Summer Days

This summer has simply flown by! I can't believe it's already over. Here are a few snapshots of what we've been up to lately (and why this blog has been neglected)...

Playing frisbee with Daddy

Trip to PA to visit Nana and Papa

Our second home this summer...

A little exploration of nature's creatures...

Letting the creature go (per mommy's request)

A little slipping and sliding!

New bike

Sprinkler under the trampoline (one of my favorite childhood pastimes)...

Our favorite new waterpark...

Our little daredevil Celeste jumped off the high dive! I remember being absolutely terrified of that thing when I was young... actually, it still terrifies me. But she got right in line with all the big kids, and jumped right off again and again. No fear.

If you look closely, you'll see Celeste on the high dive, and some grown-up dude diving off the low dive. :) That's my girl!!

There she goes!

This picture captures what I'll remember about summer when the kids are grown. These endless summer afternoons. All the giggling, playing make-believe (and occasional squabbles) in the backyard- their own special place in this world to run and play and discover.

Hope you had a summer full of special memories too!

I’d give all wealth that years have piled,

The slow result of Life’s decay,
To be once more a little child,

For one bright summer day.

~Lewis Carroll

YUM

I LOVE baking. I especially love baking treats. Something about the smell of freshly baked goods filling my home...whoa... it just makes me happy. So I made these amazing cinnamon rolls yesterday. They're easy (no rising involved!) and so delicious!! I got the recipe from my dear friend Jill's cooking blog... (Thanks Jill!)

Darn it. I've been trying to lose this baby weight, but at this rate it might be a while! If only I had the self-control to stay out of the leftovers! Oh well... :))-double chin

Ballet Beauty!

Celeste took ballet lessons this summer with her best friend. They had a blast! She looked forward to the lessons every week. The instructor invited the parents to the final class of the summer so we could see all they learned...

Celeste with her best friend N. Two beautiful ballerinas in training!

Such a Daddy's girl!

Baby Blessings

Baby Jarom had his blessing in church on July 4th. I can't believe this is the 5th time we've done this! Time is going by so fast, but so slowly at the same time... (that doesn't make any sense, does it! Haha!) But in some ways it feels like it was just yesterday that the other babies were blessed. In our church we believe babies have no need of bapism. They are pure and clean, and won't be held accountable for their sins until they reach the age of accountability (8 years old.) But babies are given a name and a blessing by their fathers. It's a very sacred and sweet experience. Anyway, so here are the babies on their special day, in order of appearance...

Jarom Thomas Hudson

July 4, 2010

Father's Day

I've gotten really behind on blogging lately. Hmm... wonder why??

I'm not sure if it was a blessing or not to have baby Jarom the week that school got out. I don't have to get anyone ready for school in the mornings, or get them out the door on time... which is a blessing. But on the other hand, they're home all day! So it's been a challenge... but the kids have been so helpful, and I've really loved the unstructured time we've had together this summer. We've definitely been busy with all sorts of fun activities. I'm going through some of our pictures and playing catch-up today...

On father's day, I dressed the kids up in their new t-shirts, and they made breakfast in bed for daddy to celebrate his special day. Then after church they played this ridiculously goofy game Jon came up with. (His creativity amazes me!) He stands at the top of the stairs and wraps a blanket around his head. Then the kids yell, "Rapunzel, rapunzel, let down your hair!" And they kids take turns holding on to the blanket and trying to climb it and swing around until they drop onto the cushions on the floor. The kids LOVE this game! I know, we're so weird. Haha!

Daddy with his newest little guy...

I just love my husband so much. I'm grateful that he's such a devoted, loving family man and that he works so hard for us. What a man!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!
We love and appreciate you!

And of course, I can't forget my own wonderful father, who has the most kind and compassionate heart. I love you Dad!

Special Visitors

Nana and Papa came for a special trip recently to meet baby Jarom for the first time. It was wonderful to be together, and they helped us SO much! Their visit was jam-packed... we had a birthday party for Charity, a 2-day family garage sale, Jarom's baby blessing, fireworks for 4th of July, we did TONS of work around the house (painting, yardwork, etc...), and they watched the kids for us all day so we could go to the temple in Chicago. Whew! My parents recognize that this is a stressful time for us and they really reached out to help however they could. My poor Dad even had an injured foot, and he was hobbling around in the yard carrying wood, mowing the lawn, and climbing up and down a ladder to paint our walls. And my mom (who absolutely hates mosquitos), spent most of the day outside (and got eaten alive) to help with the garage sale. I sure feel loved... and grateful.

Here are a few pictures of them meeting their newest grandchild. This little guy has no clue how blessed he is to have such loving and doting grandparents! But he will know soon enough!

Portraits

(Celeste almost 7, by Nana)

(Nana almost 59, by Celeste) Haha!

Sisterly Love

Dear Charity,
You are a great little sister. You are the bestest sister in the whole world. You are a good girl. You are super nice. I love you a ton. You are my friend. You are a rock star!
From,
Celeste