tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91835146240826564652024-02-19T03:32:22.635-08:00Biggest Little Family BlogBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-49621116763627081432013-09-29T08:00:00.001-07:002013-09-29T08:00:08.061-07:00Puppy Love<p>What do you get when you mix an imaginative 3-year-old with dog-owning family member? The sweetest story I’ve shared in a long time.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Life with Brayden is never boring (and often cute), but sometimes things happen that are so sweet you know this story will live on in the family for a long time. This is one of those stories.</p> <p>While visiting family in Connecticut, Brayden and I stayed at my cousin Eileen’s house. To say she was a gracious hostess would be an understatement. She went grocery shopping beforehand to stock up on little b’s food favorites, arranged for a car seat so we didn’t have to bring one, took a week off work to be with us and, germane to this story, opened up a new phase of Brayden’s imaginative play.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IKaKsMBN660/UkhAX8AzdDI/AAAAAAAADhI/H3WuTIhKSXE/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252855%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (55)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (55)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-miwYdQDz_40/UkhAYWqPKSI/AAAAAAAADhM/oB7qHmzVZvA/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252855%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FPWmdxg2H-I/UkhAYxBpEaI/AAAAAAAADhY/ySYnJiIOBXo/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252856%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (56)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (56)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5q4kSNUk6XE/UkhAZbEboJI/AAAAAAAADhc/V9L4HkzUVrM/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252856%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="170" height="230"></a></p> <p>Here’s how it went down…</p> <p>One afternoon I was beat. Between the time change and our aggressive activity schedule, I had nothing left. Except there was one problem. My toddler was ready to party thanks to his never-ending supply of energy.</p> <p>Cue Cousin Eileen.</p> <p>In words soon to immortalized in our family, she said, “Well, I don’t know kids but I do know dogs.” And Eileen proceeded to engage Brayden in some puppy play.</p> <p>Brayden absolutely loved it. I had never seem him take on an imaginary role before so this was new to me too.</p> <p>He behaved well to receive “puppy treats”…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hNVz3fuE7H8/UkhAZ3kHTtI/AAAAAAAADho/kzpovFEzT0I/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252852%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (52)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (52)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wPYLaLlNTC4/UkhAaeyguhI/AAAAAAAADhs/5F7r9gXVGbY/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252852%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="339"></a></p> <p>laid in his “puppy bed”…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XRvhbkieMvo/UkhAa9by8OI/AAAAAAAADh4/svxN1eHYESQ/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252853%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (53)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (53)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y9mjFmZot7U/UkhAbWvnGVI/AAAAAAAADh8/474irhZJngw/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252853%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="339"></a></p> <p>and played fetch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a5GGqoJ5t6Q/UkhAb5uEpqI/AAAAAAAADiE/F6HdmycwwNI/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252854%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (54)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (54)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--_JLjXGvfBg/UkhAcRS3JVI/AAAAAAAADiM/9YNid2qIxyM/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252854%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="340"></a></p> <p>He even had a “kennel” (hanging out on the stairs while looking out the staircase rails).</p> <p>So if you’re wondering if there’s a real dog in this story somewhere, then you’re right. </p> <p>Eileen has a wonderful bulldog named Caesar who watched over the proceedings with a bit of confusion and amusement.</p> <p>Brayden and Caesar became fast friends as brothers in their doggy bond. This kiss shot says it all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nZf3MgSnOgU/UkhAc3GJ6fI/AAAAAAAADiY/ZaH2nQ28TAY/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252835%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (35)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (35)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8rNYmz0gGU8/UkhAdZw7XzI/AAAAAAAADig/iie76uSjlKA/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252835%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="545"></a></p> <p>Time with family is always filled with memorable moments but this one is sure to go down in the Hall of Fame with ours.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-21736286883572720972013-09-20T22:50:00.001-07:002013-09-20T22:50:26.699-07:00Parties to the Fifth Power<p>Brayden clocked in at five birthday parties for his third birthday, with the finale being in Connecticut. I can’t help but think I need to curb this trend next year.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Birthday parties for kids are a slippery slope as it is. Then you add in the complexities of two parents with separate events, and it pretty much becomes a birthday bonanza.</p> <p>Here’s how Brayden’s birthday math added up:</p> <p><u>Event #1 – Mom’s Pirate-Themed Party</u></p> <p>Who could forget <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2013/08/little-bs-swashbuckling-birthday.html" target="_blank">Little b’s Swashbuckling Birthday Party</a>? Complete with a surprise pirate appearance, glitter tattoos and more eye patches than you can shake a sword at, it was a jolly good time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w56dD2KpLDg/Uj0zWP28HKI/AAAAAAAADdg/11BwgfRGG_U/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252831%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (31)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (31)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jhNLwSz0-bU/Uj0zXq3k2qI/AAAAAAAADdo/LAIXVUlESNA/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252831%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="359"></a></p> <p>Events #2 and #3 included a party hosted by dad and a day-of actual birthday event. No pictures to share but I’m sure b had a blast.</p> <p><u>Event #4 – Birthday Weekend Party</u></p> <p>Over the holiday weekend, my parents hosted a little family BBQ for Brayden and Shawn’s dad, Scott, whose birthdays are two days apart. My mom and Brayden practiced their synchronized corn eating routine, and we’re confident they’ll take Gold for the USA at the upcoming Rio Games.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_M-DoHJMQF8/Uj0zY6GUUsI/AAAAAAAADdw/_VwYlxkwTIY/s1600-h/09%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Scott%252520and%252520Brayden%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Dinner%252520%25252813%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 02 13 - Scott and Brayden's Birthday Dinner (13)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 02 13 - Scott and Brayden's Birthday Dinner (13)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vqNR7vNW1Ss/Uj0zZmN7YiI/AAAAAAAADd0/vOU8aYS9OEg/09%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Scott%252520and%252520Brayden%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Dinner%252520%25252813%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bYVWtxKXIQY/Uj0zaCwV_WI/AAAAAAAADeA/y28FM5EPyHo/s1600-h/09%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Scott%252520and%252520Brayden%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Dinner%252520%2525288%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 02 13 - Scott and Brayden's Birthday Dinner (8)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 02 13 - Scott and Brayden's Birthday Dinner (8)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PajXjt75Ntg/Uj0zapseg8I/AAAAAAAADeE/QQviVN7oG1s/09%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Scott%252520and%252520Brayden%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Dinner%252520%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="342"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1BMXt0nlac4/Uj0zbKvc1BI/AAAAAAAADeQ/lNTdkpkNBPk/s1600-h/09%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Scott%252520and%252520Brayden%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Dinner%252520%2525283%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 02 13 - Scott and Brayden's Birthday Dinner (3)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 02 13 - Scott and Brayden's Birthday Dinner (3)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpDfmSHe0-_DwEADY8QxB7UYPurmGwMQvImcCoU655wD4Y5GKb7li6_MVB663Lj2c4-1fKA9BjiZhRTVmWZhjmvhEfyKvoFoR0FtfocBN_GhspXJ40qFsUHaMxmas5Fb_Cr9yK3i8dhA/?imgmax=800" width="450" height="353"></a></p> <p><u>Event #5 – Family Birthday Bash in Connecticut</u></p> <p>There was a lot of cake at the four previous events but this one actually takes it. Brayden, my mom and I flew to Connecticut in early September to spend a week with family. (Note: I promise there will be more regarding this trip on the blog for those of you who are awaiting it).