Hudson has started 3rd grade and has a male teacher (Mr Kostohris) for the first time.
He seems to really like him and has a lot less homework (so far) than last year. Go figure.
Mommy got to chaperone his Fall field trip to the Salmon Hatchery, bring treats into his Harvest party on 10/31 and attend their Open House to see their classroom, his desk and current projects.
He also had a "folk song" music performance lead by Ms. Tolliver.
Hudson just wrapped up Fall soccer with a new team and coach. It was a very tough start to the season transitioning onto a new team with kids he didn't know and a coach who wasn't familiar. The first practice was the roughest but we eased into it and before long he was friends with the kids on the team really enjoyed the coach and his wife (Jen). Needless to say, I'm sure Spring season will be much easier when he's back with the usual suspects. It's hard to believe he's played for 9 seasons already. His jersey color was burnt orange and their team name was the Onyx's.
We start swim lessons in a week and Hudson will be in Level 3 (2nd time) so we hope to advance by the end of repeating this class. He's leary of being in the deep end so looking forward to exposing him to this fear so he can conquer it and move forward.
We spent the whole Summer trying to find a book series that Hudson would gravitate toward. We weren't successful until school started when we encouraged/forced the first Harry Potter book. It was a little challenging for him for the first half of the book. But now he's really into the series and has started the 2nd book. He's actually such an advocate that he has encouraged Beckett to start reading them and Beckett is reading the first book. (crazy!) We incentivized him by saying he could watch the Harry Potter movies once he completed the book. So he's now watched "The Scorcerer's Stone?
He still enjoys writing and drawing which has been consistent with him. Hmmm....right brainer?
This year for Halloween we had to pull together some last minute costumes. Hudson ended up being a "bear'ista". He wore a green Starbucks apron and had a bear hat with bear slippers on his hands.
Beckett was a scuba diver named "Deep Sea B" and Beau made him little plastic tanks to wear.
Hudson watched "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" last night. I'm hopeful this drives interest in the Chronicles of Narnia series but we'll press pause until he's done with Harry Potter.
Hudson has some anxiety and we've identified ways of working through it. Casey encouraged us to talk about "what's the worst thing that could happen?" and then go from there. It sneaks up on us so we try to warm up to new things early by talking about expectations and being open to questions.
This ranges from fear of taking team/school pictures (sensitive eyes) to new kids/teams (Sounder soccer camp - getting separated from Chase; new Fall soccer team with unfamiliar kids/coach). It's a delicate balance of parental encouragement and realistic expectations we have of him at his age.
Hudson is up to mommy's chin and almost able to wear the same size shoe. He is gentle and considerate, sensitive and stubborn. He is creative, serious, and an introvert. He likes to ride his bike, ascend the new climbing wall in the garage, play in the creek and outside with his brother. He also likes to sit quietly and build lego's in the playroom, draw, and create little games/plays.
It is so interesting to watch the person he is becoming. There is so much to love about Hudson and we feel so blessed to have such a healthy, helpful, and conscientious member of our family.
We love you SO MUCH Hudson! It's hard to believe you are 8 1/2 years old.
Hudson's Current Favorites:
Colors: Blue, Green, and Gray
Book: Harry Potter series
Song: Eminence Front (The Who)
Breakfast Food: Waffles
Dinner Food: Coconut Shrimp
Number: 5
Best Friend: Colton, Graham, Tyler, Sam, Juan
8 years (55.8 lbs)
Hudson is turning 8 this week!
We just celebrated Hudson's birthday a little early with a LegoCity theme. We hosted it at our home and got the Kent Fire Station bouncy house. Hudson welcomed kids from both school, soccer, and our closest friends. In keeping with tradition, daddy made him a cake in the shape of "Emmett" from the Lego Movie. We will have another simple celebration on his actual birthday but mommy/daddy leave for a 2 week trip to Europe the same day so Gma will take the reigns.
We recently attended a curriculum fair/art walk for his school and got to see the variety of projects they have made and what they're learning. Their current focus is on Central and South America. Hudson has a music program at the end of the month where they will perform folk songs indigenous to this part of the world.
