we're goin' to the zoo...

We had been wanting to take Hudson to the zoo for two months now and this weekend it finally happened.  The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines is nothing spectacular, but its just right for a young toddler because you can spin through the whole zoo in about 90 minutes or less.  It was a HOT day, but we kept Hudson hydrated and applied lots of sunscreen.  

I was planning to keep Hudson "contained" in the stroller, but oh no, Daddy said he needed to get out so he could see the animals.  Good idea Daddy!  

Keep drinking buddy.    

Of course the Swingers made a stop at the monkeys, watching them swing and play.  

This is my favorite picture from the day.  Hudson checking out the leopard.    

A zoo post would not be complete without a picture of animals.  Honestly, we only took 2 pictures of animals, the rest were of Hudson.  

All tuckered out and ready to head home for a nap (both Mommy and Hudson).

Roy and I closed out our "zoo day" by watching the movie We Bought a Zoo.  I especially enjoyed it and thought it was a perfect way to close out our day, relaxing together in the air conditioning.  

Grammy and Bapa's House

Hudson enjoyed life on the farm at Grammy and Bapa's house last week.  There is so much room to explore on the yard and big lawn.  Perfect for an active toddler!  

He enjoyed playing with Grammy's door but didn't like that it doesn't shut all the way.   

Hudson liked to help Bapa on the farm.  Yet, I don't think Dad gets quite as much work done with the little guy around.  Hudson picked up lots of rocks, went to look at the cows, rode in Bapa's pickup on Daddy's lap (don't tell), and even got a tractor ride while Bapa sprayed the corn.  And did I mention that Hudson started saying "Bapa, Bapa" for Grandpa when we were there?!  These two are big buddies!    

Life on the farm....refreshing and relaxing, even for the "puppy" Scout.  

On Thursday afternoon we took Hudson to the park.  He likes things neat and tidy (kind of like his Mommy I guess) and picked off each piece of mulch that was on the step and threw it on the ground where it belonged.  He was busy!  We also took Hudson to the swimming pool and he got his first taste of a water slide and loved it!  He would sign "more, more" after he was done.  Sorry, no pics though.    

We also took in a baseball game on Friday night.  My brother Ryan is the varsity coach for Sioux Center.  It was a late night for Hudson, but what better to keep him awake for than a baseball game?!  

Uncle Ryan in action...

Hudson watched the first 3 innings of the game, but then was ready to get out and play.  

Thanks Mom and Dad (aka Grammy and Bapa) for the great week!  We love you guys!  

Minerva's Musicians

On Tuesday afternoon Hudson and I made the trip to Sioux Center to spend most of the week with my parents.  Besides having extra time with Gma and Gpa, the incentive for our trip was to attend my mom's piano recital.  She has 20 piano students who she meets with on a weekly basis.  Wow!  She always has her recital in May and because it usually is the end of the school year (and a busy time for teachers) I was never able to attend.  Therefore, this year seemed like the perfect time for Hudson and I to take in the festivities.  

Here is the whole gang after the performance.  Congrats musicians!  Nice work!    

For a sweet dessert treat she served cookie ice cream sandwiches.  I made all the cookies for her ahead of time (200 cookies I must add) and she made them into ice cream sandwiches.  They were a hit!  Mom's good friends Nancy and Janet helped serve the treats.  

Here are a few picture of the kids enjoying the refreshments.  

Music is a huge part of my mom's life and therefore was my life growing up and still is today.  I hope to pass along the same appreciation for music to Hudson.  He already climbed up onto the piano bench a few times this week and started "playing" the keys.  I wonder how long until he will be one of Minerva's Musicians?  

yummy yummy in my tummy

One of Hudson's favorite things to do in life is to eat.  I guess that means he fits into both of our families quite well.  :)  He eats basically everything we give him (except for the enchiladas with hot sauce that I made a few weeks ago).  We snapped these pictures on Saturday night after dinner - avocado, baked potato, and ham balls.  Yummy yummy in my tummy!  

mr. football

Aunt Angela had fun experimenting with our camera on Sunday night while everyone was playing in the backyard with Hudson.  Daddy and Auntie Lynn were tossing the football around and Hudson joined in on the fun.  It looks like we have a little football player in training.  Hudson says...

