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