</p> <p>The social event of the vacation was a huge birthday party for my Aunty Liz who turned 50; my sister, Heather, who is turning 30; my cousin, Isabella, who is 13; three other family members with September birthdays (which includes our dear little b). We had a fabulous time and appreciate everyone who came out to celebrate with us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j0q3YgiVoyE/Uj0zcUUTopI/AAAAAAAADeg/oqh76lWMVF8/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252824%252529%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (24)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (24)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o8AnwZgBzlA/Uj0zc3UAbhI/AAAAAAAADek/StKKKP9wmI0/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252824%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="178"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z8CF2YjX7XY/Uj0zdt6H8rI/AAAAAAAADew/8cztrZJ4yGo/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252820%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (20)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (20)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jL-cjZwOL68/Uj0zeOtP2VI/AAAAAAAADe0/pQfeLIrPWxI/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252820%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="177"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gWffU1vj3vQ/Uj0ze_nS8LI/AAAAAAAADfA/UxzYIBWe2Zk/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528106%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (106)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (106)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XAF4vZm0y8g/Uj0zffq16_I/AAAAAAAADfE/fJMPdoEFDQw/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528106%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="362"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nttOAT7XgFU/Uj0zgF3pscI/AAAAAAAADfQ/kpHEfuA6TDg/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528116%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (116)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (116)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GiABE57vKKw/Uj0zg9txDAI/AAAAAAAADfU/ml-tBXIqKak/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528116%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="188"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZpYBelNof4I/Uj0zhqJReZI/AAAAAAAADfg/HNuyYnmYOBY/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528114%252529%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (114)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (114)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vE7dkq2KgxU/Uj0ziJ-kueI/AAAAAAAADfk/FvRjRXoI8G0/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528114%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="188"></a></p> <p>Brayden was quite the social butterfly at the party. Many toddlers may have been overwhelmed by the number of people all wanting their time with him, but he handled it with aplomb, happily smiling and posing for pictures. He lasted several hours until turning to me and saying, “I need to be alone.” We promptly went inside the house for some decompression time after that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xbxpD1DcnrI/Uj0zi_mn_ZI/AAAAAAAADfw/1M_vaDS1E9k/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252893%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (93)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (93)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I-ie5-Yfh3c/Uj0zjpmTGYI/AAAAAAAADf0/XABQ48pu4IU/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%25252893%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nkfmGpFFkds/Uj0zkMhyUYI/AAAAAAAADgA/lpEXqoAfrfs/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528104%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (104)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (104)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sc1-3CpYrd4/Uj0zk7FB_tI/AAAAAAAADgE/NBc99SSg9Ow/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528104%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="182"></a></p> <p>Beyond the fact that family time is fun in general, Brayden actually learned a few interesting little tricks. Like when Uncle Roger showed him how to make an acorn cap whistle. Brayden and Uncle Roger were fast friends, and they became cohorts in no time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xKnBLW0PSbs/Uj0zlSxjx5I/AAAAAAAADgQ/WwNnhv-iJxQ/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528102%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (102)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (102)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f-uuwqRDq5E/Uj0zl8JUgyI/AAAAAAAADgU/IZ87vCO-5gs/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528102%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="179"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5ocS3zjC2Wo/Uj0zmcnlI_I/AAAAAAAADgg/u5vyTjV9hL0/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528103%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (103)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (103)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JJb4lkrRaQQ/Uj0zm6hOS1I/AAAAAAAADgk/zG2FYCsDUfQ/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528103%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="176"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CGzaJrJgmQo/Uj0znvsH_1I/AAAAAAAADgw/U6mI52Uc31c/s1600-h/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528100%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (100)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="09 11-17 13 - CT Trip (100)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XBlYgtxdNS8/Uj0zoNRrdaI/AAAAAAAADg0/XKLh_v1PY8M/09%25252011-17%25252013%252520-%252520CT%252520Trip%252520%252528100%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="358"></a></p> <p>So back to our regularly schedule blog post topic: quantity creep with birthday parties.</p> <p>Brayden’s dad and I ixnayed a sixth party (!) which was going to be cupcakes at daycare with b’s little classmates. We recognized that, at best, Brayden had been feted enough, and, at worst, we were completely confusing the poor child with regards to what an actual birthday is and what to expect from it.</p> <p>It comes from a good place, but at the rate we’re going, Brayden may start blocking out entire weeks to be acknowledged for being born and I don’t want him becoming one of <em>those</em> people.</p> <p>So here’s my goal for next year—a 20% reduction. Four parties for four years old. One mommy party, one daddy party, one simple day-of celebration and one simple daycare party.</p> <p>We’ll see how we do!</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-75668451499711341162013-08-23T20:50:00.001-07:002013-08-26T07:54:49.746-07:00Little b’s Swashbuckling Birthday<p>Brayden celebrated his (impending) 3<sup>rd</sup> birthday with a pirate-themed birthday bash. Surprises and treasures awaited little b and his mateys—including an unexpected visit from a real, live pirate!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Brayden’s favorite show at the moment is Disney Junior’s Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and it made a great theme for his recent third birthday party. