16 years (132.8 lbs. 5'8 1/2" tall)

Hudson is 16 and has his DRIVERS LICENSE as of TODAY!!!!!!

Hudson is in the last few weeks of his Sophomore year at Tahoma High School. He had a very busy year with XC in the Fall, Track this Spring and two AP classes (Psychology and European History) plus Honors English. He just had two BIG AP tests the same week as Track Leagues. 

XC: Hudson had a good season. He was competitive as a sophomore and ran with both Varsity and JV. He lettered as part of the Varsity. He came in 1st of 120+ runners at one of the invites in Federal Way which was super exciting!!! 

Track: Hudson had a tough sophomore season. His energy level seemed low early on so at the urging of the coaches we had his ferritin (iron) levels checked by his doctor and discovered they were extremely low. We immediately got him on supplements and while his overall times improved, it wasn't at the same rate as his buddies. The supplements helped bring up his levels but not to where we had hoped. He dealt with some injuries as well (shin splints and sort ankle) which hurt his overall performance. He started to pivot away from the 3200 and focus more on the 1600. Now that his season has ended, he's agreed to not train for a few weeks and just stay off of his feet to allow his shins some much needed recovery time.
His PR for the 800 is 2:17. PR for the 1600 is 4:49:83, and his PR for the 3200 is 10:40.

Hudson continues to get good grades despite his mammoth course load. He is learning valuable time management skills and seems to be doing a good job balancing his studies with sports and time w friends. As parents we never feel the need to check Skyward or follow up to ensure he's staying on task and completing assignments in a timely fashion. 

Hudson got his driver's license and is now officially an independent driver. Man, has it been a long road to this point and we're so excited for him to have this new found freedom and to exit out of carpool for him ;)

We did several fun activities over the Winter/Spring: 

• Traveling: East Coast (last Summer), XC Camp (Bend), Sun Peaks, CAN to ski, Whitefish Mtn to ski for Mid-Winter Break and Hawaii (Big Island) for Spring Break
• Activities: Skiing: (Jan &Feb), Snoqualmie w Nick & Caleb (Apr)

Hudson is about 1/2 inch taller than Beau. He still maintains that he's the same show size as when he was in grade/middle school so not sure if that's indicative of his future height potential. I'd love to see him be a bit taller but that may not be in the cards. We'll see... 

This year for his birthday we went down to the DOL to get his license then to North Bend to do some shopping at the Nike outlet store. We enjoyed an incredibly warm day (80 degrees) playing some lawn games outside and plan to hit Sumo sushi for dinner!  In terms of gifts, he got the Subaru (on loan) and then $150 from us plus the Nike shopping spree and a fanny pack for bike riding. Gma gave him $100 as did Nana/Papa and Nana Nan. Nana also got him a cool navy "Runner" sweatshirt. 

Hudson Gray, we are so incredibly proud of the young man you are turning out to be. You have such a gentle spirit and quiet determination about you. It has been such a thrill to watch and support your journey into young adulthood. We hope you enjoy this new stage of freedom and independence as you become an independent driver on the road. We're so lucky to have you as our son. You continue to make our hearts sing w gratitude and appreciation. We will cherish the next two years we have with you in our home and as part of family. We couldn't be more proud! 

We Love You to the Moon and Back <3

Hudson's Current Favorites:
What do you want to be when you grow up: "An Old Man"

Color: White
Book: --
Song: --
Breakfast Food: Oatmeal Bake
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: 17

Best Friend: Nick, Caleb, Kjell

15 years (120 lbs. 5'8" tall)

Hudson is 15 and has his DRIVING PERMIT as of TODAY!!!!!!

Hudson is in the last few weeks of his Freshman year at Tahoma High School. He has had a very busy year with XC in the Fall, followed by Orienteering in the Winter (plus daily runs w team) and then Track this Spring. He has had a fairly heavy course load for his first year in a massive high school. He is in Honors English and AP Human Geography and doing well. He just had a BIG AP Human Geo Final that's a nationally recognized test and gets 3-4 college credits for completing. He had a couple study group sessions with friends as well as two different practice tests leading up to the final.

