Getting into Halloween

Elle and I started our pumpkin picking early this year; and because we were the first to pick a pumpkin in our grocery store—and because they didn’t have their code for pumpkins inputted into their system yet—we got our pumpkin for free. I guess the early bird really does get the worm. Or in our case, the holiday enthusiast gets a free pumpkin.

So today, Elle and I gutted our free pumpkin, we salvaged the seeds, and we turned it into a princess.



And yes, that is Elle's bumblebee costume from when she was two.

Hudson is One

Happy Birthday to Hudson!



Hudson has just turned one, and I am still wondering where that year went. Can it really be a year since I was nine months pregnant with him? Can it really be a year since Johnny and I traveled to the hospital and met him for the first time? Can it really be a year since he was 7 pounds 11 ounces? Yes it can; and his first birthday is proof.

Hudson’s birthday was everything a one-year-old could want. There were presents; there was cake; there were balloons; there were bubbles; there were animals; there was the park; and there was family. What more could a one-year-old ask for? Nothing in my opinion.



Hudson started his day out bright and early—just like every morning—and even though he doesn’t know what birthdays are all about, his sister does, and so she made sure he didn’t miss out on anything that is a birthday must. She showed him how to unwrap all of his presents (so quickly that he didn’t know what to look at or do); she showed him how to work a punching ball (mostly she taught him how to hit others with it); she showed him how to use all of his presents (or took them over is a better way to put it); she showed him how to chase bubbles (she pretty much put them in his mouth and hair); she showed him how to blow out his candles (he didn’t even attempt this one); she showed him how to eat cake (this one he did not like—he puked the frosting back up); and she showed him how great it is to have a big sister to share your birthday with (she was so kind, caring and helpful to him). The two of them together made it a very special birthday.



Hudson is such a bundle of joy. He is sweet; he is happy; he is tough, he is curious; he is a worker; he is loving; he is a giggler; he is fun; he is content; he is silly; he is the best.



Happy First Birthday Hudson! We love you!

Caterpillar Party

Barnes and Noble did it again—they made my little girl’s day. Barns and Noble held another one of their children’s parties, and Elle could not have been happier. She loves these occasions, and gets all excited to attend and participate.

This month’s theme was set around the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Elle dressed as an apple; she participated on stage during the reading; she created a caterpillar; she colored butterflies; and she ate cookies and juice. What more could a four-year-old ask for? She had so much fun; and is still talking about her caterpillar party.