Hudson just wrapped up Spring soccer and it was great to have him back with his usual crew. He really has fun playing with the same kids that he first started with. He had a couple amazing goals this year which was really exciting to see and confidence boosting for him at the same time.
We have started initial consultations with orthodontists for Hudson and learned something very interesting. He has 3 teeth that do not have a permanent tooth behind them. We need to schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon to have a couple teeth pulled and will start ortho work in a couple years.
This year for Spring Break we took a ferry to Victoria. The boys had fun riding the Black Ball ferry out of Port Angeles and exploring the city. We had our car so we spent one day in the city and one day venturing beyond. Interestingly enough, out of everything we saw, I think they enjoyed the beach the most. That, and eating at Spaghetti factory!
Hudson occasionally enjoys reading although he seems to be hot/cold. He found a new series at the library called the "Stink!" series. He has a pile of them in his room and when we can get him to pick one up, he'll enjoy the story and the time spent reading. Otherwise, it's a bit out of sight out of mind. He does seem to enjoy writing and drawing which has been a constant. He definitely lives in his imagination to a certain degree and enjoys the art of creating. I wonder where he gets that from?
We recently watched the original Star Wars movies and Hudson is all of sudden, REALLY into it. He sings the theme song, pretends to be an Ewok, and flies his ships around quoting the movie. His little brother is really into it too which makes it even more fun to pretend to be Luke and Han Solo.
Hudson is growing taller and will most likely eclipse mommy by the 4th or 5th grade. He is a compassionate, sensitive, stubborn, creative, curious and serious boy who seems to enjoy his friends, his time at school and his little brother. Well, they are BFFs at least 50% of the time.
We love you so much Hudson! It really is hard to believe you're turning 8 years old this week!
Hudson's Current Favorites:
Colors: Red, Blue and Green
Book: Stink! series
Song: Ghostbusters
Breakfast Food: Oatmeal & Cereal
Dinner Food: BLTS and hates Stir-Fry!
Number: 86 zillion
Best Friend: Colton
We just celebrated Hudson's birthday a little early with a LegoCity theme. We hosted it at our home and got the Kent Fire Station bouncy house. Hudson welcomed kids from both school, soccer, and our closest friends. In keeping with tradition, daddy made him a cake in the shape of "Emmett" from the Lego Movie. We will have another simple celebration on his actual birthday but mommy/daddy leave for a 2 week trip to Europe the same day so Gma will take the reigns.
We recently attended a curriculum fair/art walk for his school and got to see the variety of projects they have made and what they're learning. Their current focus is on Central and South America. Hudson has a music program at the end of the month where they will perform folk songs indigenous to this part of the world.
Hudson just wrapped up Spring soccer and it was great to have him back with his usual crew. He really has fun playing with the same kids that he first started with. He had a couple amazing goals this year which was really exciting to see and confidence boosting for him at the same time.
We have started initial consultations with orthodontists for Hudson and learned something very interesting. He has 3 teeth that do not have a permanent tooth behind them. We need to schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon to have a couple teeth pulled and will start ortho work in a couple years.
This year for Spring Break we took a ferry to Victoria. The boys had fun riding the Black Ball ferry out of Port Angeles and exploring the city. We had our car so we spent one day in the city and one day venturing beyond. Interestingly enough, out of everything we saw, I think they enjoyed the beach the most. That, and eating at Spaghetti factory!
Hudson occasionally enjoys reading although he seems to be hot/cold. He found a new series at the library called the "Stink!" series. He has a pile of them in his room and when we can get him to pick one up, he'll enjoy the story and the time spent reading. Otherwise, it's a bit out of sight out of mind. He does seem to enjoy writing and drawing which has been a constant. He definitely lives in his imagination to a certain degree and enjoys the art of creating. I wonder where he gets that from?
We recently watched the original Star Wars movies and Hudson is all of sudden, REALLY into it. He sings the theme song, pretends to be an Ewok, and flies his ships around quoting the movie. His little brother is really into it too which makes it even more fun to pretend to be Luke and Han Solo.
