Braden: January 2013

For some reason, the election really struck a chord with Braden. He took strong interest in the candidates as we approached the big day in November. We'd hear him discussing the topic with his friends and he'd ask them who their parents were voting for. He'd tattle to us if any of them reported they were voting for Obama...so maybe we influenced him just a little.

So when the inauguration ceremony was televised, Braden was less than thrilled. It is going to be a long four years....

Braden asked many times why he couldn't vote. Good for him for taking so much interest in it! He's going to have to be patient for a few more years though.

Braden wanted me to buy this greeting card because he was a fan of Mitt's. Braden was also able to come up with more than just two reasons to vote for him...

We were showered with so much love and generosity in honor of the twins at three showers. Since Braden will have to share his blog pretty soon, figured I'd may as well highlight some photos from all the parties.

Gramma Suzie's friends, Colleen, Debbie, Christy, Vivian and Connie threw the babies a shower with lots of cute 'Two Peas in a Pod' accents. It was a bit overwhelming to have so many people I had never even met there to show support for us. They have been praying for us throughout the pregnancy, and clearly the prayers have been answered.

These chocolate bars were adorable and delicious!

Colleen whipped up these adorable beanies...her knitting talent is quite impressive!

Another talented friend is Margie who created amazing cupcakes with unbelievable, intricate details.

Fortunately, the cheesy games were skipped...instead, this safety pin game was popular. The kids enjoyed it, but the adults were very competitive too!

I crossed my legs and Kendall was quick to notice. She stole my pin!

I thought the kids would be bored at the shower, but they actually had lots of fun and were very helpful.

Lyla is very good at being adorable. In addition to perfecting that job, she assisted me with opening cards and gifts.

Aunt Sandy, Uncle CJ and the girls drove all the way down to southern California for the shower. They literally spent days driving back and forth. It was so thoughtful of them to be there and we loved seeing them!

The kids were very eager to help out, especially when they were asked to distribute treats.

Kendall and Braden are like two peas in a pod. They have a blast together.

Sydney's strategy paid off. She beat nearly 40 others and won the safety pin game!

One of the biggest surprises of the day was having Ginny Lytle at my shower. She doesn't live in the area anymore, but kindly made it a priority to be there. It is unbelievable that she is 99 years old now!

Suzie might be more excited about these babies than we are. Maybe she should come do some middle-of-the-night feedings since she is so thrilled?!

We wish we could get these kids together more often. They have so much fun!

It was great to have a couple generations of daughters at the shower...Emalee and Christy Talley, Debbie and Jamie Mapstead, and the Johnson crew.

When attempts for a nice family photo fail, plan b is to let everyone make any expression he or she chooses.

We've told Braden how responsible and mature he will need to be with his new siblings....he may have taken it a little too far.

These kids are growing up way too fast.

These babies sure aren't shy about having parties thrown in their honor. They let Aunt Maria give them a shower the day after the first one. Nicole generously opened up her beautiful home for the event and Sandy provided the delicious meal.

It was great to see Julie, Becky, Mandy and Anjali there.

The nursery has a Dr. Seuss theme, so Maria did an adorable job using this decor for the shower.

These Thing 1 and Thing 2 onesies could come in handy since we don't have names yet. We told Braden whichever baby is born first will be Thing 1...he wasn't even slightly amused.

Maria created a fun game using Matt's recorded responses.

Maria's attention to detail was definitely portrayed at the shower. Everything about the day was perfect.

All the gifts we received were greatly appreciated. A couple favorites? These Cat in the Hat hats made by Aunt Debbie.

Loved the practical gifts like the diapers, pack n play and most importantly, a tutu and cute head band.

Several attendees made a long trek, but Aunt Debbie should have gotten an award for the hundreds of miles she traveled round trip to be there.

So great to see Anjali, Becky, Mandy, Maria and Kristen.

It was so nice to have all my aunts there in support as we enter this crazy, new adventure.

Thanks to Grandma Judy, the babies now have a nice collection of Dr. Seuss books!

Braden popped by to say hi. I asked him to shave beforehand, but clearly he didn't obey.

Aunt Debbie kindly made a hat for Braden too.

Braden raced his dirt bike at a track while I was being spoiled. As a surprise, we met up with Addison, Maria and Steve afterwards for dinner.

Round three....really, I tried to talk my neighbors out of giving me a shower, but they weren't easily swayed. We really have amazing neighbors.

Terri kindly opened her home and hosted a lovely luncheon, with the help of Anna and Becka.

I seriously could have eaten this whole cake. Fortunately the kids stopped by at the end of the shower and helped devour it.

Despite being out all night for her 50th, Leticia still made it to the party.

I'm remembering all the attendees who told me they looooovvvve babies. Alicia was one of those people. I'm assuming they love babies so much, they won't mind a 3am wake up call every now and then.