Preschool for Grown-Ups

Braden was terribly disappointed at school one day recently because he didn't get a lollipop. He went on to explain that the good kids get a treat, but the kids who get in trouble don't get one. Apparently he put the sheet over his head at naptime and howled like a ghost to scare the girls with one of his buddies. Personally, I thought this was funny, but apparently the teacher didn't.....

Anyway, this brought up another topic that I thought was interesting. Braden asked if I got a lollipop at work when I do a good job. He was puzzled when I told him that I don't get treats even when I work really, really hard and do a really good job. This conversation reminded me of a few things Braden has said recently that were humorous, but had some truth to them as well. Braden mentioned that I shouldn't wear tall shoes (high heels) to work because I can't run very fast in them. He wanted to know if I take my shoes off at playtime at my job. He also wanted to know how Daddy and I take a nap at work. He couldn't understand how we could fit our "big bodies" on the little mattress like the one he uses at preschool. Treats, playtime and naptime would make our jobs much more enjoyable. Maybe Braden will run a company one day where he can incorporate these ideas!

Ranch dressing makes everything edible...even broccoli!

Ready, Set, Go!

Playwerx just may be the most ideal place ever created for kids. It's such a simple concept, yet Braden and Jett had an absolute blast running, climbing and sliding through the course. This indoor super-park was the perfect spot to spend the afternoon with friends.

Braden and Jett competed to see who could maneuver through the obstacle course the fastest. Both boys displayed their impressive athletic abilities. It's amazing how winning is so important, even to 3-year-old boys. They got into a little fight as they were neck and neck in one of their races. Fortunately, they worked through it and had a ton of fun! These slides are far more fun than the average slide, according to the boys. So, I tried it out for myself....yep, they're really fast!
This was the expression on Braden's face the whole time we were there....
Without naps, we thought the boys may crash...Both boys left their marks. Braden chose to leave his graffiti on the light switch.

Whose Day is it Anyway?

Braden is blessed with a wonderful father. Matt displays his love for Braden and apparently his love for toys. So, when we went shopping for a father's day gift, Braden picked out all the items he was sure Daddy would really like. Somehow Matt escaped the camera, but we did enjoy a nice, relaxing day celebrating Father's Day!

Dad seems to enjoy the smash ball set Braden selected.

Not too surprisingly, Braden likes this gift too!
We'll have to hone our smash ball skills at the beach this summer.
Next gift....a set of water oozies. Braden shot everything in sight, including all the plants, the dogs, and of course, his dad!

Guess Daddy likes this gift too! He and Braden shot at each other while fully dressed, but then decided to get serious & change into swim trunks.

What?! A loud plane overhead? Not if Braden can shoot it down!

Look at these guns!

Pepper and Enzo wanted to be part of the fun but got fed up with Braden attacking them with the water guns.

Northern Exposure

We had a business meeting to attend in San Francisco, so we snuck Braden along for the trip. San Francisco is filled with culture, attractions & history. However, Braden was most excited & somewhat obsessed with the taxis...yep, as in the cabs that commonly provide transportation around the busy city. As we rode around in taxis, he'd try to spot as many other taxis as he could. He got only slightly distracted once by a large group of naked people protesting BP...not something we see very often in our sleepy, little suburbia.

As a practical parent, I packed books to occupy Braden on the flight. Matt brought a box of Legos with a thousand pieces....they successfully built a Lego boat and didn't drop even a single piece!

This is a look of glory on the face of a kid who just beat his dad in air hockey!
Another activity Braden tried while visiting Fisherman's Wharf was the bungee jumper. He got to jump on a trampoline really high and even got assistance in doing some back flips.

Braden wanted to pose with the pirate so he could give us his best "Aaargh!"

Braden wanted to stand next to this bird for a picture. What's not so obvious is the bird beneath this one who just got pooped on...very funny for a 3-year-old.

Aaaah, to be 3 again....Braden wasn't thrilled with all the walking that was entailed in our excursion. Who wouldn't want to just ride on Dad's shoulders?! Actually, he probably would've liked to take a taxi tour of the attractions instead.

We walked by hundreds of sea lions several times because Braden was hoping to see one eaten by a shark. Matt tried to explain that the water was shark-infested and that is why Alcatraz was built nearby. We never saw a shark and Braden was quite disappointed.

We enjoyed spending time with our good friends, the Odubelas. They treat Braden like they treat their own kids, and Braden doesn't mind being spoiled at all!

Braden was exhausted after his vacation...once again, he rode through the airport in style.

Tower of Power

Braden really misses Uncle CJ, Aunt Sandy, Sydney, Kendall & Lyla, so he was beyond ecstatic upon learning they were coming for a visit. He was particularly excited to hang out with Kendall and Sydney. This trio is very loud and full of energy, but they definitely have a blast together! We don't get to see this part of the family nearly as much as we'd like to, so we thought it would be nice to at least get one photo of the kids together...easier said than done!

It's apparent that Kendall and Braden had mischief on their minds. Sure enough, the splashing between the two of them began.

Although it's not obvious in this picture, Braden and Sydney could easily pass as siblings. Braden loves his cousin, but doesn't appreciate his looks being compared to a girl's!
Ahhhh, so much love in this group. This picture is kind of cute....too bad Lyla wanted nothing to do with these crazy, older kids!
That loving pose lasted only seconds and then the wrestling began. It's hard to tell if Lyla was laughing or crying here. I saved her from being trapped under the dog pile though!

Braden was disappointed that Lyla is still a baby, however, he discovered she is quite lovable.

Once the kids were this delirious, sweaty & worn out, it seemed it'd be impossible to capture a decent shot.

Then, out of nowhere, the tower of power was created....

and then destroyed moments later! Rough housing with Matt was far more fun!

Drenched

Rather than being soaked in sweat, Braden opted to cool off the good ol' fashioned way...

A sip of water out of the sprinkler turned into quite a wet mess....

Matt reminded me that it really wasn't a big deal that Braden had gotten his clothes completely drenched...and was dragging mud on the driveway...into the garage...and of course, into the house! He was just having fun!

Class of 2010

Braden "graduated" from his preschool class & was promoted into the 4-year-old class today. His class performed a song at the school's graduation ceremony, which Braden belted out much louder than the other children. He has the reputation for being the outspoken one in class who is always quick to blurt out answers to questions & correct Ms. Tricia when she makes a mistake. Before presenting Braden with his certificate, she bragged about him a bit. He loves to try to read everything & "is smarter than many of the older kids in preschool & kindergarten" (Hope that trend continues!!). Ms. Tricia wants an invitation to the White House when Braden becomes president since she's sure this is the path he'll take (Not if we have any say in it!). He is a great negotiator and can talk his way out of getting a 'sad stick' any time he's on the verge of receiving one for being in trouble. Braden, "The Politician" (as his certificate reads) is really going to miss Ms. Tricia!

I couldn't resist the opportunity to brag about Braden. It'll be interesting to look back at this in 20 years...

No June Gloom Here!

So much for the spring cleaning plans I had. Summertime is here & Braden insisted we jump in the pool to cool off.

Braden said it's ok that we don't live on the beach like his cousin Charley. We enjoyed splashing around with his beach toys and soaked up the perfect weather. We love summertime!