Monday, May 26, 2014

Busy Weekend

We have been on the move the entire weekend.  Brian took off a half day on Friday and we went to the Cincinnati Zoo.  We had a great time and the weather was amazing -75 and sunny.  
Towards the end of the day, we took a train ride and Hudson was in heaven.  He was beyond excited!  
We also took him on a carousel ride and he loved that, as well!
He was bouncing with excitement after getting off the ride.
He got to pet a snake (yuck!)
The tiger came right up to us -kind of scary only being a few inches away from a huge cat.  
We ended up taking Hudson on a 2nd carousel ride because he loved it so much.
Hudson "helped" Daddy work on the van on Saturday.
We joined our neighborhood pool and ended up there Saturday night and Sunday day.  They have a great little baby pool.  Hudson was the only one in it on Sunday.  They were adding a little bit more water to it and Hudson was obsessed with the hose.  
For some reason, on Sunday, he wouldn't take his shirt off -(I don't think he wanted me rubbing sunscreen all over him)
We had Indiana friends that were coming back from vacation call us and asked if they come to church with us.  I was so excited to see them.  They came over after church for a couple of hours for a cookout and then headed home.  It was so great to hang out with them.

Today we're taking it easy and heading to the pool later.  

Happy Memorial Day!  I'm so thankful to everyone that has served and is currently serving in our military.  I love America and don't want to take anyone's sacrifice for granted.  

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Last Day of School

Today was Hudson's last day of school.  He ended up having a great year and learned so much.  He knows his colors, shapes, some letters, can count to at least 10, mostly knows his ABC's, knows a lot of songs,...   His teachers were so loving and kind.   I'm so glad we enrolled him last year, it was completely worth it.

I tried getting some pictures before school today.  This was the best picture.  
Some Outtakes:

Waving to a bus.
I took a quick picture at drop off today of Hudson with some of the kids in his class.  
Comparison shots:  His face really did change.
What a great year!  Hudson went from screaming and crying and super clingy at drop off to 
Mr. Independent.  

Monday, May 19, 2014

Happy 35th

Today is my parent's 35th wedding anniversary.  Happy 35 years! 
 They just left after spending the weekend with us.  We had an awesome time, like usual.  They were such a big help!  I have a big to-do list that I want to get done before the baby comes and we knocked out a big portion of it.  My mom helped me wash and sort Hudson's old clothes and organize clothes for the new baby.  We moved Hudson into his new big boy room (I'll post pictures when it's done).  We got the crib installed again and started setting up the nursery, pulled a bunch of baby items out of the attic,...  They even took Hudson swimming so Brian and I could get some other house projects done.  

My mom and I even found some time to go shopping.  My mom asked me what items we still need or want for the new baby.  I casually listed a bunch of stuff, thinking she would get maybe get 2 or 3 of them, but she turned into Nana mode and got almost everything I asked for.  What a blessing!!  

Hudson loved having them here!!  They even got to go with me when I dropped Hudson off for school this morning.  Hudson loved showing off his room and teachers.  
Sadly, I didn't get any pictures this past weekend, so I used a couple of my older favorite ones. 

Happy Anniversary!  Love you guys so much!  Thanks for a fun weekend.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Charleston

My love and I are back from a little getaway to Charleston, SC last week.  We had the BEST time!  My little love spent a week between both sets of grandparents and had a blast, as well.  Charleston is probably the most lovely, charming town I've ever been to.  We loved every minute that we were there. 

The first place we went to was The Tattooed Moose.  It was on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and it was so...good!  We split the Duck Confit sandwich with duck fat fries--amazing!  My mouth is watering just typing it.  It was a fun, eclectic little place to eat.
That night we walked around and just checked everything out.
You can't tell, but there was this gigantic bridge behind Brian.

A lady took this picture of us - my camera just couldn't focus very well
The next morning, we headed to Magnolia Plantations.  Oh...so beautiful!

I felt like we were in a Nicholas Sparks book.

We loved all the Spanish Moss.
Gorgeous flowers everywhere.





We were right at the end of Azalea season, so most had already bloomed, but there were a few bushes lagging behind.
Foxglove -maybe?
I love this gigantic Oak
We spent a couple of hours there and just marveled at everything.   Beautiful flowers and giant trees everywhere.
The next day we walked around the city again.
Rainbow Row - the houses were just too beautiful.
There were a lot of cobblestone streets
Big mansions along the water.  

We loved all the history behind the city. 
Pineapple Fountain
The whole entire city smelled like honeysuckle.  We couldn't breathe in the fragrance in enough.  It was covered on nearly every fence--just smelled so good.  
My 33rd birthday was on the 3rd and Brian  made us a reservation at 82 Queen and it was so...delicious!!  Probably one of the three best meals we've ever had.  A guy Brian works with recommended it to us and I'm so glad he did.  
Despite the picture above, the place was sprawling.  There was indoor seating or outdoor seating.  I can't believe I didn't get a picture of us.  We actually sat in this tiny room covered with windows on 3 sides.  
The city completely stole our hearts.  If Brian ever had a job opportunity there, I think we'd jump on it in a flash.  Such a fun little getaway for my birthday and babymoon.