Hudson is growing taller and will most likely eclipse mommy by the 4th or 5th grade. He is a compassionate, sensitive, stubborn, creative, curious and serious boy who seems to enjoy his friends, his time at school and his little brother. Well, they are BFFs at least 50% of the time.
We love you so much Hudson! It really is hard to believe you're turning 8 years old this week!
Hudson's Current Favorites:
Colors: Red, Blue and Green
Book: Stink! series
Song: Ghostbusters
Breakfast Food: Oatmeal & Cereal
Dinner Food: BLTS and hates Stir-Fry!
Number: 86 zillion
Best Friend: Colton
7 1/2 years (53.5 lbs)
Hudson started 2nd grade this Fall and his teacher is Ms Mondul. He seems to really like her and we do too. We have his parent teacher conference this Friday!
The curriculum is currently focused on learning about Native Americans, states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and doing double digit addition and subtraction. We went to an Open House and got a chance to see his classroom, meet his teacher (again) and learn more about his daily routine(s).
Summer 2015 was full of fun experiences...
In June, Hudson enjoyed a family road trip where we visited 3 Nat'l parks (Yellowstone, Glacier, and Banff/Lake Louise). He had a great time camping and seeing new sites regardless of some long hours in the car. He even found a big horn sheep toy in Yellowstone which quickly became the center of many campsite games throughout the rest of the trip. He saw a lot of wildlife in their natural habitat (Elk, Bear, Mtn goats, ground squirrels) which was educational. He also hiked a glacier in Montana that was covered with snow. This made things interesting in sneakers. He had fun playing in various swimming pools, walking a lot, and getting lots of mountain fresh air.
In July, Hudson got to take an Amtrak train ride with Gma and Mariah from Montana to Seattle. They got a sleeper compartment as it was an overnight trip. I think it's safe to say he had a GREAT time!
Later that month Hudson spent a week in Starfire Soccer camp with Chase Burreson. They got to play on the same practice field as the Sounders and even met a couple of the players during camp. He had a great time especially having a buddy with him!
In August, he got to spend some time at nana/papa's house. However, the visit was cut short due to massive forest fires that ran rampant through the Methow and Okanogan county. It was quite an adventure as they had to evacuate nana's house and load up the dogs to spend the night at nana Laurie's before heading back to Seattle.
September issued a new soccer season. Due to his age, Hudson was forced to move up to the U7 league playing with all boys (no co-ed) age 7+. The players were all new to Hudson except for Jayveer (a teammate from season's past). The coach was a first time coach and we really missed Skyler and his old team. However Hudson had a good season regardless. He easily made friends with the other players and continued to improve his soccer skills. Mommy got a great game video of Hudson dribbling around players, down the field and scoring a goal!!!
This year for Halloween Hudson was a ninja. We went to the MV Community Center's "Truck or Treat" where the boys got to explore all kinds of large utility trucks. Hudson participated in his first ever cake walk and actually won a cake! They also tried cotton candy for the first time!
Hudson continues to enjoy reading Geronimo Stilton books (off/on). Mommy read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe which he seemed to like initially but interest seemed to wane in the end. He really enjoys using his imagination to create. He makes fantastic structures with lego's and forts and is currently inspired to create clues for treasure hunts. He is getting more and more independent in his personality. We continue to see an analytical side to him and a curiosity for the reason behind things.
Hudson is a great person. He is kind and considerate. He is responsible and funny. He is sensitive and clever. We love you so much Hudson Gray!!!
The curriculum is currently focused on learning about Native Americans, states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and doing double digit addition and subtraction. We went to an Open House and got a chance to see his classroom, meet his teacher (again) and learn more about his daily routine(s).
Summer 2015 was full of fun experiences...
In June, Hudson enjoyed a family road trip where we visited 3 Nat'l parks (Yellowstone, Glacier, and Banff/Lake Louise). He had a great time camping and seeing new sites regardless of some long hours in the car. He even found a big horn sheep toy in Yellowstone which quickly became the center of many campsite games throughout the rest of the trip. He saw a lot of wildlife in their natural habitat (Elk, Bear, Mtn goats, ground squirrels) which was educational. He also hiked a glacier in Montana that was covered with snow. This made things interesting in sneakers. He had fun playing in various swimming pools, walking a lot, and getting lots of mountain fresh air.
