I think it is safe to say that we have a Disneyland obsession! On October 6th, Nic, Hudson and I went to Disneyland for the morning. We had such a great time. We went on the Rockets and Buzz Lightyear. Then my mom, Sabrina, and Tyler met up with us. We went on Matterhorn, teacups, a few of the Fantasyland rides and Pirates.
From there, we went to Jaxon and Camden's 1st birthday party at Ryan and Melissa's new home. The boys were so cute playing together. I hope they will continue to be friends as they get older.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
DIA Recital
We had Dancin' in Acton's Dance Recital on October 5th. I got a ride up there with Lindsay. Sabrina and I didn't buy tickets to the first show and since she got a ride to the show too, we didn't have anything to do during the show. We hung out outside, chatting on a bench.
In between shows, we grabbed some food and drinks with Lindsay. Sheri and my mom met up with us too. After the second show's opening number, we went and sat in the audience.
After the show, we went to La Cabana to catch up with friends from the studio. It was great to see so many old friends and we all had a great time catching up.
In between shows, we grabbed some food and drinks with Lindsay. Sheri and my mom met up with us too. After the second show's opening number, we went and sat in the audience.
After the show, we went to La Cabana to catch up with friends from the studio. It was great to see so many old friends and we all had a great time catching up.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Disneyland and Company Picnic
On September 29th, we left early in the morning to head to Disneyland with our friends Sam and Hayley, who were visiting from Australia. We went to California Adventure first to get fastpasses to Radiator Racers and World of Color. We went on Monster's Inc., The Little Mermaid Ride, the Ferris Wheel, California Screamin' roller coaster, Tower of Terror and King Triton's Carousel. We also met Donald Duck, before Nic, Hudson and I had to take off for our company picnic.
We drove to Burbank for the picnic. We ate lunch, played games (Nic and Justin won almost every game), Hudson went on a few pony rides, we caught up with co-workers, family and friends, and had fun taking pictures in the photo booth. Someone one Hudson a horse back pack playing Bingo and Hudson immediately became obsessed with it! He loves wearing his new backpack!
After the picnic, we went back to Disneyland to meet back up with Sam and Hayley. My mom, Sabrina, Tyler and Justin all joined us. We went on Finding Nemo, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates, the Pooh ride, Splash Mountain, Small World, and the teacups. Then we went back to California Adventure. Nic and I used a baby swap pass from that morning to go on Tower of Terror. Then we went to watch World of Color with Sam and Hayley. Hudson fell asleep during most of the show. I ended up carrying him out of the park and he fell asleep in my arms. I must admit, that I live for moments like that. Since Hudson isn't a very cuddly kid, I really treasure moments where he sleeps in my arms. It was the perfect ending to a very busy, exhausting, but extremely fun day!!
We drove to Burbank for the picnic. We ate lunch, played games (Nic and Justin won almost every game), Hudson went on a few pony rides, we caught up with co-workers, family and friends, and had fun taking pictures in the photo booth. Someone one Hudson a horse back pack playing Bingo and Hudson immediately became obsessed with it! He loves wearing his new backpack!
After the picnic, we went back to Disneyland to meet back up with Sam and Hayley. My mom, Sabrina, Tyler and Justin all joined us. We went on Finding Nemo, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates, the Pooh ride, Splash Mountain, Small World, and the teacups. Then we went back to California Adventure. Nic and I used a baby swap pass from that morning to go on Tower of Terror. Then we went to watch World of Color with Sam and Hayley. Hudson fell asleep during most of the show. I ended up carrying him out of the park and he fell asleep in my arms. I must admit, that I live for moments like that. Since Hudson isn't a very cuddly kid, I really treasure moments where he sleeps in my arms. It was the perfect ending to a very busy, exhausting, but extremely fun day!!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Alli's Baby Shower
On September 28th, I went to Alli's baby shower. She is having a little boy named Dallas in November! Alli was absolutely glowing as we enjoyed a wonderful lunch, played a few games and watched her open gifts. I'm so excited for Alli and Ryan and their new adventure into parenthood.
Labels:
Baby Showers,
Marianna,
Rachelle,
Sabrina

Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Footy and DIA Dress Rehearsal
On September 27th, I had my Dancin' in Acton (DIA) dress rehearsal. DIA is the dance studio I grew up dancing at. It is there 30 year anniversary this year, so they invited all the alumni back to dance in the opening number. It has been a lot of fun seeing so many old friends and dancing again, but it has also been a bigger commitment than I anticipated. Friday night was also the AFL grand final game so I made meat pies and ANZAC biscuits before racing off to my rehearsal.

Monday, May 26, 2014
2nd Swim Lesson
Our 2nd swim lesson (on September 25th) went much better. We actually did the traditional first class and since we had already dunked Hud under multiple times, it felt a little boring, lol. Hudson did well though and seemed to enjoy it, so that was good.

