easter

So Easter came and went a few weeks ago- better late than never for a brief update. As usual the kids were excited to get downstairs Easter morning and find what the bunny had left them. Right now, the minions from Despicable Me (both the naughty ones and nice) are a big hit in our house, so the boys got stuffed animals, underwear, socks, lunch box, wallet, and shirts all with those characters on. Harlow got a book, Minnie Mouse matching game, flip flops, a new tea set, and her most favorite thing of all- playdoh. Grandma and Grandpa came with a truck full of presents, the biggest being brand new bikes for each of them! Lucky kids these three! They had 2 more egg hunts, one at home and one at Uncle Lon and Vicky's. Not to mention more presents from their godparents. We have candy overflowing in the house, literally!  

egg dyeing

Like the tradition in most families, we dyed Easter eggs again this year. Three partially naked kids say at the kitchen table, Hudson with rubber gloves on (no surprise there!) and colored the eggs to their hearts delight. They dropped, plopped, stirred, and glittered. 

The following day we went to Grandma Sharon's to celebrate Easter and dyed more eggs. Aunt Lori tried a new technique- shaving cream and food coloring. The kids got to dive in with their hands and get messy, so obviously it was a big hit! 

Kindergarten Take 2

Last week, Hudson and I took Paxton to his Kindergarten Open House. Hudson had wanted to go with so badly, but I told him he needed to ask Paxton first because this was HIS day. I should have known Pax would want his big brother with, he didn't even question it. And looking back, I am so glad he did come with. Paxton was nervous and shy, stuck pretty close to me, always answered the teacher's questions, but did so with short, quiet answers. But Hudson got a hold of him and was so excited to show off his school, that his excitement caught on and Paxton perked right up and ran through the hallways with him. And Hudson made sure we visited every single kindergarten classroom, the gym, library, art room, cafeteria, SMART room, computer room and took a bus ride!

I'm ready for Paxton to start Kindergarten....I think. When filling out the "parent input" form, asking for certain characteristics of your child that might match well with certain teachers, I wrote that Paxton is nervous and shy, easily intimidated, likes physical activity, and that he hasn't showed much interest in academics and can be easily distracted. All very true statements. I'm hoping for a kind, patient, not very strict teacher, and would be thrilled with Mrs. Maudal (Hudson's teacher) again!

Of course everyday since the open house, Paxton has asked when he starts kindergarten. How many more days of daycare he has left, how many more days of preschool he has left, and he teeter totters on whether or not he wants to go to kindergarten. I think he likes the idea of it, trying something new, but he knows himself well enough to know that school, sitting quietly and learning, just isn't really his thing. But he'll make friends, and it'll take him months to remember their names. I will ask him what he did in school everyday, and he'll rarely remember and be able to tell me anything. He will hurry through work but still learn a lot. And he might even get in trouble sometimes, most likely from not listening or being a little too wild during down time. It will be a much different experience than having Hudson in school. Paxton is a much different kid. And I love him, and he's ready.

school volunteering

Every opportunity given by Hudson's school or teacher to volunteer or visit his class, I am there! I helped with lunch duty the first few months of school, I've been a guest reader to the class, always a party or field trip chaperon, eat with Hudson at lunch several times a month, and most recently started teaching my Junior Achievement lessons. To say I love being involved in Hudson's education and school experiences is speaking mildly. Going to his school is always the highlight of my day. Knowing his teachers, his peers and friends, watching him interact, and now actually teaching him, are all moments I cherish. And I have asked Hudson several times if he's okay with me butting in all the time, and he replies with, "If there's ever anything you can come to school for, I want you to always come." YES!!!! So I'm taking advantage while I can.

A couple weeks ago, before the snow quickly melted, the entire Kindergarten class went on a field trip to Flandrau State Park, much like they did in the Fall, and will again in Spring. They look for changes in nature that each season brings.

Each student in Hudson's class got a carrot to hide along the trails for the deer.