In July, Hudson got to take an Amtrak train ride with Gma and Mariah from Montana to Seattle. They got a sleeper compartment as it was an overnight trip. I think it's safe to say he had a GREAT time!
Later that month Hudson spent a week in Starfire Soccer camp with Chase Burreson. They got to play on the same practice field as the Sounders and even met a couple of the players during camp. He had a great time especially having a buddy with him!
In August, he got to spend some time at nana/papa's house. However, the visit was cut short due to massive forest fires that ran rampant through the Methow and Okanogan county. It was quite an adventure as they had to evacuate nana's house and load up the dogs to spend the night at nana Laurie's before heading back to Seattle.
September issued a new soccer season. Due to his age, Hudson was forced to move up to the U7 league playing with all boys (no co-ed) age 7+. The players were all new to Hudson except for Jayveer (a teammate from season's past). The coach was a first time coach and we really missed Skyler and his old team. However Hudson had a good season regardless. He easily made friends with the other players and continued to improve his soccer skills. Mommy got a great game video of Hudson dribbling around players, down the field and scoring a goal!!!
This year for Halloween Hudson was a ninja. We went to the MV Community Center's "Truck or Treat" where the boys got to explore all kinds of large utility trucks. Hudson participated in his first ever cake walk and actually won a cake! They also tried cotton candy for the first time!
Hudson continues to enjoy reading Geronimo Stilton books (off/on). Mommy read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe which he seemed to like initially but interest seemed to wane in the end. He really enjoys using his imagination to create. He makes fantastic structures with lego's and forts and is currently inspired to create clues for treasure hunts. He is getting more and more independent in his personality. We continue to see an analytical side to him and a curiosity for the reason behind things.
Hudson is a great person. He is kind and considerate. He is responsible and funny. He is sensitive and clever. We love you so much Hudson Gray!!!
7 years (48 lbs)
Hudson is turning 7 in one week!!
Mommy/Daddy will be in New England on his actual birthday so we celebrated it early. Hudson really wanted to go up in the Space Needle so we had a "day in the city" birthday weekend. We stayed @ Inge's condo in Ballard and had adventures through Seattle Center (Space Needle ride to the top), downtown Ballard, and the Ballard Locks. It was a packed weekend w great weather!
Hudson is on the home stretch of 1st grade and is now doing double digit addition/subtraction. He has recently taken huge strides in ENJOYING reading. He is obsessed with the Geronimo Stilton books and reads them constantly. He prefers reading over playing his Kindle which mommy/daddy particularly appreciate. His reading speed and comprehension has taken off which is great to see.
Hudson spent Jan/Feb taking swim lessons and is getting much more confident with his strokes in the water. We took the train to Portland for Spring Break and Hudson swam around in the Crystal Hotel soaking pool w/o issue. It's so nice to see the practiced skills paying off.
Hudson just wrapped up his Spring soccer season. He really improved this year. He was much more aggressive and confident getting into the middle of play. He was probably in the top 3 goal scorers!
Hudson's appearance is starting to change as he has lost two more teeth. His top middle teeth. Yes, he is now that kid with two front teeth missing. However, we practiced saying his "S's" yesterday and he doesn't sound funny. This last tooth was knocked out while playing @ Emly's dinner club yesterday. Fortunately Christy found the lost tooth in the grass! Needless to say, the tooth fairy made another visit to our house last night.
Hudson has a field trip to Point Defiance Zoo in two weeks. He's always jealous that Beckett gets to do little field trips/party's in his class so I'm sure this will be fun for him.
Spring Break was spent taking the train to Portland. The boys had a lot of fun experiencing a real train and what it's like to be inside one. We toured the viewing car, dining car, etc. They played their Kindles most of the time but it will be a good memory I'm sure.
Hudson has been learning about Australia and Marine Life. He is still required to do about 4 pages of homework a week in addition to a weekly spelling test (which he almost always gets 100% +3 for bonus words). I think we find out who his 2nd grade teacher is sometime in August.
