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

11 1/2 years (78.4 lbs; 57 3/4" tall)

Hudson is in 6th grade and started this year at Maple View Middle School!!!
He has a block schedule which means he goes to classes 1, 3, 5 on M/W and 2, 4, 6 on T/Th. He attends all 7 classes on F and has a homeroom (called "stretch") class where he starts his day.

It has been an adjustment getting used to multiple assignments, homework, and tests. We are finding that we need to be pay really close attention to the school website and all required work. We are learning that middle school is definitely a different ball game and much more is expected from the students in terms of workload and communication between teacher/parent.

He seems to be doing well in Math and Science so we are focused on pulling up grades in both English and Social Studies. He just completed a group presentation project where they talked about Mesopotamia and he presented a couple slides. In Science, he is learning about the phases of the moon and how this affects tides and our exposure to light. He completed his Art elective and just recently started his 2nd elective, Choir. He has the option of a final test at the end of the quarter or to sing in a choir performance and he's opted for the latter. He has two more electives before year end.

We did several fun activities over the Summer/Fall:

• Tacoma Rainiers Game (amateur baseball)
• Seattle Reign Game (women's professional soccer - we saw Megan Rapinoe & Carly Lloyd) 
• Jewish Synagogue
• Lake Wilderness pedal boats
• Berry Picking
• Seattle Chocolate Tour
• Haunted Forest
• Mormon Church 

We plan to visit St James Catholic church next month during the holiday season!

Hudson is currently reading a series called Funny Kid. They are not really up to his reading level so I put Diary of Anne Frank on hold for him at the library. We've discussed WWII and the Civil Rights movement as a family so I think he's ready to read a first hand account of a child's perspective during that time period. Nana also sent him a book called The Long Walk to Water which he read quickly and enjoyed. Beckett is reading it as well. Nana always has the best book recommendations!!

This Fall in soccer, Hudson played in his own 5th/6th grade group. He and the team had a more challenging season which is perhaps partially due to the fact that many of the players are actually younger than 5th/6th grade. I think they only won 1 game all season which was quite a departure from dominating last season. We were excited to see them win their first game at the tournament before going out. Hudson's friend, Sam Nardella, played for the first time and I think he really enjoyed it. We have registered for Spring season but I think next Fall we will play him in the correct grade level. Their team name this year was Orange Justice as they donned neon orange jersey's.

Hudson continues to display a stubborn side to his personality which doesn't come as a surprise given his mom/dad ;) He still oftentimes "knows more" than mom/dad and walks the line in understanding the equity of his relationship with his parents. He continues to get braver and is more inclined to try things with less trepidation which is nice to see. He is a typical big brother and likes to tell his brother what to do, but is also very helpful in teaching him new things. He loves his iPad time and playing tackle football in the yard with his brother. He told me the other day that he wants to be either a race car driver or a professional NFL football (not soccer) player when he grows up.

We love you SO MUCH Hudson Gray! It's so hard to believe our baby is in junior high!


Hudson's Current Favorites:
Color: Orange
Book: Funny Kid
Song: Panini (Lil Nas X)
Breakfast Food: Pancakes
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: 4
Best Friend: Sam & Evan

11 years (75 lbs; 56 3/4" tall)

Hudson is in his last 6 weeks of 5th grade and his career at Shadow Lake Elementary School.
In math he is focusing on area/volume, in science they're learning about stars/space and in history he is learning about the Oregon Trail. He recently had a field trip to the middle school and has another field trip to the high school in a couple weeks. There was a parent info night at the middle school so we had the opportunity to walk around the campus and learn about the block schedule that will dictate his schedule. We even picked his electives already. It's definitely going to be a new chapter for him with exciting opportunities to explore.

Last month in school was particularly busy for Hudson as he went to Camp Casey for a school sponsored sleep-away camp. He was gone for three days and two nights. He met several boys from neighboring elementary schools and all in all had a good time. He also had to create, present, and showcase a science project. After a little suggestion from his dad he chose to do his on concussions. He was initially intimidated by the thought of speaking to adults about his project and practiced on his family members. I think he was definitely glad to have it behind him but learned a necessary and valuable skill through the process.