Looking at the picture below, what's the first thing that you notice? I'm guessing either the bunny ears given by a kindergarten friend, or the GIANT mark on Hudson's forehead!? He was swinging upside down in the school playground and must have skid his face just perfectly along the rubber matting under the swings. At first we thought it was a bruise, but now noticed it's more of a rug burn, a very smooth, very noticeable burn! On a side but related note: he and I took a trip to the ER this week as well. Him and Paxton were wrestling around (tackling and boxing each other according to Hudson) and Hudson hurt his arm. When I got home and saw his arm was swollen with a visible bump, I flashed back to when Paxton broke his femur and it immediately swelled up, so I thought better safe than sorry and took him to the ER. It turned out fine and was more of a muscle injury than a bone injury, but when we got to the ER and the nurse asked Hudson what happened, he started telling him about his arm, and the nurse interrupted him and said, "Oh you mean you aren't here for your head?" Ha, no, separate incident. It's been a tough week for poor Hudsy. 

some videos

A few videos to enjoy.....

Harlow singing in the shower. The words are, "Takin' my shower shower. Shakin' my booty booty." 

A little longer one...my favorite parts of this one are when she says "some lot" when referring to how much water she has. She uses "some lot" for the amount of everything. I also love how her eyebrows go up and down when she says she likes to take baths better. That's something she's always done and I hope it never goes away. The way she dumps water over her head, because of course, she's Harlow! And lastly, how her voice goes WAY up high when she asks if I have this on my phone. 

Paxton showed us his moves the other night. He's always dancing! (It's kind of a long video, sorry!)

We went swimming last weekend and Harlow showed off her fearless personality. She goes under and down the slide without even a thought. I love when I overhear parents around us say, "Look at that little girl, watch what she can do.." This girl sets no boundaries and I love it. 

Hudson's weekend

Hudson cashed in his Christmas present from Maddi and Zevlen last weekend and we spent two nights at the hotel. This is the greatest gift idea ever, especially for the boy that has everything and needs nothing! And its fun for the whole family, which Hudson finally caught onto while sitting in the hotel. He said, "You know, I'm really the only one that should be able to go to the hotel, Paxton and Harlow got other presents." Very true my boy, but I asked him if he thought he'd have as much fun without his brother and sister with and he agreed that would not.

Because THIS is fun.....

They spent most of their time swimming in the pool and hot tub. Like, really, a lot of hours!

Paxton put bubbles on his face and Harlow immediately put her arm around him and said, "Hi Santa." For the rest of the weekend then she was doing the same, putting bubbles on herself and saying, "Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!" Even to complete strangers who all thought she was quite funny.

Jamie threw all of the kids as high as he could. Hudson figured out the timing enough to wave and smile for the camera......

Paxton nearly lost his trunks.....

And then held on to them for dear life!

Harlow just went high, really really high!

We spent Saturday afternoon at The Blast indoor play place. It looked intimidating to this mama who is deathly afraid of losing track of the kids, namely Paxton who can't keep track of himself, and Harlow who doesn't stop to think and just goes. But after a few minutes, I realized that they really couldn't get out without me seeing them, so if they were lost, they'd likely be hiding in a tube slide somewhere. Hudson was the BEST big brother and kept Harlow close to him the entire time. At one point he came to tell me he was going to find the highest rocket ship that he hadn't been able to find yet, I told him okay and reminded him to keep Harlow with him. He looked at me, shoulders slumped and said, "But Mom, I've had her with me the whole time and I have to help her up all the steps and sit her on my lap for all the slides and it's really hard." Point well taken Hudsy, and I told him to go on ahead by himself and I'd keep Harlow down by me. He darted toward the slides, but only made it about 3 steps until he turned around and said, "No, I'll just take her. Come on Harlow!" And my proud mama heart melted. Now that is a good, protective big brother.

See Hudsy way up top?

More swimming Saturday afternoon/evening, and Sunday.

This one never takes his goggles off! And his swimming skills and bravery doubled by the time we left on Sunday. He was jumping and diving (belly-flopping) into the deep, and going all the way under for diving sticks.

Sister got new goggles from Grandma and she looked soooo.....um cute?? Right. 

More bubbles all over this scrawny kid!

Even though Hudson was the one to watch out for her at the play place, these two really have a closer bond. They play together the best, and they fight together the best. On Sunday morning, Harlow woke up first, sleeping next to Paxton she rubbed his chest for awhile and then turned to tell me, "I love my brother." Just that, nothing else. I literally felt a tug inside at my heart.

A video of them swimming....(Be sure I had my eye on Harlow dipping her head into the deep the whole time.) 

We ate at Burgers and Bottles for lunch on Sunday. It was a new restaurant near the hotel and with over 30 different flavors of bottled soda we had to try it out. No need to mention that all three kids chose the SAME ROOT BEER! Typical.

