Hudson and Santa

We were at the mall doing some shopping and we stopped by to get Hudson's picture taken with Santa.  We were really hoping he would cry because we think later those are the funniest pictures.  Instead Hudson just stuck out his tongue and starred at Santa for a long time.  We had to work really hard to get him to look at the camera.

El Campeon

Travis and I love Mexican food and since we have lived here in San Clemente we are always on the search for the best Mexican food around.  We have found a few favorites, but nothing compares to the taco stands on the other side of the border.  A few years ago we went to visit Travis' cousin who is a missionary and lives right along the border.  She and her husband treated us to tacos at a real taco stand and now we are scarred for life.

Well, we think we found a place that comes really close to the taco stands... El Campeon.  As soon as we arrived and walked inside, it was as if we had been transported to Mexico.  If you walk in a Mexican restaurant and there really isn't much English spoken, then you can most likely expect the food to be amazing.  Although, El Campeon left me smelling like a taco, it was delicious food!

This picture is for Michelle and Natalie... Hudson finally fits into the adidas sweat suit! And we love it!

Recent Happenings...

Hudson reading the book Corduroy to Gunner (sorry for those English majors... there is no option to underline on our format of blogspot).  Our sweet friend Gaby gave him this book before he was born and it is one of our favorites. =)

We went to a women's Christmas party... Yes, I said "women's" and both Hudson and Travis were there....haha.  Travis was helping with the sound and Hudson... well Hudson goes with me everywhere.

Hudson really does smile and laugh all the time.  This is one of the things we prayed for when I was pregnant.  We prayed that our son would be a joyful little boy and it seems God has answered our prayers.

We went with the Craft family to see the train come through town and watch a little play they put on.  The play was not very entertaining, but the festive atmosphere was fun.

Trav and Hudson... Hud was more into watching the other little kids around him playing versus actually watching the train with Santa and all the lights come into the station.

 Hudson and his friends...

We also spent some time with the Moss family recently.  They have a son named Kingston and both our boys got along so well.

Hudson and I went to Riverside for a play date with Brianna, Kingston, Amy and Logan!

Kingston was watching out for baby Logan... while he and Hudson weren't too sure they wanted their picture taken.

 Chicco KeyFit 30 we love you!

Christmas at The Collins'

Last year at Christmas time, I remember thinking about Mary's life in a whole new way.  It was really surreal to be pregnant and feeling some of the things she must have felt.  I can't even fathom how she must have felt knowing she was raising the Savior of the world.  My prayer is that I would have the attitude she had when she said "'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered.  'May it be to me as you have said.'" Luke 1:38

Well, this is how our house looks at Christmas time.  I absolutely love this time of year and now that we have little Hudson it is even that much better.  I love seeing life through his eyes.

Close up of our tree:

And this year we have 3 stockings, all hand knit by Grandma Collins!  After Christmas I am going to personalize each one.  I am going to get a white letter monogrammed on each one and I think on the boy's stockings I will sew on wooden buttons.  On my stocking, I am planning on pinning on a crystal brooch or mabye I will sow on a few pearls.

Can't help but to laugh...

The other morning Travis was dressing Hudson and he was laughing so hard.  Every time I watch this I can't help but to laugh out loud.  Hope it brings a smile to your face =)

Mission Inn

On Friday, after Thanksgiving dinner #2, we went to the Mission Inn to enjoy the festive lights.  Every year they have a big ceremony for the lighting and although we didn't make the ceremony, we definitely enjoyed walking around.  It is a special place for us because 5 years ago on December 10th, Travis proposed to me.  It felt really surreal walking around with Hudson at the very place that our commitment for marriage began.

It was cold and even sprinkled a little bit so we put Hudson in his bear costume.  And why not?  Who doesn't love a baby in a bear costume =)

Standing in the courtyard in the exact spot where Travis proposed.

I remember being there dreaming about what life would be like married and what children we would have.  It is crazy 5 years later to hold our precious son who is an answer to so many dreams and prayers.

Thanksgiving 2009

It has been so long since I blogged! We have been really busy with the holidays and our new photography business is keeping us on our toes.  This year we celebrated Thanksgiving twice and each dinner was so good!  Of course, this year we were so thankful to have our happy and healthy baby boy with us.  I remember last year wondering if we were going to have a boy or girl and what would life be like with our baby.  I just can't get over how one of God's greatest gifts is children.  Now I want like 15 more =)

Unfortunately, my camera battery died so I only have two pictures from our first Thanksgiving:

The beautiful fresh flower center piece Summer made:

Hudson got to spend some time with my Grandma and my aunt:

Thanksgiving #2

Again decorations coordinated by Summer:

The gang: