Paxton the Super Star

When Paxton started kindergarten, with the same teacher Hudson had, I walked into his classroom and warned her that this boy would be a complete opposite of Hudson. This boy tests limits, runs a little faster, doesn't mind breaking rules, gets a little rowdier, and doesn't have the patience or ambition to learn. To prepare myself, I asked her who would be calling me if he ever gets on the dreaded "red" color on the behavior chart. She laughed and said it would be her voice I hear on the other line. That is what I was anticipating....but man was I wrong! This boy has far surpassed all of my expectations, both academically and with his behavior. And just last week, he brought this certificate home, for reaching the highest "pink" color on the behavior chart. It also came with an email from his teacher telling me how awesome he was, that he is a helpful student and friend. Wahoo!! And even better, he was so excited to tell me. As soon as Jamie picked him up from school, Paxton called me with every detail of his awesome day. I am so proud of this boy.

                                    

I visited his classroom last week to make muffins for their Thanksgiving feast. They dressed up in the Native American and pilgrim costumes they made. 

                                   

Maddi's Bday

Because Maddi is a fun-loving kid at heart, she decided to throw her birthday bash at the Water Park of America this year. Of course my three kids were thrilled! And believe it or not, we had never been to this water park so it was a new experience for all of us. I barely seen the boys. They were off going down all of the slides, numerous times, either with Jamie or cousin Carson. I hung out with Harlow in the smaller kids area which she thoroughly enjoyed! But we did all go down the family slide and seeing Harlow's face was priceless. She LOVED it with the perfect mix of fear and excitement.

Hunter and Harlow going down the lazy river.

After all the swimming, we went out to eat and back to Maddi's hotel for cake, presents, and a good night's sleep. Happy Birthday Faddi!! We love you!

Halloween 2015

This year for Halloween, we introduced to the world- Paxton the soldier, Harlow the Tooth Fairy, and Hudson the Chucky doll. These costume choices were well thought out and very much desired and appreciated. Except for Paxton's, who is the middle child and content with whatever you offer him. Harlow truly wanted to be a Tooth Fairy, both for Halloween and in real life. She wanted wings to fly with and a wand to do magic with. And thanks to Grandma, she got them both. And my Halloween loving Hudson chose this Chucky costume last spring! I said no from the beginning, but his heart and mind were set. I told him children, and some adults, might be scared of it, but that was his point. He wanted to be scary, and freaky and he felt Chucky was the way to accomplish both.....and he did!

The matching army soldiers; Paxton and Hunter.

The beginning of long our trick-or-treating night. The kids did great, walked/ran to every house with a light on, said "Trick-or-Treat" and thank you, even turned to check for the "okay" when the homeowner asked them to "step inside". After a nice elderly lady asked them to come inside her house, Harlow turned around to wave at me, as if to say, "Okay Mom, I'm going in, you keep your eye on me and make sure I come back out." Then Hudson came running out and said, "That lady asked us to go inside her house, is she crazy or what?!?!" Now although thats the right and safe thought my dear Hudson, I quickly reminded him that even with that smart thought, HE WENT IN!! He replied, "Well my brother and sister did."

We walked for hours and if it were up to Hudson, we never would've stopped. Paxton started complaining first. His feet and legs hurt. And when we got to State Street (typically the best and scariest street), Harlow decided that trick-or-treating in her dad's arms was the safest place to be. Her brothers were always sure to ask for that extra piece of candy for their little sister, pointing to her for proof.

Me and my Chucky doll. I never thought I'd tear up with pride on Halloween, especially with a kid dressed up as the serial killing doll that caused many nightmares in the 80's and 90's, but Hudson walking in this costume was something to watch. Nearly everyone commented on it. People either stopped us or whispered, "Look at that Chucky" as they walked by. It generated many laughs and even some screams. He was the celebrity of Halloween night! So much so that Paxton started complaining, "Chucky, Chucky, Chucky, thats all I hear about, everyone loves Chucky!" Again, typical middle child, right! It was well worth feeling like the terrible parent letting him wear this costume. He was in his element, in his glory and I loved watching it. I asked him how he will ever top this Chucky costume and he quickly replied, "Chainsaw Massacre". Good lord! That kid lives for Halloween night.

Pax's Halloween Party

With my next kindergartner in school, I get to be a parent chaperone in Mrs. Maudal's class all over again, and my love for the job has not faded. Knowing my Paxton, I was anticipating his behavior in school, assuming that he'd be a little more wild, talkative, and fidgety and a little less quiet, patient, and reserved....well, let's be honest, a little less "Hudson". But to my surprise, that isn't what I saw. And maybe it had something to do with Mom's presence in his classroom, but he say quietly and listened to direction, he raised his hand to speak, he even went out of his way to ask Mrs. Maudal if he could help. I was proud of my boy, and man did he make a handsome soldier!

Pax and one of his favorite friends Kaden.

And another favorite, Logan. Who he calls "Logie Bogie". I'm sure it doesn't get annoying at all, right?!

And the whole kindergarten class. All sorts of vampires, animals, superheros, and princesses.