Hudson - 6/22/2018

Hudson ate most of brown rice and most of raisins for breakfast.  For lunch he ate salmon, two servings of whole wheat dinner roll, ate a large serving of green beans, and a large serving of mangoes.

Hudson saw a delivery truck and immediately said, "I see the ......(he's saying different letters of the alphabet).....(I'm assuming he's thinking UPS)..... (he finally settles with)...USA man!!"  Ha!  That tickled me and made me laugh more when I saw it was the FedEx truck.  :)

This first picture is left over from yesterday afternoon.  We didn't go outside because of all the rain and there were times when it was pouring!  We have a metal roof and it's fun to listen to the rain when it's pounding hard.  The kids were at the window several times watching it come down and watching the water run down the road.

Nora was doing puzzles when Momma Emily drove by, but Hudson was at the window waving!  (At least that's what he said! Ha!)  I was helping Nora and Atley set up their puzzle area and Hudson came out and said, "Hey Gary! I wave at Emily! Nobody else got to wave at her."  Thank you Bubba!

Here are a couple of pictures from this morning's activities;  They chose to use the sketching tablets to draw with at Art Time.  When they finished with these we used the magnetic boards where they move the buttons around.  Everyone worked together to build with the blocks in the last picture.

 

I'm sure most everyone reading the Blogs knows that Little Treasures is closed next week so we can go away for a little vacation.  But, just in case there are some who don't know I'm posting this now. After today the next Blog will be Monday, July 2nd.  See you all then!

Hudson - 6/21/2018

Hudson ate whole wheat english muffin and oranges for breakfast.  For lunch he ate several bites of ground beef, ate whole wheat elbow noodles with applesauce, and ate his peas.  (Also covered with applesauce - makes everything so much yummier!)

First thing this morning Hudson said, "Hey Gary!  There's a birdie on top of that car!!"  And there was a little birdie hopping around on the top of the neighbor's car.  Nora heard that and ran to the window saying, "birdie, birdie, birdie."  But guess what?  Nora's dog is named "Birdie."  I wonder if she was expecting to see HER birdie!  :)

Atley was at the window waving bye to Momma Megan and she kept saying, "My Megan, my Megan, my Megan."  Finally Hudson said, "I KNOW Atley."  Atley said, "My Megan."  Ha!

Hudson likes to impress Lauralea with something special every day if he can think of something when she's leaving - and as you know he'll think of something.  Today's special was pretty cool.  He remembered something that's on one of my shirts.  I think the last time I wore it was last week, or the week before.  And he's only heard me say it a couple of times.  I'll put the part he left out in parentheses.  "Hey Lauralea!"  "What Bubba?"  "You're never too wacky (too old or too wild) to pick up a book and read to a child."  :)

Here are some pictures from this morning; Hudson was hanging out with Linnea first thing.  When he got here he said, "Can I come in and talk to Linnea?"  :)  In the 2nd picture the kids were doing some gluing at Art Time.  And in the last picture Hudson and Avi were laughing at each other through the holes in the steps/slide.

Hudson - 6/20/2018

Hudson ate most of french toast and ate strawberries for breakfast.  For lunch he ate most of paleo stew with beef, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and green beans.  He ate all his crackers and tropical fruit.

Hudson was trying to impress Lauralea this morning and he said, "Hey Lauralea! You've never seen this!"  And he throws himself on the ground and started doing something that slightly resembled a three year old trying to break dance.  Yup! Over 30 years of Child Care Bubba and she's never seen anything like that.  :)

This first picture is from yesterday afternoon when everyone was examining a small roly poly bug that Hudson had in his dump truck.  They've been finding lots of roly poly bugs this year outside and everyone loves it.  Well the three oldest kids at least.  This is about the extent of interest that Nora shows!  :)  (She's in the bottom right of picture.  Like Momma Emily said, her head and Avi's head look very similar!)  Nora will occasionally look, but not touch.

