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!