Braden

Questioning the Groundhog's Prediction

2012-02-04T11:17:00.001-08:00

The groundhog saw his shadow, so apparently there will be six more weeks of winter...Clearly, that is not the case in southern California! We've been enjoying gorgeous weather and soaking in every bit of sunshine we can get.

Braden joined his buddies at the club for some fun in the pool.

When Braden sees a camera, he assumes it is time to show off his muscles.
Frozen yogurt topped with gummy bears should do the trick to refuel after lots of splish splashing!

Museum Amusement

2012-01-14T20:41:00.000-08:00

A museum featuring a Star Wars theme seemed like a great place to spend the afternoon with Braden's buddies, Landin and Keegan.

Kids waited in long lines to pose with these troopers, but Braden got his opportunity to pose with them as they walked by.Weird facial expression while posing next to a weird character.
Original weapons used in the Star Wars movies were enticing for Landin and Braden.
Braden wants one of these for his birthday.
Tough to resist adorable Yoda!
Seemed like a good idea to pose in front of all these characters, but unfortunately they were behind glass.
One of Braden's favorites...R2D2, or R2Do2, as he calls it.
From Braden's expression, looks like Darth Vadar was his favorite!
Taking a break from Star Wars, Chris attempted to educate the boys.
Keegan was a bit camera shy, but a photo was captured when he and Braden were preoccupied.
Braden recently started ice hockey lessons, so this hockey exercise interested him.
Turns out, Braden has some skills...at least on this simulator!
Finished the day with a skating simulation.

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

Clear skies with temperatures in the 80s and lots and lots of sand is our version of a winter wonderland. We closed out 2011 and welcomed the new year in Glamis.

Braden definitely approved of the idea of hanging out in the desert for a few days.

Taking a break to chill with Daddy.
Braden enjoyed a visit from the ice cream truck and cooled off with a popsicle.

While Braden caught some air on his quad, Matt assessed whether or not he needed to make the jump bigger.

Braden raced around and jumped this over and over.

Double jump? No problem for this rider.

Proud Dad and his buddy chest bumping.

Enjoying the wide, open space.

Braden goofed off with his new pals, Nico and Stella.

Seemed fitting to pose by the only tree in sight.

In search of a restroom....or a private spot!

Unsure if they were making sand angels or just trying to get as sandy as possible.

Dad never fails to provide us with lots of fun racing through the dunes.

Looking as tough as possible, Braden sat watch on top of the sand car.

King of the desert!

The Reason for the Season

2011-12-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-21T22:33:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-20T23:40:00.000-08:00

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?

2011-12-19T22:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

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!

South of the Border

2011-11-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Braden wanted a vacation from his busy life, so we decided to take a cruise to the Mexican Riviera for a week.

Our rig was well-equipped with tons of activities to do and endless food 24/7.

Braden's buddies, Landin and Keegan, vacationed with us. The boys had fun from the moment we boarded the ship.
The boys discovered that the kids' club was much more fun than joining us for fancy dinners.
I had to get a firm grip on Braden if I wanted him to stall for a photo.

So great to spend time as a family!

First stop...Cabo San Lucas.

A chance to have a gold pirate point a gun at Braden's head with a hook around his neck? Couldn't pass up that kind of opportunity!

Looking for a beach to display some muscles!

Had to make a stop before hitting the beautiful beach...The boys wanted a souvenir.

The mask/cape combo definitely makes muscles look bigger!

We were finally ready to walk to the beach....

Just a quick stop to pose with some green creatures!

These boys sure do get distracted easily. Keegan looked apprehensive about Braden's tattoo. Some random guy doing tattoos on the beach? Yeah, that sounds like a safe idea.

Can't wait to look back on this photo in 10 years! Hope those tattoos fade by then!

What a sheltered life he's lived...First time on a boat!

Braden, Landin, and Keegan became friends while playing on the Silver Knights together. The boys found a soccer ball on a beach in Puerto Vallarta and had fun kicking it around.

The backdrop was just a little nicer than the soccer field we spend many Saturdays at!

We are spoiled with having beaches near home...

but we could get used to this crystal blue water and the warm breezes!

But could we get used to these?!

Braden was eager to zipline with us in the jungle.

We talked Preston, Kessly, Chris, Kylee, and Taylor into the crazy idea.

In hindsight, hanging upside down was probably a bad idea.

We all had a blast on this adventure!

Braden had a hard time deciding what was better...the ziplining or the fact that Cheetos were sold in this remote jungle!

Our driver stopped off at a tequila factory that was embedded in the mountains. Braden didn't seem to like the pure agave shot he was given. Supposedly it is delicious on pancakes, but guess we'll stick to Aunt Jemima.

Looks like he's ready to play in a mariachi band...or maybe prepping for a standoff?

Braden wanted to take this giant sling shot home.

Ole!

We found replicas of the giant hand-carved sling shot on the streets of Puerto Vallarta, so we figured they'd make ideal marshmallow shooters....hard to find marshmallows around here though.

Couldn't find marshmallows, but we did find this donkey for our little caballero.

My only request for the trip....an occasional family photo. I don't ask for much.

I mistook this photo for a pool shot. Braden and Matt are actually in the ocean. The beautiful, clear water was deceiving!

Could we go on vacation without bringing a puzzle? Nope! Braden and Matt put together this one while chilling in our cabin.

This is the definition of 'delirious' in the form of a picture.

Braden and Landin were waiting for the family comedy show to begin...guess it wasn't entertaining enough for Braden. He asked to go back to the room to go to bed!

Heading to dinner....feeling like we had just eaten...that was a common theme all week!

The ship offered nonstop excitement...The water park was just one enticing feature!

A crowded Jacuzzi? Not my thing. Matt and Braden, on the other hand, enjoyed the mush pot.

Hard to pass up an opportunity to dress as a pirate!

The giant water slide can take care of all that face paint!

Braden loved the miniature golf onboard. Nice view!

The course actually offered fun for the whole family!

After a week of stunningly gorgeous weather, a rain storm struck on our way home. Clearly, this didn't stop our wild bunch of boys from playing a beanbag game outside.

Braden flashed a half-hearted smile from the balcony off our room as we cruised home.

