Adventureland

On August 7th, Hudson, Roy and I went to Adventureland.  Greta spent the day with Nana.  We had been anticipating this day for months.  Hudson had saved money to purchase his own ticket (from selling Rice Krispie bars and Scotcheroos at our garage sale back in May), we had scoped out the website to learn about all the rides, Roy had shared a handful of his childhood memories from Adventureland, and I was thrilled to be spending the whole day with "my boys."  I captured a handful of pictures from our time.  We had so much fun that I'm guessing this will become a family tradition.    

Hudson's favorite ride at Adventureland was the "Frog Hopper."  He rode it twice, at the beginning of our day and then again at the end.   

He walked right on up to drive the fire truck on the Hampton Cars.  

Puff the Dragon was a hit because he flew up and down.  

After a few quick rides we headed to Adventure Bay, which was an amazingly fun water park.  Since I'm a water lover, I could have spent all day there, but Roy was excited to get on the rides after lunch.    

Taking command of the the Pirate Ship in Shipwreck Shores.  

This kid impressed and amazed me.  He went on every single ride and had NO fear.  He even went down the Reef Racer several times (going down super fast on his tummy on a foam mat with water splashing in his face).  

My view on the Sky Glider.  

Then it was off to the Carousel.  

Of course we missed Greta, but it was so special to have a "just Hudson day."  He loved it too and wanted to hold both of our hands everywhere we walked around the park.  

A trip to Adventureland wouldn't be complete without a ride on the train.  

It was so special to have a day with my buddy and my hubby.  

Lots of spinning on the Tea Cups.  

We waited 90 minutes to go on the Raging River but it was totally worth it.  Hudson loved it and didn't mind the fact that he got soaked at the end.   

Our last ride of the day was the Lady Bugs.  

Until next year...

Greta @ 9 Months

Greta girl turned 9 months on August 1st.  During the month of July Greta...

...became SUPER squirmy on the changing table, making it difficult to change diapers and get her dressed

...started eating Cheerios, cheese, cottage cheese 

...drinks her milk quickly (takes less than 10 minutes to nurse)

...finds and grabs TINY crumbs of food on the kitchen floor and puts everything in her mouth

...learned to wave bye-bye

...loved time in the water and swinging at the park 

...got her first pony tail on the top of her head

...eats solids 2 or 3 times a day

...is a happy baby, even though Mommy thinks she should be getting more sleep

...learned to sign "all done"

...gave up tummy scooting and moved to crawling

...still uses a paci and sleep sac for resting

...goes to bed between 6:30/7:00pm and usually wakes up around 7:00/30am

...continues to be inconsistent and unpredictable when it comes to sleep schedule

...welcomes Daddy when he comes home from work by crawling over and putting her arms up

...dropped the late afternoon nap and transitioned to two naps a day

...started pulling herself up to standing

...slept through the night a few times (didn't last long)

...recognizes music and bounces to the beat

4 1/2

Our precious son Hudson John turned 4 1/2 on August 3rd.  He celebrated with a Dairy Queen dilly bar.  :)  I thought it would be fun to document a few of "Hudson's happenings" at 4 1/2 so I did a little "interview" with him on his half birthday.  This is what he said...  

What is your favorite color?  "mixed up" (all colors)

What do you want to be when you get big?  "Pioneer worker, like Daddy"

What is your favorite thing to play? "farming, because I'm a boy."

What is your favorite show to watch? "Mickey Mouse, Paw Patrol, Jake the Pirate and Thomas."  

What is your favorite snack?  "When Mommy lets me have fruit snacks."  

Who is your best friend?  "Thomas"

What is your favorite thing to drink?  "water and milk"

What do you like to eat for lunch?  "mac and cheese"

What do you like for breakfast? "peanut butter and jelly"

What do you like to take to bed with you?  "Pup, because he is my baby." 

