Hudson's turns 4 !!!!

Hudson turned four on Monday =) We celebrated his birthday on Sunday with 10 of his friends. He wanted to have a "surfing" party so we had a huge blow up water slide and pool, pinata, surf cups, tattoos, surfing cake, and surfboard necklaces. The kids had a great time and the water slides were a huge hit. Hudson received tons of awesome gifts including a beginner skate/surfboard, Nerf guns, a miniature skate park with finger boards, some cool cars/trucks, boats, airplanes, and water gun. He was grinning from ear to ear the entire day. He thanked each kid for the present they got him and gave each one a hug. Another huge milestone that you will probably find crazy - Hudson has not slept all night in his own bed for a very, very, long time. All year I have been telling him that when he turns four he will have to sleep in his own bed. He was actually excited about it all the way up to bedtime. At bedtime he informed me that he decided he would sleep in my bed until he was six (nice try - ha ha). I told him I would turn the light on for him and that I would sit at the door until he fell asleep. He stayed in his room all night - Yeah!! Day two he also slept in his bed all night. Let's hope it is a smooth transition. I always write a little note to the kids on their birthday so here it is:

Hudson, Happy fourth birthday buddy!! You are the sweetest little boy in the world. You love to be with mommy and daddy and you are crazy about your big sister (even though she bosses you around on a regular basis). If she is in trouble you always take her side. You love babies and animals. You told me I was mean for spraying the ants and killing them =) You wanted to invite Duke and Sox (both dogs) to your birthday party. You can be a little shy when meeting new people or going to new places (like VBS or Preschool). Your favorite toys are boats, planes, water guns, and skateboards. You have a big imagination and can play for hours by yourself. I will listen in sometimes and hear you saying things like "Ok Andrew it's your turn on the tube now don't fall off" "Here comes a wave watch out". You are always the driver of the boat and one of your family members or friends is always on the back skiing or tubing. You love to tie strings, ribbon, etc... onto the back of the boat and then tape a piece of paper (in a circle shape) to the back of the boat for "people" to tube or ski on. Today you told me that you want to play soccer and take piano lessons this year. We have decided that you have inherited your daddy's love of music and instruments. You can actually keep a beat on the drums and sing at the same time. Last night was your first night sleeping in your own room all by yourself (Yes I know you were a little old for that). To be honest I think it was harder on me than you - I was so used to having you sleep next to me that I felt a little sad and lonely without you =( There were no sounds of you sucking your fingers or little feet kicking me in the middle of the night and no snuggles in the morning. I sat by your bed until you fell asleep and you stayed in your bed all night. I was so proud of you. When people ask you what you want to be when you grow up you say "An ice-cream truck driver" or a "boat driver". You are so funny. Your best buds are Eli and Anna (our neighbors). You are 30lbs now and we will find out the rest of your stats next week at your check up. I love you to the moon and back. Love, Mommy