XC: Hudson had a stellar season running XC. He was competitive as a freshman (1 of 4 freshman to letter) and made for a great introduction into high school sports and new friendships. He has two good buddies, Nick & Caleb, that he developed throughout the season and have carried through the Winter and Spring into Track.

Track: Hudson has focused primarily on the 3200 meter race as his dominant event. He has flirted with the 1600 towards the end of the season but shines brightest in the 32. It's so much fun watching him run and continue to improve as well as be a part of a team and establish relationships. 

Hudson continues to make huge improvements in ownership of his grades staying on task and organized in a way that keeps his grades at a consistent A/B level. As parents we rarely check Skyward to ensure he's completing assignments - phew, what a relief that is for everyone! 

Hudson has such a full plate with school and sports but finds time to do work at the neighbor, Joan's house. He communicates with her directly and goes over w regularity to help her with minor outside household chores - a great opportunity to make some money $! We opened a BECU account for him so that he has debit card and learns how to keep both a checking as well as a savings account to earn that interest!!

We did several fun activities over the Winter/Spring: 

• Traveling: Kellogg, ID to ski Silver Mtn; San Diego for Spring Break; Lake Chelan (May)
• Activities: Skiing: Bachelor (Jan), Silver (Feb), Snoqualmie w Nick (Apr)

Hudson is the same height as Beau and while he's been in the same shoe size for awhile, we're hoping/anticipating that he'll continue to grow even taller. 

He got his braces off and has his final appt in Oct and then NO MORE ORTHODONTIST APPTS. He has a retainer he's supposed to wear at night indefinitely but I'm not sure how often that's actually happening ;)

This year for his birthday we'll have a quiet family evening carb loading w mazythra so Hudson is competitive and ready for his 3200 league race tomorrow night. He opted out of the sugar cereal and dessert tonight in order to stay as fit and dialed in health-wise in preparation for his race. He plans to go bowling on Saturday with Nick & Caleb at the family fun center and we'll do sugar cereal and dessert then. In terms of gifts, he's getting a go-pro as his big birthday gift and then a couple smaller things for running to round it out.

Hudson Gray, you have certainly had an AMAZING past 12 months. You are turning into one of the best people that I know. You are patient, sensitive, conscientious, funny, smart, dedicated and just a pleasure to have around. We love watching you continue to become an incredible young man and citizen of life. Although they are few and far between, we love the moments we get to share w you. You have taught us so much and we are so lucky to have such an incredible human, like you, as part of our family. 

We Love You to the Moon and Back <3

Hudson's Current Favorites:
What do you want to be when you grow up: Fire Investigator

Color: Orange
Book: currently reading 'Think Again' by Adam Grant
Song: --
Breakfast Food: Waffles
Dinner Food: Mazythra
Number: --
Best Friend: Nick & Caleb

14 years (116 lbs. 5'4" tall)

Hudson is in the last few weeks of his Middle School career at Maple View. He has registered for his High School classes and attended 'Future Freshman' night to get tours of the school and learn more about the schools programs, clubs, etc. It's so hard to believe that our baby Hudson will be in high school this Fall. He will be taking two AP classes (history & english) as well as running on the XC team.

Hudson has turned a corner a bit in taking initiative to stay on top of his grades the back half of this year and is leaning into missing assignments by reaching out to the teacher proactively which is GREAT to see.  He has all A's with one or two B's so he really is doing well. We're just pushing for all A's. 

Hudson wrapped up his year with Valor soccer (year round) and also did a little 2 week XC team through the school. He really enjoys running and likes to go over to his school track and run time trials. Beckett enjoys doing it with him which is super cute. He even took nana/papa and Aaron over there when they were recently here staying with the boys. He's trying to get faster than a 5.45 mile. He will spend the Summer training whenever possible by doing trail runs each day in preparation for meets in the Fall.

We did several fun activities over the Fall/Winter: 

• Traveling: Seaside, Twisp (Tripod), Hawaii, Scottsdale 
• Activities: Skiing @ Mt Baker, XC mini season

Hudson has definitely surpassed mom in height and is creeping up on dad. He wears the same shoe size as dad and we're thinking a growth spurt is in his near future so assuming he'll surpass dad but time will tell.

