My Hudson

Hudson is almost 2. For those of you who have been through that before, you know. He's a monster! He is demanding and impatient and needy and messy and mischevious. But oh my gosh, is he cute. These pictures will get me through whatever comes my way...

Until he is old enough to bribe, anyway...

His current favorite pastime is throwing rocks into the lake...

She did it!

Kennedy scored her first goal on Thursday night. We were so proud! It was totally a "right place at the right time" type of goal, but it counted! She was ecstatic! It was right before the ref blew the whistle for the end of the game, and she ran off the field and threw herself into my arms, it was great!

More Soccer

We've had lots of fun the last couple of days. My mom, Jami, Jenna and Preslie came up on Monday, and were able to stay for Kennedy's game last night. We bent the rules a little, and since she took 3 shots at the goal, we got ice cream. Pretty much a given when my family is in town, but I felt like she earned it, she tried so hard! I was very proud. Here are some highlights...

Shelli, Hudson, Jenna, Preslie, Jami and Kennedy

Look at me, quite the soccer mom!

Chasing the ball around...

Hudson stealing treats when no one is looking...

Backyard Campout

Dustin and Kennedy had a little campout in the backyard on Friday night. They put up the tent and piled blankets and pillows, plus the air bed, into it. Kennedy packed snacks, drinks, and books, and they had a great time, reading by flashlight. Hudson needed someone to sleep in the house with him, so it was daddy-daughter time. Kennedy loved it, she thought it was quite an adventure. She is not the best person to sleep next to, she's quite the little kicker, we avoid it whenever possible. What a good Daddy to be willing to have a sleepless night here and there for the sake of making memories.

Tahoe guarded the sleeping campers...

Hello, Soccer!

Kennedy started soccer this week, and we are all loving it! Dustin and I are coaching, which is so fun, the kids are absolutely adorable, but that means I really don't have the time I would like to devote to photographing the little athlete. I caught a couple of her warming up...A deal is in place between her and Dustin, if she scores a goal, she'll get ice cream after the game. No ice cream yet, but she's pretty close. She's so fast, but still a little timid. Plus, the one boy on our team who has played before, he is SIX after all, is a bit of a ball hog. Might need a little stronger coaching... :)

Look at that smile. We are so glad she is having fun!

Almost! Even the best players miss occasionally...

Happy Late 4th of July!

Our Favorite thing about the Fourth of July is...



Patriotic Pedicures! It's a tradition now with me and Kennedy...the night before we truss up our tootsies! We really went all out on hers this year, they are the cutest!

This holiday has definitely been one of my life-long favorites. After having spent the first 23 or so years of my life in Lewiston, the first year we stayed in Idaho was difficult. Now, it almost feels like home. I love that Kennedy and Hudson still get that hometown parade and festival experience, complete with catching candy and playing carnival games. Rexburg is basically Lewiston on steroids, anyway.

Here we are at the parade...remember me complaining about the cold not too long ago? I was wishing it had lasted a little longer, we melted on the blacktop.

We parked at Utah Power, walked to the park, then to lunch, then back, probably about 10 blocks total this day. Kennedy whined and whined and I took the oppurtunity to talk about the pioneers walking everyday, all day. She was not in the mood. I let her push a "handcart" (Hudson in his stroller). This was fun for a bit, but eventually her nice daddy let her ride on his shoulders. Rough life, eh?

After playing in town for the morning, we headed home and put Hudson and Dustin down for a nap, and Kennedy and I hit the lake. While I changed, she packed snacks, drinks and even a magazine for me. What a sweetie. We had a great time by ourselves in the refreshing water and under the umbrella, I even got in! I did not, however, submerge my head...maybe next year...we'll see. Hudson and Dustin joined us later and we took a boat ride, which ended up with me pushing Dustin in and him pulling me in after...monkeys.

Hudson was not up for a late night, so we did fireworks in the backyard with our neighbors and were able to see about 5 different "big" shows from our lot, cool! All in all, a pretty decent day...for being in Idaho. :)

Kennedy's littlest cheerleader

Hudson was so cute cheering for Kennedy at her last T-Ball game today...does this count as talking in sentences???

Pause the tunes, and then listen closely...




Oh, and I know, who brings chocolate chip cookies to a 9 am T-ball game??? It was another mom, I like to call her mine and Hudson's new best friend...:)

And here is my little all-star in training...thanks for the tiniest, cutest mitt, Grandma Josie and Grandpa Jay!

End-of-the-season treats - Kennedy's "best day ever!" Look at that grin, are my kids treat fiends or WHAT?

We had a little Carousel / Splash Park outing on Monday, and do you know what we found? A real live cotton candy machine in the carousel building. For a buck, they spin you a fresh little blue cloud of heaven. Because sugar is always better fresh, right?

Shocker: Hudson did not like the cotton candy. He will usually not ever refuse a treat of any kind (he suffered his way through a VERY sour "Atomic Warhead" candy the other day; anything for something in a crinkly wrapper!). It was very strange, I kind of wanted to take his temperature...luckily there were other treats available, I'd hate for him to go without...