What do you like to do with Daddy?  "play farming"

What is your favorite toy?  "tractors"

Where is your favorite place to go?  "Mimi's house"

What is your favorite vegetable?  "broccoli"

What is your favorite fruit?  "apple, but I like all fruits"

What is your favorite song?  "Everest from VBS"  

What is your favorite animal?  "cows"

What is your favorite thing to wear?  "My Bible School shirt"  

What do you like to do outside?  "lawn mowing"

What store do you like to go to?  "Hy-Vee and Fareway"

sweet corn farmer

This spring Hudson planted two rows of sweet corn in our garden.  He took excellent care of it, including weeding, watering, monitoring its growth, and then harvesting it.  This boy has farming in his bones.  He often tells us he wants to make our entire backyard into a corn field.  :)  Hudson helped shuck the corn and then waited patiently as I cooked it for dinner.  It was quite delicious and there was enough corn for two meals.  Hudson was so proud and we were too.    

Iowa State Capitol Tour

We had some good friends visiting from out of town and they wanted to take a tour of the Des Moines Capitol building.  This was Hudson's first visit and he was interested in exploring and learning about the unique building.  He thought "the place was pretty old" and his favorite part was the model of the USS Iowa battleship.  Iowa pride!  

Blank Park Zoo 2015

Last year we received a season pass to the Blank Park Zoo.  We went several times and enjoyed taking friends and family too.  This year we didn't get a pass so Hudson had been anticipating a trip ALL summer long.  Plus, he received a free admission from the summer reading program at the library so that thing was burning a hole in his pocket.  :)  Roy had an afternoon off, Greta took a super long morning nap, so we decided to go for it.  It was a blessed time, filled with fun and wild adventures.  

  

There were two people in scuba gear cleaning the big fish tank when we were there.  

"This is so cool mom."  

Peek-a-boo in the turtle shell.  

Greta's first trip to the zoo.   

Our Lil' Swinger monkeying around.

A classic spot for a photo at the zoo.  

"Look at me Mommy, take a picture please."  

Playing the drums in the African exhibit is another popular spot.  

a little getaway

We enjoyed "a little getaway" to visit friends in the Grundy Center/Waterloo area in July.  Two sets of our friends have moved there within the past year and we had been wanting to visit them ever since.  We coordinated schedules and finally made it happen.  It was a blessed time, certainly worth the wait!  

First, we met the Schildroth's and enjoyed a fun tour of the John Deere museum, where we learned and discovered more about these amazing big green machines.  

We are ready to go!  

Our buddy Henry, checking out the tractor seats...one shoe on the the other off.  So cute!    

Roy and his little lady by the 4020 tractor, similar to what his dad had when he was growing up.  

John Deere first made a plow and Hudson was eager to try to drive one himself.  

Hudson and Olivia driving the combine.  

Then it was on to the Steenhoeks.  It was great to reconnect, share in conversation, enjoy delicious meals, relax, play, and explore together.  

 

Cameron is giving Hudson his first music lesson on playing the bass.  

We enjoyed a pancake breakfast at the high school.  Hudson was eager to wear his new John Deere t-shirt, which he got at the museum.    

We played a few rounds of the game "Hedbanz."  I laughed pretty hard.   

Jori and Greta girl...

The dinosaur ballon hat was worth the wait.  

Ready to watch the parade with his "all mixed up" popcorn.  

We shared a tropical sno.  There were plenty of treats for everyone!  

Hudson found this harmonica and thought it was pretty cool to make his own music.  Right before we left, we found him sitting on the front step, playing it all by himself.  Precious!    

JOY!

Everywhere we go people comment about how Greta is SO smiley and SO happy.  I always say, "thank God for that."  What a gift our joyful baby girl is.  Here is a glimpse of what I mean...

4th of July Weekend

We headed up to my parents house for the 4th of July weekend.  It was a relaxing time and fun memories were made.  My sister came from Colorado, so it was great to have time with her too.  On Sunday we headed to Okoboji and Hudson enjoyed his first real "lake experience."   

 Greta girl showing off her red, white, and blue...

"Give me five, I'm so excited about my first 4th of July."  

They have a nice pool in Sioux Center so we went there, as we usually do.  Greta has no hesitation around the water, she loves it and splashes, splashes, splashes. 

Our little fish...

Aunt Ang chillin' out poolside reading her magazine...

Hudson had a blast on the Maui Mat at Lake Okoboji...

Bapa Rog and his sweet grand baby girl...

Hudson and Roy on the boat...

Hudson ready for his first tubing ride...