Life in Iowa (Dec-Feb)

I think it's safe to say we have acclimated to life in Iowa quite nicely. Bryan especially is loving his program, and it's hard to believe that he'll be just in just over a year! People keep asking where we want to go after that. The truth is, we'll go wherever will give us money. (Especially because fellowships are usually only 2 years.) But we certainly wouldn't complain if it's a place with either a Grandma & Grandpa, or nieces/nephews nearby! Now to attempt a catch-up, which I'm sure will require more than one post.

Weston and I making funny faces, for no apparent reason.

EVERYONE is having babies, so I have been drowning in baby blankets. And no, that is not a complaint! I love making these blankets, and I love seeing them get used.  (Even though "used" usually means pooped on, barfed on, etc in this case)

We went up to Minnesota right before Christmas to visit my family. There was SO much fun to be had! The boys especially enjoyed playing Uncle Sam's drumset. 

It wouldn't be a Mathias Christmas without "The spread". And ooooh was that spread ever delicious! 

Having a blast spinning in Grandma's chair. This went on for a while.

"Helping" Sam play his guitar. Sam sure is generous with those instruments of his!

Sam joined the ladies painting our nails festive Christmas colors. Because, you know, he's secure enough in his masculinity to do so. 

We had  to go home earlier than planned, thanks to a big snow storm hitting Iowa City. (We wanted to get home before it hit.) Luckily both boys slept on the way home.

Ethan's Christmas present from Grandma Mathias - a dog that is as big as he is! When he opened it, he kind of backed away nervously. But it took no time at all for him to warm up to this guy, and now he shares Ethan's bed every night. Ethan is a dog person. And a cat person. (Not pictured - torturing Grandma's cats mercilessly!) And basically an all-around animal person. He can spot an animal a mile away and always wants to catch them. 

Just helping me with some chores. He loves to empty the dishwasher, even when I'm trying to load it.

I sometimes think we should have named this guy Linus. He LOVES his blanket. He calls it his "hairkeek"

Weston exercising

While Ethan was napping, Wes came outside to help me shovel. Which then turned into 45 minutes of playing in the snow. Snow was no good for making a snowman, but there were many, many snow angels in our yard.

Ethan needed his own Batman cape, as he kept tripping over Weston's.

I wasn't exaggerating about this dog's size. And Ethan carries it around the house like it's no big deal. Boy's best friend.

Again, he's not very good at helping when it comes to dishes.

Weston hung this "art" above our bed for us. No, he didn't color on the paper at all first. The blue tape is part of the art. Speaking of blue tape...

We finally got painting done during Bryan's winter break! Still have a ways to go, but you can see what a huge difference just a little paint can make in a room. Or a staircase. The main floor of our townhouse is almost done, but we haven't tackled the upstairs yet. 

Iowa City has an awesome Children's Museum. We got a membership, and the boys just love it when we go. Their favorite is the airplane room. (Which also has a hot air balloon)

Wes has gotten REALLY into Legos the last few months. And the Children's museums Lego room is the perfect spot for him.

In the Pizza Restaurant room

My cute waiters/cooks

Thanks to the VERY cold winter we had here, combined with me having a LOT of down time (more details on that later), I have done lots of crafting lately. This valentines wreath, and my new spring wreath are among my favorite projects. Ok who am I kidding, I love all the projects...

The reason for my down time: I did something to my knee (exercising, painting every night for two weeks...) and was in pain for over a month before I finally gave in and went to the doctor. No, I'm not actually that stubborn (unless you ask Bryan), I just really thought it would get better on its own. Clearly I was wrong. I'm in the 7th week of physical therapy, and headed back to the doctor this week to see if I need more, or if surgery might be an option. 

Weston doing his own knee exercises.

Weston has been working on his drawing, and I admit I am quite proud of him! This is an angry bird he drew.

Another thing Weston has gotten into: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And like everything else he gets into, there is role play required! 

These cute brothers have gotten really sweet with how they play together. Ethan just wants to do whatever "bubby" (brother) is doing. 

Weston drew this Batman during church one Sunday. For some reason this Batman doesn't have a torso or legs. Usually his people are more detailed, with fingers and all their arms and legs. But that face is totally awesome.

Ok, so that's December through February. March post to follow. :)