Sharing the Spotlight

One of the perks of attending a small school is getting the opportunity to stand up in front of everyone to receive a birthday wish.  Braden shares his special day with the kindergarten teacher, as well as a junior higher.  He doesn't mind the extra attention that Mrs. Abell and Annaleise give him.

 

Braden wasn't shy about marching up in front of all the students.

 Sent to the principal's office on his birthday? Braden happily accepted his 'free dress coupon' to be used on a day he doesn't want to wear his uniform.

 Somehow Braden managed to disassemble Mateo's tie while they were goofing around.

Zachary, Austin, Braden, Caleb, Jared and Garrett burned off some energy and managed to get really dirty.

 Braden excitedly welcomed his surprise lunch guests.  Cameron, Kelsey, Lindsey, Kennedy and I brought Braden a gourmet lunch...a Doritos taco and a burrito from Taco Bell.

 Braden absolutely adores this girl.  The feelings are obviously mutual!

 Annaleise came over to the elementary school campus to bring Braden brownies and give him a birthday hug.

 Another perk at Stoneybrooke?  Braden's class prayed for him to have a blessed birthday.

 The students enjoyed some freshly baked smores cookies...by freshly baked, I mean at the bakery at Pavilions.

 Braden asked to take a picture with his new 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Long...he has already mastered the art of kissing up. 

 

Celebrating Seven

Braden invited his closest buddies to celebrate his 7th birthday at Etnies Skate Park.  They were given a lesson by one of the skate pros and then showed off their skills. 

 

Trip, Quinn, Braden, Landin and Keegan paused for a moment before they enthusiastically raced to go skate.

Braden had so much fun skating around the park. 

 It was great to see how much better he got over the summer.

 Papa never misses an opportunity to hit up the skate park.  He opted to hang out with this little sweetheart, rather than showing off his tricks. 

 Quinn and Braden jump ramps together in the neighborhood, so naturally Quinn tears it up at the skate park.

 Looking like a pro...

 Trip is another neighborhood skater.

 These boys don't have much fear.

Deep inside a big bowl... 

 It was really hot!  It is understandable that Kennedy wanted some of Mitch's Gatorade!

 Carter was about to try skateboarding for the first time, while Jaydon was already a pro.

 Stacy stuck around to watch Caden try skateboarding for the first time too.  He had just celebrated his 5th birthday, so he was exhausted from his party.

 What a surprise!  The Nelsons dropped by for a quick visit.  Uncle John-Paul was hobbling in on his crutches, but we didn't capture him in a photo.

 Another rookie, Jack did awesome for his first time. 

 Kelsey spends tons of time with these kiddos, but she didn't skip the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the skate park.  Braden was thrilled she was there.

 These cousins have so much fun together, but unfortunately, we don't get to see them very often.

 Braden and Caleb look like skater models.

 It is hard to say whether or not Cam liked his first skating experience.

 Guess her expression says it all.  Kennedy seemed to love every bit of the party.

 Braden showed off some tricks and managed to avoid injuries.

 Unsure whether Kelsey's boyfriend, Mitch, intended to hold a baby the whole time, but he ended up doing so.  He looked like a natural.  Maybe Kelsey gave him some tips.

 Just when I thought we avoided blood, Quinn showed off an injury. This digger didn't stop him from going right back out and having fun.

 Poor Charley was a bit under the weather, but he still managed to flash his adorable smile.

Cornell thought a photo would cramp his style.

 Guess Caden couldn't bear to just watch the boys skate.  He mustered up enough energy to try out his new board.

Cole taught the boys some new tricks.  Cornell, Quinn, Trip and Austin had fun showing off their new skills.

It was tough to peel these kids away from skating for some pizza and cake. 

 The boys enjoyed sunglasses, stickers and buttons compliments of Trip's dad...who conveniently runs 2 skate apparel companies.

 Cameron loved being a spectator but he will be ready for his own skateboard before we know it.

 Carter looked like a pro after just an hour of skateboarding.

 To cap off the party, the boys gathered for the piñata.

What a great party with this group of crazy friends! 

 The birthday boy got to take a whack first....

which ended up being the last! 



First Class

Summer's officially over and Braden is a first grader.  As he approaches his 7th birthday, here are some things that he said today...

 

I'm excited to start 1st grade because I will get homework.

When I grow up, I want to be a police officer.

My favorite color is turquoise.

My favorite food is a hamburger.

I love doing sports with Dad and playing board games with Mom.

My favorite family activity is going dirt bike riding in the desert.

I love spending time with the babies making them laugh.

My favorite sport is soccer.

 

Didn't crack a book all summer.  Instead Braden had tons of fun!  Hope he's prepared for a new school year!

Kicking Back

With summer winding down, Braden participated in a couple soccer camps.  Getting ready for fall soccer to start soon!

 

This AYSO camp was at Wagon Wheel.

Kelsey came to cheer Braden on.  Cassidy never skips an opportunity to feed the babies.

Camp buddies, Matthew, Cornell and Braden, tore it up on the field together.

Couldn't let Preston be left out.  Those girls love to help!

I made it back from work just in time for the awards ceremony, and to hang out with the babies.

We loved Coach Brogan's funny accent...she was visiting from England.

Squeezed in one last camp with Elite Soccer League.

 Coach Adam told Braden to make a serious soccer face...not Braden's strength obviously!

 A camp in Bakersfield with Uncle CJ and two locally should prepare Braden for a great soccer season!



Boot Scootin' Boogie

The city of Rancho Santa Margarita hosts summer concerts at the park.  The babies loved dancing to the country music. 

 

 

 We are counting down the years until Callia is old enough to babysit.  She adores the twins, but doesn't do diapers.

Terri has her hands full with three busy kids of her own, but she never hesitates to take an opportunity to snuggle with the babies.

National Holiday

There are official days devoted to mustard and bad poetry, so why wouldn't there be one annually to acknowledge twins?!

 

I didn't find out it was national twin day until the babies were already in bed.  I did what any good mom would do and took them out of their cribs to take their photo.  Clearly, I had to dress them appropriately for the occasion.  Kennedy seemed pleased with the idea, while Cameron acted like this was the most illogical idea I've ever had.

So the next morning, I discovered it wasn't national twin day, but rather national twin weekend!  I stripped them down to eat some carrots, but they still looked too cute to resist a photo opp.  A tutu and bow always seem appropriate.