John's birthday/New Year's Eve

John turned 34 this past New Year's Eve so we had a little birthday party for him with a great steak dinner courtesy of Pioneer Woman, my latest recipe obsession. We also wished off Aunt Sam as she left Kansas City for her child life internship in Orange County, California. That girl has it right heading there this time of year. We just hope eventually she comes back! Hudson had already called her to see if she is at the beach and to see if she has seen Mickey yet. I think he thinks she is just going to run into him on the street out there.

Jack eats in his highchair, then climbs out through his harness, and joins dad and finishes his dinner. This has become his routine. He brings his fork over and just looks up at John, grins and goes at it. He is quite the little charmer.

John offered to let Hudson blow out the candles on his cake, but Hudson so sweetly said, "It is ok, you can do it!"

Jack's gift (from Nana) was a four pack of beer appropriately named Tank, Jack's nickname.

Jack's one year/family session

Christmas Day!

Christmas Day was finally here! Hudson came in our room at about 7am and said,"Is it Christmas time?". We made our way downstairs and he first went over to the tree on the wall to open his last Advent gift. His face was pretty priceless when he looked into the family room to see the toys left from Santa and the wrapped presents under the tree. 

Santa brought Hudson a Toy Story Geotrax train and it was a big hit. 

Santa brought Jack a "Dance Star Mickey". Everytime Jack has seen this displayed at the store, he gets so excited and gets up and dances in the cart. He looked at Mickey and grinned, then looked as us and grinned then back at Mickey each time Mickey danced all morning long until.....

Mickey danced right off the table onto his head! It was a quick recovery though and he now knows how to turn him on himself. 

Hudson opening "Red" firetruck from Cars. He got many of the items he was wanting (i.e. that he printed off the intenet this year!). He especially liked the talking cash register, Toy Story playset, and saxophone. 

DJ Hudson

We hosted the family, along with Evan's in-laws from St Louis for the day and  ate, ate and ate some more. This was our first Christmas ever in Kansas City and we enjoyed being home. 

Jack laid back on the pillow to be fed cheesecake from Dana. Not a bad life! It was a fun, fun day! 

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve which started with a great church service. The boys did great during church. Jack slept through the entire service in the stroller and Hudson sat mainly on Aunt Dana's lap. Besides repeatedly asking why baby Jesus wasn't in the manger on the stage, he was pretty quiet! Following church, we went to Nana's house for an amazing appetizer spread and got to see Aunt Lyndi and Uncle Evan who arrived from Denver that day.

Jack going after his favorite toys at Nana's house - spatulas and oven mitts. She always has them clean and ready for him to play with. 

Helping Daddy make sliders. 

Yummy spread! Jack enjoyed watching the "party" in the living room. 

Hudson I believe eating the Costco sized Hummus dip with fingers??? His aunts let him get away with everything:). 

Jack joining Nana for another round of dinner. 

Hudson insisted that Aunt Sam decorate her tree.

The Fam. 

Hudson trying to keep his eyes open for the camera!

Presents, presents and more presents! Hudson opened up this Vtech music toy and the first thing he said is "they have this at Costco!" He was excited. He was spoiled by everyone and got a Toy Story Hot wheels track and a few ornaments from Nana and also a book with Nana's voice recorded. 

Jack enjoyed climbing on the boxes! He got a music toy and  a  Little People car ramp. 

Hudson loved the candles at the Candlelight church service. We were thankful between Aunt Dana holding Hudson, who was holding this candle, that the church was still standing when we left!

Christmas festivities begin

It was two days before Christmas and the excitement was building around here. We started off the celebrations at Spin for dinner followed by dessert at Glace with Nana, Aunt Samantha and Aunt Dana who
arrived into town that day.


  

Jack knocking down the block nativity scene that Hudson loves to set up. His favorites are the lamb, star and baby Jesus which have been found in various interesting places in our house! Jack loves stacking them and knocking them over. 

Hudson finding the last two gifts on his tree. He has loved coming down each morning to find the correct day and open the gift. This year he completed a collection of Disney Cars to ride in his "Mack" truck. 

Jack was excited to see Daddy after work at Nana's house before we left for dinner and cuddled on his shoulder until he saw the camera!

Hudson "hid" from Sam and Dana behind the glass door!

Jack's favorite place these days is climbing on the chairs to sit on the kitchen table. Who can blame him when sometimes you can find snacks like these up there!

This handmade nativity scene was created by another mom in one of my mom's group. What a great idea! She attached stickers to sanded wood blocks.

Some of Jack's first steps

Bathtime with Jack

 

His most favorite spot in the house in standing on the stool in the bathroom. The little guyk can hardly walk (although he is finally taking a few steps!), but he can climb anything. He is often caught climbing up the kitchen chairs to sit and play on the kitchen table.

 A few bathtime pics. Hudson would be in these, but he prefers "showers" these days.



He loves to be naked and he loves water so bathtime is always a hit.