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bUFS7iizgdg/UhgtKjfwA4I/AAAAAAAADYw/NrEZZma4Sek/s1600-h/Brayden_ThirdBirthday_Invitation%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Brayden_ThirdBirthday_Invitation" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Brayden_ThirdBirthday_Invitation" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tebbx7UXKGU/UhgtLNdbEZI/AAAAAAAADY4/I3JWrn1_gls/Brayden_ThirdBirthday_Invitation_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="319"></a> <p>We hosted a big group of our family and friends at the neighborhood clubhouse, which was decorated to the hilt with balloons, table covers and more. Everyone, including the adults, got a hat and eye patch when they came through the door. Out back, the kids had their own little “high seas” area with several splash pools, a water table and bubble machine. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tIhrdJNSE4E/UhgtLwh8NMI/AAAAAAAADZA/n3qrJee2iLs/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%2525289%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (9)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rCvIgpAmQHU/UhgtMecu9QI/AAAAAAAADZI/fZtPzzKn7Co/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="297"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Of65t7qKXOA/UhgtM7BOtiI/AAAAAAAADZQ/bmXXiHDQ7-w/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (4)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFiLyLpbe3tIBUo3il2lQ6hss2X_wlWBJECp27viIVf7nxkLCmgTmDamkFFNNtqUyMsQCOqpk0gKG8-wu4-gpchJEfS571j3ASOlCXRbhQ6eLfjXNKOSMDHwmdNZYItkwBvHRDNEJNw0/?imgmax=800" width="219" height="297"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r3dPp_2TSbY/UhgtOAirZxI/AAAAAAAADZg/sBt4FB66ODU/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252812%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (12)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (12)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ji6Ja9EP4Ys/UhgtORkrwDI/AAAAAAAADZo/k3VudQA_hIQ/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252812%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="178"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RN9q2JoaxO0/UhgtPPfvjDI/AAAAAAAADZw/JMBhx08OvWY/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252828%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (28)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (28)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sDTVNRQxrNw/UhgtPul3zbI/AAAAAAAADZ4/CtVv0JB5aK8/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252828%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="174"></a> <p>A balloon artist made swords, parrots and more, and everyone got in on the glitter tattoos and face painting. Once the kids had been decorated, the “older kids” jumped in for their turn too. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X3gKxQJCauM/UhgtQe6chxI/AAAAAAAADaA/9LvWE21ulgw/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RsLt27ZPpng/UhgtQpkmpcI/AAAAAAAADaI/9VqKncuzwSw/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="345"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PLpLBlwjQ3E/UhgtRF68mgI/AAAAAAAADaQ/zsgvcgwrb0w/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252820%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (20)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (20)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HoyLWaMxVug/UhgtRsUeFSI/AAAAAAAADaY/CC56c8DQTvs/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252820%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="299"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hREaNMmAX04/UhgtSKz-B-I/AAAAAAAADag/2ReYiwoRtho/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252834%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (34)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (34)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OEfQlFfUpPg/UhgtSl8yA0I/AAAAAAAADao/2CcjIlCB_Po/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252834%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="301"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qyEzoNkee_c/UhgtTf-hNlI/AAAAAAAADaw/AVWIFnMXSnU/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252850%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (50)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (50)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kugZgcyYlVQ/UhgtUPQUSgI/AAAAAAAADa4/PL5M6RKrT0A/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252850%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="356"></a> <p>But the big surprise of the day was something I didn’t plan—or even know was going to happen. Shawn showed up dressed in full pirate regalia to the delight of every child at the party, including our birthday boy, Brayden. It was the sweetest, most thoughtful thing and a big hit with everyone. Shawn took pictures with the kids and, most importantly, put a huge smile on b’s face. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCySzComjmfJcElde3P-kms6QVrblPiUbqV2aMadfmCLQDA_6I1NazcKSuvu1PmsSk2-hKSaOrMmT3rx7pKrfrV9y7PU7mZdYO9klalEsU0lNCjol9AJjIrkx_yYRDwnrvv-ZgkQYetiU/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252810%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (10)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (10)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lIVmvyxMMSU/UhgtVHmsUtI/AAAAAAAADbI/Nw-r2JRDxnY/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252810%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="349"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv00A97RiRhxiH72vT399uIuH8eLoI3lXvj0GnPoPregm9l4XkmSsfQFBnJRV_V8ZrdlP4ij6WLU3OT3Plp7jP0GYOxh3Bbq36rLB2C9wyePoBee0e_Kev7IQHg2aE5Y7aaPONZsW820/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252831%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (31)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (31)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pD75sOGd-Ok/UhgtWaoEp7I/AAAAAAAADbY/3hb7ns69otY/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252831%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="360"></a> <p>Cake and presents was definitely another high point. To say our friends and family are generous would be an understatement. Brayden is at an age where he understands receiving gifts so we also discuss donating things. <p>(Side note: After the party, we picked out some toys at home to pass along to other children who would love to have them.) <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7LASQz_dYMs/UhgtW75OdUI/AAAAAAAADbg/Oi1e1BYlQU8/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (5)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZaKxela8qTs/UhgtXQusmUI/AAAAAAAADbo/6smVwF7u3kU/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="333"></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o8VqXFt7SPc/UhgtX1SqMSI/AAAAAAAADbw/JOYV8OXPFX0/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252871%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (71)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (71)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kbqBrgY4XcA/UhgtYb5ZVtI/AAAAAAAADb4/eJtCNiyBV4s/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252871%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="339"></a> <p>On behalf of Brayden and me, I would like to offer our guests our sincerest appreciation. The good time we had was because of the bond we share, and that’s what makes a gathering great. Cake, balloons and presents are fun, but after everything has been eaten, popped and opened, what you have left is the memory of celebrating together. Thank you for spending Brayden’s special day with us. <p>Here are a few more cute party pictures and some shots of Brayden playing with his great new toys at home. