Chillin' with Charley

After many requests from Braden, we finally went to visit his cousin, Charley. Once we arrived at Aunt Kristen and Uncle John-Paul's place, we wondered why we hadn't practically moved in with them previously. They live steps from the water in Seal Beach. Now we know why they nearly throw a fit when they have to come out to visit us! After I explained to Braden that his cousin is still very little, Braden was very excited to teach Baby Charley how to walk and use the potty. That would be a lot to accomplish in just a couple hours, but at least he's setting his goals high!

Adorable Charley wasn't shy about getting cozy with his older cousin. Braden, on the other hand, was a little hesitant of this little guy climbing up him from the moment we walked through the door.

Knowing that they would soon be buddies, Charley was persistent. He wasn't going to let a bit of resistance from Braden stop him from pursuing the bonding. After all, Charley could tell that the two of them could really stir up some trouble if they combined their efforts.
Kristen's brother and sister came for a visit and even brought toys, puzzles, and bubbles! The bubbles were definitely a hit!
Uncle John-Paul pulled out the guitar and they all sang some of Braden's favorite tunes, including the ABCs and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Braden is still talking about this sing-along!

Uncle John-Paul let Braden and Charley strum a bit too! Looks like it's time for Daddy to dust off his guitars!

Abstract Art

When I am getting ready for work in the morning, it's always nice when Braden occupies himself with an activity. He often asks to color or play with his train set. He asked if he could do "art," so I happily told him that was a great idea. Certainly this would allow me a few minutes to get myself together! I assumed "doing art" meant coloring, but clearly I was wrong!

What a difference 5 minutes makes! The kitchen was clean until Braden decided to make the floor his canvas.

It's unlikely Braden is the next Van Gogh or an art prodigy. I assume he did an art project at preschool that involved foil, wax paper, baggies, or one of the other supplies he borrowed off the shelf.
Guess I'd better start saving the cardboard roll when I'm done using the foil so that this doesn't happen again!

Lumberjack Johnson

Having a 2-year-old is so much fun for many reasons. We love this stage! Braden is intrigued with everything and is enthusiastic about learning new activities.

Braden chopped wood with Papa so they could have a warm house in the freezing mountain weather!

Braden will probably be devastated when he discovers that we just buy our wood for our fireplace from the store, or worse yet...just turn on the electrical switch!

Storytime

Braden's beloved monkey, DeeDee, has been featured in a few posts. I received the little monkey as a baby shower gift from the mother of one of my friends from high school. Who knew this little animal would be Braden's favorite ever since he was a baby?! The original DeeDee was getting worn out, so we figured we'd need a back-up. After all, it had been dragged through sand, dipped in hot candle wax, and slobbered on in Pepper's mouth. With a few clicks of the mouse, we tracked down another monkey. Although we hid the 2nd monkey, Braden discovered it one day. The expression on his face was priceless, rivaling that of an expression I'd have after winning the lottery! We've told him DeeDee's "cousin" is just visiting and will have to go home soon.

Braden named the monkey "DeeDee" before he could say "monkey," and it just stuck. Apparently DeeDee is a boy....seems like all names are unisex these days!

Braden was just hanging out with some of his other monkeys. All have creative names such as DeeDee's Sister, Brother, & Aaargh the Pirate Monkey.
Braden told his monkey's to wake up when he was reading to them. Guess he is the only one who likes books about bugs!

Winter Welcome

The first official weeks of winter have been beautiful. We've had many summer-like days and it's been great to spend lots of time enjoying our California sunshine.

This pile of leaves is about the only thing that makes us feel like a new season is upon us. Braden actually did a great job helping Matt clean up the yard. Then he discovered how fun it can be to jump in the leaves in between scooping some in the trash.Guess that being able to play outside in a t-shirt in January is a great reminder of why we love living in California!

Feelin' Like A Wisconsin Winter

Christmastime seemed like a good opportunity to get a nice family picture taken. We had been experiencing typical mild December weather until the morning we met Jett's grandpa at the park to take our photos. With the wind blowing and the rain misting, the day was definitely not shaping up to being a good picture day.

This umbrella was not just a prop...it was actually necessary to try to preserve our hair and clothes for a few good pictures!

