FINALLY! An update on what the Hudson's have been doing all Fall. We have had a very busy Fall, with house projects, work, and of course our trip to Disney. Disney was a blast! The kids had so much fun, and for Jay and I, it was just great seeing their reactions to everything. Berit loved meeting the princesses, and Gus has an infatuation with Donald Duck. The parades and the fireworks were probably my favorite part. Our resort was awesome, and we did manage to fit in a little time lounging around the pool. I am sure we will be taking a trip back soon with Grammie and Papa and Annabel and Ben. Here are some pictures and videos!

Today is the day!

Okay...so I have been a major slacker. I promise a huge update on Disney, including video of Berit meeting the princesses...Auroroa (Slipping Beauty as she calls her), Ariel, Pocahontas, Jasmine, Cinderella, and Belle. Huge event in her life.

My life has been preoccupied with this election. It is no secret that I am an all-out Democrat. I just believe so much in their values...pro-choice (aka...let a women CHOOSE what to do with her body), anti-war (Iraq war anyway), pro-education, anti-drilling, and no more tax breaks for the rich. True, I cacaused for Hilary. I heart Hilary, even to this day. I mourned when she conceded to Obama. I was offended when John McCain thought any woman (aka Sarah Palin) was what we wanted...when in fact it was Hilary we wanted! I was not sure of Obama, only for the reason that I was so sure of Hilary. And then I researched. And then I listened. And then, of course, I was moved. Obama inspires. He inspires my students, who have lived on welfare all their lives and whose parents are drug addicts, to believe they can achieve. He inspires the old ladies at the YMCA to go out and knock on doors. He inspires people to volunteer, to give more, and believe that they can make a difference. This man can, and will, make a change that we need. So...of course I voted for him. He is elegant, calm, collected, intelligent, moving, and yes...a bit verbose (as am I). And now, I am sick to my stomach waiting for the results. I cannot imagine any alternative outcome. He just has to win!

Sorry if this offends. These are my thoughts, and I am sure many of you disagree. I guess that it what we Americans are so lucky to have...the freedom to disagree and the right to cast a vote. So...if you read this and haven't voted...go do it now!!! What an amazing and exciting moment. I really truly believe that some in the future, people will ask the question: Where were you when Barack Obama became president? And I bet we'll all remember! Knock on wood.

Here is a sneak peak of the pictures we had taken. We are meeting next week to select the ones we want to keep, blow up, etc. Check out Jay's bald spot!

So it has been awhile since I last posted. Not surprised. Once a new semester starts, I get so busy and focused on classes, that all this fun stuff gets ignored. I don't know where the summer went, but boy did it fly by!

Things are moving along at a snail's pace with the house. It is painted (red), and I'll try to post pictures soon. Jay just finished up painting the trim in the bathroom, and is moving down to the living room now. The gutters go in next week (woo hoo...like I really care about gutters, but apparently they are important). Hopefully our new railing along the stairway will get done soon. The pieces came in yesterday, so we need to paint it before Jeremiah, our hottie contractor, comes in to install it. I am sure it will be another dusty mess, but it should look great!

Classes are going really well. I love my schedule this semester (2 Environmental Scicences, 1 Microbiology, and 1 Human Body Systems). I do not start until 2 on Mondays and 12 on Thursdays, and I have Tuesdays and Fridays off! That means plenty of time to work out! I have really been good about getting to a gym and am starting to feel the results. I am discouraged that I haven't lost any weight, but I can tell I am firming up a bit. I was hoping to run in the Turkey Trot in Loman over Thanksgiving, but Jay is trying to get me to go to the Missouri/Kansas game in Kansas City. We'll see.

The kids are great. Berit is in dance, gymnastics, and swimming. She loves dance! I'll make sure I get some pictures of her in her unicorn leotard. Gussie and I take parent/child tumbling, and while he could care less about most things...he did a great job on the balance beam! He is learning to talk more and more, and, unfortunately, is even more destructive than ever! A few weeks ago, I went into the bathroom to find Berit and Gus smearing toothpaste all over each other and all over the walls. It took me a few days to get all of the gel washed out of their hair.

We are gearing up for our big trip to Disney World. Berit is so excited to see princesses, although I am not sure what she is going to think of the gigantic characters. We are determined to take them to the ocean one day as well...I think it is important that see it...even though they likely will not remember it. Apparently Annabel is very upset that Berit gets to go to Disney World before her. IT is not fair that she is 3 and Annabel is 5 and her parents still haven't taken her there. When my dad asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she told him that her parents were taking her to Disney. Not sure what Becky and Jason are going to do about that (although I will place all of my money that a trip will soon be planned!).

My parents took off for London and Paris yesterday. I am so proud of them to being so adventurous. Although I laugh at the thought of them trying to pronounce some the French words!

That's it from my end. Not a whole lot of exciting news. I'll post some updated pictures soon, but for now, enjoy a picture of these 2 yahoos!

And the Grammy goes to...

Berit really enjoys singing. Here are 2 of her favorite songs....enjoy!

Back home again

Yesterday, I posted some videos of our trip to Rainy Lake. We went there the first weekend in August, and then the kids and I (Rachel) stayed for the week. Jay came late Thursday night and we stayed until Tuesday. 11 days total. I wasn't sure I could stay with my parents that long (or that they could stand me), but it all worked out!

It was just the vacation that I needed! It started off with Dana and Nat (and Alice) picking us up at the dock at noon sharp (2 o'clock Dana time). We headed over to Peterson's cabin, where the kids swam, and grown-ups chatted and enjoyed cold beers from the cooler. That is where I discovered my love for Bud Light Lime...way better than Miller Chill. Gordy, Kathy, Dick, and Sheryl were persuaded to take the little kids out for pizza, and the big kids took the boat to Sha Sha, where many teas were consumed. I had to drag myself out of bed the next day, and did not feel better until I forced myself into Kathy's "outdoor shower" (Rainy Showers Inc.). Speaking of outodoor showers, I was a true northwoods woman last week. I bathed in the lake, shaved my legs on the shore, and even brushed my teeth outside. I even persuaded Jay to skinny dip one night!

