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!

The Reason for the Season

Throughout this season, we've asked Braden why we celebrate Christmas. His response has been, "Because it's Enzo's birthday!" While that is true, we have had to remind him that we are really celebrating the birth of Jesus, not our fat, lazy bulldog. We've enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season. While we really tried to focus on the fact that Christmas isn't all about the gifts, somehow Braden still ends up getting a little spoiled this time of year.

It all started with the advent calendar. Braden usually eagerly anticipates the cheap chocolate surprise that each day of advent offers. Not this year though...Matt found a Star Wars Legos advent calendar, so Braden enjoyed a different Lego project everyday instead. Surrounded by his daily treats, he's actually holding up an Ewok village he received as a gift...unsure why he's flexing!

Another Lego creation that Braden and Daddy assembled. Legos are quite possibly the best invention on earth. They keep dads busy and sons entertained for hours.


Nothing says Merry Christmas quite like a Legos Christmas tree and Yoda dressed as Santa. Understandable why these Star Wars Legos are so irresistible!

Time for Braden to decorate himself and the tree!

Flexing his muscles, Braden announced he was ready for the final touches on the Christmas tree.

With a little help from Daddy's muscles, Braden was content with the final product.

Christmas morning brought tons of excitement and way too many presents!

His expression seems to yell that this was the racetrack he wanted!

Clothes don't excite a 5-year-old much, but Star Wars slipper socks make the perfect stocking stuffer.

Standing in front of his collection, Braden displayed another favorite stocking stuffer...magnetic Star Wars Legos characters...that adhere perfectly to the oven. Braden said they look good there and it's a good way to keep them warm.

Our crazy, little elf!

Dreaming of a Bright Christmas

While southern California is always beautiful this time of year, it has been extra sunny and warm lately. This is exactly why we live here! We love it!!

Even though Braden is dressed for a chilly morning, he made sure to cover himself in sunscreen.

Can't forget the lips!
This white boy needs to protect his fair complexion!

Officially ready to head to school and face the sunny day!

Lights, Camera, Action!

The annual school holiday performance is always an entertaining event. Braden sang with gusto and was filled with Christmas spirit...only problem was the fact that the holiday show had absolutely no holiday theme whatsoever. The theme instead was "generosity"....which is associated with what the Christmas season is about.

Braden nailed his little jig with Sierra.

He performed his speaking lines with ease.
All that singing, dancing and speaking made this kid ravenous!

Enjoying the beauty of a humongous tree, Braden really wanted to get up close and personal.

Gramma and Papa were in the area, so they surprised Braden at his performance.

There's nothing like a squeezy hug from Paparoni.

All smiling and looking at the camera? Quite a rarity...which is pretty sad since there are only three of us!

After a pajama party at school, a performance and a long dinner...Braden's energy level didn't fade...one bit!