Green Lanterns Rattlesnakes Highlighters

2011-11-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

That team name is quite a mouthful, but hey, our little handful deserves a powerful name! The boys liked the name 'Green Lanterns' for the super hero reference. Braden liked 'Rattlesnakes' because it sounds mean & intimidating. 'Highlighters'....well, that was Matt's choice since the jerseys are neon yellow. These boys had a great season and each member showed improvement. More importantly, we all had fun getting to know new families.

Caden, Zachary F., Braden, Zachary C., Carter & Maxx were coached by Coach Steve & Coach Steve.

The most exciting game was against 'White Lightening.' Braden's buddy Quinn was the star player, but Braden gave him a run for his money. Braden displayed awesome defense, while Quinn did his best to score...With 4 goals, he was pretty successful, but the teams ended up tying. Who knew a game with 4 & 5 year-old-boys could keep us at the edge of our seats?!

Chameleon Cowboy

2011-10-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

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'

2011-10-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-09T19:01:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-01T22:43:00.001-07:00

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!

Celebrating Cinco

2011-09-18T23:28:00.000-07:00

Braden kicked off his birthday weekend with a visit to his new pediatrician just for his 5-year-old check up. No sickness, no shots! She said he seems perfectly healthy and is tall for his age...a few hours later though, the poor guy had a raging fever. He missed his soccer game Saturday morning and spent the evening at the ER. Thank God he woke up feeling pretty well today on his birthday.

Daddy couldn't resist adding to Braden's monster truck collection.

Our little nerd absolutely loves puzzles. This is his impression of the bulldog that's featured on this one.
It was quite a fun surprise to receive this personalized bean bag from Uncle CJ, Aunt Sandy, Sydney, Kendall & Lyla.

Braden & Jaydon rocked out to rap while cruising to the birthday party.

Braden invited a few of his best friends to celebrate with him. The initial crew to arrive included Jaydon, Parker, Landin, Keegan and Addision. First stop was Jump'n Jammin.

Landin aimed and fired at the innocent bystanders below.

Less cooperative in flashing a smile, Braden also bombed on the people on the floor.

This wasn't a safe spot to stand. I got hit in the face by Steve and Addison.

Snack break!

A party isn't complete without a jumper. Matt had the bright idea to have everyone dog pile on him....the kids liked this...Matt quickly realized he needed to escape!

The kids worked up an appetite, so we headed to Riptide for a teppan show and dinner. The group included Parker, Caden, Carter, Keegan, Braden, Addison, Cornell, Quinn, Landin, Jaydon, and Buckley.

Keegan, Braden and two teethy grins!

Parker, Keegan, and Landin looked content to be coloring while waiting for the food to be prepared.

Shirley Temples for the group was an order.

Just chilling with Buckley and Quinn.

Cheers to a great birthday!These Star Wars legos were big hit and so were all the other gifts he received.

The kids got to attempt to catch rice in their mouths that the chef tossed.

Sweet Addison was too shy to give it a try, but Braden went for it!

In search of one cute birthday photo....

What can it be, what can it be?

This Thor helmet was another favorite!

Birthday cupcakes with a very personal touch.

Can't tell if he liked it or not!

Verdict is....They were yummy!

Time to move on to Laser Quest where we finished off the party.

It was Braden's turn to choose a name and get his gear. He chose the name Crash and had a blast shooting all the party goers in a game of laser tag. This was a great way to end a busy, fun-filled 5th birthday!

365 Days

2011-09-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Braden's school puts a unique spin on birthdays, so he was excited for his special celebration.

Ms. Monica explained that it takes the earth a year to orbit the sun. Braden then told the class that it's been 365 days since he turned 4.

Braden got very embarrassed while receiving all the attention from his classmates....this is his classic uncomfortable look.
Braden compiled pictures of himself to display to his classmates how he looked as a baby and a toddler....he was adorable!

Ringing the gong to gather the group for treat time.

Braden and Nicholas enjoyed their otter pops!

Rained Out

2011-09-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

The spring soccer season was a little rough, so Braden was looking forward to his first game on the Green Lanterns. After a week of gorgeous weather, we woke up to thunder storms on the day of Braden's first soccer game. Full of energy and team spirit, Braden still wanted to show up to the field in case he got to play anyway. The boys ran around in the rain to burn some energy and they are all enthusiastic about kicking off a great season.

The red cleats still fit, so we are going to pretend that they match with neon green. We're hoping they give him super powers to score some goals!

Kindergarten Cutie

2011-09-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

Braden started his first day of kindergarten with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. He is still attending the Montessori school he went to preschool at and loves his teacher, Ms. Monica.

Braden likes learning in class, but his favorite subject is "playtime."

Lil Grom

2011-09-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Braden participated in a skateboarding camp at a local skate park. Even though he was in the camp with boys that were much older, he did a great job and had tons of fun.

I warned Braden that I was going to take a lot of photos, and he said it was cool to do so.

"Ok Mom, that's probably enough pictures for now...."
Braden was brave enough to try anything, as long as Coach Chance was nearby.

The coach seemed pretty proud of his ability to encourage Braden to try out new tricks.

Braden acted like it was no big deal to be in a camp with a high schooler. He talked to him like he was just another 4-year-old.

Braden obviously thought he looked cool with Chance's sunglasses on.

After successfully skating down a steep incline, Coach Chance proudly caught Braden in his arms.

This kid makes me so proud.

Could we have the next Tony Hawk on our hands?!

Skateboarding is really tiring and going down all these hills on his butt was a lot easier.... and just as fun!

Sheer determination....

to not let his age or size keep him from doing an awesome job!

Arm Wrestling

2011-08-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

We've had people warn us that Braden may turn out weird if he doesn't have any siblings. While we dispute this concept, there are times it would be nice if he had someone to accompany him in the backseat...even if it's just to have someone to fight with!

Matt's socks on his hands...what could Braden possibly be up to?

Just some sock puppet wrestling...
which completely wore him out!

Xtreme Xcitement

2011-08-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Friends surprised us with an invitation to the X Games finals, so we enjoyed an evening in their suite at the Staples Center.