He still has braces and is back to wearing rubber bands but only on one side. We have no idea how much longer he'll need to wear them but it's now been 1 1/2 years so hoping it's sooner rather than later. He's fairly diligent about wearing the bands and keeping his teeth clean and using flouride. 

This year for his birthday we opted for a quiet evening at home. He started the day with a birthday breakfast cereal of Crunchberries and then we went out for sushi for dinner that evening after playing a family game of HORSE. He opened his presents and ate cake (lemon with white frosting). He got a nice chunk of $ from Nana Nan, Nana, Gma, and us which will help him save for that Apple Watch he wants. 

Hudson Gray, you continue to impress us with your gentle spirit, your conscientious nature, your are kind, compassionate, creative, smart, athletic, and an all around great person. At the risk of jinxing things, the last few weeks have been a wonderful time of back and forth dialogue and less teenage angst. I love being with you as much as you allow me to be. I love listening to what you have to say and what you think about. You are my baby boy turned young man and we love you SO MUCH. 

Hudson's Current Favorites:
What do you want to be when you grow up: Fire Investigator

Color: Yellow
Book: ---
Song: Drake
Breakfast Food: Oatmeal bake w blueberries
Dinner Food: Sushi or Chinese
Number: 89
Best Friend: ---

13 1/2 years (103 lbs. 5'3" tall)

Hudson is in 8th grade and finally back to in person learning on Maple View's campus after remote learning for almost 18 months. He seems to be thriving both with his grades and social appetite. His electives for the first quarter include Spanish and Space & Flight. It's been fun to see him utilize some Spanish vocabulary as he explores the language and how to use it.

Hudson has started off the year doing a much better job at staying on top of his assignments although oversight is still needed to ensure the grades don't slip too much. He recently got an iPhone so part of the deal was that his grades need to stay up or he's in jeopardy of losing his phone.   

Hudson is playing Valor soccer (year round) and also did Track & Field this Fall where he placed well enough in all 3 events (400m, 800m and 1600m) to make the season end Invitational. He received an email from the HS XC coach inviting him to join the team next year if he's interested. I think this is a huge boost to his self confidence and a great compliment to a well deserved season. 

Hudson has also joined a school club called Band of Brothers. The club is lead by 2-3 male teachers who seek to provide an environment where young men learn about integrity, values and enjoy bonding over games and food before/after school. Hudson seems to really enjoy it which is all that matters!

Hudson is now fully vaccinated. We hope to get him the booster shot within the next few months when it's available for kids his age. 

We did several fun activities over the Spring/Summer: 

• Traveling: Bellingham w Simons, Tulip Festival, Big Summer Road Trip through California, Costa Rica w Gma (Road Scholar), and Montana Man
• Activities: Tennis Camp, Sounders Game, and Dude Perfect @ the Tacoma Dome

Hudson is fully in the middle of puberty and all that entails. The moods, the smells, the "exploration" is in full swing and we are just along for the ride. His voice continues to get lower, he's wearing the same size shoe as his dad, is taller than his mom and enjoys his sleep and 'alone' time!

He still has braces but was told in his last ortho visit that he doesn't have to wear rubber bands anymore (or at least until his next visit). He's now had braces for over a year so I'm sure he looks forward to the visit where they tell him he's ready to get them removed! 

Hudson recently arranged a meet up with friends to play football at Summit Park. I got the ball rolling via text and then once he got his phone he managed it from there. The fact that he has a phone will be a huge game changer and make logistics much easier on mom! 

Hudson Gray, you are continuously evolving into a kind young man. I think you may be the strong and silent type reserving your opinion and inserting it when necessary. I love watching you continue to grow into the person you are going to be and fully embrace any time you are willing to engage in conversation and let me get a peak into your world.  

We love you to the moon and back >3 

Hudson's Current Favorites:
What do you want to be when you grow up: Engineer or Architect

Color: ---
Book: ---
Song: ---
Breakfast Food: Eggos
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: ---
Best Friend: Sam

13 years (97.8 lbs; 62" tall)

Hudson is in the home stretch of 7th grade and is now attending school in a hybrid model where he is on campus T/F and remote learning the rest of the week. 

Hudson has done a better job at staying on top of his assignments although oversight is still needed to ensure the grades don't slip too much. Ironically his favorite subject last year was Math and this year it's his least favorite and his grades reflect it. It might be the content and might be the teacher....who knows. He is getting A's and B's as we attempt to step back from monitoring and let the last 6 weeks ride.  

