july: a wild ride

The month of July has been pretty crazy. We started it off by celebrating Uncle Taylor's 21st birthday.

(This is Auntie Alex in the picture, not to be confused with Uncle Taylor)

The next day, we headed off to celebrate Hudson's best buddies' 1st birthday! If you are wondering why there are no pictures of the birthday boys it's because I was a major slacker. You'll have to check out Naomi's blog to see all the adorableness that the construction-themed party involved!

The following Monday, Garrett and I headed off to Arizona to attend a church conference, and Hudson got to stay back in Oregon and be spoiled rotten by all his grandmas. Garrett and I missed our boy tons, but had a wonderful week away! Thank you to the grandmas who helped us out!

After Grandma Kris and Uncle Nick flew with Hudson to Phoenix, we met them at their house and hung out for a few days. This kid is a FISH. He loved playing in the water and threw a big fit when we tried taking him out!

This picture makes it look like we weren't watching him, 

but for all you concerned readers out there, I promise he was well supervised. :)

Uncle Nick is HILARIOUS!

He appreciated his floaty toy that Uncle Drew and Uncle Casey picked out for him 

much more on this trip!

After spending a few days in Phoenix, we got a new rental car started on our journey from Phoenix to southern California.

 Hudson really wanted to be the co-pilot.

or the driver.

or anything that didn't involve the car seat!

He was actually a dream in the car! He is such a little trooper when we travel!

Sunscreen hair!

We finally arrived in California, where we spent the week while Garrett began his training to receive a service dog. 

Hudson was the king of playing on the bed.

By day two of the training, we knew that the newest member of our family was officially added: 

meet Coal.

Even if I am not an animal person, it was amazing to watch all the things these dogs can do, and see how quickly they have impacted the lives of their new owners for the better.

Coal, meet Hudson. 

Hudson, meet Coal.

Hudson was a little nervous at first, but by the next day (which I have no pictures of) 

he was excited to pet him and be around him.

It made me very happy to see my husband so happy. Although the new dog will be a big transition, I think that over time (hopefully not decades!) Coal just might be able to break through the many layers of my rock-solid-frozen-over-animal-hating-heart. :)

We had a very nice week as a family, but as it came closer to the end, 

it became obvious that a little normalcy and routine might do us all some good. :)

Oh, and did I forget to mention, that in the midst of all the craziness, and to his mom's sadness, Hudson decided to start walking! Video coming soon!