Braden loves extreme sports and was pumped about being at the X Games. His bedroom has an X Games theme, so being there live was cool!

Braden and Cornell had an awesome view of all the riders. They got to see their fair share of crashes and tricks from some of the best seats in the house!
Carter wins the prize for the best reaction to my request for a cute smile.

Stuffed with treats and dreadfully exhausted from all the night's excitement...the end of a busy evening is never an ideal time for a group shot! Jack, Cornell, Ava, Braden, Carter & Caden were delirious!

Adventurous

2011-08-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Braden wanted to go on an adventure, so he hopped on his bike and we took off.

First stop...search for creatures in an area that is off limits.

Braden assured me he'd ride really fast if he saw a mountain lion or rattle snake...only problem is that he can ride a lot faster than I can run!
Braden decided he'd better grab some big sticks in case he needed to protect me. He carried those while he rode through the trails.

Being tough while running through the fields...

Braden found a cozy spot to rest before we rushed off to look for animals.

Going on an adventure on a sunny day can sure make a little guy thirsty. No time to remove the helmet though!

Braden revealed his secret to going so fast and jumping on his bike. He borrowed this bracelet which is supposed to improve balance...and be worn on a wrist! Guess it worked anyway!

Not every bulldog would put up with this. Enzo is such a trooper!

Chocostache

2011-08-04T22:14:00.001-07:00

How does one mini ice cream cone turn into such a mess??

Somehow he can still pull off looking cute!

Aqua Man

2011-08-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

What a difference a pair of new eyes can make...Braden was less than thrilled about taking swim lessons. That all changed when he got these goggles. He claims they give him super powers...and he just may be right. He's doing a great job in his lessons!

Braden wanted to know if he looks like a lizard, monster or super hero. He was satisfied when I told him he looked like a combination of all three.

This $8.00 investment was well worth it!
"Come give me a big kiss, Mom!"

Anything But Crabby

2011-07-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

One way to keep three boys very happy is to take them to the beach on a beautiful day and let them run wild. Landin, Keegan and Braden did just that at Laguna Beach. They boogie boarded, played in the sand and tossed around the football. The highlight though, was finding several large crabs. A couple of the crabs were hanging out in this bucket.

After contemplating taking the crabs home for dinner, we ended up letting them go free.

Bike Buddies

2011-07-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

We live in a great neighborhood that is filled with kids. Jaydon is one of a few 4-year-old boys on our street who Braden loves to hang with.

Taking a break from riding bikes, Braden and Jaydon enjoyed snow cones on a very warm evening...this was followed by a popsicle...and another snow cone.

Photo Opps

2011-07-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, we rarely have the opportunity to spend time with Christian, Sandy, Sydney, Kendall and Lyla. We were excited they visited southern California so we were able to hang out with them a bit. Our friend Sarah was nice enough to deal with the chaos of attempting to round up our overly tired, hungry and cranky bunch...and I'm not referring to just the kids!

It's a rarity to get a family picture, even though it only involves gathering just the three of us!

A picture perfect family with three girls who are growing up way too quickly!
Braden loves to give out his squeezy hugs to Gramma....

And goofing off with Papa, but....

Looking adorable is Braden's specialty!

Wow, another decent family picture?

Matt and his mini-me were less than thrilled about my enthusiasm for taking family photos. They couldn't escape the camera though on these rocks.

Papa, Gramma,, and their 4 favorite blessings...they never referred to them like that specifically, but we assume they feel that way!

Fun for the Fourth

2011-07-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

The combination of perfect weather, wonderful family, and good friends made for the ideal excuse to spend a few days camping at the beach in San Diego to celebrate the 4th of July.

This little beach boy caught a few rays while getting really sandy.

Braden kicked off the weekend by participating in the campground's bike parade.
Gramma and Papa put the Martha Stewart touch on Braden's bike to make sure he really displayed his patriotism.
Showing off his red, white, & blue from all angles!No time for bathroom breaks. Braden misinterpreted, "Go pee in the ocean." Benefit of being a boy...no need to be discreet.

Double the fun!

If you're old enough to own a boogie board, you're old enough to carry it yourself to the beach.

Addison chose to ignore Braden's breakdancing on the beach. Hey, he couldn't stop himself once he heard a good beat!

Just hanging out in the jacuzzi.

Addison and Braden were obsessed with the sand crabs. They gave some to Papa to eat and got quite a kick out of it when he "swallowed" a few.

Well, if Papa likes them, maybe I will too...

A little slimy and a bit crunchy...

Too salty...I'm going to stick to just digging them up instead.

Braden had a bit of fun messing around on his boogie board, but preferred playing in the sand more.

The adults had a blast surfing and boogie boarding. We took a break and noticed a pod of five dolphins close to shore.

Hanging out with Gramma while sporting a chocolate pudding mustache coated in sand.

These kids just love each other!

No nap and lots of sand & water created eyes as red as Braden's shirt. The tiredness didn't stop him for long though!

Glow sticks are quite possibly one of the best inventions. The kids played hide & seek with them, created a jump rope out of them, and waved them around like swords. Happy 4th of July!

School's Out!

2011-06-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Braden officially completed the preschool year and is now going to enjoy the summer program with the kindergartners...yikes! He is pumped up about all the fun he will have in his new class.

He will miss Ms. Rola's hugs....

and Ms. Mandie's kind words about him.
Braden sang his heart out at the end of the year program. As usual, he tried to sing the loudest to make sure we heard every word to every song.
Nothing like a hot dog on a warm summer evening after all that singing and looking cute!

Third Time's a Charm

2011-06-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Charley turned 3 years old, so we partied at a park. Braden was thrilled to help Charley celebrate his big day.

We were entertained by Braden's enthusiasm and determination to break the pinata.

His determination and powerful swing wasn't quite enough to break it open...then Uncle John-Paul told us it was unbreakable and pulled a string to release the candy. Where's the fun in that??!
Checking out and comparing the loot!
Miles is always willing to flash his pearly whites....
But Charley? Not so much...

Braden tried to talk us into letting him have a few cake pops since they weren't as big as a slice of cake. Nice try buddy!

Gotcha Charley! He couldn't help but smile as he played endlessly in the jumper.

