Little Leaguer

We've avoided having Braden play baseball because it is a long season and he is already involved in so many activities.  However, we decided to let him try it for a season.  Matt helped coach and we had a great time cheering on the White Sox.

 

 

Beginner's luck or just a natural?  Braden has never played baseball, but he swung the bat like a champ.

Baseball is not really Matt's sport, but somehow he got roped into helping coach.



Every athlete loves to be cheered on.  Kendall and Sydney made good cheerleaders for the game they watched.

Love baseball uniforms, especially on this cute guy.

Gramma didn't bring hotdogs in a thermos to the game, but she did come armed with lots of squeezy hugs.

 Dramatic slide....and he's safe!!

 So much for Chips Ahoy...the Donaldsons brought personalized cookies for a snack.

 If there was an award for cutest player, it is obvious who would win.

Waiting in the dugout for his turn to bat.

 Braden got to play on the same team as his buddies, Austin, Garrett and Landon.  By the end of the season, he had many new friends too!

 Someone got creative with the cupcake toppers for the end of the season party.

Kennedy thinks baseball is boring.  The bow served as head protection from any flying balls.

The moms loved getting their baby fix at baseball games and practices.  Valerie wants another baby, so I let her hang out with the twins as much as she wanted.

All decked out for a dance competition, Kylie didn't kiss Cameron.  Andrea snuggled up with him as much as she could though.

Dad's Day

This Father's Day was three times the fun now that we have two additions to the family.  Poor Cam sat still for a quick photo before he vomited all over Matt....One of the many joys of fatherhood.

 

 

Happy Father's Day to an awesome dad who is adventurous, fun and loving.

School's Out for Summer!

Kids often have an end-of-the-year party, but Stoneybrooke goes all out and hosts a beach celebration for the school.

 

Braden can't go anywhere without picking up some sort of creature.  In this case, it was just a benign crab.

 These boys love being active.  Football was their game of choice on the sand.

 Best buds, Caleb, Austin, Braden, Garrett and Landon...

Don't think he got too far using this method, but Braden still managed to have fun scooting around on the boogie board. 

The Graduate

Braden had an awesome year in Mrs. Abell's kindergarten class.  Difficult to believe he won't be an Alligator anymore!

 

 

What a cute bunch of kids from the Ladera Ranch and San Juan campuses!

Mrs. Abell said many kind words about Braden. She commented on his strong character, in particular.

 Garrett's dad, John, insisted on getting his baby fix.

 This big shot is officially a first grader.

 The diploma made it official.

 Braden, Mateo, Garrett and Landon aced kindergarten.

 Braden and his buddy, Caden.

 Braden has so many great friends at Stoneybrooke.  Austin is one of his best buddies.

 Hard to believe that we will be doing this all over again in 5 years...

Molly is the sweet girl who always hugs Braden.  He doesn't seem to mind!

 Quick personalization by Daddy 5 minutes before the ceremony.

Things

Braden's class had a Dr. Seuss themed party to celebrate the end of the year. Kennedy and Cameron invited themselves.  That is acceptable because they had their Thing 1 and Thing 2 outfits for the occasion.  And really, who can resist 4 month old twins anyway?

 

Braden and Garrett won the two-legged race. These boys manage to have fun no matter what they are doing together.

 Of course Kelsey happily accepted the offer to crash the class party.  We weren't there to volunteer.  Just showed up to display the babies' cuteness.  Oh, and obviously to watch Braden participate in the festivities.

 We must get a blue wig next time there's an opportunity to wear this outfit.

 Braden loves when the babies visit him at school.  He is such a proud big brother!

Take Two

Our attempt a couple weeks ago to get family photos went terribly awry, so I decided to torture myself and give it another whirl.  We met at Nicole's studio for a quick photo shoot.  My genius children remembered the lady with the giant camera though, and acted miserably much of the time we were there....

 

They seemed terrified of the camera and ended up wearing themselves out!

 At least they couldn't get upset with Nicole if they were sleeping.

 Something about a sleeping baby in a vintage suitcase is adorable.

 Refreshed from a quick snooze, we got a semi-smile out of Kennedy.

 Cam decided to give Nicole a chance.  After all, she couldn't possibly be too mean, right?!

 One smile wore her out!

 This girl loves her accessories...she insisted on the bracelet of course.

 Cam just cracks himself up. 

This sweet thing has discovered her voice and she isn't afraid to use it.  Loudly. Clearly, she has some Italian in her. 

 Feel free to get comfortable, Cameron!

 Those lips! 

Tide Pools

 

I had the pleasure of going on the last field trip of the school year with Braden's kindergarten class.  We visited the Laguna Beach tide pools.

 

Braden, Garrett and Noah took advantage of being allowed to wear a hat.

 Braden really wanted me to go on the field trip.  He kept running over to give me a hug or kiss.  That behavior will last forever, right?!

 Garrett and Braden always look like they're up to something...

 My kid was the only one that felt the need to put seaweed all over himself.  I think it is good for the complexion.

 Digging in the sand never gets old for these boys.

Braden tried to entice Jared with some seaweed.

 

 Nyra and Sophia wanted their picture taken so Braden kind of photo bombed it.

 That slimy stuff makes a good necklace.

We will miss Mrs. Abell when Braden graduates kindergarten in a couple weeks! 

 Braden got a little antsy since he wasn't allowed to touch the wildlife in the tide pools.  He kept himself entertained though.

 Good buddy Austin didn't mind a little seaweed wrapped around him.