Happenings around here...

 What BEAUTIFUL weather it has been lately.  Whenever I walk outside I am just overcome with joy and thanksgiving for how beautiful it is outside.  We have had some wonderful rain too.  This weather just screams a patio doesn't it?

We are taking full advantage of being out doors as much as possible.  I enjoy so much seeing the kids play and come in exhausted, hungry, filthy, and VERY ready for a bath.  Everyday this past week Hudson and Harper have played outside until dinner time.  It's wonderful.

I absolutely love a baby boy in a smocked outfit & knee socks. 

Last weekend I took Hudson to see Mary Poppins at the Majestic Theater here in San Antonio.  We had the best time.  The show was fantastic and so entertaining.  We loved the songs--- and Mary Poppins and Bert were UNBELIEVABLE!!  She flies and he walks on the ceiling--it was terrific!  I loved having a date with my big 6 year old.  I enjoyed it just being the 2 of us.  We had really great seats and Hudson was so good.  I was a little worried it might be too long for him, but he held on and did great.  I had several moments where I would look over at him and see that toothless grin smiling or laughing and I just stopped and told myself, "do NOT forget this moment."  He was so cute and I loved holding his little hand during the show.  Such a sweet memory with my oldest.  We did not get pictures because it was too dark in the theater (for my IPhone pics) & they were being very strict about picture taking. 

Last Monday, Matt and Hudson were home for Columbus Day which was so nice to have a long weekend together.  I was all ready to get the house decorated for Fall.  We took the kids to buy some pumpkins at a church.  I attempted to take pictures of my little punkins and it was NOT successful.  Holton had just woken up from a nap and was not feeling it, the sun was bright, and moods were let's just say very sensitive.  Trying to get all 3 to smile and look the same direction is not an easy task.  Oh well, you do the best you can.

Our little Halloween Family of 5.

Matt was gone last week so I flew solo with this bunch.  I never love and appreciate Matt more than when I run this house all by myself for a few days.  I had all of these plans for the evenings after I put the kids down....I seriously would start and fold a load of laundry, do the dishes, and CRASH!  My to-do list did not get accomplished.  I was exhausted and good for nothing by 8:00.  I could not do this without him.

I tried to throw in some fun while Matt was away.  We decorated our Mr. Potato Head pumpkins for the 3rd year in a row.  I love our little skeleton added to our mix this year.  They had so much fun making the faces on their pumpkins. 

Hudson is doing so great in school.  I bought him some Bob Books and he LOVES them.  He has taken off and is reading them so well.  He loves to read to Harper and Holton.  I think he feels very 'big brother-ish'.  It really is so sweet and Harper will sit so quietly beside him and listen.  I am so proud of him.  My favorite thing he said to me last week when I picked him up was, "Mom, did you know that when it is night time here the sun is STILL SHINNING?"  (Everyday when I pick him up I get the "Mom, did you know....").  His wheels are constantly turning and he doesn't forget a detail.  I love hearing all about his day.

I absolutely captured a priceless moment here.

While Matt was away he text me this picture of him fishing---As STINKIN tired as I was when I got this text, it did my heart good to see him having fun and not working.  He works so hard for our family that he deserved every bit of a free afternoon. 

 We were SO ready for him to walk in the door Thursday evening.  I was missing him BAD!  Always a sweet reunion when we are all under the same roof again.

 

 

Today was a BIG day for Hudson Paul Mullins.  We have been talking for a LONG time now about taking the training-wheels off of his bike.  Today was the day and the child took right off as if he had been doing it all along. We were all so excited and so proud of him.  (He was pretty proud of himself too)!

Look at that 'I'm trying not to smile grin'.

That sweet grin says it all!

And the proud big sis who very proudly dressed herself this morning.  Zebra leggings, stripped tank over her pj's....gotta love it!

 In other news---ONE WEEK FROM TODAY---Matt and I will be in NYC!  We are BEYOND excited!  We cannot wait.  It has been far too long since we have been away alone together and frankly I am missing my MAN!  It's going to be wonderful.  We have our 5 days filled with so much.  I know it'll fly by, but I am ready to go!  Nothing beats the anticipation of vacation!