Hudson continues to migrate toward that stage where he thinks he knows more than his parents. In general he asks a lot of questions and has an observatory nature. He is calculated and cautious. He is tender and gentle. He is stubborn and particular. He is a great boy and we love him to the moon!
Mommy/Daddy will be in New England on his actual birthday so we celebrated it early. Hudson really wanted to go up in the Space Needle so we had a "day in the city" birthday weekend. We stayed @ Inge's condo in Ballard and had adventures through Seattle Center (Space Needle ride to the top), downtown Ballard, and the Ballard Locks. It was a packed weekend w great weather!
Hudson is on the home stretch of 1st grade and is now doing double digit addition/subtraction. He has recently taken huge strides in ENJOYING reading. He is obsessed with the Geronimo Stilton books and reads them constantly. He prefers reading over playing his Kindle which mommy/daddy particularly appreciate. His reading speed and comprehension has taken off which is great to see.
Hudson spent Jan/Feb taking swim lessons and is getting much more confident with his strokes in the water. We took the train to Portland for Spring Break and Hudson swam around in the Crystal Hotel soaking pool w/o issue. It's so nice to see the practiced skills paying off.
Hudson just wrapped up his Spring soccer season. He really improved this year. He was much more aggressive and confident getting into the middle of play. He was probably in the top 3 goal scorers!
Hudson's appearance is starting to change as he has lost two more teeth. His top middle teeth. Yes, he is now that kid with two front teeth missing. However, we practiced saying his "S's" yesterday and he doesn't sound funny. This last tooth was knocked out while playing @ Emly's dinner club yesterday. Fortunately Christy found the lost tooth in the grass! Needless to say, the tooth fairy made another visit to our house last night.
Hudson has a field trip to Point Defiance Zoo in two weeks. He's always jealous that Beckett gets to do little field trips/party's in his class so I'm sure this will be fun for him.
Spring Break was spent taking the train to Portland. The boys had a lot of fun experiencing a real train and what it's like to be inside one. We toured the viewing car, dining car, etc. They played their Kindles most of the time but it will be a good memory I'm sure.
Hudson has been learning about Australia and Marine Life. He is still required to do about 4 pages of homework a week in addition to a weekly spelling test (which he almost always gets 100% +3 for bonus words). I think we find out who his 2nd grade teacher is sometime in August.
Hudson continues to migrate toward that stage where he thinks he knows more than his parents. In general he asks a lot of questions and has an observatory nature. He is calculated and cautious. He is tender and gentle. He is stubborn and particular. He is a great boy and we love him to the moon!
6 1/2 years (45 lbs)
Hudson is now in 1st grade. His teacher is Mrs Loescher and he seems to like her although not as much as he liked his Kindergarten teacher(s) Mrs Belmondo and Mrs Boyle.
He has homework each week and in addition to improving his reading/writing skills, he is getting quick at solving single digit addition and subtraction math problems. He seems to be making friends both in school and on his bus. He keeps asking for a playdate with William who is actually not in Mrs Loescher's class nor on his bus. We met up with him and his brother once and need to again.
Hudson wrapped up Fall Soccer with daddy acting as asst coach again this year. While he is still most comfortable just on the outside of the immediate playing area he did have a few aggressive games where he was right on the ball and had several shots on goal. It was great having many of the same players from last season return to the team again this year. I think it helps the kids feel more comfortable and contributes to overall team collaboration and comraderie.
Hudson got a clean bill of health recently at his 6 year well child visit. He had no shots and actually doesn't need to go back until he's 8. Outside of a vision test which the nurse can administer at age 7 there's no reason to see the doctor again outside of getting an annual flu shot.
We just returned from the dentist and Hudson is cavity-free! He did really well at the dentist and even held still enough to get some good x-rays. He has five 6-year molars coming in and several teeth (top and bottom) emerging from his gum line. To date he's only lost one tooth on the bottom so I think in the next 6 months we'll be leaving gifts for the tooth fairy often. The dentist did say that there may be orthodontist work in our future which comes as no surprise especially to mommy.