I had so much fun hanging out with some of my old high school friends (Dana, Tasha, and Karin) and their kids (Tucker, Piper, Alice, and baby Motts). The time I spent with them reminded me of the common history we share, and I am so glad that our paths continue to cross. It really seems like time melts away when we are together. Tasha and I even got a night out...to Mama Mia! And...thanks to them...my 21 days of exercise (more on that later) was rewarded with blueberry pancakes from Grandma's Pantry, and Coffees and Omelets from the Metro Landing. I love their coffee! Tucker and Berit renewed with summer love for one another (I am thinking of that song from Grease), and even shared a kiss on the tube! We went for another night at Sha Sha with all the friends, parents, and kids...and as usual there was not a lack of things to talk about! And of course, we got a picture of all the kids in the adirondack chair (last years picture won first place in the photo contest!)

My birthday was a blast. My sister and her kids came up north (Jason had to work). The kids played on the beach, and made a great big "river" and "pond". With a little prodding, they even jumped off the dock (or were gently placed) into the water and swam to shore. We went for a long boat ride, and with the many cocktails consumed along the way, had a little dance party to Jimmy Buffet. We stopped at our favorite swimming spot and jumped off the boat. Even Gus swm in the water (with his mommy holding him tight). The best part had to be when we got home. The only way we could persuade the kids to go tubing behind the jet ski was if we went with. I don't think I ever had so much fun tubing...Berit just loved it! She kepts saying "faster, daddy, faster!". Even Papa Gordy felt compelled to tube...several times! The evening was topped off by tender ribs, moist chicken, corn on the cob, and lemon cake with lemon frosting. We even tried out our french press that night (still perfecting how many scoops of coffee, however).

Sunday, Dana, Nat, and Alice picked us up again on the pontoon. Only this time, it was destination Voyageur's National Park, for an overnight camping trip...kids and all! That was EXACTLY what I needed to rejuvenate myself. It seems as if in the last few years, I have become so wrapped up in work and parenting, that I forgot just how much Rainy Lake and Voyageur's has shaped who I am. One day, we went to Anderson Bay, and hiked to the top where we got a great view of the Lake. That was a great moment for me. I was there with my family, looking out over the dark blue waters and towering pines. The call of the loon will always have a place in my heart. We found a blueberry patch, and the kids sat right in the middle of it and ate the blueberries as they picked them. There were moments on the trip when I was surrounded by complete silence...something you can never find in the big city. We played on a cobblestone beach, and I couldn't help but wonder what event in geological history, as the glaciers receded, created the perfectly rounded stones. Nat took us to the "crack in the rock", and again, I marvelled at the geology. I studied the lichens growing on rocks and trees, and was impressed at the diversity...a sign of excellent air quality. Later on, we hiked the portage trail to Peary Lake, which was completely calm. The only visitors, besides us, were a family of loons (mom, dad, and 2 young...much like the Hudson's!). A Bald Eagle towered over, and the loons gave out their alarm call. Dana and Nat took a picture of Berit standing on a rock, with the beautiful, calm lake in the background. I wished, at that moment, that my children will grow to love Voyageur's the way that I do (despite the many mosquito bites there are now suffering from!).

I realize that very few people get to experience what I got to growing up...having a national treasure in your own background. Many people woudn't even know to appreciate it, let alone visit it. I guess part of that makes me sad that they will never see its beauty, but another part makes me happy...as the one of the things I like best about the area is the complete lack of people. When I am there, I feel as if I am part of a hidden secret, that only a few people know.

Anyway...thank you Dana and Nat, for reminding me just how much I love it up there. Okay...that was kind of cheesy, but I had to get it out there. I was truly inspired, something that hasn't occurred for a long time and something that I needed to happen. I don't expect everybody to feel that same way I do about the place. I do hope, however, that everybody finds their "sense of place", wherever it may be.

Please enjoy the pictures!

Trip Up North

We are finally back from an 11-day trip to Rainy Lake. It was filled with much fun, including a birthday bash for Rachel and a camping trip to Voyageur's. Here are a couple video clips of the trip. I will be posting pictures soon!

I can't help it...I have to show this one. Too much fun (and beer) on the pontoon!

A couple more 4th of July pictures! We are looking forward to more time on the lake! Hopefully we will head up there for a week in August, when Rachel's summer school ends. We definitely need a vacation, and Rainy Lake seems just as good as any other place in the heat of the summer! Nothing better then a few beers, long island teas, and of course water skiing and swimming. Oh...and Grammy and Papa to babysit the kids while mom and dad head out to Sha Sha!

4th of July

We had a blast over the 4th of July weekend. We went to Alice's 2nd birthday, we played with Winnie and Vivi at the parade, we spent time on the beach with Auntie Wendy, Uncle Preston, and Andrew. And bonded with Grammie and Papa. The weather was great, and Berit and Gus loved the water. Here are some pictures of our fun.

Twins Game!

A student of mine gave me free Twins tickets this Spring (in exchange for an A of course...only kidding (in case my dean reads this!)). We were right behind the dugout. Berit and Gus enjoyed ice cream, kettle corn, and suckers. Juan Rincon handed Gussie a baseball! Rachel and Jay enjoyed brats and Summer Shandy. It was a perfect way to spend a Thursday afternoon!

Here are some photos of Memorial Day weekend. We went up to the Falls to celebrate Grammie's retirement party! Gus got his first hair cut in anticipation of the event!