We did several fun activities over the Winter/Spring:
We skied 5 different times at Snoqualmie (West & Central), Loup Loup, and Crystal (twice). Hudson is not afraid to go to the top and work on his turns. It's so fun to ski all together as a family! We also had another day in the city and started by touring the Int'l District and enjoying Chinese food (dimsum was the original plan but long lines prohibited us). We did a stadium tour of Century link, toured the downtown library and explored the Olympic Sculpture Park. We also went to a Buddhist Temple and plan to visit a Jewish Synagogue and St James Catholic church later this year.
We just celebrated Hudson's 11th birthday with a flag football game at CCP. This may be the last birthday where we have a bunch of friends with balloons, cake and favors. Moving into junior high may bring with it an evolution of what future birthday parties look like.

Hudson really enjoys Diary of a Wimpy Kid as far as casual reading goes. In terms of serious books he recently finished Treasure Island.

This Spring in soccer, Hudson played down again in order to play with the Shadow Ninja's again. Hudson is definitely emerging as the clear leader and dominant player. It was so exciting to watch him score the only goal to tie the game against a select team in the season ending tournament. We could NOT be prouder of the progress he has made over the last several years. Not only with regard to his skill but also as a leader and team player.  The Shadow Ninja's donned the black jersey's again!

Hudson's independence continues to emerge as well as the influence of his peers. He oftentimes "knows more" than mom/dad and walks the line in understanding the equity of his relationship with his parents. He is getting braver and more inclined to try things with less trepidation. He is a typical big brother and likes to tell his brother what to do, but is also very helpful in teaching him new things. He is currently really into his yo-yo and has learned a variety of tricks. He spends a lot of time playing catch and flag football in the yard now that the weather is getting warmer.

We love you SO MUCH Hudson Gray! It's hard to believe you'll be in junior high THIS Fall!


Hudson's Current Favorites:
Colors: No
Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Song: No
Breakfast Food: Crunchberries
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: No
Best Friend: Sam

10 1/2 years (72.2 lbs)

Hudson is in the 5th grade and has Mr Kostohris again as his teacher which means little to no homework except for reading. He is learning about decimals in Math, ecosystems in Science, and free writing in English. His classroom is in a portable and he swaps rooms for reading which is taught by Ms McKutchen (Sam's teacher). His parent/teacher conference is this week so we hope to learn more and get a good report.

Hudson took a week long Robotics camp the first week of summer break w Sam. After going through an interesting Summer and hardly seeing Sam at all, they seem to be back on track and spending more time together. It's too bad they're not in the same grade. He (and Beckett) did a sleepover a couple weeks ago so mommy/daddy could enjoy a date night.

We did several fun activities over the Summer/Fall:
We raced in three different 5K races, went to a Strawberry Festival, geocaching, emerald downs, swimming at the pool, drive-in movie, disc golf, museum tour, wild waves (twice), franklin falls, the fair, and the pumpkin patch. Hudson's birthday was a soccer party at the park!

Hudson has been reading Cameron's book "Chasing Rumor" and seems to be enjoying it. This is a good thing as we can't seem to find any series that he's open to and willing to invest time to read.
I'm fine w this since he finished reading Lord of the Rings this Summer which was over 1000 pages.
He still goes through stages of semi-enjoying reading and feeling like a slave to it.

This Fall, Hudson played down in soccer (13th season) in order to be with the usual suspects and coach Corey. They had an amazing season (undefeated w only one tie until the final tournament) and Hudson has improved SO MUCH. It seemed like every piece of the game came together for him. From dribbling, passing, shooting, and looking for opportunities to set up assists to strong defense and team leadership. He was the best player on the team and so much fun to watch. I'm glad I didn't press pause this season like I thought I might given Skyler's transition. This season his jersey was Black and their team name was the Shadow Ninja's. He played w Chase S, Matthew, and Dylan.

