Charlie Brown Came to Town

I long debated whether or not our family would adopt an elf and start the tradition of the Elf on the Shelf, but eventually I decided we couldn't pass up such a fun Christmas tradition!

The second week of December, there was a knock at the door, Hudson answered and there he was, our elf, sitting outside on the doormat. Hudson was quick to ask if the elf could come inside and we let him in.  We read the story of the elf and Hudson decided his name should be Charlie Brown.  Hudson and Charlie Brown hit it off immediately and became instant pals.

We've been having so much fun with Charlie Brown and will be sad to see him go back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, but look forward to seeing him next year.



Making a rope from some yarn he found, Charlie Brown climbed all the way up into Hudson's stocking.



Charlie Brown found his way into the candy bowl.



He read a story to all of Hudson's toys.



He took the Tonka truck for a spin.



Colored with crayons and put stickers everywhere!



He got into Hudson's shark bank.

Snow Day Play

Oh, Christmas Tree



I decided to put the tree up a little (well, a lot) earlier this year.  Hudson had been begging for days, so I finally caved and up went the tree! He had so much fun helping me hang ornaments and fluff branches. There was definite confusion as to why we celebrated Thanksgiving the following week and not Christmas, but we assured him Christmas would come soon enough  .
He was so proud of the finished product.

Fall Photo Shoot

Party On

This October we had our first annual family halloween party.  My mom and aunt came up with the idea to have a party because we have three precious little boys in the family now and are always looking for special and fun traditions to start for them. 

Growing up, my parents hosted numerous halloween parties for us, most even complete with a "haunted" trail. This year, we decided to take it easy as far as "haunted" trails go  and opted for a hay ride with some friendly ghosts and other fun halloween decor.

When I arrived at my parents the afternoon before the party, I was surprised to learn that I had a costume waiting for me.  I was prepared to dress up Hudson in his shark costume, but didn't think I'd also be getting all dressed up (I'm talking face paint and everything, folks!).  My mom and aunt had other plans; the day before the party they hit-up local garage sales and pieced together enough costumes for almost all of us!  I'll admit I had SO much fun dressing up and Hudson definitely got a few laughs out of seeing mommy as a scarecrow.

The party was definitely a success and I can't wait until next year's.  

Fizzling Fireboxes, Shout Yippee, Hudson Dean is Turning Three!

Three years ago on October 21, 2010, we welcomed our precious baby boy into this world.  We had no idea all the joy, laughter and lack of sleep that was ahead of us.  I know I sound like a broken record, but I really cannot believe he is three. 

Hudson, you have grown to be a tall, handsome little boy who is smart, witty, funny, creative and very caring...we couldn't be more proud!

To celebrate Hudson's third birthday, we invited about 20 of our dearest friends and family.  Because his birthday happens to be on OSU's homecoming weekend every year, it makes it rather difficult to find a venue. This year proved to be just as difficult, so we decided to pack into our apartment and celebrate that way.  Thomas the train tracks, balloons and cake, Thomas the train EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, I caught a stomach bug and had to miss half of the party. Luckily, your daddy, and others guests, stepped up to make sure you had a fantastic second half...and you did!! 

 

 

I love making his party invitations each year, especially this year's!

 

 

Really excited for his party to start!

The boys enjoying the beautiful day with their Papa.



Blowing out the candles with all his might!



The Thomas rain boots were a hit.



Checking out his new shark "piggy" bank.



Thomas rain coat.