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pp8ip_rS0zc/UhgtZARb0hI/AAAAAAAADcA/bzxJRNfAGz4/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252826%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (26)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (26)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EHwrlmIlkRU/UhgtZkSLs2I/AAAAAAAADcI/zOlS8PVT14Q/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252826%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="366"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f7o_ZFFc6UY/Uhgta8NNR9I/AAAAAAAADcQ/KGE4Kw0b1RI/s1600-h/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252830%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (30)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 17 13 - Brayden's 3rd Birthday Party (30)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A0l1gp8Fqxc/UhgtbJZVjuI/AAAAAAAADcY/MlNqk2cK_80/08%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%2525203rd%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252830%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="177"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7n4KDzmMJXs/UhtsNbH8_6I/AAAAAAAADdI/7UuwD0MBH-Y/s1600-h/08%25252021%25252013%252520-%252520Jake%252520Toys.jpg"><img title="08 21 13 - Jake Toys" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="08 21 13 - Jake Toys" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iHiVL8kfsoE/UhgtcClXr5I/AAAAAAAADdQ/ixIWT45OyPc/08%25252021%25252013%252520-%252520Jake%252520Toys_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="176"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nBt6PaF3SGk/Uhgtc-SzGKI/AAAAAAAADcw/vgPAKHrbJ8g/s1600-h/08%25252023%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520Doh%252520Toy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 23 13 - Play Doh Toy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 23 13 - Play Doh Toy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K8QIG8KWEkY/UhgtdX7e81I/AAAAAAAADc4/W7mOb9by03I/08%25252023%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520Doh%252520Toy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="379"></a></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-14233770137667371392013-08-11T13:46:00.001-07:002013-08-11T13:46:56.525-07:00The Beginning of the End<p>…of nap, that is. Brayden may be ready to start skipping nap but I’m not sure I am.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>As any parent will tell you, nap is a sacred time. I love my weekend days with Brayden but those two mid-day hours when he’s asleep and I’m cleaning/watching TV/reading/making phone calls/etc. are incredibly valuable. Brayden may be the only one sleeping, but we both use that time to reboot for the rest of the day.</p> <p>Brayden has been a bit harder for me to put down for nap on the weekends lately, but school said he still sleeps well there so I thought it might just be a passing thing. After yesterday and today, though, I’m not so sure.</p> <p>On Saturday I couldn’t even get Brayden to lay down. Fighting seemed pointless, and we continued along with our day which wasn’t so bad. We actually got a few errands done I hadn’t planned on having time for.</p> <p>On Sunday, I at least got Brayden into bed…for about five minutes. Then this little eye came peering out the door.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w-nyKbM3aUU/Ugf4LkhiznI/AAAAAAAADX4/adLZBtcOH88/s1600-h/08%25252011%25252013%252520-%252520Mr.%252520No%252520Nap%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 11 13 - Mr. No Nap (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 11 13 - Mr. No Nap (2)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5Knn19hmf-spnX2rnHSIyAA5MPC09Opjhu142d7mFFEIDnT4T0rpWiYBtMLTwHB1FoONu0eBSzP2T0wGNyJ3mVWnfiy5JswUC2Y4ts4U6kbNJlsThN24tRi20_sEGXoZEhipUOXDFOk/?imgmax=800" width="449" height="347"></a></p> <p>You may wonder how I knew Brayden was up and about to open the door (and was subsequently ready with the camera). The answer lies in the magic of modern parenting—baby monitors. I knew exactly what was going on.</p> <p>I told him to lay back down, and I fixed his covers. It took about two minutes for him to reappear at the door while very appropriately smiling at his “awake!” door sign.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ceZLqAX50qo/Ugf4OZig4QI/AAAAAAAADYI/W_vYD-f9nTc/s1600-h/08%25252011%25252013%252520-%252520Mr.%252520No%252520Nap%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 11 13 - Mr. No Nap (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 11 13 - Mr. No Nap (4)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZRu0pTB5SWo/Ugf4OxjuetI/AAAAAAAADYQ/ETips7yosHQ/08%25252011%25252013%252520-%252520Mr.%252520No%252520Nap%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="362"></a></p> <p>So in lieu of nap, we’re watching “Santa Claus Comes to Town” (seriously) while I write the weekly Biggest Little Family Blog missive. I explained to Brayden that although he may not be napping, he still needs to be quiet and restful during this time.</p> <p>Ready or not, three is coming. I can see the changes in Brayden by the week. The Twos were not terrible, but the Threes seem ready to shake things up. Brayden is more autonomous than ever. I often find myself caught between wanting to support his growing independence and wanting to pull my hair out. </p> <p>It’s hard, though, when I’m dealing with a toddler this cute.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBELKTmDgtjNCIXoSpO0R1CacnIuY747BDeQg6TIC379s9lZD_O3ItIfpvfQuaOTFh2VHJ4AHPC9xN_3Qv8c2lRH5wNKlv43XBqWlnyZ4EB9P8HJgv3euud8nnfzB9JcjpMygDcJgtXI/s1600-h/08%25252011%25252013%252520-%252520Mr.%252520No%252520Nap%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 11 13 - Mr. No Nap (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 11 13 - Mr. No Nap (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hGyzWwnzazU/Ugf4PhA9MuI/AAAAAAAADYg/EXVjlHGoXSA/08%25252011%25252013%252520-%252520Mr.%252520No%252520Nap%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="364"></a></p> <p>Such is the push/pull of parenting.At least he’s using some of his exploding vocabulary to tell me how much I love him. That will keep me going. At least until the Fours. :)</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-28232086076989121582013-08-04T21:06:00.001-07:002013-08-04T21:06:26.003-07:00Petting Zoos and Birthday Candles<p>This weekend Brayden and I visited one of our favorite places, Sierra Safari Zoo, and celebrated my mom’s birthday.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>This summer is just flying by. Every week is filled with events, friends and activities. When you add that to regular work and life, it’s fair to say Brayden and I have been busier than ever the past few months. So busy, in fact, that today was our first time visiting the Sierra Safari Zoo, one of our happy places in Reno.</p> <p>Walking through the exhibits of the zoo, I was so nostalgic. In last October’s post, <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/10/where-wild-things-are.html" target="_blank">Where the Wild Things Are</a>, Brayden was barely two and in awe of each animal. This time around, not only knew each animal by sight but he would tell me what color they were and the sounds they made.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7jhiTsO9VBk/Uf8kmyiyzjI/AAAAAAAADVw/z-qy5m4lbLI/s1600-h/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-14.jpg"><img title="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wbhp7fD01UA/Uf8knrU99gI/AAAAAAAADV4/z0IBRYnlQhs/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="359"></a></p> <p>Even feeding the deer and goats in the petting zoo didn’t daunt my not-so-little b. He bravely let the animals snack on the ice cream cones and pellets through the fence and even took a few nibbles himself which was hysterical. I can hardly believe how independent he is now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CcuTtpWzU_A/Uf8koQafUlI/AAAAAAAADWA/lhbsFIcz84s/s1600-h/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-69.jpg"><img title="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (6)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RE2uMKYG8DE/Uf8kpEwc5fI/AAAAAAAADWI/udUk3hBh7Uc/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="351"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EXN9Krpt55Y/Uf8kp9M1ArI/AAAAAAAADWQ/aJFFr8_hqLY/s1600-h/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-85.jpg"><img title="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (8)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (8)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aMbo9ob6_GA/Uf8kqZonM3I/AAAAAAAADWY/48DfDbOHMZY/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-8_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OGlXhbl94FY/Uf8kq28oKaI/AAAAAAAADWg/_0bn32puAbw/s1600-h/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-125.jpg"><img title="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (12)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (12)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bAMARVFf-Qs/Uf8krRE0O6I/AAAAAAAADWo/M4KydB4yCQA/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-12_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="182"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9WVtD2gKLaY/Uf8ksF7c-WI/AAAAAAAADWw/rylZufqYHAc/s1600-h/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-1010.jpg"><img title="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (10)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (10)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lLYA9Ulb_r4/Uf8kstbr7yI/AAAAAAAADW4/rfxehIL4SZE/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-10_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="361"></a></p> <p>Another area of remarkable improvement was how he interacted with the deer. When we walked into the petting zoo part, he told me to be quiet so we didn’t scare the deer, and then he proceeded to gently touch them while saying, “I am nice to the deer. The deer like me.” Adorable.