Third Birthday

May 29, 2012

Dear Hudson,

Today you turned three years old, and as we prepared to embark on your self-selected Chuck E. Cheese birthday party, I could only stand stare smile at my growing little man.  You have become such a remarkable kid, the kind that warms a mother's heart.  And the best part?  You're growing up your own way, uniquely and independently.  Just when I think I have you figured out, you pull another surprise, another delight.  

You are three.  You are spellbinding.

Carefully, deliberately, you are discovering what it means to be Hudson Kayo Smith.  Your likes and dislikes are continually forming, and you enjoy cataloging how you feel about life.  Although hesitant to try new things, you are deeply brave and always take that first step with courage.  When you do find something interesting, you throw yourself into perfecting it.  I love how strong your sense of self has already become.

Indeed, your party reflected that confidence-in-self quite well.  You wanted a birthday celebration at Chuck E. Cheese, with a purple cookie cake, pizza, and French fries.  You got it, bud.  As you clapped your hands, skipped through the restaurant, and showed your guests all your favorite games, I couldn't help but consider all you've already accomplished.  You can write your name, the letters of the alphabet, and your beloved numbers.  You love Legos, trains, coloring, and books.  You're just getting into action figures.  In the fall, you want a new backpack for when you start preschool.

When I look at you, I see so much of myself, yet you are clearly your own person.  My little man, full of silly mischief (I just love your new "fake" posing grin!), big brown eyes that smile so much, a quiet intelligence that's always ready to learn, a best friend to your sister, whom you adore.  You're an enigmatic adventurer, an entertaining storyteller, an early academic.  There are so many facets to your personality, so many bright spots that shine each day.  Is it any wonder I love you endlessly?

You are the light and joy of my life, my good man.
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Mom



Welcome, Summer!

You guys, it happened!  Summer is here for the Smith family!  

Today is our first official day of summer (although technically Ava's school ended last Wednesday).  Still, now that Erik and I have put our school year behind us, it's time to focus on the season of family fun.  We're taking it pretty easy today, but we have lots--LOTS--of big plans in the works for this summer.  It's always important to couple simple pleasures with new, exciting experiences for the kiddos.  We're hoping to have a lot of both this summer.

In the meantime, we're enjoying popsicles, building blanket forts in the living room, and anticipating all the excitement to come.  May everyone enjoy this beautiful time of the year, no matter what you're doing!



Happy Mother's Day

Of all the things I've accomplished in life, being a mother is the best one.
It's both the most challenging and most rewarding job in the world.
Also?  I.LOVE.IT.

To Ava and Hudson, for forming me into a better woman, a stronger individual, and the best mother I can possibly be.  All that I am becoming, I owe to your precious lives.  Is there anything greater than that? 

P.S. Did I mention I have had the absolute best role model in the motherhood department?  If I can manage to be even half the mother she is, then I have succeeded.  Thanks, Mom, and love you!

P.P.S.  Both Ava and Hudson selected which photo for me to post, plus used Instagram to capture our portraits just the way they wanted.  Ha! Too cute!

Girls Trip

This weekend, a group of my friends from high school embarked upon a much-needed girls trip to beautiful Nashville, Indiana.  Although we hadn't seen each other in awhile, it was like no time had passed whatsoever.  There were giggles, great food, and lots of fun. 

When we planned this trip, we didn't realize it was Mother's Day weekend, but we decided it was a fitting time to get together, share our blessings, and enjoy memories past and present.  We stayed in The Overlook Cabin (which had a beautiful view from its hot tub and decks), shopped all the quaint little places downtown, and enjoyed some wine tasting with our fabulous food.

What a great time!  Hopefully it will become an annual or semi-annual event.

   

Alisha, Me, Monica, Kara, Nicki, & Crystal





Holiday World

Season 2012

On Friday, we all had the day off from school (our last leftover snow day), so we decided to utilize our day by putting our new Holiday World season passes to use!  Both kids are HW regulars, so it was fun to revisit their favorite rides, and enjoy a few new ones this year.  We're looking forward to a great summer, especially now that Hudson and Ava can ride so many attractions together.  

 

 

 

Snapshots

Guess who discovered Instagram?

You know, I really wanted to overcome that overwhelming urge to join the masses who have gleefully embraced the current technology and all that it offers.  Was it too much to ask of myself to be too cool for Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram? 

Apparently. 

I have now tried them all, and yes, it was love at first sight for all three.  What can I say?  I'm just another among millions who appreciates the little things in life, and being able to share, pin, and snap them!

Here are a few snapshots, Instagram style, of what we've been up to the last week or so. 

A surprise flower that bloomed out of nowhere. 

I entertained the kids by explaining it was probably pooped out of a passing birdie!

Snuggle time on the couch pillows before bedtime. 

Too sweet!

Ava planted these flowers from seeds, and they've already sprouted tenfold. 

We're eagerly awaiting the blooms now!

I suggested to the kiddos they might want to pick up all the toys on the playroom floor.

So they managed to stick them all on the bookshelves; problem solved!

 

We've been succeeding trying at eating out less.

To celebrate we ate at The Gaslight! Ha!

Ahren's fresh-picked strawberries.

Need I say more?

This was the lovely view as Erik and I drove home one day this week.

Oh, how I yearn for summer!