Tis the Season

Had a quick (unplanned) visit with Santa today. 

"Dad, I don't think that was the real guy. I didn't see any Reindeer outside. Must be a helper or his cousin, I think."

New Nutcracker

We started decorating for Christmas yesterday and surprised Hudson with a new Nutcracker that lights up, plays music and moves his head while playing the drum. 

He was so excited about it that he went outside this morning in the 35 degree weather to sit and watch it. He even came back in and asked if he could eat breakfast outside to watch it. What a sweet boy!

Tiger Cub Scout Day

It was a wet, muddy day, but boy, was it ever fun. It was the Tiger Cub Day at the Scout Ranch in Bastrop,TX for all the packs in the greater Austin area. (Tiger Cubs are all 6 & 7 year olds - about 60-70 showed up in the rain)

Hudson got to hangout all day with his old neighbor, Luke Britain, from Central Austin. They shot BB guns, built and sailed boats, made castles and shields, wrote their names in Braille and secret code, had relay races, and finished with archery. What an action packed day. And yes, that is a bullseye with that arrow. 

Our 1st Grader

School picture time!

A new friend

We went to Crow's Nest Farm today and had a lesson on snakes. Hudson made friends with a milk snake - red touch black, friend of Jack. Not to be confused for the venomous coral snake - red touch yellow, poison fellow. Lucky us, over 110 snakes species in Texas with the four most common venomous ones right here in central Texas. 

Tiger Cub

Hudson was so excited for his first Cub Scout meeting. He's a Tiger Cub this year. 

(And since Kirk was the only parent to stand up when they called out Hudson's den at the bigger pack meeting, he is now the Den Leader. )

Funny conversation

As we got ready for bed tonight, I had a funny conversation with Hudson that I have to share. 

Me "Did you do any Math today?" 

Hudson "yeah, 6+1 and 4+3" 

Me "oh cool, what does 4+3 equal?" Hudson "Dad, I'm not a math major!" 

He did eventually tell me 7 though. :)

Off to First Grade

Hudson was excited to start school. Definitely a different experience for him since he already knows his way around the school, knows a lot of the faculty, and sees friends in the halls. 

He only has two kids from his kindergarten class in his first grade class, but Hudson said, "no problem, I'll just make new friends." Love that attitude!

Back for a visit

So great to have Marie back in Texas for a week-long visit. 

Whale watching in the San Juans

Picture perfect day to be out in Puget Sound watching the Orcas.