Hudson got a Kindle for his birthday and loves playing with it. It's a great device for car rides, Beckett's soccer practice, and slow Saturday morning's waiting for mommy/daddy to wake up. Oftentimes he'll sit with Beckett in the recliner and just play it together. Very cute.
Hudson is becoming more and more independent and opinionated. He will often tell mommy/daddy, "no, that's not correct...". We seem to have an emerging "expert" on all things. He is strong willed and very particular. He appreciates order and rules and when others follow suit. He is a great helper both to mommy and daddy but also as a big brother to Beckett. While he can be frustrated by his brother he's also very kind and supportive of him.
He continues to be a sensitive soul. He is more emotional than Beckett and gets his feelings hurt more easily. He has a huge heart and cares deeply about things that are important to him. He is such a special person and it's such a pleasure to watch him grow and develop each and every year.
We love you Hudson Gray!
He has homework each week and in addition to improving his reading/writing skills, he is getting quick at solving single digit addition and subtraction math problems. He seems to be making friends both in school and on his bus. He keeps asking for a playdate with William who is actually not in Mrs Loescher's class nor on his bus. We met up with him and his brother once and need to again.
Hudson wrapped up Fall Soccer with daddy acting as asst coach again this year. While he is still most comfortable just on the outside of the immediate playing area he did have a few aggressive games where he was right on the ball and had several shots on goal. It was great having many of the same players from last season return to the team again this year. I think it helps the kids feel more comfortable and contributes to overall team collaboration and comraderie.
Hudson got a clean bill of health recently at his 6 year well child visit. He had no shots and actually doesn't need to go back until he's 8. Outside of a vision test which the nurse can administer at age 7 there's no reason to see the doctor again outside of getting an annual flu shot.
We just returned from the dentist and Hudson is cavity-free! He did really well at the dentist and even held still enough to get some good x-rays. He has five 6-year molars coming in and several teeth (top and bottom) emerging from his gum line. To date he's only lost one tooth on the bottom so I think in the next 6 months we'll be leaving gifts for the tooth fairy often. The dentist did say that there may be orthodontist work in our future which comes as no surprise especially to mommy.
Hudson got a Kindle for his birthday and loves playing with it. It's a great device for car rides, Beckett's soccer practice, and slow Saturday morning's waiting for mommy/daddy to wake up. Oftentimes he'll sit with Beckett in the recliner and just play it together. Very cute.
Hudson is becoming more and more independent and opinionated. He will often tell mommy/daddy, "no, that's not correct...". We seem to have an emerging "expert" on all things. He is strong willed and very particular. He appreciates order and rules and when others follow suit. He is a great helper both to mommy and daddy but also as a big brother to Beckett. While he can be frustrated by his brother he's also very kind and supportive of him.
He continues to be a sensitive soul. He is more emotional than Beckett and gets his feelings hurt more easily. He has a huge heart and cares deeply about things that are important to him. He is such a special person and it's such a pleasure to watch him grow and develop each and every year.
We love you Hudson Gray!
6 years (45 lbs; 50% 45" tall; 45%)
Hudson is now on the back end of Kindergarten. He has about a month left before Summer break.
He has learned so much over the last 9 months. He's getting more and more confident with his reading and writing. His Spring Break homework assignments included keeping a journal of his everyday activities, writing a non-fiction story, and a mini narrative about his week off.
He's also learning how to add and subtract as well as life cycles of oviparous animals. (Hudson had to explain to me that oviparous refers to animals hatched from an egg or an animal that lays eggs).
At home I am working with him on how to tell time with a standard clock as well as identification of currency and the $ association.
He had a starring role in his first ever production called The Three Piggy Opera. Hudson was the brick pig and was front and stage left for the entirety of the program. These were non-speaking parts but he memorized several (very catchy) songs. We attended an Art Walk/Curriculum night a couple weeks ago and had a chance to see various things he's been working on throughout the year.
Hudson enjoyed Spring soccer with Covington Sports again this year. One of the highlights was that daddy was the asst coach which was good for everyone. Hudson has completely resolved any fear of getting out on the field and interacting with the players. He's still a little hesitant to get aggressive on the field and typically stays just outside the immediate playing circumference. But he gets his foot on the ball often enough. He's made a really good friend in Chase whose daddy was the head coach!
