Field Trippin'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."