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-niKlsxfBySU/Uf8ktKGNIMI/AAAAAAAADXA/LZ32af24s2g/s1600-h/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-174.jpg"><img title="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (17)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="08 04 13 - Sierra Safari Zoo (17)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GAoWL5HmYQ8/Uf8ktqP3pqI/AAAAAAAADXI/_W6SL__VXd0/08-04-13---Sierra-Safari-Zoo-17_thum.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="357"></a></p> <p>That afternoon my family, Shawn’s parents, Brayden and I went over to Shawn’s house for my mom’s birthday. It was what is fast becoming standard for a Braun and Smith clans get together—lots of fun with good food and plenty of laughs.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl4pesPBo1xGrWNEowNyLPzTq_xec9JsNvxEKtZt9mcUsSzBiMFu6yuSDJjmaSG67hHfvntXaV5I5HGiuoIKtEsFinxxqhdT1ZVySProtyMkTQj7Rl_umHJg1O2yI8RX3fKEb3rNAqgw/s1600-h/08%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Nana%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252811%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 04 13 - Nana's Birthday Party (11)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="08 04 13 - Nana's Birthday Party (11)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lW3DoXCnWWI/Uf8kuyuD4jI/AAAAAAAADXY/aIEg9BCh93A/08%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Nana%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252811%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="357"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nEdf1xn1Avs/Uf8kvkjLYhI/AAAAAAAADXg/x-lfDxg9szE/s1600-h/08%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Nana%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252813%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="08 04 13 - Nana's Birthday Party (13)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="08 04 13 - Nana's Birthday Party (13)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Ee_DxE8_n0/Uf8kwOPUdWI/AAAAAAAADXo/S7rGs41UXxc/08%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Nana%252527s%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520%25252813%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="362"></a></p> <p>I love my mom beyond words. I am a better parent thanks to her never-ending support and guidance. Any time I need anything, she is there for me. Her love is unconditional, and I am so lucky to have her in Brayden’s and my life. Although I strive to show her my gratitude and admiration throughout the year, it was great to all be together celebrating her.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-13363907233658241352013-07-19T22:24:00.001-07:002013-07-19T22:24:25.673-07:00Changing of the Guard(rail)<p>Bye-bye, baby crib. Hello, toddler bed! Brayden is now proudly sleeping like a big boy in his room.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>About a year and a half ago, I asked Brayden’s pediatrician about when to switch to a toddler bed. The doctor said to leave Brayden in his crib until the day came when he started to crawl out. But he never crawled out! He always stayed put until I got him out in the morning. And trust me, Brayden is a skilled climber (and jumper and adventurer) so it wasn’t lack of ability—it was him just being a good boy in this regard for a lot longer than expected. <p>Brayden’s turning three in about a month, so, climbing out or not, it was time to continue along the path to little boyhood by converting the crib into a bed. <p>We talked about the big day in advance and shopped for new sheets to celebrate the changeover. On the day of, my dad came over to assist in the official ceremonies. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m8MCzvNGjUk/Ueoe-XWK1wI/AAAAAAAADUo/sizB2BtVwzQ/s1600-h/07%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Crib%252520to%252520Toddler%252520Bed%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 12 13 - Crib to Toddler Bed (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 12 13 - Crib to Toddler Bed (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MmrDRr5zIqo/Ueoe-5fPmnI/AAAAAAAADUw/eQ3mCBXUDq8/07%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Crib%252520to%252520Toddler%252520Bed%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="339"></a> <p>The procedure was relatively simple because Brayden has the type of crib that transforms into a toddler bed then converts into a full-size bed when he’s older. The front piece of the crib came off, was replaced by a guardrail and voila! Toddler bed! <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yMeVYTlW8VI/Ueoe_dayn4I/AAAAAAAADU4/6K34XqBwS80/s1600-h/07%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Crib%252520to%252520Toddler%252520Bed%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 12 13 - Crib to Toddler Bed (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 12 13 - Crib to Toddler Bed (5)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-quSEEbF06Ws/Ueoe_xcgueI/AAAAAAAADVA/4Rtgfa7G0L4/07%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Crib%252520to%252520Toddler%252520Bed%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="343"></a> <p>Brayden being Brayden though, he simply had to work alongside his Papa and use the tools too. Of course. <p>Once it was done, Brayden hopped into bed, rolled over and…promptly whacked his head on the rail. It was actually pretty funny (though maybe not for Brayden). He started crying, pointed to the rail and said it “hit” him. We then had a little convo about being careful when rolling over. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ze3lw2LAAN8/UeofAo5WMGI/AAAAAAAADVI/qyRS3XzZplI/s1600-h/07%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Crib%252520to%252520Toddler%252520Bed%252520%2525289%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 12 13 - Crib to Toddler Bed (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 12 13 - Crib to Toddler Bed (9)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H8s_fNHiI4s/UeofBNyZU3I/AAAAAAAADVQ/S_62rLSxXe8/07%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Crib%252520to%252520Toddler%252520Bed%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="345"></a> <p>Brayden’s first night in his big boy bed was a success. He slept a full night all the way through to morning. And guess what? When it was time to get up, he still didn’t venture out on his own. He called for me, waited until I came in and greeted me with a “Mamma, I slept good!” before giving me a big hug and climbing out. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XKBGT3pIu9M/UeofBqxFzBI/AAAAAAAADVY/THxuro14loc/s1600-h/07%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Crib%252520to%252520Toddler%252520Bed%252520%25252811%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 12 13 - Crib to Toddler Bed (11)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 12 13 - Crib to Toddler Bed (11)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CoFM2kHMxTo/UeofCFpj2QI/AAAAAAAADVg/gkq02Mr65pU/07%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Crib%252520to%252520Toddler%252520Bed%252520%25252811%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="349"></a> <p>I may grumble from time to time about Brayden’s growing autonomy but it makes these moments even sweeter. He may be growing up by the second, but I’ll hold onto the precious baby habits and rituals that are still left today.<a name="_GoBack"></a> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-92178856805271008602013-07-13T11:19:00.001-07:002013-07-15T06:21:40.625-07:00Mommy Goes to Maui<p>Recipe for a Happy Mommy Maui cocktail: equal parts new friends, handsome boyfriend, pog and waterfalls. Shake. Serve with a rum float.