Move Over Tony Hawk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...