Happy Birthday, America

This July 4th was one of the best we've had in a long time.  We had no plans, which was a bit disappointing at first, but turned out to be perfect.  Hudson and Kyle and I went to a small cookout at a friend's house in Stillwater and had a lot of fun getting to know some new friends.  After that we took Hudson to Eskimo Joe's while we waited for it to get dark enough for fireworks.

After five years of living in Stillwater, we finally made it out to their big fireworks show at Boomer Lake.  The show lasted well over 30 minutes and we all agreed it was the best show we'd ever seen.

I think we've found our new 4th of July tradition.  It was so much watching Hudson "Oooo" and "Awww" over the fireworks displays. 

Grammie and Papa's Clubhouse

The last weekend in June, my sister and I got the boys together at my parent's house.  To say these two little ones had fun, is an understatement.  They had a blast.  When going to Grammie & Papa's it's more like a clubhouse, a vacation, you could even say a party. 

At Grammie & Papa's they enjoy sweets of all kinds, and you haven't lived unless you've eaten my mom's chocolate chip cookies.  They enjoy tractor rides, play time on their fort, running with the lab, Sammi, playing in the water, and oh so much more!

On this particular day, we decided to take the boys to the splash pad in town.  Forget the splash pad, they had more fun singing and dancing to Darius Rucker's "Wagon Wheel" in the car on the way there.

We all had such a fun day.  I know Hudson can't wait for his next cousin play date with Wake!

Griffin Family Shindig

In early June we had a Griffin family cookout at my Nani & Papa's home in Harrah, OK.  This is something we try to do every summer, and I'm always so glad we do!
I love my family dearly, and unfortunately we are all scattered across the state and don't get the opportunity to see one another often.  But, with 5 kids, 15 grandkids and 8 great-grandkiddos, it's no wonder they love to get everyone together when they can.

I must say some of my fondest memories growing up were spent with this bunch of family.  From cookouts to camping trips, everything we did together was a blast.  I'm so thankful that Hudson will have the opportunity to build those memories as well.

Me, Nicki & Mom



Auntie Jo & Uncle Kyle



Hudson, the little golfer

My handsome daddy and I; there's no mistaking the Griffin genes here.



The cousins

The sweet kiddos; notice Grandpa Jerry racing with a bowl of homemade ice cream in hand.  That's talent!

Me and precious Penny

A Turtle Named Percy

Last weekend we traveled down to Harrah to visit my parents and to also attend a family cookout (more to come on that later).  It had been a few weeks since my parents had seen Hudson and they were very happy to finally reunite.

At some point during our visit my mom told Hudson that they had a "pet" turtle that had been hanging around their shop for a few weeks, stealing dog food eating shop bugs and doing what box turtles do, and that if he wanted to help her do a thorough search outside they were sure to find it.

Of course he was excited at the thought of finding the little box turtle, so, they were off on an adventure.  They soon found the turtle and Hudson was granted the honor of naming it.  After going through several names, he finally decided on "Percy."  Sadly, the situation with Percy soon fizzled out, as it was Hudson's first time to see a turtle and he was actually terrified.  He wanted to keep a safe distance the entire time and I never got a picture of the two of them together.  But of course, I couldn't let Percy get away without getting a few pics of him, and I must say, he was quite photogenic.

Growing Like a Weed

Hudson finished his last day of preschool at the end of May. It was bittersweet because even though we were ready to move on to a new school and experience new things, Hudson had been at the First Christian Church Preschool for two years. There he learned and grew so much.  I'm so happy that I happened to take a picture of him on his first day of school this year. It was amazing to compare how much he'd grown and changed in 9 months.

In some ways it makes me sad because my baby just isn't a baby anymore, in other ways it makes me happy because I can see the amazing little boy he is turning out to be. He is tall, handsome, smart, funny, charismatic and very sweet. I'm so proud of you Hudson and love watching you grow!

Best Buds

On Memorial Day weekend we had the privilege of having my sweet nephew, Wake, stay at our house.  It was the first time he got to stay the night with us and no one was more excited than Hudson! So after work on Friday, Hudson and I headed down the turnpike to meet Aunt Crista halfway and pick up Wake.

When we got back to our house, Hudson held Wake's hand the whole way inside and eagerly showed him all of the toys. We had a great evening filled with playtime, a bubble bath, snacks and of course a movie! It was a toddlers dream.

I am so thankful that Hudson has a little cousin that he feels so close to, even at such an early age. They are best buds, Hudson insisted that Wake get to do everything he did, including that they got to wear matching Thomas the train pjs. 

We love you, Wake.

Triker Dude

For those of you that read this blog, you'll remember that Hudson got a new tricycle for Christmas this year. Not just any old tricycle, oh no, a shiny new red, low-riding Schwinn complete with black tassled handles and a bell!

It has been months, but finally a few weeks ago Hudson mastered his trike riding skills and went from "Fred Flinstone-ing" it down the sidewalk to pedaling with fury.  He learned how to ride by observing the other kids outside and also the older children at his preschool, and he couldn't be more proud.

Unfortunately, last night he got a little too proud of himself and as he got off his trike and ran towards me to celebrate, he bit the dust and got his first skinned knees as a result. He insisted that Thomas the train band aids were the only things that would make him better, but it just so happend that he had "cried wolf" one too many times and that we had used the last Thomas band aid just days before. 
So, I did what any mom would do.  I pulled out the fine point sharpie and drew the best Thomas the train I could on the plain band aids.  He rewarded me with a big kiss and assured me that he was going to be "Otay."