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After dinner on Thursday night, and before it was time for Hudson to go to bed, we were playing downstairs together.  These after dinner and before bed family play times are my favorite.  Probably because I have my two boys right where I want them...home with me, making memories together!  :)  I suggested Roy take out his guitar so Hudson could hear him play.  We thought he would really enjoy listening to the guitar but he seemed to be more interested in the guitar case.  Its never too early to establish a love for music.   

i'm standing

Wow!  Hudson continues to be a strong and active boy.  He moves from one milestone to the next without any problem or hesitation.  We are super thankful for his normal growth and development, yet I find myself thinking "just slow down a little bit."

Now that he is even busier we are finding its much more difficult to get good pictures of him.  

He is pulling up, standing up, and getting into everything!  

Its time for Mommy to put away more of her "pretties."  

My new saying is..."Hudson, that is not safe for babies." 

Here is the evidence and Hudson's thoughts...

I first started by pulling up on my knees.  

But that only lasted a couple of days before I moved on to bigger and better things.  

It is sooo interesting to touch Mommy's pretty stuff and its lots of fun to pull it down too.  

Standing tall and proud with my neighbor Caitlyn.  

I am so proud of myself and all the new tricks I can do!  

This new activity table that Mommy got for me is pretty cool. 

Everything I touch either lights up or talks.  These standing stuff is awesome!  

Yes, I climbed up onto this step all by myself.  I just lost my sock on the way up.  

Pretty impressive huh?  And what do you think of these handsome pj's?  

What's next?....cruising?...or should I just go ahead and start walking?  :)  

And a video to show off my new trick...

another fall harvest

On Saturday we took in another fall harvest (or 3rd one of the year).  We headed out with some friends (Danenhauer family and 2 Drake students from Malaysia) so they could experience and learn more about Iowa life on the farm.  Everyone got a ride in the John Deere combine and/or tractor.  

Later that afternoon we came home and Farah and Abby had a chance to carve their first pumpkin ever.  They did a great job and were excited to take him home to show off to their friends.  

i created :: photo blocks

I wanted to fill you in on my latest project....photo blocks.  I would love to take the credit for an original idea here, but I am an honest person so I won't.  I found this idea on another blog that I frequently read and made it my own.  One of Hudson's buddies (and his Mommy being my buddy) turns two years old today so I stayed true to my tradition of making Grayson a birthday gift.  When I saw this project I was instantly excited and wanted to give it a try myself.  First I purchased nine 2 inch blocks at Michaels.  Then I spent lots of time searching Google Images for different pictures, based around different themes (musical instruments, balls, toys, fruits/veggies, animals, transportation vehicles) that are of interest to Grayson (or any child for that matter).  Then I printed the pictures off on photo paper and cut them to size (2 inches).  Next, I adhered the photos to the blocks using Mod Podge.  Finally, I wrapped them up in tissue, put them in a bag and sent them on their way to Arkansas.  This morning we Skyped together so I could watch Grayson open them.  Now the little guy has hours of fun sorting and stacking them any way he likes.  If you would like me to make you a set let me know.  They are perfect for any toddler/preschool aged kid and I could even personalize them with family member photos.  Love it!    

    

a family day at the farm

This past Saturday we headed out to Roy's parents farm in Redfield.  Ben and Jenna were home for the weekend so it was a great excuse to hang out together for the day.  Jenna recently got a new camera and has taken on the hobby of photography.  Who better (and cuter I must add) to take pictures of than her precious nephew Hudson?!  There are so many I had a hard time deciding which ones to post.  Since I knew my mom would be interested in seeing all of them, I went ahead and posted lots of them.  :)  Thanks Jenna for capturing some fun photos.  

  

  

 

Hudson enjoyed playing with Grandma Sue's "new toys."  

  

  

Hanging out with the "big Swinger boys" in our overalls.  

Also...Ben and I celebrated our birthdays together, complete with ice cream cakes.

big red fire trucks

On Saturday morning the Waukee Fire Department hosted a pancake breakfast.  Being the good small town guy that he is, Roy suggested supporting the cause and checking it out.  Hudson didn't get any bites of the pancakes (maybe next year) but he got his first looks at all the big red fire trucks.  Daddy had fun showing him and telling him about all the big boy things.