Potty-Trained and July 4th!

It's been a HUGE week of accomplishments in the Kemp household.  Hudson is potty-trained!!  And I had nothing to do with it.  Last week while Chris was traveling, Hudson's teacher pulled me aside and said "Please don't be offended, but Hudson needs to stop wearing Pullups.  We start tomorrow, bring extra clothes."  My heart sank; I was not ready.  Call it lazy, call it not wanting to clean up endless messes, call it being exhausted from a husband traveling all week.   I WAS NOT ready.  But the teachers are so wonderful and know my children better than I do, so I behaved, obeyed and followed my instructions.  Hudson sported Paw Patrol "big boy underwear" all day Thursday and Friday and was mess-free!  I was stunned and at a loss for words.  I felt terrible for selling him short.  He will even get up during a nap and go to the bathroom without being prompted...baffling for this mama!!  I am so proud of my almost three year old little man.  And he was so pleased to pose in his new undies so show everyone.  And he tells every dad he sees: " I wear big boy underwear like you!"

 Daycare always has a July 4th parade to celebrate Independence Day.  The big kids work hard all week on making crafts, learning about the nation and the presidents.  The babies got to tie-dye shirts.  Since it was raining, the shindig was moved inside and all the kids made four laps around the facility.  Music blared, kids chanted and the babies were star-struck.  It was a darling affair....until all the mamas and daddies had to leave.  I think every child then fell apart and broke down in tears....

 

Hudson and his schoolmates Tyler and Camden.  He's finally starting to understand friendships and is always inquiring about what his buddies are doing when he's not around.  Such a fun age!

On Saturday, my brother and his crew came to visit.  They are currently homeless as they prep to move to Germany next month.  I'm hoping I can get another visit out of them soon.  Hudson was so so excited to see his cousin Hannah.  He adores her!  She is 8 years old and Hud is her little shadow whenever she is in town.  The two were inseparable for 72 hours.  They ate together, played with bubbles together, walked the dog together, you name it.  Cousin Nate is a few months older than Hudson and could not be bothered by the other two.  As long as he had a popsicle or a truck in hand, he was content.

And it is becoming a tradition that after a group bath, everyone must jump into bed and watch a little TV before bedtime.

Hannah had a fun time watching over Baby Adley as well.  Adley wasn't sure what to think of all the commotion and chaos.  She never cried, but she was bug-eyed and always watching everyone and everything...with an expression of both inquisition and mild fear.  But it kept her busy so much so that she took awesome naps and even slept for 13 hours straight!

We had three birthday boys to celebrate.  All the girls went out Sunday morning to get the essentials...cake and balloons.  Hannah picked out special balloons for each person, including Diesel the dog.  He also has a July birthday and even got doggie ice cream.

Everyone enjoyed burgers and brats and Hudson's current favorite dish, mac-n-cheese.

The birthday boys: Hudson, Pop Wilson and Uncle Brandon. 

Pop Wilson and Mimi with their grand-babies...

Hudson got a ton of cool presents...a slip-n-slide, GINORMOUS water soakers, books, bubbles and clothes to name a few.  Miss Adley even got her birthday gifts early (she's almost 11 months, eek!).  A pink princess car for my little princess.

The water soakers were as big as these two boys!

Hannah also discovered my craft room.  I think I found my new partner-in-crime.  She wanted to craft all weekend, which I had no objection to.  It was even a good excuse to make the dads watch the boys for a bit.  We made bookmarks, paper flowers, boxes and even a sign for Hudson's room.  I was so proud of my sweet niece!

It was a fun-filled, crazy weekend with no dull moment in site.  It's always wonderful to see the kids grow up and play together; it reminds you of the important things in life.  Family, friends, laughter and love.  Hope everyone has a great weekend in store.  Hudson turns three next week, eek!