Ok Daddy, I'm ready.....throw it!  

Pretty good catch huh?!  

I'm going for that wide receiver on the 10 yard line.  

Hike!

Touchdown!  

I agree with Daddy, we have some work to do.  But we have lots of time...right?!    

mother's day blessings

Wow!  It was a busy weekend (to say the least).  Wonderful in every sort of way, but we really packed it all in.  But since it was Mother's Day Weekend what more could a mom want than spending it with so many of those whom she loves so much?!  :)  I have much to celebrate!  Here is the recap....

Friday 

After deciding to celebrate together on Friday night as a family of three (since the whole weekend was filled with other family activities) we made a spontaneous and not super practical (but certainly fun) trip to Ames to enjoy dinner at The Cafe.  This is my favorite restaurant for lots of reasons!  :)  It was Hudson's first time but he loved the food (no surprise there).  

 After dinner we made a quick stop on ISU's campus to show Hudson around.  He was especially interested in the campanile and it really surprised him when it started to chime.    

Saturday 

Mom and Angela arrived late Friday night so we had to make the most of the short time we had together.  We started out with a yummy omelets and pastries from La Mie, then ventured over to the famers market and came home with herbs, tomato plants, flowers, and fresh produce.  Then we headed to the mall for some shopping and browsing.  After lots of play time with Hudson at the park and a BBQ on the deck we closed out the day by being pampered with pedicures.  Yeah!    

Sunday 

I was surprised with flowers from "my boys" and Roy and I took advantage of having Mom and Angela around and went on a run together.  Loved it!  We worshipped together at Lutheran Church of Hope and I cried and was encouraged.  :)  Then Mom, Angela, and I headed to Grinnell for a bridal shower for Claudia.  It was wonderful to get together with the extended family on a special day such as this.  Grandma Dorothy was missed but we are thankful for the new memories that were made.      

After arriving home we enjoyed play time outside and dessert on the deck with the Swingers.  It was a beautiful day in every way!    

 Sue getting a kiss from two of her babies, just missing Ben.   

This picture summarizes another reason I'm grateful this Mother's Day.  These two moms are THE BEST!  They love me, support me, stand by me, listen to me, cry and laugh with me, believe in me, spend time with me, and encourage me in so many ways.  I Love You both!    

And a few pictures to close out the post with my favorite part about Mother's Day...being a mom to my precious son Hudson John!  Thanks buddy for learning along with you.  You are a thousand blessings all wrapped into one!  

hudson's first tulip time

On Friday we ventured over to Pella for Hudson's first Tulip Time.  Farah and Gma Sue joined us too.  We took in most of the sights, sounds, and tastes of the festival.  Except one major thing was missing this year...the TULIPS.  So sad.  :(  Because of the warm spring we have had all of the tulips were done for and nothing but a bunch of green stems remained.  Since the tulips are usually favorite part, it didn't quite have the same feel.  Yet, a good time was had by all.  

Mommy = 100% Dutch  

Hudson = 50% Dutch

Daddy = 0% Dutch.  Here is a picture of Roy, attempting to fit into the family by trying to make himself a little Dutch.  I think it will take more than a pair of wooden shoes babe.  :)  

 Along with tasting the Dutch pastries we also did some shopping.  I love all the little unique shops in Pella.  

Hudson's first bites of poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes).  

Posing by the Vermeer Windmill.  

We only have 2 weeks left with Farah before she heads home to Malaysia for the summer.  We were grateful to spend the day with her.     

Where are all the tulips?  

A family picture by the only tulip bed that had any color.

Hudson says, I don't mind Mommy.  These tulips are good enough for me.