Your First Trip to NYC

June 22, 2011 - June 27, 2011

Hudson,

You are 3 years and 2 months old and we took you to New York City for the first time! I am not sure how much you will remember it when you are older, but you were there and the pictures below are there to prove it. We had such a great time. NYC is Mamma's favorite city in the whole world, but you already know that and you are 3. When we drove into the city, I was almost teary eyed. I was saying, "I love you NYC. I have missed you." You kept saying "Mommy, Mommy!" I think you wanted to make sure I wasn't really crying or anything. This was a big trip for your Daddy and me. Daddy live in NYC for 14+ years and I lived there for 6 and we both have a serious connection and love for the city. Even, your name, Hudson, comes from our love of the city. We were both single and carefree during our tenure there. This time, we came back as parents to the most beautiful boy in the world, you. One thing we didn't think much about was how tiring it would be for three year old to walk all over the city. I told Daddy we should bring a stroller. I had this feeling, but we didn't So, Daddy had to spend a lot of time carrying you on his shoulders. NYC is a walking city. You gotta walk! It's the best part of being in the city. I think I will write underneath the pictures for this blog post and you can see all that you did.


This is a very famous view of Central Park.







We walked in Central Park - from Central Park West on 72nd street to the East side. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day. It's just not as much fun when it rains in Manhattan, considering you walk everywhere. Daddy had to carry you a lot and he got tired. We took a rest on the bench while you ate ice cream. You loved that part. There were times when you just would stop and lay down on the concrete, like you were protesting any more walking. It was kind of funny.




We went to the Natural Museum of History and this was kind of a bust. You got excited when you saw the gigantic brachiosaurus skeleton, of course, you wanted to go straight up to the dinosaurs. When we got there, it was a giant room full of dinosaur fossils. You were a bit disappointed. I think you thought you were going to see real dinosaurs, or at least some that looked real and roared. We left soon after. I think you were just too young to appreciate a place like that. Someday, we will all go back there when you are older. It is an amazing place. You could g there everyday for a year and study something new. It seemed like a good idea because of the rain.


















Times Square. I am guessing this must have been a bit of sensory overload. The lights, the people, the tickers, the buildings. Times Square still amazes me an I have walked through it countless amounts of times. We took you to the M & M store and you pretty mich thought that was the greatest part of the trip. You have told everyone about your trip to NYC and the M & M store. So, great. We take you to NYC and this is what you get out of it - The M & M store. HA!


The Subway. So, I had to take you on the subway. Mamma rode the subway just about everyday when she lived in the city. It is the safest and most economical way to travel in the city. Daddy did not rode the subway when he lived there (claustrophobia) and I can't imagine! Even JFK Jr. rode the subway. You thought the subway was way cool. You were so cute. Th train came and I said, "Not this one baby." We wait for ours and we got in. You did not want to get off. I would say, "This is not our stop." You did not want to get off. We took the train to the West Village to see Amy.


The West Village is so beautiful. We took a picture of Perry Street for our friend, Jon Morgan, who use to live on it. AND HUDSON Street.... Your street my love. Your namesake. You, of course, as you must know by now, were named after the Hudson River.






The Taxis - Now you thought the taxis were pretty darn cool. There were no car seats! You didn't know why, but you were digging it. You would stick your head out the window and just soak it all up - the people, the buildings, the cars. You were having an absolute blast in the taxi cabs.

Miranda Lambert "A Heart Like Mine."

"A Heart Like Mine"

Miranda Lambert sings:

"Cause I heard Jesus, He drank wine
And I bet we’d get along just fine
He could calm a storm and heal the blind
And I bet He’d understand a heart like mine"

Mamma loves this song. It speaks to me. It could be one of my theme songs because I am unlike most girls you will meet. Miranda is a little rough around the edges and I love it. She is an up and coming female country singer and she is so refreshing. She's a straight shooter and I love that about her. She was up for 9 CMA awards this year.

She sings:
"Even though I hate to admit it
Sometimes I smoke cigarettes
Christian folks say I should quit it
I just smile and say "God bless"

I love it! We are in Dallas, Bible city. I am not use to it. It is very hard for your Mommy and it makes me very uncomfortable. If we lived in NYC, no one would turn and ask me what church I went to or what Bible study I went to. I could be standing next to a Jewish or Muslim person. I am a Christian, but I do not wear it on my sleeve, nor do I care what religion my fellow human being believes in. Your Mommy may be one of the most non-judgmental people you will ever meet.

I'm a free-spirited thinker Hudson. I accept all. I can talk to the cook or the CEO. I don't care. All walks of life are interesting and no one man is better than another. We are all created equal my love.

To the free spirits. Ching ching.

xoxo I love you my baby, Mamma



Miranda Lambert is from Longview, TX

Kennedy's 11th Birthday Party

June 17, 2011

We went to Hawaiian Falls Water park today to celebrate Kennedy's birthday. We had so much fun until the water stopped! Yes, we were at a water park and the water stopped. Can you imagine? I was so sad for Kennedy. You were so disappointed as well and kept asking why we couldn't play in the water and where was the water. It was truly unbelievable. I have been to a lot of water parks and the water has never stopped!

