Santa Cry Baby

It's that time of the year again! After last year's experience with taking Kaelyn to see two different Santas, we decided to go back to NorthPark Mall and officially name that Santa as "our Santa" for years to come. Robbie and I have been working so diligently with Kaelyn on recognizing Santa (through ornaments on our tree, different Santas around the house, etc.) in preparation for sitting on his lap. We have even been practicing saying the magical phrase "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!" As we walked into the mall, with Kaelyn dressed all cute in her Christmas best, we asked her if she was ready to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what she wanted for Christmas. She instantly replied "Yes!" and shook her head up and down.  Robbie had already grabbed our ticket early this morning so we wouldn't have to wait in the long line (yes, we are officially becoming pros at maneuvering our way to the front). As we walked up, we showed Kaelyn how all the kids were sitting on Santa's lap. We asked her again if she was ready to see Santa and she said "Yes." Now Santa's beard might be alarming to some kids, but Kaelyn loves her PawPaw's beard, so we felt comfortable that she would not be scared of it. As we turned the corner for our turn, Kaelyn instantly grabbed a hold of me and started crying. She did not want to sit on Santa's lap. But, you've got to capture the memories anyhow. Someday she'll look back and laugh at how mad she was (if you look carefully, you can see her molar teeth).

After Kaelyn finally calmed down, we showed her the picture.  Robbie and I started laughing because she genuinely looked disappointed in herself.  Maybe all of the buildup was too much for her.  Here's her picture from last year.

We Are Having a BOY!

It's official finally! We went to the doctor on December 1st and got confirmation that our early-screen doctor was correct in his assessment that we are definitely expecting a boy! We've also chosen Rylan as his first name. It's exciting to start picking out baby boy nursery bedding and everything else blue. We have just 18 weeks left to go. It's hard to believe how quickly this pregnancy is going! Check out the sonogram pics.

Rylan showing off his manhood! 

Just for mommy...His sweet little face.

10 Days Away From Home and Thanksgiving

Kaelyn went to spend 10 days (4.5 days of which were without mommy and daddy) in Longview over the Thanksgiving holiday. I drove Kaelyn to Terrell on Friday to meet my mom and Betty where we made the exchange and I kissed our sweet girl goodbye! I was a little teary-eyed driving away from her even though I knew it would be great for her and for me and Robbie. Of course, Kaelyn didn't seem to notice. She has both KK and Mimi wrapped around her fingers and she was in heaven! Friday night Robbie and I went to the movies to see Harry Potter 7. We haven't been to a movie in such a long time that it was a nice treat. On Saturday morning, we drove to College Station with 10 of our small group friends to cheer on the Aggies against Nebraska! We could not have asked for better weather, food (Wings N More), or a game (Aggies win)!

Wings N More (got to enjoy my brothers' company)

Our Group

We drove straight to Longview from College Station late Saturday evening to be in town for my grandmother's memorial service on Sunday. It was a sad day, but a time of celebrating her life. We were so fortunate to have many of our small group friends, family and loved ones there to support us! It was also great to see Kaelyn even if it was just for the day! I spent Monday and Tuesday shopping, cleaning house, and doing other things that aren't as easy with Kaelyn, along with enjoying a dinner out with Robbie. On Wednesday, we made it to Longview in the early afternoon and we were so excited to see our sweet girl! She even ran down the driveway to us. I think she was excited! The rest of the week was spent with friends and family enjoying great food and football!

Kaelyn loved playing Legos with Uncle Kylen

Cheering on the Aggies with Mommy

Kade and Kaelyn, best cousins

Kaelyn thought wearing KK's glasses was really funny! 

Sporting the Santa boots at Mimi's and PawPaw's

Trying to figure out why they are so big!

Santa Strikes Again...

Kaelyn received a mystery package from Santa yesterday in our mailbox (direct from Candy Cane Lane in the North Pole) very similar to the packaging of the one delivered last year. Kaelyn loves to help check the mail each day, so she was particularly excited that there was something in the mailbox just for her. Here's what the letter had to say:

Dear Kaelyn,

My how you have grown so much since I last saw you. In the last year you have

started walking, talking, dancing, swimming, skiing and now you are going to be

a big sister! You have made your mommy and daddy so proud of their little girl.