Sunday, May 25, 2014
1st Swim Lesson
We took Hudson to his first swim lesson on September 23rd at the Swim Academy. We were asked to get there early to watch a video and get a tour. We met some of Hudson's classmates and talked about our nerves going into the class. One of the mom's mentioned that the kid's aren't dunked under the first class, so we were all relieved to hear that.
We got Hud ready, showered and into the pool. Our teacher was apparently out, so our sub introduced himself, then we began the welcome song. After the song we started with our first instructions. The teacher asked for a child volunteer then demonstrated that we would be doing multiple dolphin dips (dunking your kid under the water) then they would wall walk along the wall and repeat. My mouth dropped open as did most of the other parents. I tried to mutter that this was our first class. Sensing our reservations the teacher said we needed to just go for it. So we did. After that we did a back float. The teacher commented that kids usually like the back float, but when all the kids started crying and scrambling for their parents like cats in water I decided that they actually don't! One little girl in the class, cried hysterically the entire time. I'm not sure if it was because of her or the tension the kids could feel from the parents, but most of the kids were somewhat upset. Hudson did have a few moments of enjoyment, mostly splashing with dada, but overall, we thought it was a bit overwhelming and stressful for a first class!
The video is literally of the very first thing we did in the class! Talk about having the kids dive right in!! haha
I called the next day to explain my concerns to the Director and she immediately sounded horrified. Apparently the teacher didn't realize we were an infant survival class. He thought we were a Baby Swim class, which means he thought the kids had all been taking classes for weeks already! She apologized profusely, offered us a free class, and promised that our Wednesday class experience would be completely different.
We got Hud ready, showered and into the pool. Our teacher was apparently out, so our sub introduced himself, then we began the welcome song. After the song we started with our first instructions. The teacher asked for a child volunteer then demonstrated that we would be doing multiple dolphin dips (dunking your kid under the water) then they would wall walk along the wall and repeat. My mouth dropped open as did most of the other parents. I tried to mutter that this was our first class. Sensing our reservations the teacher said we needed to just go for it. So we did. After that we did a back float. The teacher commented that kids usually like the back float, but when all the kids started crying and scrambling for their parents like cats in water I decided that they actually don't! One little girl in the class, cried hysterically the entire time. I'm not sure if it was because of her or the tension the kids could feel from the parents, but most of the kids were somewhat upset. Hudson did have a few moments of enjoyment, mostly splashing with dada, but overall, we thought it was a bit overwhelming and stressful for a first class!
The video is literally of the very first thing we did in the class! Talk about having the kids dive right in!! haha
I called the next day to explain my concerns to the Director and she immediately sounded horrified. Apparently the teacher didn't realize we were an infant survival class. He thought we were a Baby Swim class, which means he thought the kids had all been taking classes for weeks already! She apologized profusely, offered us a free class, and promised that our Wednesday class experience would be completely different.

Saturday, May 24, 2014
13 Months
On September 22nd, Hudson turned 13 months old. Hudson's coordination is getting much better. He is walking a lot more, he can walk in circles, change directions and turn around. He is also getting better at bending down and picking things up. He fed himself using his bowl and spoon and he has been trying more "real" foods like chicken nuggets, french fries and spaghetti. The spaghetti was his favorite! Part of our bedtime routine is kissing Hudson good night. Lately, he has been pushing my head towards Nic and having us kiss. He thinks its hilarious and has us do it over and over again. He is also obsessed with bathtime! As soon as he hears the water turn on he leaps up and walks to the bathroom. Hudson can point to his nose, mouth, ears, tummy, peepee, and toes when asked. He can point to mama, dada, Beena and Nonna. He says Nonna and Opa when prompted. He waves, claps and blows kisses on command. He is starting to want to mimmick everything I do. He also loves to say uh oh. I feel like he has changed so much in the past month! Our little guy is growing up so fast!!
Friday, May 23, 2014
Inspiration Unlimited
On September 18th, Sabrina, Hudson and I drove out to Vegas for Inspiration Unlimited. Since Sabrina is home and in between jobs she came along as Hudson's nanny. :) We had such a great time. Thursday was pre-IU and my favorite day. I got to take two classes from one of my favorite scrapbook designers, Stephanie Hunt, of Bella Blvd. We also took a few other really great classes that day.
On Friday, IU started and it was a whirlwind just like always, but so much fun! We met up with Sabrina for lunches and dinner. She spent time at the mall and pool with Hudson. She also went out at night with her girlfriend Brandy Sulstrom who is living in Vegas with her family. The Sulstrom's used to be our neighbors so they are good friends of the family. We went over to there house for dinner one night and had a wonderful time.
On Sunday, we spent the day at the outlets and getting massages. It was nice to have some time to relax. That night Sabrina, Tomi and my mom went to the hotel's steakhouse for dinner. I decided to skip it because I knew it would be too late at night for Hudson. I grabbed panda and figured I would have a nice relaxing night finishing up some of my scrapbooking projects from the weekend. Instead I spent the few hours with a crying baby in my arms. Hudson refused to go to sleep, but he was obviously overtired, which made for a miserable and exhausting night for me!
One of the other perks of the trip was that Sabrina spent time talking with one of our scrapbooking friends, Stephanie, about a potential job opportunity. I think that alone made the trip worth it for her. It was a very busy, but very fun and inspiring weekend as always. I am so thankful that Sabrina was able to come along and watch Hudson for me so that I could have some free time to enjoy one of my favorite hobbies.
On Friday, IU started and it was a whirlwind just like always, but so much fun! We met up with Sabrina for lunches and dinner. She spent time at the mall and pool with Hudson. She also went out at night with her girlfriend Brandy Sulstrom who is living in Vegas with her family. The Sulstrom's used to be our neighbors so they are good friends of the family. We went over to there house for dinner one night and had a wonderful time.
On Sunday, we spent the day at the outlets and getting massages. It was nice to have some time to relax. That night Sabrina, Tomi and my mom went to the hotel's steakhouse for dinner. I decided to skip it because I knew it would be too late at night for Hudson. I grabbed panda and figured I would have a nice relaxing night finishing up some of my scrapbooking projects from the weekend. Instead I spent the few hours with a crying baby in my arms. Hudson refused to go to sleep, but he was obviously overtired, which made for a miserable and exhausting night for me!
One of the other perks of the trip was that Sabrina spent time talking with one of our scrapbooking friends, Stephanie, about a potential job opportunity. I think that alone made the trip worth it for her. It was a very busy, but very fun and inspiring weekend as always. I am so thankful that Sabrina was able to come along and watch Hudson for me so that I could have some free time to enjoy one of my favorite hobbies.
Labels:
Hudson,
Inspiration Unlimited,
IU,
Marianna,
Sabrina,
Scrapbooking,
Travel

