Hudsen turns 5!!!!!!!!!!

Now when Hudsen tells people how old he is, he can say 5 and give them a high 5 :) 5 years old! Where did the time go?! We sure had a great time celebrated this little man's fifth birthday. The celebration started on Saturday with his friend's birthday party at Happy Feet soccer. He invited all of his classmates at Generation Next and his cousin Payton and good friend Jack. Eleanor was able to invite Jack's sister Lucy. All the kids had a great time playing soccer and eating cake. When the kids showed up, they each were able to pick a mask of their favorite TMNT. There were 16 turtles running around playing soccer at one point :)

After the kid party, we had the family party at our house. It was great having everyone over. The cousins again played so well together. Hudsen of course loved opening presents. Below are some pictures from the party. To say Hudsen was/is spoiled would be correct!

SANTA

Below are pictures of the kids with Santa this year.  The first one is at the CWG Christmas party.  When asked what they wanted for Christmas, Hudsen said a remote control airplane and Eleanor said a princess.

Thanksgiving and the Living History Farms race

The weekend before Thanksgiving, Grandma Pat, Uncle Jeff and I ran the Living History farms race. It was AWESOME! We dressed up as TMNT (which Hudsen thought was really cool). The weather was FREEZING but we still had a great time. There were 5 creeks to run through and plenty of hills to climb. Definitely some memories that will never be forgotten!

After the race we had Thanksgiving with Jeff and Lina and relaxed for the rest of the day.

On Saturday night we headed to Cedar Falls for a Thanksgiving celebration. Everyone was able to make it back and the kids had so much fun playing with the cousin. Is it great when we all can get together. The kids are at the ages where they play so well together. The big ones (Hudsen and Payton) help the littles out (Grace, Eleanor and Isabella).

Then Wednesday of that week, we made our way back to Graettinger to celebrate Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving at my parent's house when we can see my aunts and uncles, cousins and cousin's kids. This year there were tons of kids around Hudsen and Eleanor's age. They all had a great time and entertained us for most of the night.

When asked what they were thankful for this year, Hudsen replied that ISU beat Kansas in the football game and Eleanor just smiled and laughed.

Tailgating

Eleanor and I have not made it to many tailgates this year.  In fact, this was our first and only tailgate of the season.  Hudsen and Dad have gone to most of the tailgates and the games.  Hudsen is a true Iowa State fan just like his Dad.  He loves sitting in between Grandpa Dave and Dad at the games.  Even though ISU has not had a very good season, Hudsen and Dad have made the most of it and enjoyed some father son bonding.

Trick or treating overload!!!

This year there were so many fun chances to go trick or treating we just couldn't pass any if them up!  We did Night Eyes at the Zoo, DMU had trickle treating and crafts, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lina had candy and games at there house, trick or treating with the cousins, HyVee trick or treating with Cookie Monster and Elmo, and then finally Waukee trick or treating.  Safe to say we have too much candy!!!  In fact the kids brought some of the candy to their teachers today.  All events were fun and great memories!

DMU had healthy snacks and different crafts.  We first had our snack and then got tattoos.  Hudsen made a ghost.  While we were there we stopped in Dad's office and saw everyone for a little bit.  The kids think Dad works at a pretty cool place!

After DMU we went to Uncle Jeff's and Aunt Lina's house where they had pin the nose on the pumpkin and spin the kid into a mummy.  The kids loved the games!

On Wednesday night we went to Brandon and Kari's to trick or treat with the cousins.  We are so lucky to live Di close to everyone and have these memories together!

Our final trick or treating was in our neighborhood on Thursday night.  We only lasted a short time and then the kids were ready to go home and see the cool packages our neighbors had given them. 

After a full week of Halloween fun, the kids were zonked out watching The Great Pumpkin.  Sugar crash!!!

DSM Half

On Sunday October 21st I crossed something off my bucket list...I completed the DSM Half!!  My average mile pace was 10:40.  It was difficult and draining but it was so worth at the end. At about mile11.5 I saw the best sight..I saw Jarren and the kids and my Mom and Dad. The kids were holding up signs and had the biggest smiles.  It was the extra boost I needed to finish the run.  At the end Hudsen and Eleanor both gave me big high fives and hugs.  Jeff and Lina were at the finish line too.  I have the best supporters!!!! 

It was a day I will never forget!  

Night Eyes at the Zoo!

Every year the Blank Park Zoo has an event around Halloween called Night Eyes.  This year the weather was nice the first night so we decided to get dressed up and go.  It was SO much fun!  The kids loved seeing the animals and everyone dressed up.  They also liked that there was candy too :)