2020 Year in Review

Well, 2020 sure was an interesting year.  Even with all the unrest, unknown and unexpected, we had some great times.

The first three months were busy with family and friends.   Rekindling old relationships and quality time with family was a goal of mine to start the year. Last October, my world changed and I made a point to set up one on one time with my family. I went to a comedy show with my dad, then at the end of January Jer and I went to a Blazer game and sat 4th row and in March, mom and I attended the Air Supply concert.  I also had a great girls night in February full of pedicures, dinner, drinks and some dancing as well as a trip to Baldwin to visit good friends and the snow.  

COVID hit and our world was drastically changed.  It was easy to think of all the things we couldn't do, but when you have a busy boy at home you have to look at though what we CAN still do.  Once that was our focus, we discovered quite the list that kept us plenty busy and entertained.

* Bike Ride Scavenger Hunts        * Walks with the dog            * Golf Lessons for Hudson

* Playing with fun new toys (thanks meme and papa for sending them weekly)

* Picnic lunches        * Porch Dates which later turned to Hot Tub dates with Meme and Papa

* Online Preschool and Online Teaching        * Silly String fights        * Learning to fish

* Campouts at Silver Falls State Park, the Wildlife Safari and Lincoln City   * Wildfires

* Hudson got to experience Fireworks for the first time        * New pet tortoise, Teddy!

* Outdoor Family Birthday BBQ Celebrations; we had some big ones this year!  70 years for my parents, 45 for my brother, 40 for me and the 6 for Hudson!

* In person school                * Hudson learning to read                 *Garage and Zoom Christmas'             

I was blessed with an opportunity to teach at North Clackamas Christian School.  That meant, same school as Hudson, a different level of support and resources than what I was used to, new families to connect with and a chance to get back into the classroom.  It also allowed us the opportunity to go to school in person!  What an unexpected blessing it was for us all!

Divorce meant a chance to do some online dating and to meet new people.  Last December, I met Greg.  The timing allowed us to have fun dates at the beginning of the year and then remain safely a part of one another's bubble the rest of the year.  We went and saw Brian Regan, he took me on a Ride Along, built Hudson a playhouse, I helped him get his house ready to sell, we took Ballroom Dance class, he taught me about shooting and helped me get my first gun, we enjoyed camping this summer and we cook together.  He makes me laugh, accepts me as is, is great with Hudson and I'm so thankful we met.

This year has been unlike any other...I learned about myself, I took chances, I grew in my faith, I had some awesome experiences and am eager to see what 2021 has in store for my life.

Here are some pictures of the year!

Hudson 6 years

6 years!  How is that even possible?!

This year is one for the books.  Between your dad and mom getting a divorce and a global pandemic, you've shown more grit, grace, patience and perseverance than many adults.  We hope you never lose your sense of humor, playful and kind spirit, empathy and curious yet cautious nature.  You truly are unstoppable and we can't wait to see where the world takes you!

*I started preschool at North Clackamas Christian School; I made a lot of friends, learned to read, and am excited for Kindergarten

* I started golf lessons at Willamette Valley Country Club and am loving it

* I am also learning to play the drums

* I LOVE water play; whether it be in the river, the kayak, the sprinkler, the hot tub or the ocean.  I missed splash pads and pools this summer, but mom and dad made a point to get me lots of water time in other ways.

* This year was full of firsts for me; I went snow tubing, kayaking, fishing, and shooting (BB Gun).  I also got a scooter.  I love Batman and Mario and can even play some Nintendo games by myself.  I love my tablet, cars, trains, riding my bike, camping and most things outside.  

* I love animals and still plan to be a small animal Veterinarian.  I want mom to let me have a dog, guinea pig, fish, tortoise, goat and chickens.  I had some fish for Christmas but they are hard to keep alive.  This week I ventured into tortoise ownership along with my dog Shadow.  Maybe someday I'll have other animals too.  

* Favorite Foods: Chili, Cucumbers, Apples, Honeydew, Banana, Peppers, Jicama, Lettuce, Carrots, Plums, Nectarines, Blueberries, Strawberries, Watermelon, Vanilla Ice Cream with sprinkles,  Chocolate Donuts with sprinkles, Popsicle's, Chicken Nuggets, Fish Sticks, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ritz, Goldfish, and Shirley Temples

* Most adults seem to really enjoy talking with me.  It's sometimes hard for people to remember or believe that I had speech therapy for a year to learn to talk.  Now I have an extensive vocabulary and aspeech pattern that people comment on frequently.  He chose not to do an interview, he just free for all shared.  This was take 4; he kept thinking of different things he wanted to share. Enjoy!  =)

Hudson 5 years 6 months

Doggy Loves

💜This kid...Love him!!💜

* I love to play outside.  I love Legos, Batman, and Mario.  I enjoy playing games, running and wrestling with Shadow. I love chili, chicken, french fries, chocolate, Oreos, vanilla ice cream and just about every raw fruit and vegetable I can get my hands on.  I am super literal but am starting to understand sarcasm.  I still have my shy moments but I also love to tell stories to just about anyone who will listen.  I enjoy telling jokes and making people laugh!

 HOW CAN THIS BE?!?!

* I love preschool at North Clackamas Christian School.  Mrs. Stark is a great teacher and is helping me grow in so many ways.  I have met great friends and have even had a couple play dates.

* I love the snow and have enjoyed trips to the mountain this winter to play, sled and tube.

* I shot my first gun.  BB Guns are fun.  Grown-up guns are LOUD.

* I lost my first tooth.  I was upset at first until I realized that just because I had a grown up tooth coming in, it didn't mean I was a grown up yet; I still want to be a kid.

*  I am a reader!  I love to read pattern books and have even gotten confident enough that I sometimes add an accent

He has only let me video him reading one time....so it is what it is.  The twang is hilarious!!