Lil Grom

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

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

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

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

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

Somehow he can still pull off looking cute!

Aqua Man

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

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

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

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

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!