MMXI

We brought in 2011 the way Braden wanted to....with lots of sand, fast sandrail rides, and room to ride his quad. He's quickly adopted Glamis as one of his favorite places to spend time. We agree that it's lots of fun!

We took a break from racing through the dunes, but Braden doesn't like stopping for any reason.

He chilled in the driver's seat while watching all kinds of offroad vehicles race up the hill.
Thumbs up to the start of a great new year!

If Only We Could Jar It Up...

The amount of excitement and anticpation that is felt around Christmas time is something that would be great to feel throughout the year. It's so fun to experience the wonder and happiness that Braden has when he sees anything that is associated with Christmas.

We celebrated the most wonderful time of the year at home this year. Although Matt had to work much of Christmas weekend, we were still able to enjoy some time as a family.

Braden didn't mind the simplicity of the day. We are attempting to instill the importance of Christmas being much more than just receiving presents.

Braden made a couple observations that were humorous. After opening one of his toys, he said, "Hmmm, Santa shops at Target!" It happened to be broken, so he commented that we can just return it to Target for Santa.

He examined the box for a game he received and said, "I guess Santa knows how smart I am because this game is for kids that are 8 and older."

Braden makes every Christmas more and more enjoyable!

On Christmas day, I asked Braden if he dreamt of sugar plums the night before. He looked at me strangely and said he dreamt of Santa getting really sick from eating all the cookies at everyone's homes and suggested we leave him something healthy next year.

On Christmas eve, the neighbors dropped by a gift for Braden, so we let him open it. He made car sounds until he finally wore himself out and passed out!

Braden never fails to rise with the sun. Of course Christmas morning was no different.
He immediately went into pirate mode when he opened his new book.

One of his favorite gifts was a remote control car that transforms into a monster truck.

He thought it was hilarious to crash the car into my feet as I took a picture.

Treasure Hunt

Life with a son is always adventurous and unpredictable. Take this morning for example...

This is what I came downstairs to find at 7:00am...Tons of energy and "aaarghhhhs!"

Braden's always thinking of his mama....a pink gem for me!

A day without rain after a week of storms meant taking a bike ride. The skull head scarf didn't come off. Rather, his helmet just went over it, so he was pulling off a bit of a Bret Michaels look.
This rebel talked me into jumping the fence where the sign said to stay out.

He gave me the convincing, "C'mon Mom, I come back here with Dad, so it's fine!"

He wanted to show me the rushing stream behind our house and hoped the sunshine would bring out some animals.

Although bunnies and birds were the only creatures we found, Braden did spot this treasure in the mud. He suggested taking the necklace with us to give to the baby girl Aunt Maria will be having. He knows how much his aunt loves jewelry, but then he recalled how much she hates dirt. So he changed his mind & decided we will just go buy the new baby some jewelry.

Lots of mud, sunshine, and space to run=tons of fun for a kid who's been cooped up for what felt like eternity!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things....

Call it bad timing on my part....I have been wanting family photos taken, so I talked Matt and Braden into letting our friend, Sarah, take some pictures. Of course the only time we really had time was on the way to Addison's birthday party. On top of his excitement about seeing her, Jett surprised us by showing up to the photo shoot! Since Addison and Jett are two of Braden's best friends, he was slightly distracted. Somehow he still pulled off being adorable with flying colors!

The beauty of the nature in La Cresta is a bit distracting, so Braden took advantage of running around a bit in it.

Hanging out with my boys...Not much more that I could ask for!

Enjoying the scenery, or just being too cool...

This kid sure keeps us entertained with his antics and stories!
Never to0 old to have us swing him in the air!
Braden promised me he'll never be too old to hold my hand.
This was the I'm-getting-sick-of-the-camera-being-in-my-face look.
Braden and Jett just wanted to talk about Star Wars, not take pictures.
Of course, Braden found a bit of time to goof around.

The Greatest Gift of All

This year has been a bit of a whirlwind for our family. New jobs, new home & a new school are just a few of the changes we've experienced. This Christmas doesn't feel as festive as previous years. Somehow we didn't even end up with a Christmas tree!

Nevertheless, we recognize the real reason we celebrate Christmas. We are grateful our family has been so blessed.

I don't need to be given another gift in my life as long as I have my two favorite boys.

What a handsome pair!

Jingle Bell Rock

One of the highlights of our Christmas season so far has been Braden's holiday program at his preschool. There are few things more precious than seeing a bunch of children belting out Christmas songs.

Braden's loud singing voice was heard amongst the group. He was so eager to surprise us with the songs, so he didn't practice at home at all.

Braden excitedly wished the audience a wonderful, awesome, excellent, super holiday!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Santa & Mrs. Claus made time in their busy schedule to swing by our neighborhood Christmas party. They even brought Braden a well-deserved gift.

Braden was speechless and in complete awe of this merry pair.

How did Santa know that Braden loves Moon Sand?! Perfect activity for an upcoming desert trip!

Dashing Through the Dunes

We enjoyed a quick getaway to Glamis to enjoy time with family and friends. We were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather by cruising through the dunes on our sand toys.

Braden loves the roaring engine and speed of the sandrail! Running up and down the sand dunes just may be one of the best workouts. It didn't wear out Braden and Ava though. Guess they were on a sugar high from their popsicles...Braden still sported the blue stain on his face!
Somehow this cutie talked Braden into laying down and getting buried in the sand.
Braden had a blast racing around the track at our camp.
The desert sunsets never disappoint!

Finally Four

Braden was excited that his gal pal, Addison, is finally 4-years-old. We celebrated at her house with dinner and of course, a pink princess cake.

This duo played for hours on end without stopping! Braden loves that Addison can play tough like a boy, but is still sweet and girly!

Up on the Housetop...

This picture just doesn't quite put into perspective how frightening this light-hanging adventure really was. Matt had many curious onlookers as he climbed on a ladder on a slanted roof....on the second story...that had a wet, mossy roof. A couple weeks ago, we scoffed at all our neighbors who hired professional light installers...we now know why they went that route!

Matt did a great job of sprucing up our house for the holidays!

The Countdown

Braden reminded us that Christmas is just 25 days away...He's already in the holiday spirit!

Braden kicked off the month of December by eating a piece of chocolate out of his advent calendar. It's amazing how horrible-tasting chocolate can bring such joy to this boy!

Parking It

Grandma Judy, Uncle Roderick, Aunt Maria and Uncle Billy closed out our Thanksgiving weekend with a visit. Taking a walk to the park was a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Even the big kids like the park!

Braden gave up on pushing his uncles on the swings so he could go for a ride too!
Grandma and Braden bravely rode the wild roller coaster...oh wait, that's just a slide.

Daddy offered to show Braden how to navigate these funky monkey bars...they were a bit more challenging than they looked!

Sweet Braden always picks yellow flowers for Aunt Maria because he thinks they are her favorite.

No basketball? No problem!

Should've learned how to use the camera timer or photoshop so Uncle Roderick could've been in the photo!