1st day of school

summer cont...

We had a lot of cousin time. We had to get it in. We were lucky to be able to spend three weeks there. The Dawsons just moved there as well so we had even extra cousins this year. The kids are already talking about going back.

This year was the Bunker reunion. It was fun catching up with the Harris family and all of their new additions. Some great stories were told and memories made. This picture is of my mom. She is telling stories about our ancestors and with this she had photos of them around the pavillion with their names underneath. I wish that I had my video on. I was so mesmorized with the whole thing, not only did I not take videos- I didn't take pictures of ANY of it. Help to all of those who attended. Send me pictures---Please!

At the beginning of the reunion, we had all of the families meet to spend some "gathering" time. We had a giant water slide in Susans back yard. It did not take long for the fun to begin.

I know this is a blurry photo. My camera broke. So all of the photos are from my phone. ugh. At Beckys the kids spent a ton of time on her trampoline. It makes me miss ours. Note to self. Get trampoline.

Summer Fun in Utah

Brittany spent her day off and filled tons of water balloons and made a cousin water fun day. Thanks Brittany!

Seven Peaks was crazy- Braeden went on Everything scary FIRST! Which meant mom had to go on them as well. The drop of doom ones are scary enough, but to watch your little guy do it is even scarier! Devin is getting old enough to go off with the older crowd. I saw glimpses of him throughout the day. They both were having a blast with their cousins.

Moving into our new home for the first time. Mixed emotions there. More on move later.

The last time at the Sienna House. I have a lump in my throat typing so I will move on and post about this later. Still fresh. Boo hoo.

One last culdesac party before we leave Houston. We will miss the kids and my wonderful neighbors so much.

Division A Champion!

Braeden won the Division A championships tonight and it was CLOSE! My voice is almost gone from screaming so much! He made some great plays at 2nd and hit some great balls. It is his first year at machine pitch and he is the youngest on his team- he was not at all intimidated by it. Gotta Love it! The score was 22 to 21 and they were a hard team to beat. We had 2 outs and it was tied, a player at 1st and 2nd. What a nail biter- but whack! the 2nd made it home- You can hear the crowd cheering cant you? It was AWSOME! I cannot wait until next season! So proud of you Braed.

Quote of the day

Quote of the day:

On the way to school, Braeden was driving like a mad man on the sidewalk, nearly crashing every time. This was done of course on purpose. I said, Braeden, what are you doing?! His reply :

"Mom, I have to live like this so I have some stories to tell my kids!"

Pokemon and potatoes

On Sunday we broke up the duties for sunday dinner, Braedens was to set the table and make it look nice. He thought that Pokemon would be the best for Roast dinner. Anytime we would move one of the pokemon, he would say, " That is supposed to be gaurding moms cup, etc.. What is funny, is in the past, I would have just said, Braeden please take these off the table, we are having a nice dinner. The older I get I think, hey... he set the table-Yeah! On the way to school this morning Braeden holds my hand walking into the school and lets me give him a kiss on the cheek. I see him going down the hall rubbing his hand back and forth to remove any remnant of kiss left. I turn to the lady at the desk, she says- Look at it this way- He is just rubbing it in real good so it wont come off. From now on, rubbing a kiss will take on a whole new meaning.

First day of Kindergarten

Braeden was so excited to get up this morning. He kept saying-"I'm gonna miss you mommy- but i'll be back, it's ok." We had pancakes with whip cream and the kids watched the clock-"let's go early!" We have to wait for the doors to open first honey.

Time to go and mom takes out the camera., My boys are not the take a picture of me type, so I have to get it in fast. On our bikes and scooter and off we go. I could barely keep up with Braeden. I jokingly said" Well, I guess he doesn't have seperation anxiety."

We are met at the front by the principal and she says, ok Allison, no crying. I won't ( at least that is what I keep telling myself)

Braeden does his goofy face while I am taking his picture with his teacher. He then has a goal to find a red crayon for his picture they are coloring. He's ok- time to go. I am doing alright at this point and kiss him goodbye. I leave the classroom and hide where he cannot see me. He has put down his crayon and looks down at his drawintg. I see him rub his eyes and I know what that means. He is trying to keep the tears in.

I try to get the attention of the teacher to say- Hey- look, my little boy needs a hug. But she is busy. It is all I can do to hold myself back from running in there and scooping him up.

I run away and take deep breaths down the hall so I do not let the flood gates open. Still taking deep breathes a block away, 2 ,3. I turn the corner to my house and the pools in my eyes are overflowing. A new journey for both of us. I come inside to a quiet house. I cannot decide if I like the silence- Only 8 more hours and my sweet little baby will be home again.

Splash day video

Splash Park

It was one of those days when I really needed to get out of the house. It was hot and the kiddo had high energy so my friend and I trekked out to the splash park. We sat on the bench and watched the kids play for HOURS! When the sprays came up Braeden pretended that it was his enemy. He went from one spray to the other. I wish I had that much energy!

Baseball is over

Braeden had so much fun playing t ball this season. He spends a lot of time outside practicing with the kids. Just wish it was a year round sport. He would be in heaven!

I'm a cowboy

Braeden had cowboy day at school. His favorite part was riding around the school on his "fire horse". He colored his horse all red, it must have taken him forever. He came home singing the cutest songs. I just couldn't resist showing you one. See the post below.

Cowboy day at school

Valentines

We had a wonderful Valentines, we decided to spend it with the family and just chill this year. What girl would not want to spend it with 3 handsome boys?

I will help you mommy

Today I am home with the stomach flu. Braeden had it last night so he knows how yucky it feels. My little sweetheart says "mommy, I will be your helper all day and get you whatever you want." I really didn't need anything but his cute smile and willingness to help made me order. "I will just have a drink buddy." He came back and handed me a drink. I took a large gulp and ...... "what exactly is in this drink?" " I put milk, candy, not the soft kind 'cause that would be too yucky, orange juice, seeds, not from oranges (ok, don't even want to know where he got those), and ice." He is rubbing my head saying, does it make it all better mom? Yes sweetie it does, thank you. :-)

Back to Preschool

"I don't want to go to preschool mom, I have a new teacher and not Miss Susan. "
Mom, "What if I take you to get a donut on the way, would that be ok?"

Yeah, I am a happy boy now!

Still not sure about going in the builing.
Braeden is extremely shy when meeting a new teacher and this time was no exception. His arms were like vice grips around my neck, he was making sure that I stayed with him. I stayed for a few songs and then it was time. The teacher pried him from me and off I went. I stayed around the corner and had someone spy on him for me. " He is standing in the corner", "He is sitting close to the group", "He is in the group but not singing, but still frowning" Ok, I know he is going to be ok. Still, I feel a little sad knowing he is scared. He has the same kids in his class from last year so I know he has ready made good friends. I walked in the building to pick him up and there he was with a smile on his face and could not wait to tell me about the fun day he had with his new teacher. Whew!

Galveston beach

Devin and Braeden spent so much time making these "sand dollup" castles. It required one drip upon drip to make this castle. Of course in true boy style, the second it was done. SMASH,STOMP. I am glad I got a picture in before the demolition.

Braeden at the beach in Galveston and the beach Braeden refers to "the dirty water beach". He is used to the crystal clear water of New Zealand. Sorry Braeden the Gulf coast will never be that paradise.

Ahhh, this is the life, ok now mom hurry and get me out so I can catch the waves.

Braeden Basketball

Braeden just finished up the summer basketball season at the YMCA. He makes an excellent gaurd and is quick on his feet. When he scores a point his whole day is made. So many years standing on the sidelines waiting to be old enough. Finally, his chance to shine and he did!