We're celebrating Hudson's birthday this year by going to Great Wolf Lodge for an overnight tomorrow. He's really excited and this may be the last year we're able to do a party-free celebration. We got him a big boy bike so we're hoping to get him comfortable with a larger bike (sans training wheels) so that Beckett can inherit the little bike. I think daddy even got a bell he can ring.
For the first year, mommy gets to make Hudson's cake since daddy is working. It won't be as elaborate but sometimes less is more. In a couple days he gets to go to nana/papa's with Beckett where they'll have a couple farm adventures (chickens laying eggs, baby pigs, ecology exhibit) and maybe a special 1:1 date with nana at a local production of Willy Wonka.
Hudson loves playing in the new playroom daddy built in the basement. He has music, toys, a chalkboard, and pretty much everything he needs to spend time being creative and entertained.
Hudson helped daddy plant several vegetables in the garden this year. It will be fun for him to see the fruits of his labor.
Hudson is growing more independent and oftentimes steers away rather than into my arms for hugs or assistance. He continues to show amazing aptitude when it comes to learning/retaining/comprehension. He is opinionated, passionate, extremely kind and helpful both with mommy and Beckett. It is so nice that he's old enough to add real value around the house and be a helper to mommy, especially when daddy's at work. He is a handsome and fun boy who is full of life!
We love you so much Hudson Gray. I can't believe you will be 6 years old tomorrow!
He has learned so much over the last 9 months. He's getting more and more confident with his reading and writing. His Spring Break homework assignments included keeping a journal of his everyday activities, writing a non-fiction story, and a mini narrative about his week off.
He's also learning how to add and subtract as well as life cycles of oviparous animals. (Hudson had to explain to me that oviparous refers to animals hatched from an egg or an animal that lays eggs).
At home I am working with him on how to tell time with a standard clock as well as identification of currency and the $ association.
He had a starring role in his first ever production called The Three Piggy Opera. Hudson was the brick pig and was front and stage left for the entirety of the program. These were non-speaking parts but he memorized several (very catchy) songs. We attended an Art Walk/Curriculum night a couple weeks ago and had a chance to see various things he's been working on throughout the year.
Hudson enjoyed Spring soccer with Covington Sports again this year. One of the highlights was that daddy was the asst coach which was good for everyone. Hudson has completely resolved any fear of getting out on the field and interacting with the players. He's still a little hesitant to get aggressive on the field and typically stays just outside the immediate playing circumference. But he gets his foot on the ball often enough. He's made a really good friend in Chase whose daddy was the head coach!
We're celebrating Hudson's birthday this year by going to Great Wolf Lodge for an overnight tomorrow. He's really excited and this may be the last year we're able to do a party-free celebration. We got him a big boy bike so we're hoping to get him comfortable with a larger bike (sans training wheels) so that Beckett can inherit the little bike. I think daddy even got a bell he can ring.
For the first year, mommy gets to make Hudson's cake since daddy is working. It won't be as elaborate but sometimes less is more. In a couple days he gets to go to nana/papa's with Beckett where they'll have a couple farm adventures (chickens laying eggs, baby pigs, ecology exhibit) and maybe a special 1:1 date with nana at a local production of Willy Wonka.
Hudson loves playing in the new playroom daddy built in the basement. He has music, toys, a chalkboard, and pretty much everything he needs to spend time being creative and entertained.
Hudson helped daddy plant several vegetables in the garden this year. It will be fun for him to see the fruits of his labor.
Hudson is growing more independent and oftentimes steers away rather than into my arms for hugs or assistance. He continues to show amazing aptitude when it comes to learning/retaining/comprehension. He is opinionated, passionate, extremely kind and helpful both with mommy and Beckett. It is so nice that he's old enough to add real value around the house and be a helper to mommy, especially when daddy's at work. He is a handsome and fun boy who is full of life!
We love you so much Hudson Gray. I can't believe you will be 6 years old tomorrow!