Just a good ol' fashioned cousin beatdown. Wrestling in the jumper wore these boys out!

Was Uncle Matt offering some advice to Charley? Yep! He was talking him into trying to eat ALL of the candy in the bag from the pinata.

Wishing Charley a wonderful new year!

And the Journey Begins...

2011-05-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Journee Rose created lots of drama before she even made her debut into the world by giving Aunt Maria a very difficult pregnancy. We are all very excited that the sweet little girl is finally here!

Braden made a couple interesting comments after we visited Journee in the hospital. As we walked out of the room, he said, "I do not want one of those." He was referring to a baby, but clarified he was happy to have a new cousin. Braden also mentioned that he knew how the doctors got the baby out of Aunt Maria's belly but just doesn't know how the baby got in her belly. Aunt Maria can explain all of that to her nephew.

Maria thinks she is going to have a girly princess, but Braden has other ideas that involve dirt, lots and lots of dirt.

The Closer

2011-05-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Silver Knights may not have had a stellar season, but these 5 boys sure did have fun with each other! We'll count the spring season as a warm up for fall.

Braden wanted to be goofing off with Parker and Landin, but he paused for a moment to pose.

Braden proudly wore his medal all weekend. We appreciate Coach John's efforts to teach the boys.
This photo sums up our whole season. The parents referred to the Silver Nights as the Bad News Bears, lovingly of course. We've enjoyed meeting new friends, Keegan, Landin, Carter and Parker.

Gramma surprised Braden and showed up for his game.

He was very excited to have an extra cheerleader on the sidelines!

Easy Target

2011-05-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

While we were traveling for work, Braden got to take a little vacation with Gramma and Papa. On top of the day to day spoiling, they took him on a trip to the toy store to pick up enough pool paraphernalia for six kids! Guess they didn't want us to get bored when we came to pick him up and spend the afternoon in the desert. When I think about a sunny Mother's Day in Palm Springs, thoughts of relaxing by a pool run through my mind...Braden's ideas were just slightly altered from mine. Actually, it was a beautiful day and I did have a chance to relax, despite Braden's desire to run around nonstop...

Braden struck a pose...and soaked anything in sight. Fortunately, I had a camera in hand which offered me temporary shielding.

These super soakers never lost their thrill!
The cutest pool boys I've ever seen...
Gramma got brave and armed herself with a couple water guns while in the pool. Braden got creative with his protection!
Braden was tired of hearing me tell him to stay away from me with the water...I got soaked!
Why does he look like he's 7 in this photo? Maybe it's Daddy's hat or the fact that he drinking a 20 oz. soda.

The best mother's day gift. Ever.

"The cactus look a little dry, so I'll water them." Any excuse to shoot something...

May Day

2011-05-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, May Day is a celebration of spring, so we decided to acknowledge the holiday with a day at the beach.

Seal Beach is swarming with lady bugs. Braden counted six on his cousin Charley's head at one point!

He's not called Miles of Smiles for no reason! Miles smiles every time he sees a camera. He kept me active by running in and out of the water constantly!

Miles wanted to pet the little friend on Braden's arm.

"Mom, this IS the cutest face I can make for the camera." Love his one-liners!

So, the group photo idea didn't pan out the way I planned it.

A mud bath at the beach is a perfect way to relax!

This adorable beach bum told me over and over that he was not going to smile for the camera....

Despite the lack of smiles caught by the camera, Charley had a blast splashing in the waves with Braden.

Three tired boys piled into a two-seater stroller captured lots of comments from onlookers about me having my hands full...Kristen will be the recipient of such commentary when baby boy #3 arrives soon! The boys were so well-behaved and fun!

The Great Chase

2011-04-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

After a busy week, spending time as a family on Friday evening seemed like the perfect cure for exhaustion!

Matt & I ran while Braden raced through the nature trails on his bike. While this wasn't exactly relaxing, chasing after him must have helped us burn a million calories! A quick break to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors that is just passed our backyard.
He came up with this pose for this photo...looks like a future pro BMXer! Unsure if it was getting too hot or Braden just wanted to show off his tattoo?! He rocks a new, elaborate helmet since he has gotten more adventurous on his bike!

Spring Breaking

2011-04-20T21:27:00.001-07:00

April showers? Nowhere in sight! Rather than doing some necessary spring cleaning, Braden and I hit up the beach to enjoy the beautiful Laguna weather and scenery. After Braden's soccer game, we spent the day with his teammates Landin and Keegan.

Braden looks like he's ready to boogie into the waves.

This kid can't stay still! Landin and Keegan were watching for waves, while Braden looks like he's busting a move!
A few shovels, buckets and sand is a perfect combo for three playful boys!

Time for a carwash!

We had such a nice day at the beach that it was hard to convince Braden that we needed to head home. He can twist my arm to head to the beach again soon!

A New Addition?

2011-04-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

Matt has warned me that at some point, Braden will want a reptile for a pet. Really, it's more like Matt thinks it will be fun to have another pet, so he'll talk Braden into insisting we get one. I'd give in to the idea, but I just think Pepper and Enzo would be so jealous....

Fortunately, Braden looks a bit unsure about this enormous snake. However, he did come home from the Pet Expo and tried to sell me on the idea of getting one. He assured me it would be smaller than this one...phew!!

Mountain Man

2011-04-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Braden discovered that he enjoys one of Papa and Gramma's pastimes as much as they do. Hiking in the great outdoors in Idyllwild made for a perfect evening activity.

He hiked the trails like a champ! Water bottle? Check. Fanny pack? Check Walking stick? Check. Cheesy grin? Always!

He's got the "I can't wait to push Papa in the stream" look all over that face!

Cheetos are the perfect protein to help power through a hike.

Looks just like his Daddy when he was younger. Full of mischief, but so cute!

Searching for creatures or maybe just looking for a way to get really dirty?

Fanny packs do look a bit cooler when worn around the back.

Birthday Boy

2011-03-18T11:31:00.001-07:00

Braden gets so excited about birthdays...anyone's birthday! So naturally, he was thrilled to wake Daddy up on his birthday to give him his presents. We finished the day off with a late dinner out and cake at home.