And before we headed home, we stopped at Cherryberry (our second time of the weekend!). Hudson wasn't a fan of his the first day so he needed a a re-do, and that was good enough excuse for me to go again!

The kids had a GREAT weekend!!! SO many thank you's to Maddi and Zev! Especially Maddi for decorating the room again. He is too spoiled. He loves you! We all love you! 

visiting Hudsy

I had the privilege of going to Hudson's school and being the "guest reader" for February- Love to Read Month. Hudson picked two of his favorite books for me to read and then invited me to stay for awhile and watch him in his little kindergarten world. (And of course I brought lunch too!). It also happened to be the 100th day of school so they were doing all sorts of things to celebrate. (Including 100 jumping jacks in gym class!!) They had made crowns before I got there, and I asked Hudson why he wasn't wearing his, and he gave me a typical Hudson answer- he didn't want it to get dirty or ruined. He and his best bud Rowan sat and counted out their 100 pennies and 100 pop tabs. They counted by ones, fives, and tens. Pretty impressive.

Later on we went to the SMART room. I think that stands for something, but I'm not sure what. They combine physical activity with education and do different things at each station. Hudson was partners with his friend Landon.

This activity is math, adding the 2 numbers on the board and then bouncing the ball. 

This was my favorite! Called the love bug. It was hilarious to watch! (I like at the end of this video, you can hear another friend in the background start telling me something by saying, "Hudson's mom....") 

Here he had to walk across the beam, not touch the hearts hanging from the ceiling, and read the 3 words on each dome as he crossed over them. I was impressed.

I can't express how much I love spending time with him at school. It's a side of Hudson I don't normally get to see. The way he interacts with his friends and teachers. He's polite, and courteous, and smart, always eager to learn or volunteer to help. I am so proud of him, and I think I told him 100 times, you know, for the 100th day of school!

it's melting

The boys took advantage of the warmer temps last week and spent part of the afternoon outside, jumping in a very wet trampoline and playing in the melting snow. Hudson made his very own snowman. He sprayed it with red food coloring and Cousin Maddi made the comment that it looked like the snowman was a bit bloody and had been punched in the face. Ha!

I love this progression of pictures. Such a typical brother moment.
Paxton getting ready to give Hudson a snow wash.....

Making contact, but still sweet and innocent smile.....

Retaliation from big brother......

And they're over it and pose for a nice picture.

gymnastics

Harlow continues to LOVE gymnastics! She's excited every week to go and the second its over she's already asking when she goes again. We are in a Mommy and Me class (she can't be on her own until she's 4 years old), but she certainly doesn't need this Mommy to tag along. She prefers to do things by herself, and even sits by the teacher during stretches.

Here is a video of her "skipping". I use quotations because you can't really call what she's doing actual skipping, but she's giving it her all! 

She's working on her skipping a little more in this video, and she tells me that I can video her now. Then she gets a little sidetracked watching the big girls off to the side.

videos

I forgot to post a couple videos of Harlow swimming when we were in Iowa. 

Village West resort

We've missed our annual February weekend trip to Iowa the last couple years, but with the kids at the ages they are, we knew they'd have a blast this year. Their cousins play in a basketball tournament, but all of their free time is spent at the resort, swimming in the pool or winning tickets in the arcade. I wish I would've gotten a picture of Hudson in the arcade, because it was his form of heaven! He was money hungry, playing as many games as he could to win as many tickets as he could! The kid was obsessed to say the least. Harlow's heaven was the pool. Both her and I were thrilled to find an entire pool only 2 feet deep that she was more than happy with. She spent the entire weekend in that pool. She did lots of cannonballs, went diving for her rings (literally, she dove under the water!), and loved the attention from the older kids. And those older kids melted my heart when they played with her, and with the boys too. They were so good with all of them, always including them. I was very proud of those pre-teens and teens.

And a BIG thank you to Grandma Sharon for helping out with the kids and staying with us! We love you!

Harlow riding her horsey in the arcade.

The boys rough housing in the pool. Love those genuine, happy smiles!

Harlow in her element!

We had breakfast at Betsy's Diner at the resort. 

Paxton fell asleep on Saturday afternoon so I stayed back in the room with him while everyone else went down to swim. I enjoyed my extra cuddle time with him. 

Harlow....surrounded by boys! I could've taken a hundred pictures like this, all with her in the middle of about 7-10 boys, following her every move.