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Mark Twain said, “I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I never spent so pleasant a month before, or bade any place goodbye so regretfully. I have not once thought of business, or care or human toil or trouble or sorrow or weariness, and the memory of it will remain with me always.”</p> <p>Now that I’ve been to Maui, I can’t help but agree with Mr. Twain (and be very jealous he spent five weeks there). Shawn and I went to Maui for seven nights to attend the wedding of a couple close friends. We spent four days in Lahaina, a fun beach town with great restaurants and energy, and three days in Napili, a picture-perfect beach enclave. It was an outstanding time. Easily the best vacation of my adult life.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JyGjjZWBBWk/UeGaDtRG1rI/AAAAAAAADRc/FiIjFwTbyzk/s1600-h/07%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Mark%252520and%252520Steph%252527s%252520Wedding%252520%2525286%252529%252520b%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 04 13 - Mark and Steph's Wedding (6) b" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 04 13 - Mark and Steph's Wedding (6) b" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GVTyx2cMbto/UeGaEbZkosI/AAAAAAAADRk/L3bW-65QhRI/07%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Mark%252520and%252520Steph%252527s%252520Wedding%252520%2525286%252529%252520b_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="416"></a></p> <p>Maui was everything you think it would be—amazing food, beautiful sunsets, warm beaches, you name it. Here are a few high points and memories:</p> <p><strong>The Fun of New Friends</strong></p> <p>As I’ve <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2013/05/youve-got-friend-in-me.html#more" target="_blank">often emphasized in the blog</a>, friends matter. About 25 people travelled to Maui to celebrate the wedding of our friends, Mark and Stephanie. I knew a few of them fairly well before, but most I had only met once or twice, if at all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l7pTi7zYbfM/UeGaE5mnHXI/AAAAAAAADRs/ORzFOVAQ4mE/s1600-h/07%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Mark%252520and%252520Steph%252527s%252520Wedding%252520%2525289%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 04 13 - Mark and Steph's Wedding (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 04 13 - Mark and Steph's Wedding (9)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v3r1xtm4c_M/UeGaFfhkfeI/AAAAAAAADR0/OGGi0-TXX6Q/07%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Mark%252520and%252520Steph%252527s%252520Wedding%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="467"></a></p> <p>For starters, I was so grateful to be welcomed as a guest on Mark and Steph’s special day. Longtime friends of Shawn, they’ve been kind and inclusive since the moment I met them. This same warmth and openness extended to the rest of the group. I had a truly amazing time getting to know everyone who traveled to Maui, and I am incredibly appreciative of how welcoming they were.</p> <p>The ceremony was beautiful and personal. I’ve never been to a beach wedding before, but from what I experienced, I hope this one isn’t my last. Mark and Stephanie put on a great event, including with all the activities planned on the days before the wedding itself. A truly wonderful time.</p> <p><strong>Napili Surf Beach Club</strong></p> <p>The second half of the trip was spent in Napili, an idyllic beach area perfect for couples or families looking for the quintessential Maui experience. Shawn booked our stay at Napili Surf Beach Club, the same resort his parents stayed at decades ago when they first started travelling to Maui. </p> <p>The resort was just lovely. Intimate, comfortable and perfectly situated on Napili’s caramel-colored sand beaches. I thought it was so special to stay in one of the hotels his parents vacationed at during the early years of their relationship.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t0qZsBO2-TA/UeGaGFJ3DPI/AAAAAAAADR8/nF9F_59BS70/s1600-h/07%25252005%25252013%252520-%252520Napili%252520Surf%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 05 13 - Napili Surf (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 05 13 - Napili Surf (1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBHg8nUJk11IpPswkmXsFizxbWgn8AAsi8kqJU_FHVIgyIXB1gIApZEfaccORCG3D0Jy8iUzc2sfTONEMvXwBKlUwlNURJeVzDj0H0xGFSg1bFZm-FgMhGGYtOEvLycvqOaaVXCxiLw0/?imgmax=800" width="459" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2YXRR9zXf8Y/UeGaHA6sh4I/AAAAAAAADSM/zxxmXlR3mFM/s1600-h/07%25252005%25252013%252520-%252520Napili%252520Surf%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 05 13 - Napili Surf (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 05 13 - Napili Surf (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--_WuwBlNWqI/UeGaHT_1ydI/AAAAAAAADSQ/6TsA0Ek8AtM/07%25252005%25252013%252520-%252520Napili%252520Surf%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="361"></a></p> <p><strong>Life’s Little Adventures</strong></p> <p>It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun in a single week. The island was definitely our playground. </p> <p>On our first full day there, Shawn was a good sport and woke up at 2 a.m. to go on morning excursion with me. First, we watched the sun rise over the Haleakala volcano crater,…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bqQkTVWAOeA/UeGaH6CKviI/AAAAAAAADSc/c5rTRNUYSiw/s1600-h/07%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Haleakala%252520Sunrise%252520and%252520Bike%252520Ride%252520%2525284%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 02 13 - Haleakala Sunrise and Bike Ride (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 02 13 - Haleakala Sunrise and Bike Ride (4)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5qDPptNESB8/UeGaIXyVDCI/AAAAAAAADSk/6rX_V8-fzdg/07%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Haleakala%252520Sunrise%252520and%252520Bike%252520Ride%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="180"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K5iyFlkFM2E/UeGaIjuOz-I/AAAAAAAADSs/mD2KdcMvDWA/s1600-h/07%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Haleakala%252520Sunrise%252520and%252520Bike%252520Ride%252520%2525288%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 02 13 - Haleakala Sunrise and Bike Ride (8)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 02 13 - Haleakala Sunrise and Bike Ride (8)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-762uIxcpFIU/UeGaJOQLG-I/AAAAAAAADS0/pEfq0WmJzyk/07%25252002%25252013%252520-%252520Haleakala%252520Sunrise%252520and%252520Bike%252520Ride%252520%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="181"></a> </p> <p>…then we did a 23+ mile bike ride down the volcano all the way into the beach town of Paia. It was a stunning way to see the island.</p> <p>Other highlights include Shawn and I swimming with a group of seven giant sea turtles while snorkeling, a group beach day on the Fourth of July and enjoying the beauty of the coast with the top down on a convertible Mustang.</p> <p>On our last day, we did the full Road to Hana loop, and it was a trip, both literally and figuratively. It’s only about 45 miles from the base but loaded with hairpin turns and one-lane bridges so it takes hours to do. The drive up takes you through lush rainforests with beautiful scenery.</p> <p>Shawn and I stopped along the way at various waterfalls and hiked down to the lagoons. Absolutely amazing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6FWLN8npZMQ/UeGaJ4tzMsI/AAAAAAAADS8/Ft2_Pk8dUSs/s1600-h/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Waterfall%252520Hike%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Waterfall Hike 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Waterfall Hike 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SIOoL01O0EQ/UeGaKfC2MBI/AAAAAAAADTE/KwRknIanUfQ/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Waterfall%252520Hike%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="526"></a></p> <p>The day also included stops at a black sand beach and the Seven Sacred Pools, where we climbed to the upper pools few people trek to.