This was Halloween~

Our Halloween lasted all weekend long! We started on Thursday with Hudson's preschool party and ended on Monday night, Wheew it was a long weekend but packed full of fun. Hudson decided to be a Ninja Turtle, sorry Leonardo, this year and Lex was a bat. The pictures are out of order so I'll explain.

We started our Monday night trick or treating at my cousins', Mike and Xochi, where they give out serious candy! They just got this cute dog Arnold who the boys just love. Arnold was a bit loud so had to be put outside, though he is super cute in his Firedog outfit!

Arnold jumped on Lex and gave him such a scare. Just look at that sad face.

Saturday evening found us at the Peoria Community party held at a baseball stadium. There was bounce houses, face painting, cake walks, pumpkin carving, music and much more. But the highlight, and the reason for us going, was the Hot Air balloons. I remember my grandparents taking me to a place here in Arizona to see Hot Air balloons when I was young and I loved it. Hudson not so much. We had to wait 20 minutes in line to see these balloons up close to take a picture and Hudson freaked out. He was kicking me while I tried to hold him because he did not want to get close to the fire! We took a quick pic and tried to calm Hudson down. Seriously I thought he'd totally dig this, I guess it is just from a far.

Coolest thing, Right?

The lines were so long for everything that we played tag on the grass instead and left as soon as we could. Hudson was so bummed, but leaving the place would only be the best idea yet!......

The firefighters where letting children into the firetruck just outside the stadium to take pictures. We were one of the first people there so we only waited about 2 minutes. Hudson was in awe! The best part was while Hudson, Tim and Lex were in the back cab the firefighters had to close the doors and start up the truck so the battery wouldn't die. They got to be in there for a while. Hudson tried on the head gear, Tim took pictures and I just about cried because Hudson was so happy! Made our whole night! Just look at those smiles

Thursday was Hudson's preschool party. They practiced and learned proper Trick or treating skills, made spooky spiders, and had yummy Halloween treats. He was so excited to wear his costume to school!

Our ward party! Bounce houses, Chili cook off, trunk or treat, fun booths, and friends!

I can not get these two to look at me at the same time, ever!

Friday night while Tim and I attended the temple Glen and Suzie took the boys to their ward Halloween party. We are candied out!

Tempe Town Lake~

The Weather is just starting to cool off and we are once again reminded why we live here in Arizona! At least that is what everyone says. I really don't mind the heat. I'd rather be smothered in it then be cold in the snow. One Saturday found us at Tempe Town lake enjoying such beautiful weather. Our life has slowed down lately and we try to take in as much time as we can with our two boys. They are growing and learning so fast these days that I sometimes feel that I can't keep up! Hudson has really enjoyed preschool. Although, when I ask what he learned about that day he responds with an "I don't know" followed by "What does I don't know mean?" But he brings home all sorts of crafts so I assume he is learning! Lex on the other hand has turned on me. His nick name should be destroyer. You know what I mean! I clean a place up and he follows with disaster. I think he likes the sound of dumping out all the toys from their bins. I'm in for the terrible two I can feel it! HELP!!

Here are the boys looking for fish in the lake. Every time we have guest come we talk about going to Tempe Town but never do. Next time for sure even if we just stroll around the area! I'm looking forward to many more days like this one.

Tim is such a hunk!

Tee-Ball~

Hudson is on a Tee-ball team called Star Dragons. (Not sure where that name came from) This is the first time he has played any organized sport and we were a little unsure what he might think of tee-ball. 2 Saturdays ago was his first game and we are kicking ourselves that we didn't record how awesome he played. Hitting the ball is no problem it is what to do next that he gets confused, or should I say distracted. Tim has gone over it with him where to run but for some reason he runs towards the pitchers mound after he hits the ball. Then, my favorite, when running from first to second he gets distracted by the ball rolling past him and the other team chasing after it that he joins them instead of going to the base. He also doesn't think he needs to run to home plate because the dug out is much closer then home. Last Saturday was the same thing. Once again not caught on film. Let's just say he is the most entertaining on the team.

Last Minute

Remember my post a few weeks ago about how we are moving to Tucson? Well, on Friday while the boys and I were visiting Tim at work, he got a call from his boss asking him to be at the Chandler office in a hour to meet with him. Tim thought it was just a visit to make sure everything was in place for him to start work on Monday in Tucson. The boys and I went along for the ride. To our surprise his boss said there was a change in plans and he will now be the Executive Administrator of the South Mountain facility! What?!

Tim was so shocked that he did not say much for an hour or so. We couldn't believe that they changed plans last minute. Non the less, we are happy to not move. We are happy to stay in our ward, and Hudson can now start preschool.