We took a couple trips to Bellingham this Fall as a family and had a really nice time all in all. The boys did lots of swimming, walked all around the WWU campus and the arboretum and the historic district of Fairhaven. We visited several breweries, played disc golf and visited a farmer's market. One night after dinner we had a dance off and watched a scary Halloween movie w the lights out. Hudson's costume for Halloween this year was Tony Hawk. More a factor of what we had lying around than his level of interest in skateboarding. (Beckett was a Parisian painter)

This Winter, we hope to get Hudson back on the ski hill at Crystal Mountain. He left last season looking really good and feeling pretty confident so I look forward to seeing what this year brings.
We hope to ski at Great Divide in Helena this Xmas so optimistic he'll be open to it.

Hudson has a strong personality. He is opinionated and stubborn, decisive and strong willed. At the same time he is also still sensitive and sweet. He definitely has a love/hate relationship w his brother but when they are getting along it is the sweetest thing to watch. I love that they have each other and that they're close in age.

We love you SO MUCH Hudson Gray! It's hard to believe you'll be in junior high next year!


Hudson's Current Favorites:
Colors: Orange
Book: Chasing Rumor (Cameron's book)
Song: 5 Seconds of Summer
Breakfast Food: Pancakes
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: 8
Best Friend: Sam

10 years (66.8 lbs)

Hudson is on the final stretch of 4th grade. He's had a good year and developed several relationships, particularly with a new neighbor Sam. Sam's parents have become good friends as well so it's a win/win.  He was unsuccessful attempting sleepovers @ Colton and Aiden's homes but has slept over @ Sam's multiple times. There was a strange incident that happened on the bus and then on the school grounds where Hudson and another kid were called into the principal's office. He was a bit emotional at school the next day. After talking w him and exchanging emails w his teacher I think we dissolved the issue and moved past it. In Math he is learning fractions and decimals. He has 4 days of assessments coming up at the end of the month and we're optimistic he'll do really well.

Hudson spent the Spring playing soccer (12th season) with coach Skyler and the usual suspects. This season may have been the end of an era as I think coach Skyler will hang up his coaching cleats and move Chase into Select. Initially, the thought was that Hudson would take a break from soccer this Fall but he seems to want to play again and have his new buddy Sam join his team. This season his jersey was Kelly Green and perhaps the best color yet. Their team name was the Thunderbirds.

This Winter, Hudson went up to the Pass and had a great day skiing with Dad. It started out a little rough but he worked it out and they ended up having a great day. A couple months ago, while in the Methow Valley, Hudson went to the Loup Loup and skied with Mom. He started out on the poma and eventually went to the top of the mountain skiing both the Loop and the Ridge. He had a big crash at the bottom so got really frustrated. After a little cocoa break, he pulled himself out of it and got back on the junior poma. Mommy was really proud of him for pulling himself up and getting out of his funk to try again.

Hudson has been working on reading Lord of the Rings. It's a huge 1000+ page book so it's been a work in progress. He goes through stages of enjoying it and feeling like a slave to it which is totally understandable. Mommy got some alternative books at the library but he refuses to read them. go figure.

Hudson continues to enjoy his friendship w Sam. They are at each other's house probably once a week (oftentimes including Beckett) and have done sleepovers at each others homes as well. It's so great to have a friend nearby and someone whose family is so much fun!

We did a couple fun activities over the past couple months. We went up to the Pass and went inner tubing, to the Seattle waterfront for Wings Over Washington, and then to Pacific Raceways last weekend to watch drag races. Upon coming home, Hudson "decided" that this is what he wants to do as a profession and started sketching out designs to build his own dragster. Good thing his main gift from mom/dad this year is a drill. He also got a light up skateboard from Beckett!

Hudson is coming into his own and becoming more opinionated and inquisitive. He has a strong sense of justice and is frustrated by lack of fairness. He is incredibly inclusive of his brother which is really sweet and always wants Beckett to come along to Sam's house. He even shared his Captain Crunch birthday cereal with B this morning! He had a dentist appt this week and had no cavities which makes mommy really happy.

We love you SO MUCH Hudson! It's hard to believe you are 10 years old.

Hudson's Current Favorites:
Colors: Pink
Book: Harry Potter series; Swindle Series;  Lord of the Rings
Song: I Like to Move it Move it
Breakfast Food: Pancakes
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: 5
Best Friend: Sam

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