Hadleys Halftime Dance

My birthday happened to fall on Crossings Homecoming this year. This also was the game that Hadley got to cheer at. The Kindergarten-4th grade girls had the option to do a cheer clinic where they learned a halftime cheer. Hadley couldn't wait! Before the big game Crossings brought in several food trucks. Everyone ate dinner, played at the playground, and jumped on bounce houses before heading over to the stadium. 

The kids wanted to sit in the stands for a full 5 minutes! They quickly ran off to play with their friends and we didn't see them until halftime. It kind of reminds me of myself when I was in school. Hudson, however, was pretty interested in the game and sat with us much longer. He asked some questions and once it got all too confusing for him, he joined the bigger kids in the grassy area.

Getting ready for their performance....

And, I somehow managed to not get a single picture of the dance. We did get some great video though. I guess its just too hard to do both! Hudson ended leaving with Will to spend the night with him. Hadley and Lottie spent the night at our house and were asleep about 10 minutes after we got home. A busy day of leaving the house at 7:45 in the morning and not getting home until 9:30pm will sure wear some 8 year olds out!

Hadley seems to be involved in every activity under the sun but she loves it and we sure love watching her!

School pictures

Love these sweet school pictures this year! Hudson looks exactly like my dad as a kid and Hadley is looking so grown up!!!

Hudson's birthday blessing

As I've said before, birthday blessings are one of my favorite things about Crossings. It is just such an emotional moment to hear the teacher and admissions director tell their favorite qualities of your child. And then to hear them pray over your child brings tears to your eyes. Hudson's birthday blessing was split up a little bit because of our work schedule so on the 2nd he did his class blessing. He got to bring the "me" bag and fill it with 5 of his most special things. He took  his gymnastics trophy, sea of Galilee necklace, bible, karate belt and board he broke, and his binoculars. In his sweet little voice he told about each one and how they were special. When he got to the binoculars he said they are special because "I like to go camping." This made me giggle as we have never gone camping. It was so sweet to see him so proud in front of all is friends! After he finished we got to read a book to  his class and he chose "Dinosaurs go to School" as his book. He sat beside me the entire time I read with a big smile across his face. So far...this was definitely his favorite day of school yet!

 

The next Wednesday we celebrated his birthday in Chapel with the rest of the preschool kids. Hudson got to wear his birthday crown and was so excited when he saw us as he walked by. 

Hudson's teacher had lots of great things to say about him. She said he is such a good leader in the class and he is always wanting to help. She said he is first to line up and always follows directions. Then she said, "But best of all, I love Hudon's smile!" She said he is always smiling and if he isn't, the second you make eye contact, a big smile comes across his face. This is definitely one of my favorite qualities as well and it makes me so happy to know he is having such a good time at school.

After his Mrs. Crystal and Mrs. Debbie prayed for Hudson, he and the rest of the birthday kids led the preschoolers in the chapel songs. He knew all the hand motions and sang his little heart out. Never would I have imagined the shy two-year old we once had would be such a performer with a big heart.
Love everything about him!

Labor Day Weekend

It was a short Labor Day weekend for us as we had several other things we had to do to get ready for Hudson's birthday party. Hadley's friend, Reese, also turned 8 on Sunday and Hadley had to get back to celebrate that. But it was still a great weekend with family. We took the dogs which of course made their weekend! They loved getting to meet Gauge and I think all 3 dogs totally wore each other out. Here are some pictures of some cousins that love each other SO much, some time on the tube, Bauer on the boat (which made Hudson's day), and lots of fun!

Hudson is 5!

Our sweet boy has been counting down the days until his birthday for about two months! At one point he really didn't think there was any way he was going to make it. He was over the top excited when he went to bed last night and was all smiles when I woke him up this morning. Look at that sweet face coming down the stairs:

We had presents and a powdered sugar donut cake waiting for him when he came down. It didn't take him long to start tearing into packages and seeing all the goodies he got. Hadley was so sweet and patiently watched him open all his presents. He did finally let her help him with one of them.

After the presents were opened we quickly lit the candles on his donut cake because it was getting close to time for school! He LOVED us singing Happy Birthday to him and was all smiles. He was even happier that he blew out all 5 candles in one breath.

We left for work and Hadley went to school. Hudson had an awesome day with Kristin! She spoiled him rotten with a trip to Chuck E Cheese and to Barnes and Noble (his two favorite places). On the way home from work I picked up a cake for our birthday boy and all the family that was coming over. We had a big night planned. E's family, Ryan's family, Lolly, Pops, Mama and Papa all came over to celebrate our 5 year old! He opened presents and everyone ate pizza and cake. We had such a great time.

It's a little hard to believe our baby is a whole hand! Hudson Jake, you are so amazing and I have trouble putting into words how much I love you. You are funny, sensitive, competetive, and so crazy smart. Nothing makes you happier than to make us laugh. You love so hard! In fact, recently you got in trouble for being so rough while giving me a hug (you do this so often) and you headbutted me in the nose. When scolded you burst into tears and said, "I just love you so much mommy, I can't help it!" And it is the truth. You put all you heart into loving people. Your best friend, Will, does not love to hug. However, he accepts your big hugs. His family has even termed the big hugs at their house, "Hudson Hugs." You look up to your sister so much but you also don't love that she is older than you. It is often that we hear you say, "no, sissy. You do it this way!" However, when it comes to bedtime you quickly make your way into her room and have no desire to sleep in yours. We sure hope this continues because we love the bond it is helping you form. You are adventureous and brave, willing to try just about anything. Except food. You are super picky and we have trouble getting you to try anything new. You have gotten a love for sports and have done a complete 180 in that matter. In fact, we attribute much of that to karate. It has given you so much confidence and discipline. And it has definitely increased your flexibility and strength. Your Karate master comments often at how well you are doing. You are a rule follower at school and you love to just take it all in. The second you get in the car you want to tell me every detail about you day and I love listening to it. I just know there are so many more qualities that make you up but I could never name them all.  Just know that we love our son more than we could have ever imagined. You completed our family and we thank God for you daily.