All American Weekend

It's tradition for us to spend Presidents Day weekend in the desert, so we enjoyed a couple days in Glamis...to honor our former presidents, of course.

Geared up and ready to ride, Braden was prepared to conquer a track.

He would've spent the whole weekend racing around the track if we had let him.
Seeking a cool spot to hide out for a while, Braden dug a hole in the sand and chilled out.

Taking a break from riding in the sandrail, Braden hung with Daddy...

and shockingly paused for a moment with me...couldn't resist being silly though, as usual!

Is there a more appropriate way to honor American presidents than with a pinata? The Moyas never fail to celebrate!

Braden hoped for one last piece of candy to fall out.

Braden recognized that he should never pass up an opportunity to pose for photo with a cute girl!

Usually that is followed up with showing off! What girl isn't impressed with free falling?!

Is it apparent that Stella, Braden and Tyler have had way too much candy?

Braden agreed to take a stroll and enjoy the sunset...the walking stick was for protection....from what, I don't know!

Stella wanted Braden to play with her toys with her...Braden was being a bit dramatic in his response.

Improvising after he misplaced his hat...

We just never know what we'll see in Glamis! Braden got a kick out of Paparazzi, a male dog who was dyed pink, had glittery polish, feather extensions & eyelash extensions with rhinestones...

Jammin' with Monsters

Braden and Matt felt they needed a boys night out, so they went to the Monster Jam. There are few outings more exhilarating than giant trucks crushing cars and everything else in sight while racing around a track.

Ooops, an accident before they even made it inside the stadium...looks serious...drew quite a crowd...just a practical joke.

Pit passes offered the ability to check everything out, up close and personally.
Braden has been looking really tall lately, but not so much in this photo!

"I'll take this one Dad!"

Grave Digger has gone through several make-overs...think this was it's 80's look.

This was obviously Grave Digger's awkward stage.

From Braden's expression, it's safe to say he thinks this is Grave Digger's best look to date.

Braden played pit crew member and checked out the ice cream man's truck.

This seemed like a cool idea...until a kid copied Braden and got in trouble.

Tempting to climb around under there, but somehow Braden refrained.

Thumbs up after thoroughly checking the truck out!

Guess it's a good thing that Braden doesn't really know how to throw gang signs. He gave it a good try though.

Sugar high, gatorade mustache, monster tire earphones...looks like the night was a success!

Questioning the Groundhog's Prediction

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

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

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!