Tim starts today at South Mountain. Good luck babe!

Children's Museum

Last Wednesday Tim had the day off and we wanted to do something fun but just didn't know what until a friend of mine text and said she had a pass to the Children's Museum of Phoenix that expired that day. Perfect timing! We have been wanting to go for a while now but just never made the time for it. Hudson was thrilled, although I didn't think he knew what it was. Lex loves to do anything and everything Hudson does lately so this catered to his needs quiet well.

Behind Lex is a racetrack. Need I say more?

I love when they play together

The Market was my favorite place. Although it was packed with kids, we were able to score a cart for Lex. I showed him once how to place the cans into his cart and he didn't need much help after that. Hudson was busy on the receiving end of the store. He loved stocking the food and getting it off the truck.

Lex pushed his cart up to the checkout and started to hand these girls his stuff all on his own. He is a very observant kid and it shows.

This picture is for my parents. Sandstone painting, perfect for the cave don't yah think?

I think this picture is so cute of Hudson holding onto Lex. The boys were not huge fans of this play place. They got a little scared on it.

This moose is awesome! Made out of sweaters and cardboard. In this room the boys played with puzzles and playdough.

These air tunnels were very entertaining! Hudson could have stayed here all day!

Car Wash!

We had such a nice afternoon playing and discovering. Monkey see, monkey do!

Didn't See It Coming~

We are moving to Tucson!! Didn't see that in our plans. Tim had been awaiting a new assignment to be an Executive Director of his own building for a few months now and we knew that there were building openings in Mesa (where I was hoping to go), Scottsdale, (where Tim was wanting) and South Mountain, (3rd choice) Well, when Tim had his interview with the Stake President, not really but for my mother-in-law and I to understand all of Tim's bosses we use church terms. Anyway when he had this interview we felt that we'd go to one of the mentioned locations. We had a few days of playing with the idea of moving closer to family and got all sorts of excited. Well the official offer came on a Thursday, we were shocked to hear Tucson! Not in a bad way but just didn't see that coming. Also we would need to be there by September 12! Yikes!

We got right to work looking for housing. Now the last time I had been to Tucson was in High School when BYU made it to the Copper bowl and Tim had never been. So where to live was going to be a challenge. We decided to go visit Tucson and look for housing on Saturday. I had been looking on Craigslist and other sites since Thursday afternoon for houses. It was frustrating! But I know that when you ask the Lord to place you where you would be most effective He will lay out a smooth path for you. Friday night as we put the boys to bed we prayed for help. I pulled up Craigslist and found a new entry, Googled it, mapped it to Tim's work, and called for an appointment to view it on Saturday. I also put the address in the church website to find the ward to call the bishop to see what the area was like. You know how these Arizona towns are in the winter? Lots of Snow birds! I wanted a good ward for the boys to have friends.

So.... it is perfect! I called the Bishop while we were down there and he said all the right words. Over 100 kids in Primary, 80 youth, and the best part for Tim.... he has a son and a daughter on a mission in Chile, one actually in Santiago East! Our new home is 2 miles from Tim's work, Gold's gym (my new bff) , and my favorite farmers market Sprouts. Perfect! We are renting still since we don't know where we'll be in a year, but non the less, we are excited for this new adventure!

What is a post without pictures? So here is a little somethin for our Grandparents!!

Bath time is lots of fun at our house, usually filled with toys, but in this case

smoothies and smiles!

I could eat them up!

Cara + Andrew

It seems like every post I have done lately or thought of doing involves us going to Utah for some reason or another. I think we have been up there every month this year! Crazy~ This trip happened to be very special as it was Cara and Andrew's wedding! The boys and I flew up the Monday before to help get ready for the big day, Tim followed on Thursday. We were so busy the whole week that it just flew by. I was able to spend much needed time with the bride to be. I have missed this little lady since we have moved and felt so out of the loop with the engagement and wedding plans that being able to help the week before was so special to me. Their reception was beautiful, (with the help of my oh so talented, creative mother) and sealing was very inspiring. Just a wonderful weekend for a wonderful couple. I know Cara and Andrew will be very happy and I am so thrilled we got to share in their special day.

The reception was held in the Mallory's immaculate back yard! Seriously this yard is so beautiful with flowers of all kinds, green green grass, an overflowing garden, and the hit of the night with the kids, a play set! Auntie Sage came up with my mom to interview for a few job interests and graced us with her presence at the reception. Can you believe this girl starts college in just a few days?

My mom had Lex laughing and playing so hard on the play set. Most of the pictures I took were blurry so these two are all I have until Cara and Andrew share their pictures.