On the cake, notice the toy dirt bike with the rider doing a trick near the candle flames...this was Braden's addition, of course!

Version 4.5

2011-03-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

Braden's officially 4 and a half today. He really wants to be 5-years-old, so he's excited he's inching closer. I've told him as he gets older, he needs to act like a big boy and be responsible. All my lecturing isn't working....

After begging him to brush his teeth and hair countless times before school, he ran over to me and told me he's ready to leave....

Black & Blues

2011-03-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

We were given tickets to the Anaheim Ducks vs. the St. Louis Blues hockey game. A great excuse for Braden to stay out late, be rowdy, and eat greasy food....

Besides golf, soccer, basketball, and football, Braden has said he wants to play hockey.

Front and center.... Our seats were just a few rows up from the ice! Braden said hockey players don't smile, so he gave me what he referred to as a "mean smile."
Braden examined every player in the guide and kept us up to date on who was on the ice playing.

Already well on his way to having "hockey hair."

Best seat in the house! Matt hoisted Braden up so he could cheer on the fight....a hockey game just wouldn't be the same without a brawl! Braden also rooted loudly for the Ducks who beat the Blues 2-1!

Season Starter

2011-03-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

I guess every mom thinks she's not going to be "that mom" that really gets into her kid's games and cheers loudly from the sideline...and then the first game comes around and it just happens. It's hard not to root for a team consisting of adorable 4 & 5-year-olds doing their best to defeat the other team of adorable 4 & 5-year-olds!

On this gorgeous 83 degree day, Braden had his first official AYSO game, playing on the Silver Knights. This may mark the first day of giving up weekends for the foreseeable future!

Daddy let Braden pick out his cleats...need I say more?! There is an upside to red shoes though...the boys tend to blend in with each other, but I don't think anyone will have a problem immediately spotting which kid is Braden on the field! Another benefit is that the shoes distract from the fact that the jersey would fit me!

The Silver Knights had their first and only practice 20 minutes before the game started. These boys gave the game their best effort, but unfortunately, the other team must have had more practice....
I was worn out just watching these boys run up and down the field....I was told that at this age, they all just stand around or run aimlessly like ants. They actually wanted to score and knew what they were doing on the field!
Braden, Landin and Keegan are either figuring out how to block the other team from scoring another goal or just cracking jokes!

Rest for the Weary

2011-03-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

"How am I going to be a pirate if I have to go to bed?" This is what Braden asked me as he tried to negotiate his way out of having to go to sleep. Ten minutes later, I went in to check on him and found this...

Hat? Check. Eye patch? Check. Treasure map clenched in hand? Check. "How to be a Pirate in 7 Days or Less" book on the pillow? Check!

Move Over Tony Hawk

2011-02-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

Braden recalls that we told him he can start riding a skateboard once he mastered his razor scooter...well, guess that time has come! He seems to take after his father, meaning that he is good at every activity he tries!

This kid is always trying something new. He watches the older boys in the neighborhood do tricks on their skateboards, and then he attempts to emulate them.

Braden unbuckled the strap on his helmet for the picture and commented that this is how he will wear it when he is older....He said he's noticed the big kids on our street do that!
It's probably about time we invest in some knee and elbow pads!

Desert Storm

2011-02-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

The wind and rain storms in the weather forecast wasn't enough to keep us away from spending the weekend in Ocotillo Wells.

Braden loves riding his quad and is developing a liking for his dirt bike too. He's already looking forward to doing some tricks on his bike!

You never know what you might find in the middle of the desert...Amongst an array of beautifully unique rocks, Braden spotted a ladybug. Daddy can't be the only cool parent, so I went for some rides on my dirt bike with Braden. Sadly, he is probably better than I am, so he will be teaching me a thing or two!
Addison rode Braden's quad while he cruised around on his dirt bike. Braden has a hard time not being silly every time he sees a camera.
The rains created a ton of mud, so our Rhino was a mess! This monkey didn't mind at all.
Braden asked how old he has to be before he can drive his friends around in the Rhino....Haha! "Much older," was my answer.
Braden had a blast racing around the track Daddy created for him.
Addison dozed off, but Braden was determined to get as little sleep as possible this weekend!

What?! A smile? That must have been an accident!

Sorry Gramma, this was the best I could get!

We made a visit to the "lost city" which is filled with lots of rock statues and creations.

Braden showed off just a bit on his quad, especially when another little boy was racing around with him. Daddy created a passing lane so Braden wouldn't get stuck going slow behind the other rider. Braden loved cruising over these jumps standing up.

Braden brought along 2 of his monster trucks on a Rhino ride. He said Addison loves trucks, and apparently he was right.

We suggested that Braden take a little break from riding to relax a bit....Running around in Daddy's jacket was his version of chilling out!

Love Bug

2011-02-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

Aside from the handmade cards & gifts, Braden surprised me by saying he was going to get extra clean in the bath for Valentine's Day.

Nothing like cuddling up with a squeaky clean kid! He's such a sweetheart!

Balloon Monsters

2011-02-13T22:43:00.000-08:00

We were excited that our friends, the Araizas, made a surprise visit to our neck of the woods.

Cameron is almost a teenager, but he sure is a great sport!

Braden is so goofy, but Cameron just went along with his antics. That's why Braden wants to go over to Cameron's to hang out and play soon! It's hard to believe that the boy I've known since he was born is old enough to babysit my son now!
I still think of Heidi as a little girl, but somehow she is almost 20! Braden is trying to think of an excuse to have her babysit. I can think of a few reasons!

No Shadow

2011-02-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

We didn't need a groundhog to predict an early spring because we've been experiencing beautiful summer-like weather for weeks. It's hard to imagine that much of the country is dealing with horrible storms while we are enjoying perfect conditions...guess that's what we get for that sunshine tax we pay!

The gorgeous weather has allowed Braden the opportunity to ride his bike and scooter quite a bit. Not exactly a groundhog, but Braden loves this neighborhood cat, Tom.

Rough and Tough

2011-01-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

We had yet another weekend of perfect weather, so Braden took advantage of it by doing as many outdoor activities as he could. He hiked, rode his scooter, played soccer, cruised around on his bike & ran around with the neighborhood kids. It was hot enough to go swimming, but thank God Braden declined the invitation from a neighbor to go in his pool (I'm not quite prepared to pull out my bathing suit yet)!