Since you have been so good this year, I have an early gift for you. This is your second

ornament from me, so place it somewhere special on your tree.

Ho, Ho, Ho and Merry Christmas sweet Kaelyn!

Just remember as you wait for Christmas Day;

that the reason for the season is Jesus' birthday!

Love, Santa

Dearest Santa Claus,

Robbie and I are so thankful for your generosity and love for Kaelyn each year! You better know that WE BELIEVE! Merry Christmas! We'll be sure to leave you some milk and cookies on Christmas Eve.

Kaelyn wanted to show off her special package!

Anxiously awaiting to open the box! Funny girl. 

The sweet letter Santa sent along with the ornament

Kaelyn checks out her beautiful ornament!



A Weekend Away in Broken Bow, OK

The weekend of November 5-7, we took our annual Hudson family Fall trip to Beavers Bend in Broken Bow, OK. We rented a 3 bedroom cabin and enjoyed family time, football watching, and nature exploring. Kaelyn loved the cabin because it was surrounded by rocks. We even had to get her a bowl so she could collect all of her favorites. On Saturday, we took a mini-train ride through the state park and got to see lots of wildlife and then drove over to see the lake near the dam. I've made many trips to the lake as a young girl and then we've been back as a family, but never at this time of the year with all of the beautiful trees as they change colors. Robbie enjoyed the fire pit each evening and Kaelyn really enjoyed the playground at the cabin. We ate at a local diner for lunch and spent the evening cooking and watching college football. It was a great trip and we can't wait to see where we go next year.

One of Daddy's great fires

Reading a book with PawPaw

Daddy is so funny! 

Getting ready to ride the train

"Yeah! Let's ride the train Mommy!"

Smiling with Daddy

Wildlife in the area (the deer were everywhere)

After the train ride, we posed with the engine! 

Seeing the lake in the fall (gorgeous trees)

Our little rock collector!

Kaelyn loved to slide down the big girl slide! 

Swinging with Mimi

Hanging out with Aunt Lisette in the treehouse

(Kaelyn enjoyed dumping rocks through a hole in the treehouse)

Found a bowl to collect her rocks

Back home...Kaelyn enjoys reading books with Daddy! 

Happy Halloween!

Our Halloween weekend was filled with lots of fun with our friends from church! On Saturday night, we attended our small group's Halloween party at the Quesenberry's house. The kids had a great time playing the different carnival games, eating the yummy food, enjoying a hay ride with the dads and roasting smores by the firepit. Kaelyn was tuckered out by the time we got back home Saturday evening.

Our family in costume: Kaelyn as a Little Witch and

Robbie and I dressed as "A Bun in the Oven" (hence my large box and his

Baker outfit; Cooking Time: 5.5 Months)

Kaelyn was having a blast with these balls, but

we couldn't figure out where she got them

(found out later she took them from the Pumpkin Toss)

Here she is at the Pumpkin Toss

(she played this game over and over)

Carefully selecting her prize!

Bobbing for Apples (or rather picking an apple in Kaelyn's case)

She did try to take a bite out of it though after she got it!

Daddy and Kaelyn on the Hay Ride

Our Gracious Hosts: The Quesenberry's

(Aka: Annie, Annie, Daddy Warbucks and Ms. Hannigan)

Kaelyn's Award Winning Pumpkin

(Received Best Overall Award)

Drank some milk while collecting our award

All the Ladies in Costume

The Men Who Dressed Up

On Sunday, we joined some friends for trick or treating in the neighborhood. We took the wagon for Kaelyn to ride in from house to house, but she preferrred walking with all the big kids. She was very methodical about picking out which piece of candy she wanted (usually Snickers bars) which Robbie and I thought was hilarious. She even snacked on Snickers at the end of the evening. We had a great time and it was a very memorable first Trick or Treating experience!

Our Little Witch

Never could get her to look at the camera!

Not sure what she was doing here, but having fun nevertheless!

Practicing our "Trick or Treat"

All the kids dressed up and looked so cute!

(Kaelyn refused to be in the picture because she was too busy)

Loaded and ready for the first house!

(Kaelyn and Edie)

Off she goes! The wagon was too slow for her tastes!