Class of 2010

Braden "graduated" from his preschool class & was promoted into the 4-year-old class today. His class performed a song at the school's graduation ceremony, which Braden belted out much louder than the other children. He has the reputation for being the outspoken one in class who is always quick to blurt out answers to questions & correct Ms. Tricia when she makes a mistake. Before presenting Braden with his certificate, she bragged about him a bit. He loves to try to read everything & "is smarter than many of the older kids in preschool & kindergarten" (Hope that trend continues!!). Ms. Tricia wants an invitation to the White House when Braden becomes president since she's sure this is the path he'll take (Not if we have any say in it!). He is a great negotiator and can talk his way out of getting a 'sad stick' any time he's on the verge of receiving one for being in trouble. Braden, "The Politician" (as his certificate reads) is really going to miss Ms. Tricia!

I couldn't resist the opportunity to brag about Braden. It'll be interesting to look back at this in 20 years...

No June Gloom Here!

So much for the spring cleaning plans I had. Summertime is here & Braden insisted we jump in the pool to cool off.

Braden said it's ok that we don't live on the beach like his cousin Charley. We enjoyed splashing around with his beach toys and soaked up the perfect weather. We love summertime!

The Three Stooges

A beautiful Memorial Day weekend provided an opportunity to enjoy family and friends while soaking up the sunshine.

Addison's house offered tons of new activities. Hudson, Addison, & Braden just couldn't be stopped!

It was as if Braden was at Raging Waters when he saw this slide. The kids probably could have spent hours on it!
Braden was too excited to take time to change into his trunks. He jumped in with his clothes on!

The kids were unfazed when they'd fly right off the end of the slide. They'd pop up & run around to go for more!

Braden feared he and Hudson would get stuck playing with mermaids and princesses, but Addison has more toy guns than he has!

I thought maybe they'd pass out from all the excitement once they were on the ground...but I was wrong! The fun went on for many more hours!

Signature Look

It appears as though Braden has adopted a trademark look similar to a great athlete before his time. When Braden is concentrating on soccer, he sticks out his tongue like Michael Jordan would do before making a great shot.

It's too early to say whether we have a pro athlete on our hands, but if he wants to help us to retire early, that would be fine with us!

He learned some of the basics of soccer in this fundamentals class, so he should be ready for a team next season.

Spoiled

I'm not big on receiving attention or being showered with gifts on holidays. Matt knows this about me and never pays attention to it. He always spoils me...and apparently Braden hasn't learned this about me yet. I must admit though, the homemade gifts from Braden are priceless and I will always gladly accept those types of presents! In one of the cards he made at school, he commented on a few things about his mommy. Here are a few of my favorites:

My mom's age....30 (Most of the other kids guessed their moms are 8, 10, or in their teens, but Braden got much closer...unsure if that's a compliment)

My mom's favorite food...Tomatoes (He avoids these like they are poisonous. Since I eat them, I guess he assumes they are my favorite)

My mom's favorite thing to do...Mom loves race cars and going to the zoo

My mom looks prettiest when she wears...Dresses (which is very rare...he has commented to me that I always wear pants, just like Daddy)

My mom's favorite TV show is...Grown up shows like The Simpsons (This is a "cartoon that has bad words in it," according to Braden. I never watch this show so I'm unsure where he came up with this response!)

A Treat for Being Sweet

Growing up, I recall making myself sick when visiting my grandmothers because of the immense amount of treats they had on hand. Visiting their homes was like going to a dessert shop and I just didn't know how to use self control. Likewise, Braden's grandparents shower him with treats and he doesn't seem to mind a bit...well, that is until he complains of a tummy ache.

Braden told his preschool director that he couldn't eat any junk food there because he would be eating lots of treats at his Papa and Gramma's house. He went on to explain that they had Cheetos, chocolate milk and gummies waiting for him. Ms. Jen got quite a kick out of that story since Braden declined to enjoy the cookies and candy they were having for a party that day.

Braden helped Gramma make cupcakes. He practically inhaled this one in a single bite and left just a little evidence on his face, but a lot on the floor!

Mom's Day

Spending the day at home with family is the perfect way to enjoy Mother's Day. I am so blessed with a wonderful son who makes everyday special.

Have I mentioned how much I absolutely adore this funny boy that surprises me with his wit daily?

Is it possible that he'll always be this sweet and loving?!

Class Cuties

The mothers were invited to preschool for a special program in honor of Mother's Day. We enjoyed a morning full of activities, including a song performed by the class.

Braden belted out the "I Love Mommy" song loudly. It's unclear why his buddy, Hudson, is glaring at him. It could be because Addison is torn between the two on who should be her boyfriend this week. Braden made it very clear to me that Addison is just his friend and he doesn't kiss her or hold her hand at school. He just hugs her sometimes and gives her heart stickers....they are 3-years-old! I don't know where he comes up with this!

Braden also told me that he loves Ms. Tricia almost as much as he loves me...once again, I'm not sure how to take that!

Cruisin' for a Bruisin'

Braden's preschool teacher nicknamed him Boo Boo Bear because he often has new bumps, scrapes, scratches and bruises. I chock it up as something we'll deal with for the next several years simply because he's an adventurous boy. His new favorite activity is riding his razor scooter.

He was showing off a bit by trying to jump the scooter off the curb.

Braden looks like the cutest little bobble head in this helmet. Surprisingly, there were no falls on this day.

Two Can Play at this Game

Some boys just never grow up....

Guess this never gets old. I recall Matt doing this with Braden when he was a baby. Braden still squeals with laughter.

Braden proudly displays his strength any chance he gets!