Here are a couple pictures from this morning's activities.  We went through the signs that the kids know (except for the colors) and everyone did awesome.  We also added a couple of new ones like "fish" and "cookie."  Even though they may not be able to get their fingers to cooperate they sure recognize the signs.  :)  Hudson aced the exam and also knew the "new" signs because Kenzie had already taught those to him!  :)

Next picture; Atley and Hudson look like they are praying.  :)  Actually they were working very hard to get their paint shirts on by themselves!!  And I was proud of them for trying and they both got their heads through the head hole!!  Nice work!!  Then I took the last picture when we were doing some painting at art time.  This is another good example of how Nora likes to wait, watch, evaluate, speculate, weigh the pros and cons, more thoughts, check the weather, and maybe proceed!  The other kids had used their brushes and then switched to using their hands and Nora had yet to touch her's when I took the picture.  Before we started I asked if they wanted to paint with their hands or with a brush.  Hudson said, "Or your mouth, or your eyes, or your hair......or your feet."  Silly kid.  Some of you know the Cline kids and when Cooper was here I remember letting him and a girl named Mia paint with their feet.  It was pretty messy, but they had SO MUCH FUN!!  :)

 

Hudson - 6/19/2018

Hudson ate most of waffle and three servings of grapes for breakfast.  For lunch he ate chicken, half of whole grain tortilla, ate corn, and baked cinnamon apples.

I already told Momma Maddy this story, but I want to tell it here as well.  Yesterday afternoon Hudson was asking me if Linnea was growing.  "Yes she is."  So he went around the room and asked me about every child.  "Is Svea growing?"  "Yes she is."  Finally he asked me if I was growing.  I said, "Well I'm trying not to!"  Ha!  I continued; "Actually Hudson I'm shrinking!"  Haha!  His eyes got big.  Minutes later Momma Emily was helping Nora get ready to leave and she was squatted down close to the floor and he asked her if she was shrinking.  LOL!  So I had to explain to Emily where that question came from!!

Hudson was being very quiet and of course whenever the kids are quiet I get nervous!  I peeked around the corner and of course he was with Linnea.  So I took a picture of them and Hudson was content to sit and play beside her.  Minutes later Linnea took off and Hudson crawled right along beside her.  Very cute.  In the 2nd picture Hudson was holding up a lid (which has a mirror on the back side facing Linnea) and he was saying, "Monkey!  Monkey!  Monkey!"  (Yes, it's a game we play.)  (That's a spoon Linnea has hanging out of her mouth!)

 

Last picture; Hudson and Avilene have sequestered themselves in the igloo again!  :)  (That's a pillow that's blocking the entrance.)  And again Avi left the igloo long before Hudson wanted her to, but he continued to stay in there by himself.  It was pretty funny be because I could hear him talking and having a good time.

Hudson - 6/18/2018

Hudson ate two servings of kix cereal and bites of mixed fruit for breakfast.  For lunch he ate ground turkey, whole wheat hamburger bun, no tomatoes, bite of avocado, and bites of cherries.  At breakfast Hudson asked, "Can I have some more chex....no....these little ball things!?"  (kix cereal)  Haha!  He spilled some on the floor and I told him to just leave it and I'd get them when I was cleaning up after breakfast.  He asked, "Are you still happy?"  :)

We did a toy, book, and puzzle exchange this weekend and Hudson stayed pretty busy all morning playing with the toys.  He and Avilene were playing with the food toys for a long time and Hudson was doing the cooking and they were feeding the dolls; which they were calling their "babies." Hudson said he was cooking and Avilene said, "I'm the feeder!"  :)

Here are a couple pictures from Hudson playing - with the barn and the farm animals in the first picture.  He was pretty interested and engaged with the fence pieces; putting them together.  In the last picture Hudson has barricaded the entrance to the igloo and sequestered himself inside.  Ha!  Avi was with him for several minutes, but she got tired of it.  He learned this from the Cline girls; they were always doing this with the pillows and sometimes including Hudson in their play.  Later, Avi tried to get Atley to join her in the "dark" igloo (Avi's description), but Atley wanted no part of that!