There is discussion around the vaccine being available to kids 12+ which is exciting. I think if/when that happens we will definitely make an appt for him. His soccer game was canceled this past Saturday because a kid on his team tested positive. So, knowing he'll be back in school full time in the Fall (hopefully) and playing Valor Select soccer (maybe) I'd feel a lot better if he was "immunized". 

We did several fun activities over the Winter/Spring: 

• Traveling: Gig Harbor w Simons, Skiing @ Mt Baker, Blue Lake in March, Arizona for Spring Break, and the Methow for a quick visit to see nana/papa
• Hikes: Cedar Mountain

Hudson is not reading much in spite of really getting into the Mysterious Benedict Society a couple months ago. He read the first two books but since iPads are gone until the school year is over, the reading has tapered off. Bummer!

We decided to switch over to Valor's Rec soccer program for this Spring and it's definitely a change of pace. I think Hudson was challenged more in the Covington league. So after much convincing by Corey, Hudson is going to try out for Valor Select this week. While we have mixed feelings about the commitment level, the boys need to be more challenged if they're ever going to get any better. 

Hudson has started to style his hair and wear deodorant consistently. Yep, we're at that phase! 

Hudson has had a couple friends over recently which has been nice for him post COVID. These boys are into metal detecting and have developed their own discord app detailing a business model and key role/positions of each person in the group. It's pretty creative actually! 

Hudson has started to help out much more with house chores. Between he and his brother they are pretty much capable of doing everything from dishes to sweeping/vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, taking out the trash/recycling and even doing their own laundry. Mom is finally getting more of a break!!

Hudson and Beckett continue to do a great job at creative play. They are always coming up with games or contests or things to do downstairs or outside which is great! We've been playing a lot of horse, 4 square, kickball, spike ball, Molkky, corn hole, and bocce as the weather gets nicer and we can be outside more.

Hudson Gray, I can NOT believe you will officially become a teenager tomorrow.

You are conscientious, kind, patient and generous with your things and your time. It has been such a cool journey to watch you develop from a baby to a toddler and from a little boy to a young man. 

We love you to the moon and back >3 

Hudson's Current Favorites:
What do you want to be when you grow up: Engineer or Architect

Color: Cyan or Orange
Book: The Mysterious Benedict Society
Song: ---
Breakfast Food: Crepes
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: 4 or 8
Best Friend: Sam, Evan, Henry

12 1/2 years (87.4 lbs; 60.5" tall)

Hudson is in the 7th grade and has been homeschooling since the beginning of the year due to COVID. 

We had a bit of a rocky start to the year in terms of accountability for his work and turning assignments in and on time. However, in the past several weeks, we're getting a good rhythm/routine and staying on top of things in a new way and it seems to be proving mostly effective as Hudson currently has straight A's!!!

Due to the pandemic, Hudson did not trick-or-treat this year and instead opted for a movie night at home with mom buying a bag of candy he could split with his brother. There is talk of a vaccine that is 90% effective so while our fingers are crossed, I assume Hudson will homeschool the rest of this school year.

We did several fun activities over the Spring/Summer before going back to school: 

• Traveling (Chelan, Blue Lake X2, Vegas/Sedona, Montana, Cle Elum, McMenamins, Twisp X 3 where we played putt-putt golf, kayak @ Patterson Lake, and rode horses at Sun Mtn)
• Hikes: Tradition Lake, Taylor Mountain, and May Valley Loop

Hudson is currently reading Endurance about Shackleton's shipwreck in Antartica. He doesn't love reading so we definitely have to dangle the 'screen time' carrot in order to get him to read. I hope this changes.

Fall soccer canceled its regular season but offered a clinic style practice. Hudson wasn't interested so we're taking yet another season off from sports. When the weather was nice the boys would play football a lot in the yard as well as some basketball (basically horse) and a little baseball. We spent time doing a few new local hikes as well as biking, and kayaking during our travels earlier in the year. 

Hudson now has BRACES!!! He got them a couple weeks ago and is getting used to eating with metal in his mouth and adjusting to his new normal. He's been doing a really good job brushing his teeth and doing fluoride afterwards. I actually think his teeth have never looked cleaner!