Braden saw the beautiful pasture and hills and remarked, "Look, God turned everything green & pretty because He knows how much you love that stuff!"

A weekend of lots of outdoor activities meant a fall was inevitable. Braden & his buddy thought it was fun to skid out on their scooters as fast as possible. Unfortunately, their aim was off and they crashed into each other. Just another scar to add to his collection!

Crazy California Climate

2011-01-20T21:58:00.001-08:00

We got fed up with the freezing temperatures (ok, so it wasn't really freezing, but close enough!), so the summer weather we have been experiencing lately has been refreshing. We experienced lots of wind today though, so consequently, there were lots of leaves to rake in the yard.

Braden made a secret wish while blowing the dandelion he found.

Who says chores can't be fun?!
Throwing the leaves everywhere created extra work, and Braden took his job very seriously.

Braden always shows off his strength!

Braden rewarded his hard work with a game of soccer with the dogs...he said the dogs are better players than I am!

Desert Sun Fun

2011-01-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

When temps hit the high 80's, it's time to hit the beach....but since it's January, we decided to head out to Ocotillo Wells instead. When Braden wasn't riding his quad or new dirt bike, he was goofing around with his best gal pal, Addison.

The kids took a break from riding to look super cute, as usual!

Sipping juice & snacking on fruit roll-ups, the kids seemed to be enjoying the view.
The hot weather offered the kids a free pass to squirt everyone with water guns.

Unsure what to even comment about this photo...lack of sleep, really delirious, on a sugar high?!

The kids weren't the only ones who had fun. Our friends planned a themed weekend that included games for the adults that emulated some featured on the show Minute to Win It. Matt aced the Elephant March game. Yep, that's a pair of nylons that he's proudly sporting on his head. He & I won all three of our games!

On a Sunday Afternoon

2011-01-09T22:06:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed the afternoon at Irvine Spectrum with Uncle John-Paul, Aunt Kristen, Charley, Miles, Aunt Maria, Uncle Billy, & Grandma Judy.

The restaurant seated us in a private room on the patio where the boys could spy out this window. They were being a bit obnoxious, but this window provided fun throughout lunch....

Especially when Matt snuck around to scare the boys!
Braden sure loves his Aunt Maria....

and Grandma Judy!

These handsome boys sure look stoic and well-behaved!

This kid never passes up an opportunity to enjoy a carousel ride!

Dog's Best Friend

2011-01-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Braden absolutely loves his dogs, but he especially adores Pepper. He wanted to take her with us while he rode his scooter. Pepper had to really step up her speed because Braden is so fast!

Pepper loves Braden right back, usually in the form of lots of slobbery kisses.

Braden tried to pull Pepper into the tree, but she was too scared.
Braden showed he had no fear!

Dirt path? No problem...Braden went offroading on his scooter.

Riding a scooter really fast is really tiring...

MMXI

2010-12-29T22:57:00.002-08:00

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...

2010-12-25T22:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

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....

2010-12-22T20:22:00.001-08:00

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

2010-12-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-19T23:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-16T20:45:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-12-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T21:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T20:44:00.001-08:00

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!

Curiously Fake?

2010-11-30T20:54:00.000-08:00

Pretend City Museum is featuring a special Curious George exhibit, so we went to check it out.

After waiting in line to meet Curious George, Braden walked away and said, "Mom, I don't want you to be sad, but that Curious George was a total fake."

When I came in to read Braden his Curious George book before bed, this is what I came across...Faking it? Nope, he was passed out after a tiring afternoon at the museum.

Dashing Through the Snow...

2010-11-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

Snowy weather meant tons of fun for the kids. They went on hikes, had snowball fights, and went sledding.

Three out of four kids smiling and looking at the camera?! Not bad!

These three have such a great time together. Going on a hike in the snow was one of the highlights of their stay at Gramma and Papa's.

Kendall led Braden on a fast sled ride....a great way to build up an appetite for turkey dinner!

Family Feastin' & Fun

2010-11-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, we rarely get to spend time with the "other Johnsons," so we were thrilled they made the long trek to southern California for a visit.

After all the feasting, time at the park seemed like a great way to burn some calories!

Why go down the slide one at a time, when all four can tumble down at the same time?
Lyla doesn't let her age prevent her from roughhousing with the big kids.
The Thanksgiving weather was perfect, the setting was beautiful, and the company was even better.

Hanging out with all these girls is so exhausting!
This foursome has the energy of about ten kids, so a dance party seemed like a great idea.

Unsure if Papa enjoys the dog piling, but the grandkids sure do! Papa doesn't look too annoyed!

Papa got a Wii for his birthday, so the kids tested it out. Braden took the game very seriously.

Is this an appropriate game for a 4-year-old? At least he was pretending to hunt animals, not people.

So much for settling the kids down...Gramma pulled her famous move and squirted whipped cream in the kids' mouths.

Pilgrim Pride

2010-11-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

Braden's preschool hosted a Thanksgiving program for parents. He was decked out in a pilgrim costume he made and proudly belted out a song with the other kids.

Braden realized how much he loves Thanksgiving after scarfing down two plates of turkey at the luncheon.

Smart Cookie

2010-11-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

We are experiencing record breaking November heat, so summer is on our minds! Braden comes up with word everyday to spell out in cookies for his lunch. Today's word seemed quite fitting for the 95 degree day!

Braden only needed help with adding a second 'm' to the word...he'll be smarter than us pretty soon!

Once a Marine, Always a Marine

2010-11-02T22:13:00.001-07:00

Deja vu? Braden thought it would be a great idea to dress as a marine again this year, so we happily obliged. May as well get our money's worth out of the costume!

Braden enjoyed a donut breakfast at his preschool's harvest festival.

What a tough-looking cutie!
He found an ideal spot to hide from his buddies, Spiderman and Woody.
Looking handsome in his recycled costume...
Sporting camo shades, Braden walked in the parade with a bunch of stormtroopers, Buzz Lightyears, and princesses.

