Big Rock: The Next Generation

We spent a lovely sunny December day at a newly renovated Big Rock with new friends Juliette and Liliana and old friends Julie, Matt, Amy, Ryan, Josh, Andi and Kevin.

Good Will to All or Christmas in a box

Happy Holidays to All!

Wilson learned to walk in time for Xmas (22 steps and counting) and also learned the wonder of -- a box. You got it-- among all of his surprises, it is what he loved the best.



Here he learns to ride the box, cowboy style.



And examine his box, scientist style.



And wear the contents of his box, king-style.



He did enjoy several other adventures, among them partying until midnight at the night-before-night-before party, listening to the Night Before Christmas read by his grandpa, and trying to climb into his new swan.

All in all, it was quite an adventure for us. Needless to say, we are still trying to recover from all the excitement. On to New Years!

O Christmas Tree

It's the first real Xmas that Wilson can take part in, so we've been singing every Christmas carol and decorating the house, much to his delight. He's in another growth spurt now, not quite walking (though he has taken a few steps), but naming things, climbing on everything and throwing mini-tantrums. We went to pick out a tree today, since we were also celebrating John's return home from a tax conference in New Orleans and the recent news that I will get to go part-time in a great job-sharing plan. Life is good.

It takes a village

It is hard to believe our little bird is one year old. And yes, soon we will finally change our answering machine to reflect this fact. We are so thankful for the health and wonder of this little guy, and for each and every one of you who have helped shaped him--and us--as a family.

We celebrated Wilson's first birthday by re-christening the studio as a child's space. We did, however, enjoy champagne with our cake. Here is Wilson's new playroom and his first bite of cake!

It's Official...

Wilson is famous. Check out this article http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061202/NEWS01/61202027.

Turkey day!

Much fun was had by all at the Young household on Thanksgiving day in Columbus, OH. The Young boys listened in rapt attention to cousin David's harmonica playing and feasted on Aunt Renee's famous stuffing. Wil loved imitating EVERYTHING David did. Luckily, David was flattered (we hope) by the attention and didn't mind baby slobber on all of his toys.

A Day at the Zoo

The family (with Grandpa Larry) paid a visit to the zoo today. We had a really pun, ...er fun, time. As you can see, we were not bored by the boars (For the record, there were warthogs below us).



Wil could have stayed 'til tusk looking at the elephants.



We posed for this photo to demonstrate we really were at the zoo, we're not lion.



All this walking around at the zoo can make you crave a long neck.



Okay, reading this blog posting was likely painful. But know that it took some time for me, John (I will implicate myself in this), to think of all of the puns. In a way I am proud of myself, it was no meer task.

Indiana: It's Where Ohio and Kentucky Meet!

That is not the state slogan, for those of you who don't know. But it is where the hail-from-Ohio Harris family (Sean, Alyssa, and baby Amelia) met up with the Young-Hunt crew two weekends ago. Here are some pictures of the kiddoes first meet and greet.

11 Months old!

Wilson is exploding these days with new expressions, small tantrums, eh, expressions of his wants, and word recognition. Animals are still tops, along with pretty, sparkly things and leaves. Here he is pointing to animals, pushing his car and on a walk with his best pal Thurston.

Calabazito!

We spent a rainy, spooky Halloween visiting a few neighbors, looking at all of the jack-o-lanterns, and partying at the Spencer-Thomases. Here's Wilson in his pumpkin attire.

Pumpkins galore!

We spent yet another glorious October day outside, gathering fall goodies and making certain Wilson really knows the word pumpkin. We even ran into Matt's mom, Pat and his sister, Sarah Fore, with her fiancee, at an orchard in Trimble County. Here are a few shots of the day.

Autumn Fun

We've been enjoying the brisk October air, going to feed the ducks, brave a crazy Halloween day at the zoo and bundling up for our daily walks. As you can see, Wilson is quite the mini me of John. He is also recognizing and responding to the following words (though not articulating much more than mama, dada and "duh" for everything, including ducks): mama, dada, grammy, grandpa, Bubba, cat, duck, dog, fish, pumpkin, up, down, bye-bye, hi, milkies/eaties, cheerios, bird, ball, outside, bell, book, chicken, Gertie (his doll), Elmo, flower, hydrangea (thanks Mom), etc. I am certain he grasps more, but these are the ones he responds to and points to and that I notice the most. What fun!

Playing catch-up

In August and September, we went through a whirlwind of events, ranging from visits to and from loved ones to the death of Wilson's namesake, my beloved Grandpa Wilson Hunt. Here are some snapshots from this stretch of time.



Wilson's first pinata party and visit with good friend and former colleague Jana, who is now fighting for justice for immigrant day laborers in DC.





Wilson and our family, including Bubba, (great) Aunt Di, (great)Uncles Scott and Roger and Aunt Donna, Uncles Matt and Greg.



Wilson and lovely Julie Riggs-Johnson at an impromptu dinner party.

Moving right along

Okay so we have not posted anything for a while. So here is a recent pic of Wil at a party we attended. Once we get some time, we will submit one long post filling in the gap.

Kentucky State Fair!

We spent the morning at the KY fair, checking out farm animals (Grandpa Young should be proud) and having photos taken with famous folks. Then John and Larry finished the day with a deep fried snickers (Jason Vance should be proud). Can't wait for next year!

Go West, Young Man!

The family traveled to Denver, Colorado this week. Gretchen attended a conference at a hotel. John and Wil lounged in said hotel. When not in the hotel, we ventured out to see the sites and the fauna.





Wil marveled at the strange breed of Colorado cow.



We trekked to the mountains...



...where we saw elk...



...sat by a lake and pondered whether the water would later become beer...



...and we smelled the crisp, rocky mountain air.