The Reason for the Season

Throughout this season, we've asked Braden why we celebrate Christmas. His response has been, "Because it's Enzo's birthday!" While that is true, we have had to remind him that we are really celebrating the birth of Jesus, not our fat, lazy bulldog. We've enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season. While we really tried to focus on the fact that Christmas isn't all about the gifts, somehow Braden still ends up getting a little spoiled this time of year.

It all started with the advent calendar. Braden usually eagerly anticipates the cheap chocolate surprise that each day of advent offers. Not this year though...Matt found a Star Wars Legos advent calendar, so Braden enjoyed a different Lego project everyday instead. Surrounded by his daily treats, he's actually holding up an Ewok village he received as a gift...unsure why he's flexing!

Another Lego creation that Braden and Daddy assembled. Legos are quite possibly the best invention on earth. They keep dads busy and sons entertained for hours.


Nothing says Merry Christmas quite like a Legos Christmas tree and Yoda dressed as Santa. Understandable why these Star Wars Legos are so irresistible!

Time for Braden to decorate himself and the tree!

Flexing his muscles, Braden announced he was ready for the final touches on the Christmas tree.

With a little help from Daddy's muscles, Braden was content with the final product.

Christmas morning brought tons of excitement and way too many presents!

His expression seems to yell that this was the racetrack he wanted!

Clothes don't excite a 5-year-old much, but Star Wars slipper socks make the perfect stocking stuffer.

Standing in front of his collection, Braden displayed another favorite stocking stuffer...magnetic Star Wars Legos characters...that adhere perfectly to the oven. Braden said they look good there and it's a good way to keep them warm.

Our crazy, little elf!

Dreaming of a Bright Christmas

While southern California is always beautiful this time of year, it has been extra sunny and warm lately. This is exactly why we live here! We love it!!

Even though Braden is dressed for a chilly morning, he made sure to cover himself in sunscreen.

Can't forget the lips!
This white boy needs to protect his fair complexion!

Officially ready to head to school and face the sunny day!

Lights, Camera, Action!

The annual school holiday performance is always an entertaining event. Braden sang with gusto and was filled with Christmas spirit...only problem was the fact that the holiday show had absolutely no holiday theme whatsoever. The theme instead was "generosity"....which is associated with what the Christmas season is about.

Braden nailed his little jig with Sierra.

He performed his speaking lines with ease.
All that singing, dancing and speaking made this kid ravenous!

Enjoying the beauty of a humongous tree, Braden really wanted to get up close and personal.

Gramma and Papa were in the area, so they surprised Braden at his performance.

There's nothing like a squeezy hug from Paparoni.

All smiling and looking at the camera? Quite a rarity...which is pretty sad since there are only three of us!

After a pajama party at school, a performance and a long dinner...Braden's energy level didn't fade...one bit!

True or False?

Out of the blue a couple months ago, Braden told me he doesn't think Santa is real. He figured that there's no way Santa could eat cookies at everyone's homes and still fit through chimneys. Then there's the whole weird flying reindeers and funny looking elves. We never really came to a direct conclusion on the Santa phenomenon...fast forward to the neighborhood Christmas party and Santa and Mrs. Claus showed up. Real or not, Braden was happy to receive his gift!

The kids enjoyed the caroles and stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

They may have looked real, but Braden said there was no sleigh in sight....hmmm, very suspicious.
Braden and Cornell patiently awaited the moment we allowed them to open their presents.

The suspense was so tough!

Cute, cute, crazy...

Hope Santa got it right this year...

Apparently Santa was spot on!! Can't go wrong with more monster trucks!

Hard to refuse the opportunity to pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus...even if they are fakes!

Merriest Place on Earth

We surprised Braden with a trip to Disneyland after school. As a bonus, Braden's buddy, Jaydon, joined us.

Pluto greeted Braden the moment we walked into the park.

No time for smiles while riding Toy Story. These boys were concentrated on beating our scores!
Braden and Matt enjoyed on of their favorites, the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Braden thought Monsters Inc. was too slow and boring. He wanted something faster and more exciting!

Wishing gas was still $.55 a gallon!

Bringing a friend along made Disneyland double the fun!

While standing in line for Tower of Terror, Braden predicted this is what he'd look like on the ride...Fairly accurate...This ride is scary! The boys were brave and said they wanted to ride it again!

Beatlemania

When I gave Braden a new shirt featuring the Beatles, I explained that the guys in the band were very popular. Braden immediately asked if they were as popular as Justin Bieber. He also wanted to know why so many girls love Justin Bieber and was curious if girls liked the Beatles just as much. Maybe it's just the similar hair they all had...

Braden's hair is too short to sport the Bieb's famous hairdo, but he is growing it out...so maybe in a few more months.

Braden said he gets sick of the girls in his class having Bieber fever. Looks like he wants to revolt.
Dancing or just flexing?

Braden gave a thumbs down to Justin Bieber but thumbs up to reading me a book before I put him to bed...easy to please!

Bountiful Blessings

Braden is thankful for his cousins, so it seemed fitting that Sydney and Kendall slept over the night before Thanksgiving. We enjoyed spending time with Uncle CJ, Aunt Sandy, Sydney, Kendall and Lyla while they came to southern California for a few days.

There's never a lack of giggling when these kids are together.

They even remembered to polish their chops before bedtime.
Somebody managed to sneak out of bed and almost did so without getting caught!

After a busy, fun-filled afternoon, they claimed they were really tired. They chose to line up sleeping bags on the floor and said they'd fall asleep right away...

Matt came in to give them all a bit of a scare!

On our way to Gramma and Papa's for Thanksgiving dinner, the trio rocked out in the backseat.

We celebrated Papa's birthday on Thanksgiving. These kids sure are thankful for Papa! Happy birthday to Lyla too! A healthy, happy family is what we are most grateful for. We are so blessed!