Braden's buddy, Tate, couldn't determine who was under the hat...His friend finally yelled, "Hey everyone, I figured it out....it's Braden!!"

Braden was thrilled to go back to his old preschool for their harvest festival. He really misses Ms. Tricia and was so excited to see her!

This pretty much sums up this threesome's friendship. Hudson and Braden put Addison on a pedestal and simply adore her. This little princess is the leader of the pack!

Love how Addison doesn't let a frilly dress get in the way of tumbling around with the boys!

There's just something about her!

Unsure how Braden ended up looking more like a clown than a tough marine with war paint...

This marine didn't miss an opportunity to perform stunts for his friends.

Seeing Fireman Daniel at the festival was an added bonus. Braden is looking forward to riding dirt bikes with Daniel in the desert!

A Day at the Farm

2010-10-24T22:36:00.001-07:00

Beautiful sunshine provided a break from the rain, so we headed to Tanaka Farms in Irvine to enjoy harvest season.

Apparently Sponge Bob even likes to hang out at the pumpkin patch. Braden insisted I take a photo of him.

Braden displayed how he could do a better job scaring away the crows...
All I hoped for was one nice photo on top of the haystack by the fall surroundings. Braden took the whole fall thing to a whole new level though!

Braden tumbled down the haystack & over some pumpkins. Happy Fall!

He brushed himself off and he was off to the petting zoo.

This little guy got quite friendly with Braden.

This is the turn-the-camera-off-so-I-can-just-enjoy-chilling-with-the-animals-smile.

Guess even goats love ice cream cones...as long as they're filled with tasty goat treats.

Braden took home the infamous carnival game prizes, including an obnoxious whistle that he blew incessantly until it fell apart. We had to explain to him that prizes are cheap and only last as long as the car ride home.

After searching high and low, Braden found the perfect pumpkin to take home. Matt promised him I'd bake a delicious homemade piumpkin pie...that's funny.

Cooped Up

2010-10-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

Braden and I have the same thoughts on the rain...We pay a fortune to live in southern California, so we should have sunshine 365 days a year. The weekend brought 2 days of relentless sprinkles, but we made the most of it.

We are in the process of remodeling our house, so this was the best I could do to create a movie theatre for Braden...my laptop on the couch so he could watch a DVD.

Braden got bored...
and then delirious...

There's no proof a kid will catch a cold from playing in the rain...and even if Braden does, it was worth it! Braden got wet & muddy...but more importantly, he was worn out & happy after cruising to the park and back on his scooter!

Merry Matrimony

2010-10-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

There are tons of Kinnons, which means tons of weddings...that's a good thing because weddings are a great excuse to see our family! Erin and Garrett chose a perfect San Diego day to say their vows.

Congratulations Garrett and Erin!

Cheers! Braden loved toasting!

It's inevitable...family pictures that we dread taking as much as when we were kids! For some reason, we chose this blase background rather than the beautiful palm trees outside.

The pain of taking the pics is usually worth it though...parents love photos of their kids, even though we are all old now!

The bigger the group gets, the tougher it gets for all of us to look happy...better this than nothing though!

Tour de No Training Wheels

2010-10-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

Braden must take after his Daddy because he picks up on new skills quite quickly. We told him we would take his training wheels off when he turned 4, and he held us to that promise.

Braden was off and cruising without hesitation. I was quite impressed with how fast he was able to learn how to ride without training wheels.

Just like his Daddy, Braden is a total people-watcher....this may get him into some trouble while trying to perfect his cycling skills.
Guess I've found my workout partner!

This show-off makes looking cute so easy too!

Two Little Monkeys...Jumping in a Cage?

2010-10-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

Uncle Billy, Aunt Maria, and Grandma Judy watched Charley, Braden, and Miles and this is the only lousy picture I got? I realize 3 rowdy boys can be difficult and exhausting, but is there something wrong with this picture? By the way, where's Miles??

Braden seems to be having a blast playing in Jade and Hunter's crate. Hmmm, we have a few extra crates at home that could come in handy!

Rebel Without a Cause

2010-10-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Braden has certainly developed a sense of independence and strong opinions. After all, he is 4 now!

Braden cruised into the house on his scooter. His justification? He knows we are replacing the floors soon, so he said it didn't matter if he ruined the existing floor.

We began to think the temporary tattoo Gramma put on Braden's arm was not-so-temporary. After more than a week of trying to scrub it off in the bath, the tattoo didn't budge! Even rubbing alcohol had a hard time getting it off. Braden now points out everyone he sees with "real tattoos".....that should be a battle I won't have to think about for many years, I hope!

Our style-setter decided it is cool to wear shoes like this...not practical at all, but neither are stilettos.

Got Bugs?

2010-10-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Braden went from the kid who was scared of the littlest spider in the house to a bug-lover overnight. Guess boys are meant to love all things gross & slimy.

Braden insisted I read him his books about bugs while he was surrounded by toy bugs.

Braden found this treasure in our bushes...a fresh, moist worm.
Favorite chore around the house? Attacking any and all creatures that happens to sneak in.

Bugs beware...Braden has an accurate swing and he hates flies in particular!

Braden caught a green bug he named Yoda to keep in his bug house. Unfortunately, Yoda died of dehydration, hunger, or maybe just plain boredom...I dread the day Braden has to deal with the death of a real pet.

Braden's first attempt at photography...he made sure all the bugs were posing for the picture.

The Day After

2010-09-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Although Braden's birthday was pretty mellow, he did have his fair share of excitement with all his new gifts & plenty of cake and ice cream. We headed to Disneyland for fun with friends to finish off his birthday weekend.

No matter how old he gets, Braden can't resist a ride on the carousel....especially if Daddy agrees to ride on the horse next to him.

The day is bound to come when sweet, adorable Addison gets fed up with Braden's goofy antics. Until then, they will enjoy having tons of fun together!
While Matt flashed a peace sign, Braden proudly flashed his age. He just kept saying, "I can't believe I'm not 3 anymore!"

It's never too early to teach kids about money...ok, maybe this wasn't a good example of learning about wise spending. He was splurging on Star Wars figures with the Disney Dollars Addison's family so generously gave him. Hey, he did flash his annual pass for a discount...that's my boy!