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ied_vFMDlVw/UeGaK7f22EI/AAAAAAAADTM/6c6Uq__E52U/s1600-h/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Black%252520Sand%252520Beaches%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Black Sand Beaches (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Black Sand Beaches (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b9wxsLgn6_s/UeGaLWKxS8I/AAAAAAAADTQ/D5IOo-jTSLo/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Black%252520Sand%252520Beaches%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="172" height="233"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SxudAtIz2JU/UeGaL9WsR0I/AAAAAAAADTc/XfkpWdHaKXI/s1600-h/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Seven%252520Sacred%252520Pools%252520%25252819%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Seven Sacred Pools (19)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Seven Sacred Pools (19)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibwI5fdlSi7MBSGjQE5sOvE4Hb2nSmktqWK93ODoNPHn0VOSZmG0DwB7Xpn3qm-E1WbgGGSS95CsGuwJLtaD5vTJ4EN5m-DCQy4fPxDjB_zdBJFX3vt7rp4so50Ta6ouVocQzDji7CsQ/?imgmax=800" width="287" height="226"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8GaHtbR8jOw/UeGaMvLsQ_I/AAAAAAAADTs/Wp5i95ogLf8/s1600-h/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Black%252520Sand%252520Beaches%252520%2525284%252529%252520b%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Black Sand Beaches (4) b" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Black Sand Beaches (4) b" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7ectQmpR7iE/UeGaNGMWTnI/AAAAAAAADT0/sWtAePRwIOg/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Black%252520Sand%252520Beaches%252520%2525284%252529%252520b_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="167"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C1kjl9gz5Mk/UeGaNqRfyTI/AAAAAAAADT8/8Qva54VWYTI/s1600-h/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Seven%252520Sacred%252520Pools%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Seven Sacred Pools (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 07 13 - Road to Hana - Seven Sacred Pools (3)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rdmF3GacT8Y/UeGaOIDA1NI/AAAAAAAADUE/G9IVRUbkhUI/07%25252007%25252013%252520-%252520Road%252520to%252520Hana%252520-%252520Seven%252520Sacred%252520Pools%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="375"></a></p> <p>We came home happy and tan, which is all you can ever ask for. I still find myself occasionally missing pog and rum (pog is a juice made from passion fruit, oranges and guava that you can’t get on the mainland), and I already can’t wait to return. It’s an ideal spot for kids too, and I know my little water bug would love splashing around in the warm Pacific. Maui is definitely on our list of places to enjoy together someday. I missed Brayden so so much, but it was important to take some mommy time to recalibrate.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5llVMtNda9Y/UeGaOmXWXxI/AAAAAAAADUM/E7O4oyrtCbk/s1600-h/07%25252003%25252013%252520-%252520Rehearsal%252520Dinner%252520%2525283%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="07 03 13 - Rehearsal Dinner (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="07 03 13 - Rehearsal Dinner (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Io0Ya7pJg18/UeGaPN6zGyI/AAAAAAAADUU/vbpPAX7yk8c/07%25252003%25252013%252520-%252520Rehearsal%252520Dinner%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="468"></a></p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-41885001732236254712013-06-29T23:00:00.001-07:002013-06-29T23:04:07.644-07:00Two Slices of Tahoe with Cheese<p>Brayden, Shawn and I have been beating the heat by spending two weekends of sun and fun at Lake Tahoe with a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese in the middle.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Summertime is in full force in Reno, and the days are busy and blazing hot. Luckily, one of the perks of living in the area is its proximity to Lake Tahoe, and we’ve been taking advantage of it.</p> <p>Last weekend in Tahoe was a big (but nerve wracking) first for Brayden and me—and overnight away from home together. We haven’t stayed in a hotel or anywhere besides our house together since Brayden was a tiny baby so I was excited but nervous about venturing up to the Lake to stay overnight in a cabin with Shawn and another friend.</p> <p>We went to the beach by the cabin, and Brayden had a great time digging in the sand and playing in the water.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J4PXw39hUpA/Uc_JbbTYPsI/AAAAAAAADP0/skdy0Z0btKU/s1600-h/06%25252022%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520overnight%252520at%252520the%252520Tahoe%252520cabin%252520%25252810%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 22 13 - First overnight at the Tahoe cabin (10)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 22 13 - First overnight at the Tahoe cabin (10)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-chA_fvp9G5A/Uc_JbwLtr3I/AAAAAAAADP8/LGcLTPURYB4/06%25252022%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520overnight%252520at%252520the%252520Tahoe%252520cabin%252520%25252810%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="336"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rN5JT8dbNa0/Uc_Jc-OEkeI/AAAAAAAADQE/z43dJeDSOxA/s1600-h/06%25252022%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520overnight%252520at%252520the%252520Tahoe%252520cabin%252520%2525285%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 22 13 - First overnight at the Tahoe cabin (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 22 13 - First overnight at the Tahoe cabin (5)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jreWFYpbpLk/Uc_JdWbMAhI/AAAAAAAADQI/adr-gBHKXDU/06%25252022%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520overnight%252520at%252520the%252520Tahoe%252520cabin%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="354"></a></p> <p>To make things even more interesting, Brayden skipped nap which amped up my anxiety about bedtime. I know it sounds crazy that I’ve never stayed overnight with Brayden anywhere but, as a single parent, I don’t head out of town with him very often. I knew it was an overdue experience for us considering I have big dreams for adventures with Brayden in the not-so-distant future.</p> <p>In the end, Brayden did great. He picked out the bed he wanted (in a room all on his own!), and, although hesitant at first, he crashed out at his normal bedtime while I rubbed his back and cuddled with him. The only blooper was him rolling out of bed in the middle of the night but he shook that off and went back to sleep after he got a little love. It was an important milestone for us, and a good reminder for me to chill out in new situations with Brayden.</p> <p>In the middle of the week, we went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate the third birthday of a favorite little friend. Chuck E. Cheese is a special treat for little b, and we had an absolute blast. Brayden was an especially happy boy when Shawn got him a Chuck E. Cheese stuffed animal at the end of the party.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG5nVbQvyZsQUB7eG_noJ9C4bgz1GoXq5yQTev2lJVX5_VjFuUMcNKXE5P9R0NkSNcP1HkSc_0_fyLMq0R9X01nx_jLkspOUhBD5z9M2I-25lT1wlpfhu6pmLuMJrZ7iHWb33ewF2nIU/s1600-h/06%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Simone%252520Frey%252527s%252520third%252520birthday%252520%25252812%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 27 13 - Simone Frey's third birthday (12)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 27 13 - Simone Frey's third birthday (12)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zHwLG2_ummM/Uc_Jg54H0XI/AAAAAAAADQc/aOBv2TQ6I0o/06%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Simone%252520Frey%252527s%252520third%252520birthday%252520%25252812%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="408"></a></p> <p>That brings us to today, the second Tahoe trip mentioned above and the hottest day of the year so far. Shawn, Brayden and I drove up to Tahoe to spend the day on Shawn’s family’s boat with another family with little ones Brayden’s age. It was Brayden’s first time on the boat, and he was beyond excited to be a “pirate”.