December pics

Aiden came back on December 1st once again! He brought some donuts, activity books, and a gingerbread house to decorate. The kids always get so excited for the 1st and to see what he will bring!

Quite possibly the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen. Now if I could just have the time in the mornings to sit outside by the pool and enjoy it!

Hudson is REALLY loving his indoor soccer league with his friends. He likes it so much better than outdoor. The funny thing is that they are playing up a league with 10 and 11 year olds. They get beat (by a lot) each game but the boys are getting so much better. Hudson isn't intimidated at all by their big size and hustles so hard. I really think it has pushed him so much to be better.

Some Christmas decorating pics....

I walked into the kitchen one day to see that Hudson had made my grocery list for me. He had looked through our pantry and fridge to see what we needed and clearly added some "extras" as well:

fruit snacks, watermelon, soap, yogurt, granola, breakfast?, lucky charms, cocoa Krispies.

He then went with me to the grocery store while Matt and Hadley were gone and while there we saw the whole Thunder team shopping for kids. It was so cool! We had to follow them for just a bit until Hudson could see Westbrook, his favorite player.

During basketball practice Hudson, Cade, and Easton got beat out of a game of Knockout. I just thought this picture was so funny of them all sitting Indian style with their chins in their hands. So disappointed!

Hudson can write some really sweet notes if he wants to! He wrote this one all by himself for Ms Mehlhaff's birthday. She told him at the very beginning of the year that she has never requested a kid for her class but this year she asked Mrs. Hughes if she could please have him. He has not forgotten it!

Dear Ms. Mehlhaff,
Thank you for picking me. You are the best teacher ever. Thank you for giving me hugs in the mornings. Happy Birthday, Love you.

I decided to go a different route this year for our Christmas tree but wasn't quite sure how to decorate it. Ragen Held came over to help me decorate the tree and I love how it turned out! Halston came with her and the girls played while we decorated. Afterwards Halston stayed the night with us. Hot tubs and movies in December sure are fun!

I am loving all the Christmas decorations at church right now.

Hudson's biggest and hardest test yet....Green belt. This was a hard test and Hudson practiced so hard for it. He knew it would be tough and he did great. He deserved this belt more than I think he has ever deserved one. I am so proud of his dedication and hard work. I think everyone he has started karate with has since quit and moved to something else but he is still hard and work and determined to keep progressing.

While Hadley and Hudson were laying on the couch watching youtube videos we were being chalked by some 4th grade boys outside. Hadley thought it was so fun the next morning to get up and see all they had written. There is a boy in her class that has a little crush on her and all his friends seemed to think it would be fun to throw him under the bus and write it everywhere! I don't think she minded!

I first thought these pics were from the same night and then realized she isn't wearing the same outfit, just close to it! I guess she is liking the leggings, tank, flannel around the waist look right now. I just think it makes her look so much older! The second picture is from her dance Christmas party and she is showing me the goodies she came home with!

Poor Bauer loves car rides and is so good in the car. He just hangs out in the seat and looks out the window. I just hate the dog hair in the car so it doesn't happen too often. Hudson is really loving his buddy to ride along with him though!

Bentley, on the other hand, would prefer to stay home and rest on the couch. I think he knows that whenever we get in the car it is typically to go to the vet so he would rather not take his chances. 

The very morning after Christmas Hadley was begging to go spend her Babies R' Us gift card she had gotten from Mama and Papa. She grabbed her favorite baby, stopped at Starbucks for a treat, and went to the store. She carried the baby in and we walked down each row deciding what to get. I think we got several looks but her day was made! She held up all kinds of outfits and it was a hard decision to pick which one! It was really cute to see her take her clothes up there and buy them with her own money.

A few random pics of Hudson cooking Mac and Cheese on his own, Bauer making himself comfy, and Hudson not wanting to be disturbed while playing his iPad.

High school friends are the best! With several in town for Christmas we were able to arrange a night out for dinner and drinks. It was some much needed time together and we had so much fun telling our favorite high school memories!!!

Our Christmas card this year is so different than others we have done and I love how bright and happy it is! It helps that the picture on the front is one of my favorites of the kids!