Kennedy is 11 and I cannot believe it. I remember when she was born. I have watched her grow up with my very own eyes. You love Kennedy so much and so do I! Happy birthday sweet Kennedy!


This is Kennedy and her best friend, Allison. They have been friends since they were 4 months old.

Chinese Summer School

June 13, 2001

I have been talking about how I want you to learn Mandarin Chinese since you were born, so I finally looked into it and found summer class. Now, you are probably one of the few white kids inside the 635 loop here in Dallas, Texas that is taking a Mandarin Chinese class, which makes it all the more better! OPEN YOUR MIND - always - to other cultures and languages.

The first day that I dropped you off, I was a little freaked out. I had taken you there the day before so you could see it and I could explain to you that you were taking summer school there. I told you that you were going to learn Chinese, the same language that Kai Lan speaks (a character on Nick Jr television). We parked the car and went to sit down on one of the benches, which was in an outdoor hallway. The teachers were warm and sweet and made us feel so comfortable. I felt like we were in Europe. No one was speaking English - all we heard was Spanish and French. I was worried that I chose the wrong language. Maybe I should have put you in Spanish or French. It seemed as though most of the other kids were taking one of the two, however I knew you had been speaking to Annette in Spanish and hearing it since you were 4 months old and this was a real opportunity to hear a different language and be open to a new culture. I kept asking the teachers, "How many kids are in the Chinese class?"

Finally, I took you to your class and you were such a big boy. There were about 5 other kids in there and your teacher, Mei Hong, and her assistant. I think you were a little sad to leave me and a bit unsure, but you were strong.

As the summer went on, you loved the class! You loved Ms. Mei as well. The kids in your class were precious. There were a couple of absolutely gorgeous Asian girls. You told me that you thought one of them was pretty. Every day, I would drop you off and the teachers who spoke Spanish would come and get you out of the car, "Buenos Dias guapo. Como estas?" I loved it. You did not hear much English, and the teachers were so warm and naturally sweet. You would sit on this bench and wait for Ms Mei to come and get you. You had your little backpack on with snacks in it. You were so precious!! You cried for one drop off and that was it. I mean you loved the class! You were excited to go. I was so happy about this!!! You were exposed to another culture and language for three weeks - what an amazing opportunity!! I will post some of the emails from Ms Mei on another post. I emailed her often and asked her how your day went.

I love you and I am so very proud of you!! Always respect other cultures. xoxoxo Mamma

From an Early-Advantage article:

Last year, a research study commissioned by the British Council concluded that the lack of students fluent in a foreign language in both Britain and the United States will eventually weaken the competitiveness of both countries. The report, entitled "English Next," positively brims with reasons why kids should learn Chinese.

The report highlights the economic advantages of more and better language education and the risks of remaining a largely monolingual culture and nation. Because of the current boom in the Chinese economy, the British Council is encouraging kids to learn Chinese today, expecting that their greater knowledge and broader experience may give them significant advantages in the globalized workplace of tomorrow.

Daddy's & Donuts

June 15, 2011

Today at Saint Michael was Daddy's and donuts. Daddy came to school to meet you and you all had so much fun. Daddy got to go to chapel with you and he had loved it. It was a very special morning for you both. Daddy loves you sooooooo much Hudson!!

xoxo

Dallas Mavericks NBA Champions!

June 12, 2011

The Dallas Maverick's are National Champions! I am so happy for this team, especially for Dirk Nowitzki. The whole state of Texas is celebrating. Heck, I think a lot of the country is, especially for Dirk, a veteran of this league who deserves a title. Daddy and I have been following them since we moved here and we both have liked the Mavericks even before then. I always liked them because they were close to Oklahoma City and we didn't have a pro team. I have also always loved Dirk. Daddy has had season tickets for many years, so we have watched the team through all it's ups and downs and followed the players, so it was very exciting to see them win! It's been a fun sports year to live in Dallas. The Rangers almost won the AL Pennant, The Super Bowl was played in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, and the Dallas Maverick's are NBA Champions!

FUN FACTS
-This is the Maverick's first title in franchise history (est. 1980).
-This is Dirk's first Championship and he was named MVP.
-They played the toughest team in the NBA - The Miami Heat. Everyone had their money on the Heat as they have two of the best players in the NBA - LeBron James and Dwayne Wade (D-Wade)
-Score of final game: 105-95 Dallas
-Dirk had 21 points
-Jason Terry had 27 points and he was phenomenal.
-LeBron had 21 points and 6 turnovers and is taking a lot heat for the loss (pun intended).

By the time you are 11 or 12, LeBron will be considered middle aged for the NBA. Right now, he is one of it's super stars.

Dirk is the man. A superstar from Germany. He is in his 13th year with the Maverick's, he moves well for a 7-footer and he has carried the Mavs on his back. Plus, he is humble, and there is nothing better than when a superstar posses this quality.

xoxo Mamma

p.s. You have a great basketball shot for a 3-year-old - no joke!