Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Braden

Cousin Jake

Logan's new friend Hannah

Braden got a Hess Truck.....

Happy Birthday Cupcake

Handy Manny Truck

I am going to be doing this post slightly backwards and talking about the later part of Christmas day and Braden's birthday. Christmas morning will have to come later - the pics are on my mom's camera card. But let's just say that Braden was thrilled about the train set that was up and running when he came down the stairs. He played with it for hours throughout the day......

We spent the morning here at our house (no pics yet) enjoying the kids and having breakfast with my family and Darren's. We stopped for nap time (Mommy and Daddy included) and then headed over to the Hardels for an evening of gifts and food. "Santa" was extremely generous to me this year and gifted me the camera of my dreams....the one I had been "eyeing" up for so long. Up until this point I had been using my mom's camera, but she didn't seem to mind - especially since it has been returned to her with lots of extra pictures from the kids. (Thanks Mom)

Both Darren and I both received a lot great gifts and are so glad that we got to spend the holidays with those who mean the most to us. We love you all!! Merry Christmas....more to come

Christmas Tree

I know it's hard to see (especially since my eyes are closed) but that's our tree behind us

We adventured out to our favorite Christmas tree farm over the weekend and spent about an hour climbing the fields for the "perfect tree". It took Darren and I awhile to find a tree we agreed upon - Braden on the other hand pointed at almost every tree we saw. He took a particular liking to the trees his size.
Once we finally decided on one - my mom pointed out the birds nest that was built in to the top of the tree. As soon as Darren heard that - he said "Nope" not for us.......
For those of you who don't know it has been said that a bird's nest brings good look to those who are trying to have a baby. Hmmmmmm - stay tuned, maybe another year.

Despite Darren's objection - that tree now sits in our living room. Here are some pics......

No More Pics

Unfortunately my camera took a turn for the worse - and stopped working yesterday.......it's funny how these things happen - because I have be "eying" up a new camera for a while now (well - a couple of weeks) It's a little expensive - and I think Darren's convinced I did something to my camera so that I could get a new one. However I can honestly say - that is not true this time. So if you notice - I won't have any photos to share until we finish the great camera debate - and decide on a new one. (For my sake - I hope it's before X-mas and maybe even before Jake is born)

A Visit with Santa

Just in case you wanted to know what $39.99 gets you......

I had to wrestle with Braden to even get him to sit there. Darren managed to get one smile out of him - but of course it's the only photo that Logan isn't looking at the camera. And I just wish I wasn't even in the picture - good thing my eyes are closed, NOT!!

Under Construction

I have been meaning to post some photos of the house - under construction.....Let's see - we've been here a little over a month and we have managed to completely gut the powder room, paint the boys room, living and dining room and even put a hole in our kitchen ceiling (first photo). Darren attempted to get into the attic.....you know what happened next.

The boys have adjusted well - and even though they miss living across the street from Aunt Jody and Uncle Bart - they really like the yard and all the space to play.

Where's Cousin Jake.....

Just in case you were wondering what Jake did on Thanksgiving........he was supposed to arrive this past Tuesday.

Happy Thanksgiving

We spent most of Thanksgiving day playing outside - Braden and Logan both enjoyed the mountain of leaves in our front yard. I even attempted to get a photo of the boys together - but Braden didn't really want any parts of that.

Happy Halloween

Halloween was a big success! Braden went dressed as Handy Manny (no big surprise there) and Logan would have been Winnie the Pooh had he not fallen asleep waiting to go out. Braden took to the concept quickly and a followed the neighborhood kids up the street. He admired the "glow sticks" that many of the older kids had (good idea for next year) and didn't seem to mind the scary monsters handing out candy. He took his time picking out candy - so much time that Mommy or Daddy ended up choosing for him. (Mommy and Daddy will be eating most of it anyway)

Most of our family came to the house to enjoy the kids and eat Pizza! What a nice evening.

Say "Cheese"

Braden is starting to realize what a camera is all about - and he wants no parts of it. As you can see it's very difficult to capture him - I have to bribe Braden to even look at the camera. I taught him to say "cheese" but he'll say it as he's walking away or just not looking. This is also why I don't have many photos of the boys together.

First Photo Shoot

I finally decided it was time to take the boys to get their picture taken. I had procrastinated enough and even though it was in my best interest to take another "adult" with me - I didn't. And I must say to my surprise - it went quite well.

The photographer introduced herself to Braden as "Kat," so he replied "kitty" - which I hope she found humerous. She took some pretty good shots considering the fact that Braden seemed to run out of every frame. Logan on the other hand just sat and smiled (most of the time) Once she was done taking the photos - we walked around the mall until the prints were ready. Braden dumped an entire water bottle down his pants and all over the stroller. Lucky for him - he didn't mind his clothes wet - because I didn't have a extra set with me.

Logan's New Buddy

Logan has taken a liking to musical toys - they soothe him (well, and his thumb too) GiGi was kind enough to get him his own dragonfly that plays a lullaby when you pull it's tail. As you can see he's enjoying it.

Our New House

"Peese" Mommy

We were in the backyard playing today when Braden decided that he was going to go swimming. He pulled his pool off the patio, gathered his toys and the hose and said "Peese Mommy."
How could I say no.........

The Elmwood Zoo

Darren, Braden and I spent some time at the Elmwood Zoo this past weekend. It was Braden's first trip to the zoo. He enjoyed the animals - but had a blast walking through the praire dog tunnel. He also like the "misting" fountain. All he wanted to do was press the button, but I didn't mind - it was really hot and I enjoyed the cool spray.

Like Father Like Son

Need I say more - wonder where Braden learned that.......

Recent photos of the boys

Here are some photos I took this week while hanging out at home. It's amazing how fast they both are growing. Braden received his 2nd haircut this past Tuesday. He seems to be a lot cooler without all that hair - but we miss the curls.......

Logan has starting smiling and responding to our voices. He likes to "Coo" and copy my sounds. I think that he is going to be the vocal one in our family.

Father's Day

Braden and Logan had a card ready for Daddy we he woke up Sunday morning. Braden had painted Daddy a coffee mug - but he had decided to give to him a week early without Mommy knowing. Unfortuntely most of the day was spent either packing or in the car. We headed home from the shore to have Sunday dinner at the Hardel's to celebrate Father's Day and also Jody's birthday. With all the packing and unpacking that took place - Mommy forgot to bring her camera......

Happy Father's Day to all the "Dad's" in our life.