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...

MMXI

We brought in 2011 the way Braden wanted to....with lots of sand, fast sandrail rides, and room to ride his quad. He's quickly adopted Glamis as one of his favorite places to spend time. We agree that it's lots of fun!

We took a break from racing through the dunes, but Braden doesn't like stopping for any reason.

He chilled in the driver's seat while watching all kinds of offroad vehicles race up the hill.
Thumbs up to the start of a great new year!

If Only We Could Jar It Up...

The amount of excitement and anticpation that is felt around Christmas time is something that would be great to feel throughout the year. It's so fun to experience the wonder and happiness that Braden has when he sees anything that is associated with Christmas.

We celebrated the most wonderful time of the year at home this year. Although Matt had to work much of Christmas weekend, we were still able to enjoy some time as a family.

Braden didn't mind the simplicity of the day. We are attempting to instill the importance of Christmas being much more than just receiving presents.

Braden made a couple observations that were humorous. After opening one of his toys, he said, "Hmmm, Santa shops at Target!" It happened to be broken, so he commented that we can just return it to Target for Santa.

He examined the box for a game he received and said, "I guess Santa knows how smart I am because this game is for kids that are 8 and older."

Braden makes every Christmas more and more enjoyable!

On Christmas day, I asked Braden if he dreamt of sugar plums the night before. He looked at me strangely and said he dreamt of Santa getting really sick from eating all the cookies at everyone's homes and suggested we leave him something healthy next year.

On Christmas eve, the neighbors dropped by a gift for Braden, so we let him open it. He made car sounds until he finally wore himself out and passed out!

Braden never fails to rise with the sun. Of course Christmas morning was no different.
He immediately went into pirate mode when he opened his new book.

One of his favorite gifts was a remote control car that transforms into a monster truck.

He thought it was hilarious to crash the car into my feet as I took a picture.

Treasure Hunt

Life with a son is always adventurous and unpredictable. Take this morning for example...

This is what I came downstairs to find at 7:00am...Tons of energy and "aaarghhhhs!"

Braden's always thinking of his mama....a pink gem for me!

A day without rain after a week of storms meant taking a bike ride. The skull head scarf didn't come off. Rather, his helmet just went over it, so he was pulling off a bit of a Bret Michaels look.
This rebel talked me into jumping the fence where the sign said to stay out.

He gave me the convincing, "C'mon Mom, I come back here with Dad, so it's fine!"

He wanted to show me the rushing stream behind our house and hoped the sunshine would bring out some animals.

Although bunnies and birds were the only creatures we found, Braden did spot this treasure in the mud. He suggested taking the necklace with us to give to the baby girl Aunt Maria will be having. He knows how much his aunt loves jewelry, but then he recalled how much she hates dirt. So he changed his mind & decided we will just go buy the new baby some jewelry.

Lots of mud, sunshine, and space to run=tons of fun for a kid who's been cooped up for what felt like eternity!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things....

Call it bad timing on my part....I have been wanting family photos taken, so I talked Matt and Braden into letting our friend, Sarah, take some pictures. Of course the only time we really had time was on the way to Addison's birthday party. On top of his excitement about seeing her, Jett surprised us by showing up to the photo shoot! Since Addison and Jett are two of Braden's best friends, he was slightly distracted. Somehow he still pulled off being adorable with flying colors!

The beauty of the nature in La Cresta is a bit distracting, so Braden took advantage of running around a bit in it.

Hanging out with my boys...Not much more that I could ask for!

Enjoying the scenery, or just being too cool...

This kid sure keeps us entertained with his antics and stories!
Never to0 old to have us swing him in the air!
Braden promised me he'll never be too old to hold my hand.
This was the I'm-getting-sick-of-the-camera-being-in-my-face look.
Braden and Jett just wanted to talk about Star Wars, not take pictures.
Of course, Braden found a bit of time to goof around.

The Greatest Gift of All

This year has been a bit of a whirlwind for our family. New jobs, new home & a new school are just a few of the changes we've experienced. This Christmas doesn't feel as festive as previous years. Somehow we didn't even end up with a Christmas tree!

Nevertheless, we recognize the real reason we celebrate Christmas. We are grateful our family has been so blessed.

I don't need to be given another gift in my life as long as I have my two favorite boys.

What a handsome pair!