Our next adventure...

...was going on a little "hike" near a lake and waterfall.  

Everywhere we turned we saw another beautiful sight...literally!  

Hudson was a trooper and took it all in.  So proud!    

My dad said that his highlight of the trip was seeing/being with Hudson everyday!  

Beautiful!  

Hudson and Bapa look quite serious?!  

I just love this picture of Hudson.  Sweet boy!  So grown up!  

  

Walking down with Daddy and back up with Bapa.  

I think Roy packed and wore every piece of ISU clothing he has and wore it on our trip.  He is an Iowa boy, a Cyclone, through and through!  Love him!  

Daddy teaching Hudson how to throw rocks, which ended up being one of Hudson's greatest "loves" from our trip, as he did it everywhere we went.  Water + Rocks = Great Fun

Banff Springs Hotel

Our first evening in Alberta consisted of swimming, making a grocery run, preparing dinner for the rest of the weary travelers, and everyone going to bed on time to rest up for the days ahead.  But Monday morning we set off for our first adventure.  Along the route we stopped at the Banff Springs Hotel.  It is a historical luxury hotel that was built during the 19th century.  It is currently celebrating its 125th year and has received several renovations throughout its history, still making it an impressive spot.  It is located in Banff National Park and proves to be a sight that many come to see, and some even stay.  

Beautiful and historical!  

Clearly....Ryan and Dad were super impressed with the place!? :)  Ha!  

CANADA here we come!

On Sunday, August 11th, (which also happened to be our 6 year anniversary) we boarded the airplane for CANADA!  This family trip had been in the works for several months and we had spent lots of time talking about it and preparing Hudson for the big trip.  My mom is turing 60 in November and she wanted to go on a big family trip to celebrate and Banff, Canada/Banff National Park was her location of choice.  Yeah!  So, this spring Hudson got his passport and the plane tickets were purchased.  We listened to the Canadian National Anthem on YouTube, we looked at pictures of glaciers and mountains, we watched videos and read books about airplanes...everything we could think of to prepare him and build up the anticipation.  :)  We had an early morning flight, so left the house around 4:30am and took Hudson to the airport in his pjs.  Ha!  He did great and was especially excited about the milk and snacks he got on the airplane....of course!  When we arrived in Calgary, we took a bus, which brought us to our condo in Canmore (near the national park).  Hudson snoozed on the bus, thanks to Daddy supporting his head for the entire time (not the best car seat).  :)  We arrived before the rest of the family so enjoyed a relaxing evening together and got to bed early so we were ready for the big days ahead!  So much more to share...but for now some pictures of my "travel guys."        

 

Iowa State Fair 2013

On Friday, August 9th, we had a family day at the Iowa State Fair.  As with many, it has become a tradition for our family.  There is so much to see, take in, watch, and eat at the fair!  We just made a big morning of it, so the little man could come home to nap.  :)  Here are several pictures from our time.  

  

The tractors and machinery were Hudson's favorite.  No surprise there.  He wanted to climb up in EVERY single tractor MULTIPLE times, sit in the seat and CLOSE the door (again...no surprise).  We have a little farmer on our hands folks!  He just LOVES it!    

We ran into Cy at the Varied Industries Building!  Go State!  

Not sure who was more excited...Daddy or Hudson?!    

Enjoying our Fair Squares together.  

Daddy = Graham Champion  

Hudson and Mommy = Peanut Butter  

We had lunch at the Pork Tent (we eat the same place every year because it is just SO yummy).  We ordered Hudson his own meal and he ate it ALL.  Hudson is certainly a strong growing boy who loves to eat meat (and bread and fruit and vegetables).  Ha!   

Ready to go at Little Hands on the Farm!  Cheese!  

Collecting produce along the way.  

Watering the "seeds" in the garden with his new Pioneer visor (perfect).  

Watching the chickens lay their eggs and getting ready to collect one. 

Peddling the John Deere tractor, bringing corn to the cows, just like his Bapa Rog (but with red tractor instead of a green one).    

Hudson ran through the tunnel in the gardens several things.  

Mommy was a fun surprise at the end every single time.  :)  

Till next year...

brave boy

On Aug. 7th Hudson had his 2nd trip to the dentist and once again he proved to be a PRO!  I'm seriously so impressed and surprised with how he takes it with confidence.  Probably because I HATE (literally) going to the dentist.  I think Dr. Nick was even quite impressed, as he called him a "perfect patient."  We learned that his two year molars are coming in on the bottom (which are good for eating steak I tell him).  Proud Mommy!  Brave son!    

Watching Mickey Mouse on the TV while getting his teeth cleaned.  

Laying there waiting for Dr. Nick, just like a big boy.  

Getting his teeth cleaned, with John Deere shirt on and tractor in hand.  Maybe this helps you to be brave and strong, and I should try it myself next time I go to the dentist.  :)   

i created :: prayer tablecloth

Roy and I have a heart for the nations, for people in all places and of all backgrounds and nationalities all over the world, to know Christ and to serve and love him with their life.  During our first year of marriage we took the Perspectives course, which played an instrumental role in shaping our hearts and minds for unreached peoples.  I am always asking myself the question, "how can I make our home be a reflection of our heart, of what we do and what God has called us to be?"  In light of this question, I came up with this...  

Over the years we have had the privilege to be a part of many peoples missionary journeys, because of our different relationships in ministry.  We get lots of prayer letters and I'll be the first to admit, I don't do the best job of actually praying for their specific requests.  :(  Therefore, I put this into motion as a tool to encourage us to pray more consistently.  I took an old world map that Roy had from college and it fit perfectly on our kitchen table.  Yeah!  Then I collected several pictures of missionary friends we have supported over the years and made tags with their names, organizations, and locations and put them on top of the map.  Lastly, I purchased a clear vinyl piece from the craft department at Wal-Mart to fit and made that the tablecloth.  Finished!  

It has proven to be not only be a tool for prayer, but also a great opportunity for Hudson (and Mommy and Daddy) to learn some geography, and a fun conversation piece for others when they spend time in our home.  

Iowa Sweet Corn

Its August, which means its SWEET CORN time here in Iowa!  It just can't get much better than this!  Our little farmer boy is loving every minute of it...the shucking, preparing, and eating.  Yum!  Yum!  And a special thanks to Papa Ed for sharing his sweet corn with us.    

"This job is so much fun.  I can shuck the corn, just like Daddy."  

"How many ears can I have Mommy?!"  

"Do I have any corn on my face or in my teeth?"

"Can you see how excited I am about this stuff?!"  

National Balloon Classic

Last weekend we went to Indianola for the National Balloon Classic.  I have vague memories going as a child and have other memories going with Roy during our dating years, so we were excited to take Hudson for his first experience.  It was a beautiful summer evening, to be outdoors and spending time with friends, and enjoying the colorful balloons.  We took lots of pictures...enjoy! 

Love bugs!  :)  

These daddy's just love their boys!  

The big boys and little boys taking it all in.

Handsome x2

Fun with a blow up balloon.  

Silly Thomas!  Love that smile.  

Holding on tight to Daddy.  

Looking up!

So cool!  

The pink and black one was one my favorites!

Watching them at work, filling the balloons with hot air.  

Hudson says..."balloons high sky...balloons high sky."  

How did these two get so big?!  They are ready to climb over the fence!  

A family picture to remember the fun we had together.