Easter 2013

This Easter was very special.  Even though last year was technically Hudson's first Easter, this year felt more like it.  Last year he was less than 2 weeks old.  We didn't go to church and let's just say an elaborate Easter basket wasn't on this new Mommy's to do list, so this year was extra special!

Since our families live an hour apart from each other, we try to spread out special occasions so we get to spend more time with each family.  So on Saturday, we hung out with Rusty's parents.  We ate lunch, dyed eggs, and played, played, and played some more!


 

Hanging out on the deck, where we spend lots of time while at MeMe and Paw Paw's house...

First of many meals in the screened in porch

The Easter Bunny stopped by MeMe and Paw Paws!













 

Sunday morning, Hudson woke up to find a basket of goodies from the Easter bunny!




Of course, we had to have a mini photo shoot of Hudson looking so snazzy....




Apparently I'm already embarassing him...

We made it to church EARLY - quite an accomplishment for us, especially after all of that! ; )  I decided since we were only going to the main service I would just hold him instead of taking him to the nursery.  He slept like an angel the entire service! And let me tell you, our praise team and choir brought down the house for Easter Sunday and Hud slept right through it! 

We slipped out a little early to surprise my grandmother. My Granny LaRue has been a registered nurse at the hospital in my hometown for over 40 years. When I was little, if my grandmother had to work on Easter Sunday, we would go eat lunch with her at the hospital.

This Easter Sunday was her last day to work as an RN in the ICU at the hospital where she has worked her entire career. We surprised her at lunch with a mini retirement party! It was so special to all be there to eat lunch with her at the hospital on her very last day.

 

Granny and her "babies" ; ) Aunt Rene' and Dad

After eating lunch, we went back to my parent's house and had some family time. We hung out on the deck, played with bubbles, and had a big family dinner. 

One of his favorite things to do - look out the windows...

 

Practicing walking with Uncle Cam

 

It was a long, busy weekend, but we wouldn't have it any other way! We are so blessed to be able to spend holidays with both of our families.

First (and Second) Zoo Trip

At the end of March while I was out for Spring Break, my best buddies and I took our sweet babies to the local zoo!

 

It was the first time for the boys (Hudson, Gage, and Caleb L to R) and Miss Ryleigh was the boys' fearless leader. 

 

The weather could not have been better.  We were at the zoo from 10-3 and the babies practically never whined! They were all so good!  Here is an overload of cuteness from that day...

 

 

So excited to be at the zoo!

Checkin out the goats...

Big Boys at the Petting Zoo

Hot Mommas! ; )

 

Snoozin while we ate lunch! LOVE these new Recliner Smart Trikes!

Having a fun conversation apparently...

 

 

We finally had a pretty weekend that wasn't jampacked with planned activities and occasions for our little family of 3.  We took advantage of the free time, perfect weather, and new zoo pass and we went back to the zoo! This was Daddy's first time with Hudson, so his little buddy had lots to show him!

 

 Feeding the flamingos with Daddy...

 

 Checkin' out the giraffes!

 

 

We are so thankful for the zoo pass that Hudson received as a birthday present! I know we will be going a lot this summer!

 

Also, we were stopped numerous times and asked about the "cool strollers".  These things really are the best! We have started taking Hudson's Smart Trike places instead of his stroller.  He loves it! It is easy to use and more fun for him than a stroller.  Here is link to the company website.  We all purchased ours at BabiesRUs.  I believe they are the only local retailer. I highly recommend purchasing one!

Hudson's First Birthday Party

This past Saturday we hosted many family and friends for Hudson's First Birthday Party!  I decided since he will only be a baby once, I would do something sweet for his first birthday.  I chose a light blue and green theme accented with elephants (random I know.... I get these crazy visions and everything has to be custom ordered/made.... I never do anything easy! NEVER!)

 

 

 

 

We were hoping for a sunny, spring day but instead were faced with a forecast of thunderstorms.  It stormed all night Friday night and Saturday night, but the Good Lord gave us a break Saturday morning so our guests didn't get soaked trying to get to the party! 

We let the kiddos play as everyone arrived.  I stole Jessica's wonderful idea to entertain the kids with a ball pit... it worked!!

 

Most of the babies at the party...

Easton and Ryleigh showing the babies how it's done!



Cousin Dominic LOVES "Baby Hudson"
 

Then this little cutie opened waaaaaayyyy too many presents! I think he is set for a while! 

We had lots of food and fun, including a little cake for the birthday boy!



Momma having to choke back some tears as we sang Happy Birthday

Not too sure at first...

You thought it was pretty good!

After the cake, Hudson got cleaned up and relaxed with all of his company. 

We had so much fun planning for Hudson's special day! It went by so fast.  Our house was full of people that day.  After everyone left and the house was mostly cleaned up, Mommy, Daddy, and Baby all had a WONDERFUL nap.  We spent the rest of the afternoon as just the three of us.  Mommy and Daddy loving on our baby boy... talking, playing, dancing, eating leftovers, and enjoying some of his new goodies.  One of the presents we got him was a chair.  It was hard to get a good picture of him with it during the party, so after he was all cleaned up that night, we had a little photo shoot.  I figured I would get all the use I could out of all these decorations!

Oh my goodness..... could he be any cuter?!?!

 

It was a very special day for Hudson, but I think it was an even more special day for us as we celebrated the blessing of our baby boy.  We are so lucky for Hudson to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family!