The autumn setting was enjoyed by the boys!
Despite the cold weather, we managed to get a few decent shots. Braden insisted on wearing this hooded sweatshirt the whole time because he was freezing! Oh well, he manages to look darling no matter what!
The sweetest, funniest, cutest boy I have ever met....he takes after his Daddy!

A Boy's Best Friend

Braden loves checking out the horses in our neighborhood, but since we will likely never own one, Pepper will just have to do.

Braden sat on Pepper and yelled, "Go Pepper!" Unfortunately, she had no intentions of going anywhere.

Pepper gave Braden some kisses, so Braden was just reciprocating.
Then he realized giving kisses to a very hairy dog is a bad idea!

Campin' In

Camp outs seems to be a traditional daddy-son activity, so I thought a mommy-son "camp in" would be fun. Grandma Judy sent Braden a Cars tent and Braden has been really excited to set it up. We pulled out his Cars sleeping bag and Cars pajamas to get ready for our evening.

Braden got cozy with his Cars book and favorite monkey, Dee Dee.

Braden fell asleep in his tent after wearing himself out playing so hard.
Is it obvious Braden was enjoying his new tent?! He said, "Kendall makes this face!" Sure enough......

He was right!

Dog Duty

It's really fantastic when the day arrives that a child can start helping with chores, especially if they involve a pet! Braden has had the responsibility of giving Pepper food and water for the past several months. Apparently he wants to take on a bigger role in caring for his dog.

This was on Christmas eve....Braden was being extra generous since we didn't get Pepper any gifts!

Braden always wants to help walk the dog, so I let him practice in the backyard. The novelty of walking a very big & strong dog wore off very quickly.
Pepper went along with this little exercise for all of about 30 seconds. Then she bolted right out of Braden's reach.

Braden kept telling Pepper to kick the soccer ball, but she just put the ball in her mouth and ran from Braden. Braden was yelling, "Not in your mouth!"

Braden begged me to let him shovel the dog poop on the lawn....so I let him! Why not? The fun in that activity will certainly wear off quickly, so I may as well take advantage of the desire to help while it lasts!

My, What Manners He Has!

Braden has always been a sweetheart, but he's been becoming quite the gentleman lately. Since Matt wasn't home for dinner tonight, Braden wanted me to dine with him at his table in his bedroom. Although it may have just been his ploy to avoid eating the dinner I made for him, he split up his meal evenly between us and he even filled a glass of water for me!

Braden recently spotted these plastic wine glasses in our cupboard and insists on drinking out of them. He filled two glasses with water all by himself and brought them to our little dinner date in his room.

Braden refilled his glass of water about 20 times. He just loved an excuse to use the water dispenser and spill water everywhere.
Braden even shared his cheese with his hippo.

Braden split everything in half to share with me. Then he even helped clear the table. Is he going to be the perfect husband one day or what?!

Bringing in 2009

Welcoming in the new year in the desert has been a tradition for us for the last several years. This year we spent a few days at Dumont Dunes with family & friends. We have been so fortunate this past year and we are so thankful for everything we've been blessed with.

Somehow Papa was able to get this picture of Braden and me. We were riding in the backseat of the sandrail. Braden doesn't have much hair anymore, but what he does have was blowing in the wind. He yelled "woo hoo, woo hoo!" while we rode fast through the dunes.

This was the reaction I received when I attempted to take a picture of Braden, Sydney, & Kendall.

Braden decided that the only thing he would eat everyday was bacon. He thought he was being pretty funny when he kept asking for more! He was nicknamed, "Baconater" by our friend who kept cooking it up for him. So much for watching his cholesterol!
Braden loved hanging out with Kendall & Sydney. Cruising around on quads was an activity they loved doing together.
Braden had lots of laughs with Sydney, the dirt diva. Fortunately, she didn't try putting a tiara or make-up on Braden.

We finally got to meet Braden's newest cousin, sweet and adorable Lyla.

Braden was outnumbered by all the girls in our group, so he would just unwind on his quad. A storm was just coming into the area, but the gusts of cold wind didn't stop Braden at all!

While all the girls were busy doing their hair, make-up, & nails, Braden opted to do "boy stuff." Generally this meant he would be getting really dirty one way or another!

It's so challenging to get a good picture of Braden with his cousins. This was the best I could capture!

Being at the sand dunes is like hanging out in a giant sand box for Braden. He loves it!