Chameleon Cowboy

Some may think Johnny Depp made a cute chameleon in the movie Rango, but we think Braden did a better job playing the role. A costume that was way too big, a hat that was far too small & a mask that wouldn't stay on didn't stop Braden from having fun parading around as Rango.

Matt got a front row spot at Braden's school parade. There were 4 Draculas and 3 princesses in his class, but only 1 Rango!

Captain America and a pirate came by to hang out with our chameleon.
What? We're not doing anything on the couch that we aren't supposed to be doing...

Ok, so maybe all the junk food finally caught up with the boys!

It was late, they were full of sugar, and oh yeah, it's only Monday...

Happy Campers

Halloween weekend officially kicks off desert season for us, so we spent the weekend in Ocotillo Wells with friends. We enjoyed summer-like weather, beautiful sunsets, and fun riding.

Addison suggested that Braden bring a costume, so Rango suited up!

These persuasive cuties bummed candy off some of the others in our camp.
Braden gives Johnny Depp a run for his money in this adorable get-up!

No more costume silliness...This gear is the real thing!

Braden did awesome cruising around on his dirt bike.

He followed me and Matt around, but pretty soon we'll have a hard time keeping up with him!

Braden snuggled up to any dog that would let him. Moses is the perfect lap dog!

Braden got to bring "Flat Stanley" to the desert with us. This flat, laminated character gets to travel to various places with Braden's classmates. His travels are documented in a book that is sent to other schools around the world.

Looks like Flat Stanley had quite an adventure with Braden.

Even Addison got to join in the fun of posing with Stanley!

Puzzled

Braden is obsessed with puzzles. We are hoping this means he'll be a great problem solver, mathematician, analyst?!

With some of Daddy's help, Braden whipped out this 300+ piece puzzle before bedtime. Unfortunately, it was missing a piece, but Braden was still glad to be done with this challenge! He felt it was fitting to wear his bulldog pajamas for the occasion.

Just a few other puzzles he decided to put together one afternoon. What's next? Chess?!

Cousin Chaos

Braden was blessed with two new cousins over the past few months, so we decided that getting together would be fun!

Aunt Maria loves hanging with her nephews, but her little princess is the real love of her life.

Wrapped up like a burrito, could Tucker be any cuter?
Miles Daniel just rolls with the punches and hangs with the big boys.

The only thing more adorable than one little pirate....

is two!

Charley couldn't be bothered with the pirates. Lip syncing to Cee Lo Green was a much more pressing issue.

The whole gang decided to get involved in the musical mayhem.

The sweet little lover and adorable fighter.

Journee's expression says it all...groups photos are always a bad idea at the end of the day!

Field Trippin'

I had fun accompanying Braden on his field trip to Tanaka Farms, which offers 30 acres of organic fruits and vegetables right in the middle of Irvine.

Braden was ready to tackle the corn maze with his friends, Jaxon, Cassius, Nicholas, Bianca and Bradey.

The kids enjoyed the bumpy tractor tour of acres and acres of farmland.
Playing dead or just a statue?

Bianca made Braden find out...apparently this goat was just trying to take a nap amongst all the mayhem.

This sweet kid is as tall as the sweet corn marking.

Bianca, Braden and Makenzie found their way through the maze without a hitch! Smart kids!

What boy is really going to pass up an opportunity to pose with an alien?

We'd probably eat a lot more veggies if we planted our own garden, according to Braden.

Braden was very eager to eat his green beans...even though these were dirty and uncooked.

As long they could carry the pumpkin on the very long trek to the bus, the kids were allowed to choose any pumpkin they wanted.

Braden's selection? One that was much larger and heavier than any others. I didn't help him carry it though!

Braden took one brief break and used his pumpkin as a stool while he, Henry and Jake waited for the bus.

Who needs Halloween candy when there's this much excitement over carrots and radishes?!

This proves a little dirt won't hurt. Braden washed his own veggies and wouldn't let me peel off the remnants from the earth!

Double Trouble

Who needs skate camp when Braden's got access to his Daddy's skills?

Riding tandem was a fun way to cruise through the neighborhood.

Nothing cuter than watching these boys bond!

Gearing Up

Even though we had nothing but beautiful, sunny skies today, it's officially fall and the first day of October. That means it's time to start thinking about desert season. Since we hadn't washed any of the mud off of our toys from our last trip, it was time for Matt to put the pressure washer to the test.

What else can these training wheels be used for now that they are no longer needed on Braden's dirt bike?

Just pumping a little iron in preparation for lots of motocross!
We're planning to sell this quad, but Braden thinks it's a perfect fit for him.

With the help of a helmet, he'll be ready to go!