport as much as Emma, but she loves seeing and playing with her friends.  She has decided she wants to do piano as well, so we will see how that goes.  We are just so grateful to have her in our family!

10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1... Happy New Year!

It's been a tradition over the last few years to hold a New Years' Eve party at our house.  Everyone brings their own dinner for their family (since it is too hard for everyone to agree) and we all bring snacks or treats we are trying to get rid of from Christmas parties.  We snack, watch movies, play games and get on the Wii for a little dance party! And it's even more fun to watch the adults!

Christmas 2012

Christmas is the best holiday when you have children.  The magic they find everywhere is amazing and there are so many family traditions and moments that bring a great spirit to the season.  Sometimes, I worry that the anticipation will be so big, that there will be more disappointments on the actual Christmas day.  I think as parents we try to fulfill all the hopes and wishes (even if it means buying things we don't really want to buy yet), just so we can keep up the magic.  It's so hard to know what to do.  This year, Emma received a Nook Color from Santa!  She was beyond excited and could not wait to get it charged and set up so she could have it with her the rest of the day.  Brielle received an American Girl doll from Santa and also a Brave bow-and-arrow which she had been asking for since Thanksgiving.  Plus, the grandparents spoiled them with horses, clothes, and lots of arts supplies.  It was a great day...with no meltdowns!

Christmas Parties

Every year, the "real" Santa comes to visit the kids at the Wilson party.  There are a lot of kids there so it does take some time, but it is the best part of the party.  Then, the girls sat down with us to pose for some pictures (this never happens)!  We also had the Christmas party where our girls exchange presents with their cousins.  We had a talent show with all the cousins.  Brielle read a Berenstain Bear story and Emma played some Christmas songs.

Nick's Birthday

Nick's birthday was pretty uneventful because he only got one present-- a Kindle Fire! It was the only thing he wanted and I found a great deal right before Thanksgiving.  It became more of a family gift because all of us starting playing with it.  It is really convenient to have!  We had Nick's favorite pudding cake and had family over to celebrate.  Happy 35th Birthday!