9 1/2 years (63.6 lbs)

Hudson recently started 4th grade and his teacher is Mrs. Dye. She's new to Shadow Lake but we really like her and it seems like Hudson does too. We were very proud to learn that he was selected as the FIRST Student of the Month in September. Way to go Hudson!
In Math he is learning multi-digit addition, subtraction, and multiplication and how to apply those skills to real world problem solving scenarios. In Writing they are working on fictional narratives where they are focused on writing powerful leads and endings and developing meaningful characters through the use of dialogue, feelings, thoughts, and actions. We're going to work on elaboration strategies for Hudson to move his grade from 2 to 3. In terms of "Future Ready" skills he is excelling in being a community contributor, collaborative teammate and conscientious worker.

Hudson spent the Fall playing soccer (11th season) with coach Skyler and the usual suspects. The overall dynamics have changed a bit and I think Skyler might be willing to coach one more season (fingers crossed).  After Spring '18 we may give soccer a break for awhile. This season his jersey was a mustard yellow...AGAIN (as was his brother's) and they're team name was the SuperSounders.
We went to a Sounders game as a family and the boys had a good time watching Professionals real time.

Daddy got the boys outfitted for the ski season this year and we anticipate getting them on the hill to work on some basic ski skills this year. Mommy is jealous that they'll be on the mountain mainly when she's at work :( We hope that adding skiing into the mix will add some dimensionality to their activity repertoire. Especially now that both boys have graduated from swim lessons!!! Hudson is a strong swimmer and can do all the main strokes gracefully. I have no apprehension of him near water. Yah!

Hudson is growing a bit weary of Harry Potter and is newly into the Swindle Series. He is reading them in his classroom. Ironically, he finished the 5th Harry Potter book and only has two more to go to wrap up the series but I'm not pushing it. Since we don't have the Swindle Series at home he has been reading Old Yeller. *This makes mommy very happy*

Hudson is continuing to develop new friendships and this year it's Sam. Sam is our neighbor and his dad is an anesthesiologist at Valley Medical and a colleague of Dr Ichiro. We did a fun "play date" with Sam and took him up to the city to Discovery Park, the Troll and the Aboretum. It was the perfect day and the boys had a lot of fun. I think they were worn out by the time we got home.
Hudson is asking about having Sam and Graham over for a sleepover in the loft.

Hudson is becoming more articulate and independent. He no longer likes mommy to put her arm around him, hold his hand or smother him with kisses. Mommy is adjusting...slowly.
We can't figure out if he's more left or right brain as he seems to do well in both science and math but also enjoys writing, drawing and creating games and stories.
Hudson recently started practicing the electric guitar and learned how to play Happy Birthday by heart just in time for mommy's birthday. What a treat!

He has adopted the family iPad and enjoys playing Minecraft and some old school games like Mario Brothers, PacMan, and Qbert. He is a typical first child and loves to provoke his little brother but never with deviant or ill intent. He's also extremely kind and doesn't let his brother stay mad very long before he reaches out to bring him back into the fold. He is stubborn, opinionated, generous, and funny.

We love you SO MUCH Hudson! It's hard to believe you are 9 1/2 years old.

Hudson's Current Favorites:
Colors: Blue
Book: Harry Potter series "Swindle Series" by Gordon Korman
Song: Learnin' to Fly (Tom Petty)
Breakfast Food: Vegan Pancakes
Dinner Food: BLT's
Number: 50
Best Friend: Graham & Sam

9 years (61.6 lbs)

Hudson is on the home stretch of 3rd grade and has a field trip to the Pacific Science Ctr on June 1. His school year was extended by a couple days due to snow closures so his last day is June 16.

Hudson wrapped up Spring soccer (his 10th season) with coach Skyler and the usual suspects. There were a couple new kids on the team who had never played before which changed some of the dynamics. They didn't have a winning season but I think the kids had fun overall which is what it's all about. His jersey color was teal and his team name was the Sounders.

Hudson transitioned from Soccer right into Swimming. He is in level 5 for the month of May and June after which we'll see if he graduates to level 6 (last level). If he passes we may stop. He's in the deep end of the pool working on all 4 strokes for 100 meters plus deep angle dives.
We will take July/August off from sports. We are going on a 2 week road trip to Utah in July and the boys will be in the Methow for a week in August and at Montana Man Days for another week.

He continues to read Harry Potter and is currently reading book #5 "The Order of the Phoenix". He enjoys writing, drawing, and doing creative things like building lego mazes.
Mommy decided to expose everyone to a variety of experiences including watching classic movies,
going on several hikes (Rattlesnake Ledge, Poo Poo Point, Cougar Mtn - we hope to go to Rainier next month), doing crafts at Michaels, Family Fun Center for mini golf, bumper boats, and go-karts, Trampoline Nation, Ice skating, Roller skating, Peter Pan Ballet, Museum of flight, and a movie.

Hudson is celebrating his birthday this year with a "Camping" theme. Since we'll be at Dash Point over Memorial Day weekend we thought it made sense to celebrate his birthday while there.
We sent out cute camping invitations and asked his friends to bring their bikes. We have nylon camouflage bags for each kid that will have glow sticks, mini flash lights, compasses, and trail mix.

We did a small family birthday celebration on his actual birthday and he got a remote control boat (which he'll use @ Blue Lake in a few weeks), a Star Wars ship and some Pokemon cards. Nana got him a drone, Gma gave him $60 and Nana Nan gave him $40.

Hudson is doing much better with his anxiety. He went tubing at the Pass all day w his friend Graham. We were so proud of him and couldn't believe he did this on his own. He walks over to his swim lane and onto the soccer field on his own and seems to be fine with his picture being taken.

Hudson is getting taller and smarter every month. He continues to enjoy creative endeavors and is doing well in all subjects in school. He's been spending a lot of time in the new garage loft daddy made him and his brother. He is gentle and kind, stubborn and opinionated. A chip off the old block.

We love you SO MUCH Hudson! It's hard to believe you are 9 years old.

Hudson's Current Favorites:
Colors: Blue
Book: Harry Potter series
Song: Wip and Nay Nay
Breakfast Food: Pancakes
Dinner Food: Ribs
Number: 5
Best Friend: Quinn