Family Vacation

This past week we were able to take a family vacation to Kelowna, BC (north of Omak in the Okanagon). My college roommate and her husband were able to join us for a few days. It was nice to get away for a while and enjoy the beauty of God's creation and to spend time with some great friends who we don't get to see often enough.

It was a loooong drive (a little over 7 hrs from Yakima). Hudson was a trooper in the car; here is is doing some light reading.

So now I understand why some of you were always trying to get us to go to McDonalds with you...we stopped a couple times in route so Christian could get some diet coke and Hudson could have a much needed break from the car seat. His expression in this photo cracks me up.

Oh so happy to be out of the car seat!

Hudson's first swim. This was his expression most of the time we were in the pool. I think it was a combination of concern, curiosity about the others in the pool and squinting from the sun.

Chillin' in a beach chair after a good swim.

While the guys when golfing, Shana, Hudson and I went for a nice walk around Mission Creek. When Hudson decided he was tired of the stroller Shana was nice enough to give him a ride on her shoulders. Unfortunately I failed to take any photos of the beautiful scenery.

Hudson and Dad hangin' out in the condo.

The fireplace in our condo had this little ledge in front of it that was just Hudson's size. He would back right up and have a seat...he thought it was great!

We went to the BC Wildlife Park to check out some animals that are native to BC. Unfortunately it was a little rainy and most of the animals didn't feel like moving much. Hudson didn't seem all that impressed.

Hudson and Dad checking out the huge bald eagles.

Shana told us about this little convenience store that was know for their ice cream...so naturally we had to stop. These cones we have are their single serving...they were huge!

There was a miniature horse farm not far from Kelowna. It wasn't open for the season yet but we got a good look at some of the horses from the road. Isn't this little guy just the cutest?!

Mom and Hudson enjoying the little horses. I think mom enjoyed it more than Hudson.

This place had hundreds of miniatures...and check out the scenery too.

Our last day in town we went to a little family orchard. They had this old tractor buried in the play area for the kids to climb on.

New House!

As many of you know we are building a new house. I thought you might enjoy watching the progress of the build with us. We are so excited that we are finally under way with construction. And even more excited since our current home has sold (prase the Lord!). You can check out our floor plan and see a 3-D walk through at www.hilinehomes.com. Our house is floorplan #1768.

Here's the lot after excavation...not much to look at right now but it's going to be great! It's going to be so nice having a little more space and having a bigger yard for little Hudson to enjoy.

Foundation!

Random Cuteness & A Trip to Prineville

Hudson LOVES his blanket...I know it's a random photo, but I thought it was cute.

Hudson also loves the lawn mower. Whenever Christian or I mow the lawn Hudson stands at the window and watches us go back and forth. Here Hudson thought he would try it out for himself.

Mother's Day weekend we took a trip down to Prineville, Oregon to see Christian's extended family. We usually end up playing cards when we're all together...Hudson wanted in on the action but just to eat the cards.

Here's Hudson sitting in Grandma's little rocking chair...it was made by Hudson's great-great-great grandpa (I think that's the right amount of greats...)

Time for some new photos

So it's true...the older you kids get the less photos you take (unless your name is Michelle). Here are the most recent of Hudson. He is walking all over the place now! He has also been teething...not fun! The past two weeks he has cut 5 teeth and he has two more that are trying to come through. It has made for some miserable nights. Hopefully we're near the end, at least for now.

Here's Hudson sporting his super cute puffy vest from Uncle Carlos.

Now that he can walk he nearly always runs at me when I'm trying to take his picture...hence the close up.

Yesterday Christian changed his diaper and then didn't put his pants back on right away. I thought it was pretty cute...Hudson running around with shoes and socks on but no pants.