Family Vacation 2012

For two weeks, we went on a family vacation to California and Kauai. It was a fun and eventful two weeks. So fun in fact, that we really struggled coming back to reality and the real world (the end of vacations are always the worst). But even with it coming to an end, we loved every minute of our family vacation.

We loved the ocean.



We loved the pool—especially when it would be lit up blue at night.



We loved the hot tub—we couldn’t get Hudson out of it.



We loved feeding the fish.



We loved the luau.



We loved the weather.

We loved the scenery.



We loved the shopping.

We loved the waterfalls—especially the one we got to swim in.



We loved ziplining.



We loved kayaking.



We loved hiking.



We loved finding fish—with crackers of course.



We loved being adventurous.



We loved relaxing.

We loved being on the boogie board—especially Hudson, who even fell asleep on it in the middle of the ocean.

We loved the food.

We loved sand.

We loved California.



We loved loosing teeth (one in Kauai and one on the drive home from California).



And most of all, we loved being together.

5K

Today I ran a 5K, and I finished 9th overall and 1st in my age group. I was very excited to do so well on my race. I have only been training—if one can call running here and there training—for a week and a half. I knew I wasn’t completely prepared, nor was I fooled by the idea of thinking I was actually in shape, but I still went all out on my race. And my miniscule training and effort paid off, because I placed really well.



I was extremely excited to finish 9th overall, but when I found out I finished 1st in my age group, I was ecstatic. And I was even more thrilled when I found out that the first place winners in every age group got a brand-new pair of running shoes. I am still in shock that I won a new pair of shoes. It was a great surprise.



Elle also ran in the kid’s race today, and did exceptionally well. She ran the entire mile, and was hardly even tired. She did great. It was fun doing a race together; and it was a great day for running.



Yea for running!

This Week...

Elle graduated from Kindergarten. I am so happy and proud of her. She has learned and grown so much this year. We were very nervous for her to start Kindergarten on account of her being so sensitive, but she has done great. She has excelled in her studies, made new friends and gained a confidence about herself and what she is capable of. I am so proud of my little girl and how hard she works. She is such a good girl. And such a cute graduate.



Hudson made this lovely mess. Why oh why must he do this everyday? It is hard to stay mad at him though, because he always looks sweetly at me and says, “Oh, sorry Mommy. That’s ok Mommy.”



Elle had her last day of Kindergarten. It was a happy day for her, but a sad one for me. I am happy that she accomplished her first year of school, but I am sad that she is growing up. I want her to be my sweet little girl forever. Plus, I don’t know what I will do without her all day next year. I know it will be good, but I am glad I still have the entire summer to get used to the idea.



Hudson managed to get brownie batter ALL over. He even got it on his foot, but that was easily cleaned up with his tongue. Gross.



It was a great week.

Favorite Sayings

Whenever I am having a bad day, Hudson always tells me, “Don’t cry Mommy. Don’t worry. Hudson is here.”

When I was cutting Hudson’s hair today, he said, “You’re breaking me.”

Whenever we are going somewhere, I always tell Hudson who is going to be there. I go through my usual list, and then he ALWAYS adds onto my list by saying, “And people.” Yes, Hudson, people will be there.

If Hudson does not know someone, he likes to break the ice by using the word guy. He can often be heard saying, “Hey guys.” And sometimes he can be heard saying, “Oh, hi guy.” It really is a good ice breaker.