The Wilsons: March 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Spring Break at Smith Lake

After we had a few days to relax from our jaunt to Nashville, we headed to the lake for the long weekend. We launched our boat, Tupelo Honey, for the first time this season. Although it was a bit windy...the sun felt great and we were glad to be back on the lake. We did see a few crazy skiiers and tubers out there, but as for us--we'll just wait until June to jump in!

Judd saw a 3 1/2 foot black racer coiled up in the sun. Fortunately for the kids and me, we didn't see it! However, we did catch a chameleon and the kids named him Leroy! Fishing was rather unsuccessful, but that didn't stop Cole and Mary Conlee from trying. We even brought out the cool cupcake maker that Aunt Jen gave to MC for Christmas. That was so much fun to do!

After our morning, afternoon, and evening boat rides, we warmed up in the jacuzzi! It was also fun getting to spend some R and R with Bubbe and Pop. We can't wait for summer to get here!

The launching of Tupelo Honey

During an evening boat ride, we came upon a gaggle of ducks- 51 to be exact!

Wait on us...we're ready to ride the boat!

All aboard!

Do you see the man's face in the rock formations?

Traveling to our special spot- we named it Turtle Cove

What a cute little chameleon!

MC found a safe little spot for Leroy

Warming up in the jacuzzi!

Let's make cupcakes!

First, you mix it...

...then you lick the bowl!

Placing the cupcake in the microwave dish

Voila! It's ready!

A cupcake only a mother could love

Preparing the icing--pink, of course!

It doesn't look like this on the commercials!

Licking the icing...again

Sampling the merchandise

Cole's turn at frosting the cupcake

Mmmm...yummy!

Back on the lake for an afternoon cruise

MC and Daddy--how sweet!

Fishing on the dock (notice MC always has a fresh catch--loving her fake orange fish)

Skipping rocks before church

A sweet moment between brother and sister...how rare!

We love our Pop...

...and our Bubbe!

Spring Break, Part Deux

Once we were back from our weekend trip to Nashville, we just hung out at the house for a few days. Sleeping late has never felt so good! Several weeks ago, Cole was complaining about something and said that when he was a "grown up," he would let his kids stay up all night and do whatever they wanted. So we made a pact with them. We told them that we would let them be in charge for a day. This meant doing what they wanted to do...when they wanted to (within reason, of course). Staying up late, playing as much Wii as they wanted, and watching TV all day was part of their plan. However, I reminded them that along with the privelege of being an adult, you also had responsibilities. So they made our breakfast, fed the cat, washed some laundry, and folded clothes. They were in charge of our picnic lunch at Ballard Park, and chose where to eat for dinner--CiCi's, of course! We went to Walmart and each child purchased a toy with money from their wallets. Cole said the best part was getting to stay up "all" night long! MC made it to 9:30 before falling asleep. We finally made Cole get in bed at 10:00. He would have stayed up until midnight, I'm quite certain! They loved being in charge for the day, but it made them realize that they are in no hurry to grow up!

Thank goodness MC loves to cook!! We had biscuits for breakfast.

We even fixed Brody's breakfast!

Free time--notice MC on the cell phone!

Our idea of a picnic lunch...catered by Mickey D's!

We have our ducks in a row!

The ducks just weren't very hungry this week!

Please don't eat my hand!

Eat the bread, duckies. Don't make me come in there after you!

Oh well, I guess I'll just eat the bread instead.

After all that hard work, we needed a break!

I didn't realize "grown ups" lose their teeth. However, MC did that day!

Playing with my big Walmart purchase. Her hair turns from pink to blue!

I'm all into Bionicles these days!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Gone a Little Bit Country

We left Friday for the Music City...Nashville, Tennessee. While thinking of a quick trip idea for Spring Break, this place came to mind. Judd and Cole would be right at home at the Opry listening to country music, and Mary Conlee and I would go along for the ride. Besides, she and I would enjoy all of the shopping! As soon as we left Parkway School, we drove up the Trace towards Nashville. With only one stop, we made it in a little less than 4 hours. We loved staying at the Opryland Hotel. With all the restaurants, shops, and sections of the hotel, you could stay there and never leave. We enjoyed walking in the gardens, riding through the delta, and the watching the waterfalls cascade down the rocks. The first night, we ate at Rusty's Sports Bar and Grill. We sat in an authentic boxing ring. Cole was wishing he brought his sparring gear! Afterwards, we took a walking tour of the hotel.

On Saturday morning, we ate breakfast in the hotel before going for our morning swim. The indoor pool was fun, but the best part was the big outdoor jacuzzi. The weather was cold and rainy, but it felt great in the jacuzzi. Imagine hot tubbing in winter! We took a bus to the Opry Mills Mall where we ate lunch at the Rainforest Cafe'. That was a really fun experience and we felt as though we were really in the rainforest...complete with all the animals, thunder and lightning. The kids tried something new...calamari (squid)! And even Cole LOVED it. We found a country and western clothing store and bought Cole some rattlesnake cowboy boots, a hat, and a shirt. Mary Conlee came equipped with pink cowgirl boots, so we just bought her a pink hat to match. We went back to the hotel for an afternoon swim before showering up for the big night.

Everyone put on their best western duds and headed out for the Grand Ole Opry. We saw some big names such as Marty Stewart, Riders in the Sky, Ricky Skaggs, and Tracy Lawrence. Let's not forget Crystal Gayle with hair that came to her ankles. The kids were in amazement and wondered if I could grow my hair that long. With extensions...maybe! The live show was a lot of fun- even for the rock and roll-loving girls. In college, I went through my country music lovin' stage. So I was excited that many of the performers were back from that era! We can't wait to go back! Maybe we can see a little Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood next time.

On Sunday, we took a boat ride on the Delta River Cruise. This is inside the Opryland Hotel. We enjoyed the waterfalls and beautiful scenery along the way. After we said goodbye to our hotel, we went back to Opry Mills for some last minute shopping and lunch. The kids were determined to wear their hats and boots again. Will they ever take them off? We ate in the Aquarium restaurant, which was just as much fun as eating in the Rainforest. The kids asked if we could get calamari again! Judd watched in amazement of our picky one, Cole, and wondered how he did it so well. MC and I even managed to eat one of the tentacles! We went to Stingray Reef, which is right next to the Aquarium. It is a petting zoo for stingrays. We bought lots of shrimp and had fun feeding them, as well as petting them and being splashed with lots of water! We rolled out of Nashville and headed back for Tupelo. It was great to get back home. We all really missed our Brody! But I can promise you one thing...we'll back soon, ya hear!

We love the Opryland Hotel!