It's never a good thing when the kids are really tired shortly after arriving at Disneyland...they somehow made it through the day, but by the evening, they were slightly delirious.

Somehow kids always get a second wind....and a third, and a fourth...

The Big Four

2010-09-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

Our sweet, funny, clever baby boy turned 4 today. It's hard to believe since he often acts like he's 8. This smarty pants (or farty pants, as he says) cracks us up daily. The last 4 years have been amazing and we look forward to seeing what this next year brings.

Rather than an over-the-top birthday party, Braden suggested we just hang out at home...do we have an easy kid or what?! We did go out for a birthday dinner with Gramma and Papa.

Why down 1 drink at a time, when double-fisting it is much more efficient?!

We enjoyed walking around the lake & checking out the ducks and snapping turtles.
Braden loved goofing around with Gramma and Papa while enjoying perfect weather and beautiful surroundings.

Mr. Dramatic didn't want to take any more pictures...

But when you're this cute, the camera simply can't resist!

Braden showered the cake while desperately trying to blow out his candles....trick candles that is! I couldn't resist!

Braden quickly cleaned up the cake topper so he could play with it. It combined 2 of his favorite things...Spiderman on a quad.

Braden does most things quite enthusiastically...this triple chocolate fudge brownie cake amped him up more than he already was!

Cool guy cruised down the street on his new bike and showed it off to a few of our neighbors.

While riding his bike, he found a dollar bill in the street...the quad on top of his head? Just something he insisted on putting there if I was going to take a picture.

Braden was so delirious that he wanted me to take a picture of all of his new toys on his head....Here's Grave Digger rolling down his head in slow motion. Braden thought this was a cool trick!

Strange Housemates

2010-09-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

Braden seems to be tracking down some items we haven't pulled out for quite some time...

He tried to pull off a serious demeanor as he sat at the desk. The hair and mustache made me cringe!

Hopefully none of the Hemet folks are offended by this picture. Matt thought a character like this may be seen in that town...he is from there, so guess he would know!

Getting Settled

2010-09-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

The one thing we will miss about moving?? Absolutely nothing!! Moving is one of the worst things to have to do, however, Braden begs to differ!

Guess it goes back to the old idea that if you give a kid a gift, he'll want to play with the box. Braden has had an absolute blast unpacking boxes, exploring our new neighborhood, and settling into a new home. Every time he opens a box, he acts like he's never played with the toy that he finds inside. I think we will save a few boxes to give him for Christmas!

Bulldog Pride

2010-09-17T22:15:00.001-07:00

Braden has been finding all kinds of treasures as we unpack. The latest item he found is Matt's letterman jacket from high school where he played soccer. Braden felt it was appropriate to bring Enzo in the house to play soccer with him since the mascot on the jacket is a bulldog.

Future jock?

Enzo was thrilled by the idea of roughhousing with Braden.

Guess we need to start over with soccer 101...Braden has clearly forgotten the basic rules of the sport!
Looks like Enzo gave up...or maybe he just needed a break from licking Braden!

As usual, the game turned into a wrestling match!

Too Cool for Preschool

2010-09-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

When Braden was dropped off at school today, he had clean clothes on with no holes in them....my, how a few hours changes everything! Braden explained that he made the hole in his pants and crisscrossed the Velcro on his shoes because that's what's "cool." I asked him if the other kids do that and he said they don't. He told me the boys thought he looked cool, but the girls didn't, which was fine with him!

Kids certainly know how to express their personal style early in life!

Just like his Daddy...Braden loves people watching. Actually, he was trying to scope out friends in our new neighborhood. He told me to stop taking pictures because I might scare the kids away!
This was his attempt to appease me with a cheesy grin.

Braden ate carrots for dinner and was showing me how well he could see after eating so many.

This little punk reminded me that he is turning 4 very soon, but told me not to be sad that he is getting so big...I am a little upset, but mostly excited to see what this next year will bring!

June Gloom Looms

2010-08-15T07:55:00.000-07:00

We've experienced a beautiful, yet unusually cool summer in southern California. Unfortunately, the coastal weather has been disappointing, but that didn't stop Braden from still having a lot of fun at the beach in La Jolla.

Braden did just tell me he wants to be an acrobat, so apparently he is already practicing his skills.

Now I know how he had so much sand on him!
Braden likes to be really clean.....

But flossing his toes with seaweed?! That's a bit overboard!!

Braden stayed busy building a giant sand fortress....even the birds at the beach like to hang out with him! (Papa probably taught him a bird call to attract them).

Looking cozy in a sweatshirt, Braden seems perfectly content even though it was too cold to go in the ocean.

Dr. Feelgood

2010-08-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

We are going to miss a lot about the town we live in now when we move in a couple weeks. Fortunately, Braden doesn't need to see a doctor often, but when he does, we can always count on Dr. Du. He actually begs to go see her all the time...the lollipops may have something to do with it.

Braden will be starting at a new preschool, so we stopped in for a quick check-up.

Standing 44" tall, Braden weighs in at a lean 37.5 lbs. He brought his new toy trucks in because he said he thinks Dr. Du loves monster trucks and would want to see them. She definitely acted like she loved them!

Dr. Du always refers to Braden as being "mature" and a perfect patient. He loves her!
Braden has a look of suspicion...and for good reason! Poor Peggy gets a bad wrap! Braden made me promise he wouldn't have to see her at this visit. I told him we'd see her but there would be no shots....he was upset with me because she did do a finger stick to check his hemoglobin. Afterwards he wanted to tell Dr. Du that he really doesn't like Miss Peggy because she's so mean.

BMXer

2010-08-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

Braden has been eagerly anticipating taking off his training wheels. We told him we would do so when he turns 4 next month. He'll probably be in for a surprise when he realizes how tough it will be to ride without training wheels. In the meantime, he is proud of his tricks.

Surprisingly, he hasn't taken any spills on his bike.

This little punk is a bit cocky!
Love his look of concentration as he tried to speed up an incline...

No hands generally=bad idea.

What a cute little bobble head!

Another bad idea...riding a bike up the steps to the slide at the park.

Again, the look of determination...

Off the curb...shockingly, he landed it without a hitch!