The Harder Side of Traveling

As you know from my previous post, we had an awesome time visiting family and friends in WV last week. We were so glad that we got to go for more than a week, especially since we're staying in Texas for Christmas. But, we are learning that there is a harder side of traveling with a kiddo in tow. 

Hudson does not sleep well outside of our house. He thrives on his schedule and routine we stick to at home, but gets cranky when his routine is thwarted. I don't blame him. I go downhill fast without the amount of food and sleep my body is used to getting. He also got a cold soon after we got there (maybe from taking his pacifier out of his mouth on the plane, rubbing it all of the tray table and putting it back into his mouth...gross I know, but really whatever keeps him quiet and content on a plane). I felt horrible bringing a sick child to houses full of family, especially because there were 2 new little cousins there (one only 1 week old!). 

The first day when we got back was rough with lots of disciplining as we had to remind him that he doesn't call the shots (mean mom, I wouldn't let him eat chips for lunch), not getting his pacifier outside of his crib, etc... While we're away, it seems that he gets to whine and we all cater to his desire whatever it might be. 

He's back to his mostly lovely self here again. I wish family got to see what he's like at home after being well-rested, eating normal meals and knowing the rules. Maybe he'll travel a little better next time or maybe we'll be better parents of him while on the road. Whatever the case, it's a small price to be able to visit with ones you love.

Thankful

We have so much to be thankful for this year. We got back last night from over a week of visiting with family and friends in West Virginia. I took a few pictures, but they certainly don't highlight all the great people we got to see and fun times we had. 

Thanksgiving with Trent's immediate family...can't see everyone in these pictures

A kid's table

Nana asking Hudson & Zoey where their bellies are

Hudson & his cousin closest to his age, Zoey. They played well together.

Hudson loved sitting on the four wheeler. I was a strict mom and only let him sit on it, not ride it. He didn't know the difference though and loved steering.

with Uncle Chad, Jack & Andrew

Trent with his first cousin's on his Dad's side (all but one are there)

the great-grandkids on Trent's Dad's side of the family...can you find Hudson

Hudson & Grandpa (my Dad)

with my Dad & stepmom

Hudson built his first big tower

Hudson loved this kitten. My stepmom and I thought we could get a nice picture of Hudson & the kitty in front of the tree, but this is the best we came up with.

A huge highlight of the week was when Trent surprised me with a night at Stonewall Resort. Hudson stayed with Trent's parents while the 2 of us enjoyed our night away. We got married in the lobby of Stonewall and had our reception in a ballroom there. It was fun to reminisce of the start of our marriage. I also worked at Stonewall for the first year after I graduated college.

The only picture that we took (& it's not a great pic) was when we went hiking on one of their hiking trails after a bountiful breakfast at their main restaurant, Stillwaters.

Relaxing in Morgantown

Hudson & I have spent the weekend at my Dad and Stepmom's house. It has been absolutely lovely! We all raked leaves. Hudson loved helping by picking up leaves and putting them in a bin. There are also some cats here and boy does Hudson love to cats. He pats them a little, but mostly just loves going on hunts for them and squeals in delight when he finds one.

The picture above is of my dad and Hudson. My dad read Hudson a book and he got so excited he spilled his cereal on my dad's lap.

We're heading down to Trent's parent's house today. Trent is leaving Dallas today with his brother & they're driving up here. They should be here tomorrow! We can't wait to see him!!

Labor Day

Trent's parents just sent us some pictures from when they visited us over Labor Day. So, I thought I'd post some. 

At White Rock Lake not far from our house. The lake has a 9 mile trail around it and we go often to run or walk. There are also some playgrounds, which is a great treat for Hudson after sitting in the jogging stroller for awhile. 

We were both able to run in a 5 mile race since Trent's parents were here to watch Hudson. It was great fun! When we're both in a race, I love when it's an out-and-back, so I get to see speedy Trent run by. Trent got 3rd overall and I think I got 3rd in my age group (if I'm remembering correctly).

Hudson & Papaw

Trent's mom took us out to a neighborhood theater while Trent's Dad watched Hudson. We were surprised when we got home to find a birthday cake & balloons for us (Labor Day is right in between our birthdays). Hudson loved playing with the balloons!

This is actually from the summer-- Trent with his dad and brother.

also from the summer, but was too fun not to post

also from the summer, but since he loves this tractor and took it to church with us this morning & was trying to secretly get it into his crib at naptime (which I acted like I didn't notice and he is now sleeping soundly with his beloved), I decided to post this picture too

also from the summer, this boy just has a passion for anything that goes

We are going back to WV for Thanksgiving and will get to see lots of family next week! We are super excited and looking forward to meeting 2 new nephews (one was just born on Sunday!) as well as seeing all of Trent's family and my Dad & Stepmom. Unfortunately, we won't get to visit with either of my sisters. There are now 19 people in Trent's immediate family (with still more on the way) and I think we'll all be together! How fun. In his extended family (just grandparents, aunts/uncles & 1st cousins), there are 61 on his dad's side and 38 on his mom's side. We'll also get to share Thanksgiving with most of them!

Hudson & Hudson

Last night Trent & I watched another little boy named Hudson. It was so fun to watch how they interacted with one another. Our Hudson scowled at the other Hudson a fair amount when he was playing with his toys or sat in my lap to read a book. It's a hard lesson to learn to share. Thankfully, he did stop giving him the evil eye after a bit and seemed to be okay sharing. The other Hudson seemed delighted to have lots of new toys to play with. We were delighted to have him over. By the way, this Hudson's mom's name is Emily and his dad works at the church with Trent!

Since the last post was about the WVU game, I thought I'd say we did watch the game. I was surprised that it was as close as it was. For anyone else that watched it, we were also surprised by the overturn of the call to give Cincinnati the 2nd touchdown. There did not seem to be indisputable evidence like is needed to overturn a call on the field. Oh well. 

Let's Go Mountaineers!

We have our game day shirts on and we're ready for the WVU vs. Cincinnati game tonight. Actually, we are normally pretty optimistic fans, but Cincinnati is ranked 5th right now and looking hot, while we have not been looking so hot. We'll see. We will be cheering the Mountaineers on from Texas though.

What John 3:16 and the ABCs Have in Common

Hudson is learning both of them! He loves to practice the hand motions of John 3:16. They go over it at church every Sunday in his nursery class and we do it at home often. The only word he says of it is "God", so he often says it several times during the verse. He also will walk up to Trent and I and say "God" meaning I want you to practice my verse with me. 

He's so focused when he practices the ABCs.

ABCs continued...listen for Hudson's "w"...it's so cute. Hudson does give a little fist-pump at the end.