Hudson's First Vacation!

On Thurs., Jan. 26th I had a fun day at daycare where I pretended to be a race car driver using the car ramp and taking the cars around & around in circles.  Hudson hung out with Mom at home but had a big night as he almost slept 8 hours through the night!  On Friday, Jan. 27th and Sat., the 28th we were busy packing and getting ready for our big trips.  The Plan: to have me stay with Grandma & Grandpa Prestegard's while Dad, Mom & Hudson go to Chicago for a work trip for Dad.

On Sun., Jan. 29th Dad & Mom dropped me off at Grandma & Grandpa's mid-morning for my first independent overnight stay at their house.  I was pretty excited, especially because they had lots of equipment in the yard to inspect!  After lots of hugs & kisses Dad, Mom & Hudson left to drive to Chicago.  They decided to drive out on Sunday so they could stay with Uncle Adam & Aunt Audra before Dad's work stuff got underway.  Uncle Adam & Aunt Audra just bought a new home and according to Mom it's amazing!  It's a beautiful 96 year old home with original wood work and is just gorgeous. The drive out went really well and Hudson even had a first; first time using a changing station in a public rest room!  After a fun dinner at Uncle Adam's & Aunt Audra's they all hung out and caught up.  Here's Uncle Adam and Hudson watching TV together!

On Mon., Jan. 30th Dad, Mom, Hudson & Aunt Audra traveled north to the city. After checking into the downtown Hilton Dad headed off for his first seminar/workshop and Aunt Audra, Mom & Hudson went for a walk & lunch at Lou Malnati's. They spent the day together shopping/making purses, getting special gluten free cupcakes at Swirlz and having fun with Hudson. Here's Hudson flirting with Aunt Audra:

All smiles!

After a fun day Dad, Mom & Hudson had a work dinner at a fun Brazilian Steakhouse called ZED451 where they served huge spears of meat table side and everything was delicious.  Hudson was an angel and slept right through everything.  On Tues., Jan. 31st while Dad was at morning meetings Hudson had his first taxi ride with Mom for some shopping.  The day turned out to be beautiful so Mom took the stroller and enjoyed long walks with Hudson too.  After meeting Dad for lunch Mom took Hudson to the Shedd Aquarium.  Here's Hudson at the Shedd with the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan behind him:

For the first part of the experience Hudson slept right through it however Mom enjoyed all the sea life.

Hudson had a fun eating experience as he got to have his afternoon bottle looking into the tank of the dolphins and beluga whales.  The whales kept coming right up to the glass so after Hudson ate he got to have some play time with the whales.  Here he is looking as a couple swim by.

Here's Mom & Hudson with three of the four whales in the background.

Here's Mom & Hudson with the dophins.

After Hudson's afternoon snack Hudson enjoyed looking around and listening to all the people.

After a fun filled afternoon Mom & Hudson met up with Dad to go to the Sears Tower for a private night time tour and then dinner as a group at the Italian Village (*the oldest Italian eatery in Chicago!). Here's Dad & Hudson at the Sears Tower. They even stood on the clear glass ledge that juts out from the building - no fear!

Stepping out on the ledge:

Today, Wed., Feb. 1st they started the morning by visiting the Chicago Board of Trade and then having a group lunch at the hotel before everyone departed for home. What a fun first trip for Hudson - I wish I could have joined in. I did have an awesome time with Grandma & Grandpa and of course, with all the tractors! At daycare today I even got to play with the bender/builder toys. Before I forget I should note that during the trip Hudson had a few first in addition to his first taxi ride & first changing station. He also had his first night at another home other than ours, first night in a hotel and first museums. He also traveled out of state for the first time and now has been to Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin! The best part of the trip was reuniting tonight and I was sooo excited to see Mom & Dad and had lots of hugs and kisses.  I even gave kisses to Hudson.  Hudson was even excited to see Grandma & Grandpa as he cooed and smiled for them.  Good to be home & together again!