While waiting for Cara and Andrew to come out of the temple, we kept Hudson entertained with Dinosaur Train on the Ipod. . . . Addie made him share! Best idea of the whole day!

Baby Lex had a little fall at the temple and cut his lip pretty bad. Such a cute baby and very handsome husband!

Our eternal family!

My favorite parts about weddings are being with family and friends.

Thank you Judy and Jonn for flying us there so we could spend more time

with everyone.

Thank you Mom for letting us borrow your decor and help!

Four Hudson~

While we were in St. George for the Claybaugh Family Vacation we celebrated Hudson's 4th birthday. He was so thrilled to spend it with his cousins and best buds Clay and Bailey, whom he calls Boo boo.

The only thing missing was Chamberlain.

We had a pajama party with presents, cake, and popcorn with a movie.

He loved it!

I love this picture of Hudson. His silly smile, big brown eyes,

and beautiful dark skin melt my heart.

Hudson is my big helper with Lex. He loves to have races with Lex, wrestle him, tease him, and share his toys with him! (wishful thinking) His best friend is his daddy. When Tim gets home from work he does not stop talking to him. We can hardly get him to finish his dinner because he has so much to say about his day. I asked him the other day what are some of the things he likes to do, his response "Go on a run with my dad, go to the store with my dad,and play wrestle with my dad!"

Hudson loves to learn about animals. Especially Dinosaurs! For his birthday he got a few dino books and has loved looking over the dinosaurs features. He will often pretend he is a meat eating T-Rex, or a flying Pterodactyl. Hudson also loves to watch TV or as he calls it "shows". His favorites are Dinosaur Train, Wild Krats, and Fetch. All these shows teach about animals. The best part is after he learns about a new creature he will tell me all about it! We limit his watching or seriously he would watch shows all day long.

Superheroes are the big talk around our house. He'll ask a million questions about Superman's powers, where does Batman lives and what is his real name. Or my favorite questions "Do superheroes clean up there rooms?" Big yes on that one! He will even pray for the Superheros and is often found wearing his cape where ever we go.

We love our Huddy Buddy very much. He is so smart and full of life!

Here are some other fun facts about this bodacious boy

HE

-calls baby's slobber "Tree Sap"

-eats broccoli, or any veggie

-does not like whole fruits but

will down a fruit smoothie

-loves to play with cars

-is learning how to swim

-does not like bad guys

-has to have someone

with him all the time

-loves to dance

-loves to be read to

-has to sleep with toys

-loves primary

-likes to ride on airplanes

-loves to ride his bike

-is a pro at Candyland, wins every time

-is so sweet

-very curious about life

-favorite color is blue

-favorite animal... T-Rex

-loves to be with our family

Happy birthday to Hudson.

(even though it was a month ago..oops)

Farewell~

My cousin Eric is starting the next chapter in his life... Medical School at Touro University in Vallejo California, near the San Francisco bay area. He leaves tomorrow. I am so happy for him in this new journey but also a little sad that he is leaving Arizona. I just got here and have really enjoyed seeing him on a weekly basis. Eric has been such a great cousin and friend my

whole life. Some of my favorite memories of him are singing MC Hammer songs, playing Fish out of water in my grandparents pool, (I always cheated by looking into the side window), playing cards, and visiting parts of his mission with him many years ago. He is also quite hilarious and brilliant, hence the medical school. I'm excited, I really am, but will miss him so much.

Last night we had a little farewell party at Cafe Rio for him. We always have a good time with lots of laughs when we are all together. We all brought presents to send him on his way.

My grandparent and Uncle Mike got him a toilet bowl cleaner. I'm guessing it was an inside joke because all were laughing and I didn't get it!

Let me explain this next picture of Eric holding a "Token". I sent a text to everyone telling them details of the party and also to bring a small token of your love for Eric for his new adventure. Well, leave it to Mike and Xochi to make a joke of it! They kill me!

We gave Eric the game Operation to help him practice for school!

The boys were very entertaining, as always! They raced each other most of the night!

Uncle Glen, Aunt Suzie, Uncle Mike in the way back, Grandma, Grandpa, Little Mike, Xochi, Eric, Gabby, Hudson, Me, Tim, and baby Lex. Not pictured Kyle, Uncle Brian and Ester.

My Dear Eric,

I am so proud of you and excited for this new journey .

Thank you for being the great man that you are.

You will do great things and I know you will be an amazing Dr.

I will miss you so much.

Remember that if you ever need a break call us up and

we'll meet you in So. Cal.

Good luck

I love you!

Love Shelbs