Heaven's Helper

Pepper has been a wonderful part of our family for nearly 5 years.  We remember picking her out as a fluffy, adorable puppy before Braden was even a year old.  She has been a great dog and Enzo's constant companion.  Sadly, cancer ended up taking her life.  Braden absolutely adored Pepper and was greatly saddened when she became sick.  However, he helped us through this difficult time by constantly focusing on the fact that Pepper won't be in anymore pain in dog heaven and she'll get to play all day long with other dogs there.

Braden wanted Pepper to have a special memory to take with her to dog heaven.  He had a few photos taken on the day Pepper passed away.  She still seemed so happy every time Braden was around.  Pepper will surely be missed!

Something's Missin'

The subject of losing teeth is quite a hot topic amongst Braden's friends.  We are often dished the update of who has and who hasn't lost one yet.  The big day came for Braden after some wiggling, jiggling and just a bit of tugging by Daddy.

The tooth fairy was generous...

We told Braden that we used to get a quarter for our teeth, so he displayed a bit more enthusiasm.

Not just $5, but also a letter from the boy fairy named Nute, a certificate and a monster truck were left under Braden's pillow.

Braden has been wanting this particular monster truck to add to his massive collection, but Target sold out...The tooth fairy clearly has connections somewhere! 

Spoiled

Spoiled is how I feel, not just today, but everyday.  I'm blessed beyond words.  What I love most is being a mom though.  Matt and Braden flowered me with lots of love and gifts today...What they don't realize is that all I need is them!

Surrounded by piles of gifts, I enjoyed some coziness with Braden.

The Green Machines

The Green Lantern Rattlesnakes' spring season wasn't exactly full of victories, but it was filled with fun!  We are thinking it is time to retire any team names related to Green or Dragons or Lanterns or Rattlesnakes in the fall!

Another game against the Yellow Angry Birds meant lots of excitement.  Cornell and Braden's competitive sides were displayed in full effect!

Braden was ecstatic about his second goal.

Braden yelled to rally his team into action.  He took the game against Cornell very seriously.

Matt congratulated the boys on playing well.

So, back to the whole competitive thing...Braden and Cornell took it to a whole new level and let their anger get the best of them.  Dads needed to intervene and have the boys make up.  After all, Cornell is our neighbor and one of Braden's best buds!

Final game of the season...Braden didn't slow down until the last game was over!  He was convinced the shorter hair  contributed to the speed.

Showing off a very loose tooth! 

He deserved the Cutest Kid on the Team Award...well at least we think so!

Coach Steve Jones and Coach Steve Claton did an awesome job leading Carter, Zach, Zach, Braden, Caden and Maxx...Again!

This sums up our crazy team!

The coaches treated the team to a party....

and gifts....Spoiled kids, but they deserve it! 



Kickin' Up Dust

It's heating up in Southern California, but we decided to make a day trip to Apple Valley before temps hit more than 100 degrees.

Daddy taught Braden a few tricks while showing off a few of his own.

Braden and I had fun together too!