Hudson - 6/15/2018

Hudson ate half of oatmeal and bites of baked cinnamon apples for breakfast.  For lunch he ate hamburger stew with meat, carrots, potatoes, green beans, and tomatoes.  He also ate whole wheat dinner roll and ate apricots.  The kids were maybe a bit wilder than usual and I said, "You (ALL) guys are kind of crazy today."  Hudson said, "Yes they are crazy today!"  Haha!

On the days when we've been able to go outside we've been cleaning up toys in the Daycare room before going out.  We sing the same song every day and the kids have been doing awesome.  I assign each one a job (rather than just saying, "ok, pick up toys") and they've have been staying on task amazingly well!!  I couldn't be more proud of them.

Well Hudson shared some news with the group that I think you may or may not appreciate.  He said, "Hey Gary!  My Dad has small mosquito bites."  Oh, that's too bad.  Where are they located? "On his butt."  LOL!!  I roared.  (Thank you for not bringing the photos Bubba.)

Hudson was watching me put food on the lunch tray.  I was cutting up some apricots and he asked, "What's that?"  An apricot seed.  "What's it taste like?"  Well they are hard, will break your teeth, and we don't eat them.  He said, "Well suckers break your tooth!"  Haha!  Ok, good point, but I don't eat them either!!  :)

I have a couple of "group" pictures from this morning.  The mattress is frequently a very busy place, but it's amazing how well they do!  The conflicts are few and the crashes are even more rare. They are always careful to not jump on each other.  In the 2nd picture we were doing some Dot painting at Art Time.  And the last picture is Hudson entertaining his little buddy Linnea.

Hudson - 6/14/2018

Hudson ate french toast and a bite of dried plums for breakfast.  For lunch he ate two servings of pulled pork, ate whole wheat toast, peas, and his cantaloupe.  The Monitor for the Food Program was here to observe our lunch time procedure.  She also checks lots of paperwork including sign-in sheets, temp in fridge and freezer, and makes sure I'm serving what's listed on the Menu.  All the kids were amazing while she was here.  I was (and am) so proud of them!!  Hudson was just chattering at her all the time!  Ha!  I said, "Hey Hudson, tell Claudette what Gary says about your talking all the time!"  He said, "jabber, jabber, jabber."  Perfect!  You nailed it!  :)  Also during breakfast when Nora wouldn't eat Avilene looked at Hudson and asked, "Why is Nora so mad?"  He said, "I don't know.  I have no idea why Nora is so mad."  Haha!

First Picture; Atley and Hudson were at the window watching some crows in the yard.  I love having the big window so the kids can spend time observing what's happening in the neighborhood!!  :)  Speaking of Atley - This morning Atley had pulled her finger from her nose and was showing it to Hudson; "boogie!!"  Hudson said, "Give it to Gary!  I don't want it!"  Haha! Well neither do I Bubba!! 

So here are pieces of a conversation I heard between Hudson and Avilene.  Hudson asked Avi, "Do you know what happens when you're mean to other kids!?!"  She wasn't interested in hearing his answer, but I was!!  Ha!  So I asked, "What happens Hudson!?"  He said, "Big Bird comes and takes little boys to his nest!"  Whoa.  That's a creepy story Bubba.  :)

Well Linnea is back from Helena and Hudson was so thrilled!  And she was happy to see him as well. Last picture; Svea and her amazing smile!!  (That's Hudson holding her hand!)  I love that smile and can't get enough of it!!  :)

Hudson - 6/13/2018

Hudson ate two servings of whole wheat toast and ate mangoes for breakfast.  For lunch he ate most of ground beef with marinara sauce on whole wheat spaghetti noodles, ate squash, and half of his fruit salad.

In the first picture from yesterday afternoon the kids (except Nora - she preferred to watch) were inside the geo-climber using the balls as their pillows.  And laughing; they were pretty impressed with themselves.  :)  Children laughing is music to me!!  Love it!

Hudson and Nora arrived at basically the same time today and both Dads drove by the window and waved.  After waving at their dads (or in Nora's case just standing there looking - Ha!) Nora and Hudson just looked at each other and started yelling, "My Daddy! My Daddy! My Daddy!"  Uhhh.. I thought I saw both of them go by!!  :)

The next picture is Nora, Avi, and Hudson surrounding Svea!  It's always a competition to be closest to the babies; especially just after arrival!!  Geez!  (I frequently have to rescue the babies from over-zealous Toddlers!)  And in the following picture you can see what Hudson was waiting for!!  Some one-on-one time with Svea!  (Linnea will be back tomorrow!!)  Hudson is getting LOTS of practice being the big brother!