Thursday, May 22, 2014
Family Disneyland Day
On Sunday, September 15th, Nic and I took Hudson to Disneyland. Everything was already decorated for Halloween and looked so cute! We had so much fun!!! It was pretty emtpy that day so we fit a ton in. We met Mickey, went on the Pooh ride, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, the Jungle Cruise, grabbed fast passes for Space Mountain, went on Buzz Lightyear, Snow White, Small World and the teacups. We also took a bunch of professional photos since I already knew I was going to buy the photo pass from Hudson's birthday trip. Hud took a nap in his stroller, so we used our Space Mountain fast passes. We each had to go by ourselves, but it was still so fun!! After that we grabbed Jamba Juice from Downtown Disney and headed home. We had the absolute best day! I just love making memories like this with our little family of 3.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Slam Dunks
We were playing in the backyard on September 12th and Hudson started making baskets in his sport activity gym hoop. It was so cute to watch him!! He is becoming so much more coordinated and Nic and I were both very impressed with his basketball skills!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
California Adventure with FTMG
I am a member of a facebook group called First Time Mommy Group. My good friend Vivian invited me to join and it turns out a co-worker is a member and the founder is an acquaintance from college. Small world, huh? The mom's group had been talking about a Disneyland trip for a while and since I now had a pass I was excited to go. Vivian and I carpooled down and only Masae (the friend from college) ended up coming. We had such a fun day!! Vivian and I took the kids to Bug's Land and on Monsters, Inc. Then we met Masae and her daughter Raegan at the Disney Junior Live show. It was Hudson's first time seeing it and he loved it!! Hudson fell asleep on the walk to the Little Mermaid ride so I grabbed lunch while the girls went on it. Then we took some photos and went on the Little Mermaid ride one more time before we decided to head home. It was a very relaxed and fun half day at Disneyland.
When we got back to Vivian's the kids played together for a bit before we went home. Hudson loved playing with all of Leah's toys (other kid's toys are always more exciting than your own-until someone else is interested in them) Leah was not a huge fan of Hudson using all her stuff. She did love giving Hudson cuddles though!! She is such a little cutie pie!
When we got back to Vivian's the kids played together for a bit before we went home. Hudson loved playing with all of Leah's toys (other kid's toys are always more exciting than your own-until someone else is interested in them) Leah was not a huge fan of Hudson using all her stuff. She did love giving Hudson cuddles though!! She is such a little cutie pie!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Artwork
One of the cool things about Pretend City is that they give you evaluations for your child based on age. It lists all sorts of milestones they should be reaching and some they can work towards. Before conducting the evaluation with Hudson, I hadn't even considered that he might be ready for coloring/drawing. I gave him a few highlighters and we went outside with some paper to see what he would do. He held the highlighter well and immediately started scribbling on the paper. I was so proud of him and his first piece of art.

Sunday, May 18, 2014
Pretend City Play Date
On September 9th, Hudson and I met Ashley and Avery for a play date. We had lunch at Ashley's before heading to Pretend City. Pretend City has so many fun little rooms including a fishing area, the beach, a firehouse, a grocery store, a farm and so much more. The kids had such a great time and Ashley and I were dying over how cute they were together! We had a blast and can't wait to do this again!!
Labels:
Ashley,
Avery,
Hudson,
Playdates,
Pretend City

Saturday, May 17, 2014
Ornaments
On September 8th, we took Hudson to the mall to get ornaments made of his hands and feet. He really enjoyed the process and we got adorable Christmas gifts for the grandparents and ourselves. If you are in the area, the business is called Little Prints by Silvia. She is on facebook and she advertises in Baby Gaps in the area.

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