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

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