5 1/2 years (42.5 lbs; 44 1/4")
Our little boy has started Kindergarten. He catches the bus at the end of the driveway each afternoon @ 12:46 (Mon-Thurs). He goes all day (9:10-2:10) every other Friday and no school on the off Friday's. We are still getting used to having a kid in school and accommodating this additional schedule. Hudson loves school and seems to be thriving in this new learning environment. We were very proud to receive a letter from the school stating that Hudson was Student of the Month for September. That means he was the first kid to receive this honor for the whole school year.
He is learning to read and is given "heart words" (sight words) each week that help a lot. He is learning to write both upper and lower case letters as well as numbers. He is able to do simple addition, can recite his address, knows the days of the week, and we're working on currency value. He seems to catch on quickly after being instructed only once or twice.
His class had a book fair, reading night, a pumpkin patch field trip, and student/teacher conference. It is so nice to be able to put him on the bus knowing he is going somewhere he enjoys being and doesn't have to have idle quiet time in his room. His brother appreciates being able to take his nap uninterrupted as well ;)
Hudson & Beckett both played Fall soccer this year. Hudson had a different coach which made for a different and less than favorable experience. Needless to say, daddy has volunteered to coach next year. He is no longer intimidated to play but isn't super aggressive either. He tends to hang back and avoid really getting in the middle of the group to get his foot on the ball. It will be interesting to see if this is something he grows out of or if soccer/sports just isn't his thing.
Outside of school Hudson had some fun experiences over the Summer. We had a fun West coast road trip where we enjoyed camping in the Redwoods, visiting the Tillamook factory and an aquarium in OR, and building sandcastles in the northern CA ocean sand. He also went to the Puyallup Fair for the first time. He was adamant about going on the ferris wheel which surprised me coming from our more cautious son.
This year for Halloween, we went over to the Mitchell's neighborhood and both Hudson & Beckett dressed up as firefighters (thx to uncle Cameron). We found out after ringing a fellow neighbors doorbell that Hudson's teacher, Mrs. Belmondo lives in the same neighborhood.
Hudson continues to be more risk-averse than his little brother. We still see that sensitivity although at times it's coupled with first child/older brother tendencies to bully and antagonize. He appreciates rules and structure and has yet to be reprimanded at school (fingers crossed).
He is a thriving, intelligent, kind, stubborn and sweet boy and we love him so much.
He is learning to read and is given "heart words" (sight words) each week that help a lot. He is learning to write both upper and lower case letters as well as numbers. He is able to do simple addition, can recite his address, knows the days of the week, and we're working on currency value. He seems to catch on quickly after being instructed only once or twice.
His class had a book fair, reading night, a pumpkin patch field trip, and student/teacher conference. It is so nice to be able to put him on the bus knowing he is going somewhere he enjoys being and doesn't have to have idle quiet time in his room. His brother appreciates being able to take his nap uninterrupted as well ;)
Hudson & Beckett both played Fall soccer this year. Hudson had a different coach which made for a different and less than favorable experience. Needless to say, daddy has volunteered to coach next year. He is no longer intimidated to play but isn't super aggressive either. He tends to hang back and avoid really getting in the middle of the group to get his foot on the ball. It will be interesting to see if this is something he grows out of or if soccer/sports just isn't his thing.
Outside of school Hudson had some fun experiences over the Summer. We had a fun West coast road trip where we enjoyed camping in the Redwoods, visiting the Tillamook factory and an aquarium in OR, and building sandcastles in the northern CA ocean sand. He also went to the Puyallup Fair for the first time. He was adamant about going on the ferris wheel which surprised me coming from our more cautious son.
This year for Halloween, we went over to the Mitchell's neighborhood and both Hudson & Beckett dressed up as firefighters (thx to uncle Cameron). We found out after ringing a fellow neighbors doorbell that Hudson's teacher, Mrs. Belmondo lives in the same neighborhood.
Hudson continues to be more risk-averse than his little brother. We still see that sensitivity although at times it's coupled with first child/older brother tendencies to bully and antagonize. He appreciates rules and structure and has yet to be reprimanded at school (fingers crossed).
He is a thriving, intelligent, kind, stubborn and sweet boy and we love him so much.
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