In this last picture from this morning Atley, Avi, and Hudson were riding their "motorcycles."  We also did some stickers and used decorative duck tape at Art Time.

Hudson - 6/12/2018

Hudson ate whole wheat bagel and three servings of grapes for breakfast.  For lunch he ate shrimp, several bites of brown rice, ate stir fry vegetables, and ate raspberries.

Hudson has obviously heard about the whole "pinky swear" or "pinky promise" thing.  He was walking around (primarily focused on Avilene, but she was basically ignoring him) with his pinky extended saying, "promise pinky, promise pinky, promise pinky."  Atley was watching it all and started saying, "pinky pinky pinky pinky."  And she was extending her index finger.  That is so classic Atley and it hit my funny bone and I was laughing so hard.

First question from Hudson this morning:  "Is Linnea gonna be here today?"  Nope, she's still in Helena, but will be back on Thursday.  So, guess what Svea!?  You are Baby number one again today!  Hudson always asks me; "Can I talk to Svea?"  Yes you can.  Judging by the grin, I think she likes the attention you give her Bubba!!  Hudson said, "I hope my baby is a good share-er!"  :)

Here's a picture of Hudson and Avilene putting on some dress-up clothes.  Hudson said, "Avi, where are we going?"  She said, "To shoot some baskets."  Hudson (suddenly excited) asked, "Shoot!?!" Avi said, "Yes."  Hudson asked, "Why?"  Avi said, "Because we are."  Haha!  (You all know where this is going!)  After a slight pause Hudson asked, "Where are our guns?"  Haha!!  I roared!!  In the following picture Hudson and Avi had been playing in the igloo and Avi got tired of it and left.  (Much to Hudson's annoyance!!)  "Hey Avi!  Why are you leaving!?  When are you coming back in!?!"  Avi answered, "Oh someday!"  Haha!

Hudson - 6/11/2018

Hudson had bites of bran cereal and bites of raisins.  For lunch he ate chicken, whole grain pita bread,  some olives, peppers, and cucumbers, no tomatoes, and ate his pears.  Lauralea said goodbye while we were eating breakfast and after she went out the door Hudson said, "Who was that?!?"  Ha!  I said, "Lauralea."  He said, "No, that was Christina."  Who's she?  He said, "Your daughter."  :)  (He hears me talking about her.)

Last week during Story Time Atley saw a picture of Dr. Suess on the inside cover of a book and said, "My Daddy! My Daddy!"  (In the picture he is getting older with a gray beard.)  haha!  Atley did it again today; "My Daddy!  My Daddy!"   Nora said, "My Daddy! My Daddy!"  Avi said, "My Daddy!  My Daddy!"  Hudson said, "NO! That's the author that wrote this book!"  (That's an exact quote! Ha!)  They kept it up and finally Hudson gave up and joined in with everyone else; "My Daddy!  My Daddy!"  Haha!

In the first picture Nora is using Svea for a pillow as usual!  The babies must make Nora feel warm and fuzzy because she always lays her head on them, gets a dreamy look on her face, sucking her thumb, and this time even closing her eyes!  The last two pictures: the kids were watching some birds feeding in the yard.  Before I took he picture the birds were actually right up below the window.  In the last picture we were just about done with doing some gluing at Art Time.

Hudson - 6/8/2018

Hudson ate cream of wheat cereal and most of dried plums for breakfast.  For lunch he ate a large serving of "baked beef kabobs" with meat, zucchini, peppers, and pineapple.  He ate a couple bites of brown rice, and ate a large serving of pineapple on the side.

Atley is pretty obsessed with bugs and everything is either a "butterfly" or "spider!"  Ha!  She was at the window this morning saying "butterfly, butterfly, butterfly" and Hudson went over to have a look.  He said, "That is a mosquito!!"  (on the outside of the window)  Haha!  Yes, I've tried telling her that too Hudson!  Yesterday the mosquito was a "spider!"  Ha!  