Hudson and mom decided to do a 1:1 overnight trip over on Bainbridge Island. We took the ferry across the Sound, hit the Poulsbo bakery and then checked in to Pleasant Village Inn. We got burgers, late night snacks and watched movies in bed. The next day on our way home, we hit Woodland Park Zoo and then came home. It was a great time being together and bonding as we see this window of opportunity closing sooner rather than later as he evolves from a boy to a young man. 

Hudson has started to help out more around the house as he continues to look for ways to make money. He is getting better and better at washing pots and pans and cleaning sinks/toilets. It's so great for mom to have more help around the house especially while we're all home together so much of the time. 

Hudson is moving towards adolescents and will be 13 in the Spring. He is moving away from articulation and we often say we have to be fluent in the language of 'grunt' as that is primarily what we get out of him when responding to questions. He is a normal pre-teen and we understand that he is testing/questioning his autonomy and boundaries which is exactly what most kids his age are doing. Oh boy, here we go...the TEEN YEARS!!!

Hudson and Beckett continue to do a great job at creative play. They are always coming up with games or contests or things to do downstairs or outside which is great!

We love you SO MUCH Hudson Gray! It's so hard to believe our baby will be a teenager next year!


Hudson's Current Favorites:
What do you want to be when you grow up: Historian

Color: Orange
Book: Endurance (latest read book)
Song: ---
Breakfast Food: Pancakes
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: 15
Best Friend: Sam, Evan, Ryan, and Greg

12 years (84.2 lbs; 59 1/4" tall)

Hudson is on the home stretch of finishing out 6th grade via home school given COVID-19.
In addition to his weekly assignments from his teachers, we have been supplementing his curriculum by learning to type (typing.com), play the guitar (fender.com) speak Spanish (rosettastone.com) paint (Bob Ross videos), Khan Academy and of course read, read, read. Hudson recently finished the Count of Monte Cristo. Once he finished it we watched the movie - such a great story!

Due to the pandemic, Hudson was not able to have a birthday party this year as people have been asked to socially distance and not gather in groups. So, he decided he wanted a "yes" day. Basically he wanted to eat a bunch of junk food and play his iPad so that is what he did. He was extremely generous and used half of his allotted $ to buy Beckett a list of treats in addition to his own. This year, mom made the cake which we were able to share with a few people we saw over the weekend.
He got an upgraded mountain bike and a War Robots t-shirt & mug from mom and dad.

We did several fun activities over the Winter/Spring before we had to shelter in place:

• Black Diamond Open Space bike trail
• Duthie bike park (w Steph, Chase & Cru)
• Sledding at Hyak Park
• Cougar Mountain Zoo
• Hindu Temple
• Game Night (Bingo)
• X-Country Skiing & Luge in Methow
• Ski trip to Bachelor in Bend

Hudson is currently reading Animal Farm, a book his dad had and he seems to be enjoying it. It's an allegory so good food for thought and conversation.

Spring soccer season was canceled due to the Corona Virus so unfortunately we were unable to watch Hudson lead his team, which had some good returning players like Tucker, coming back. Darn!

Hudson continues to be a thoughtful, generous, cautious, and slightly shy personality depending on who he's around. He is definitely becoming a teenager and testing his boundaries and limits when it comes to authority/rules. He also is getting more and more brave when it comes to trying new things and talking w people. He's doing an amazing job w home schooling and being way from his friends and a conventional school environment. I know it's not easy to be separated from routine and he and Beckett are doing a great job w creative play and recently made tickets for a "home zoo" and invented a fun game of whiffle golf which we've all been enjoying. They are also working on an elaborate paint by number canvas and seem to be enjoying that creative process as well. We recently got a basketball hoop and have been practicing shots and playing a lot of HORSE.
At this time he wants to be an INVENTOR when he grows up.

We love you SO MUCH Hudson Gray! It's so hard to believe our baby will be a teenager next year!


Hudson's Current Favorites:
Color: Turquoise
Book: Count of Monte Cristo (latest read book)
Song: ---
Breakfast Food: Sugar Cereal
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: 5
Best Friend: Sam and Evan