Avi and Hudson were playing that same game on the chair that I described in yesterday's blog.  Except today Hudson was "driving" and instead of going to "Colorado" they were going on a trip to the "garbage dump."  Haha!!  Avi seemed to be totally satisfied with their choice of destination!!  Avi, do you like going to the garbage dump?  She said, "Yes."  :)

This first picture is from yesterday afternoon.  There are 5 kids inside the geo-climber, plus Kenzie dumping the balls, and Linnea watching from the edge.  Just as a FYI for you, yesterday was the last day at Little Treasures for Kenzie and Riley as they will be going to Summer Camps now that school is officially over as of this morning at 11:00.  Their Grandparents are moving to Missoula as well so it may have been the last day for good.  I'll miss them for sure!  They've been a part of the Daycare Family for more than 8 years!  (Where is Hudson?  Find Linnea on the outside edge of the geo-climber, Atley's white sunhat in front of her, and Hudson in front of Atley.)

I have to include pictures of Hudson talking to the babies every day right!?  That's one of his favorite things to do!!  First picture with Svea and last picture with Linnea!  He will be an awesome big brother and he's getting lots of practice.

Hudson - 6/7/2018

Hudson ate half of waffle and bites of fruit salad for breakfast.  For lunch he ate most of shepherd's pie with hamburger, green beans, carrots, and potatoes.  He ate two cherries and most of whole grain tortilla.  At lunch he said, "I'm done Gary."  I said, "Ok, but I'm gonna finish feeding Linnea."   Hudson said, "Well maybe I can eat some food while I wait."  Ha!  Great idea Bubba!

Frequently when Avilene and Hudson play in the swivel/rocker chair, the chair represents their car and the one pushing is the "driver."  Avi is usually the driver!  :)  She was pushing and Hudson asked, "where are we going?"  Avi said, "On vacation. To see your Tutu!"  Hudson said, "She's in Colorado." Avi stopped the chair and started pushing it in the opposite direction.  She said, "Ok. This is Colorado."  Ha!  I love it!!

Hudson wanted Linnea to go with him to the window to wave at a parent.  He said to her, "Hey! How bout we go over there!?"  Then moments later he said, "Hey Gary! She (Linnea) said my name!" Wow!  That's impressive Hudson!  Especially considering she's not yet 11 months old!!  :)  In this first picture Hudson and Linnea were playing with the houses while Atley and Nora were getting some legos; actually "flower legos" that they stuck in their mouth like pacifiers!

(For those who haven't seen the "signs" in the Daycare.)  The next picture is just some of the signs that Kenzie and Riley have made for the daycare.  They point at these signs like the kids can read!!  "Follow the signs!!"  They've drilled the kids and this morning Hudson just randomly said, "Be kind and caring."  (2nd sign from the left.)  Then he said, "Nora!  Be kind and caring!"  I couldn't see any reason for the admonition - at that particular moment!!  :)

Hudson - 6/6/2018

Hudson ate french toast and most of strawberries for breakfast.  For lunch he ate most of "Whole 30" Chili with ground beef, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers.  He ate tropical fruit and most of whole wheat dinner roll.

Welcome back Hudson.  He was so happy to see Linnea - she'd been gone all last week too!  Every time I turned around this morning Hudson was beside Linnea so the first three pictures are Hudson and Linnea!!  :)  I think their relationship must be getting more serious because they're now wearing matching colors!  (Actually I didn't know that until someone with normal color cones brought it to my attention!  Haha!!)  Hudson said, "Look at that!!  She smiles!!"  Haha!  Yup she sure does!!

Avi, Atley, and Nora were all pretending to sleep and Hudson was covering them with blankets.  Nora actually enjoyed this a lot (that's her in the picture below) and continued to lay there sucking her thumb long after everyone else was done with this game and on to something else!  :)

The kids heard the street sweeper and ran to the window to watch.  (Nora is standing on the floor rather than the step.  She's not really that much shorter than everyone else!!  ha!!)