</p> <p>The water at Lake Tahoe is somewhat cold but that didn’t keep Brayden from being a water rat. And when he wasn’t in his floaty, he was “driving” the boat or chillin’ in the back enjoying the ride. As the pictures show, we had an outstanding time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZcG1Rz5wP_0/Uc_JiWDvwGI/AAAAAAAADQk/JX9kO81dctY/s1600-h/06%25252029%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520time%252520on%252520Shawn%252527s%252520boat%252520%2525288%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 29 13 - First time on Shawn's boat (8)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 29 13 - First time on Shawn's boat (8)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-Pkm0fAnayWc20MMF-tR8hl5ncRG36FIr647QycTzERHk_m935Qu997QAYg9jeSkUE7WdxwTqSRPJVAl3eiWvJRkp19NzGeQCe8J1LkCMUQr6fdyI-NZUs2jo7Ph5WCfBf_13mytHsg/?imgmax=800" width="431" height="333"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uMX9gWXO2AI/Uc_Jjdh9dmI/AAAAAAAADQ0/i5osGTmpH5E/s1600-h/06%25252029%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520time%252520on%252520Shawn%252527s%252520boat%252520%2525282%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 29 13 - First time on Shawn's boat (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 29 13 - First time on Shawn's boat (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ouVmCTUG2w/Uc_JjxeIfkI/AAAAAAAADQ8/dBPvH8vvucE/06%25252029%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520time%252520on%252520Shawn%252527s%252520boat%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="326"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QtwHrXnz2F0/Uc_JkYLRlhI/AAAAAAAADRE/qkcepa-Qik0/s1600-h/06%25252029%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520time%252520on%252520Shawn%252527s%252520boat%252520%25252811%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 29 13 - First time on Shawn's boat (11)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 29 13 - First time on Shawn's boat (11)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q_8aYP_FDls/Uc_Jkzq5r0I/AAAAAAAADRM/qWraA0vxCSE/06%25252029%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520time%252520on%252520Shawn%252527s%252520boat%252520%25252811%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="235" height="324"></a></p> <p>As Sublime and George Gershwin sang, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy." With good times like these, it sure is.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-69674861402072788052013-06-16T21:54:00.001-07:002013-06-16T21:54:08.737-07:00Father’s Day Top 4<p>This week had a little of everything. An anniversary, a birthday, Father’s Day and even a good ol’ fashioned sod laying party.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>This week is always epic for my family. First comes my parents’ anniversary (6/12), then my dad’s birthday (6/14) followed immediately by Father’s Day (6/16). So much celebrating!</p> <p>#4 – Dinner at Red Lobster</p> <p>Many of you know I have an unhealthy love for cheddar bay biscuits. This must shine through somehow when I fill out surveys because a while ago I filled out an online questionnaire from a Red Lobster receipt. Then guess what happened? They emailed me a free $50 gift card and asked me to try out one of their new meals and give my opinion. Well, yes I will! Thank you very much! I brought my dad and Brayden along for some wonderful company.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gakj8EfUVrU/Ub6WQM4cU3I/AAAAAAAADM8/c6O36vF-ii4/s1600-h/06-10-13---Papas-Red-Lobster-Birthda%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 10 13 - Papa's Red Lobster Birthday Dinner (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 10 13 - Papa's Red Lobster Birthday Dinner (3)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ciC5xqvvskM/Ub6WQ2nFppI/AAAAAAAADNE/5U1kiWuAc44/06-10-13---Papas-Red-Lobster-Birthda%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="364"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8KMirX4Eh6o/Ub6WRZ9P1FI/AAAAAAAADNM/bB0jtfafdrw/s1600-h/06%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Papa%252527s%252520Red%252520Lobster%252520Birthday%252520Dinner%252520%2525287%252529_2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 10 13 - Papa's Red Lobster Birthday Dinner (7)_2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 10 13 - Papa's Red Lobster Birthday Dinner (7)_2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qbKPrUpWqv4/Ub6WRyXwvQI/AAAAAAAADNU/Qr_q52958h8/06%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Papa%252527s%252520Red%252520Lobster%252520Birthday%252520Dinner%252520%2525287%252529_2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="323"></a></p> <p>#3 – Mom and Dad’s Anniversary and Brayden’s Bedroom Reveal</p> <p>Wednesday was my parents’ 31st wedding anniversary. I admire their commitment to each other and genuinely hope to have that some day. To celebrate, we had a family dinner at the house. It was also a very special day because Brayden had not been to my parents’ new house since they moved in, as recounted in the post “<a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2013/04/big-moves-and-birthday-grooves.html" target="_blank">Big Moves and Birthday Grooves</a>”. My parents had his room all ready and filled to the brim with new toys, including a really cool, huge pirate play ship I bought special for his room at their house. Brayden loved his new room at Nana and Papa’s and couldn’t stop kissing and hugging them. It was absolutely precious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MqFRVukaiT4/Ub6WSmWmPvI/AAAAAAAADNc/umzHZ5s3dXk/s1600-h/06-12-13---Nana-and-Papas-Anniversar%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 12 13 - Nana and Papa's Anniversary and Seeing Brayden's Room (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 12 13 - Nana and Papa's Anniversary and Seeing Brayden's Room (3)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vJJK3mlVnlw/Ub6WS4CJBQI/AAAAAAAADNk/RTaP8tIUczc/06-12-13---Nana-and-Papas-Anniversar%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="352"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--li8_B4mEXc/Ub6WTdgjwjI/AAAAAAAADNs/NO6S9kRGXA4/s1600-h/06-12-13---Nana-and-Papas-Anniversar%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 12 13 - Nana and Papa's Anniversary and Seeing Brayden's Room (7)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 12 13 - Nana and Papa's Anniversary and Seeing Brayden's Room (7)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXKO-025m-mZgI-hxdaGR5RGRlvCmP4AD1fI847JljYIdVYqiVr119bSiHlMNPjx9MY2PRaaTN-QudAuUAPFdgI6P2_Hrv2u_4UC5H_rA0W-A6ArH68NN_BF8IOJppEr2hoBVZg3U1aA/?imgmax=800" width="458" height="354"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gQ_hmbKCo3Y/Ub6WVEa3sFI/AAAAAAAADN8/UUFJkv2Hjnc/s1600-h/06-12-13---Nana-and-Papas-Anniversar%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 12 13 - Nana and Papa's Anniversary and Seeing Brayden's Room (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 12 13 - Nana and Papa's Anniversary and Seeing Brayden's Room (9)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OqU3Zb-bC-M/Ub6WVtN5URI/AAAAAAAADOE/2ZygHFLjZfQ/06-12-13---Nana-and-Papas-Anniversar.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="362"></a></p> <p>#2 – Dad’s Sod-Laying Birthday Party</p> <p>My dad’s birthday was Friday but we all got to together on Saturday to give him the best gift a man can get—manual labor. My brother, Ryan, his girlfriend, Abby, Shawn and I teamed up with my mom and dad on Saturday morning to lay more than 2,300 sq. ft. of sod, make paver walls around trees and plant flowers. The pictures below show the process and the result.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I_BZBH11DSY/Ub6WWCdZ7hI/AAAAAAAADOM/DXESX7UoTxs/s1600-h/06%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Sodding%252520my%252520parents%252520backyard%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 15 13 - Sodding my parents backyard (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 15 13 - Sodding my parents backyard (3)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M-cgK0ELTy4/Ub6WWTXkEhI/AAAAAAAADOU/Le1udpwDiDk/06%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Sodding%252520my%252520parents%252520backyard%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="339"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VD9ecE5sjC4/Ub6WW4zKhnI/AAAAAAAADOc/UqW5gYuk6hc/s1600-h/06%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Sodding%252520my%252520parents%252520backyard%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 15 13 - Sodding my parents backyard (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 15 13 - Sodding my parents backyard (4)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IJmRE0cq8bE/Ub6WXTcsOTI/AAAAAAAADOk/pk_dlmlrqDM/06%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Sodding%252520my%252520parents%252520backyard%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="343"></a></p> <p>Later that evening we all returned to the house to surprise my dad with his real birthday gift, a fire pit for his new backyard. My brother took his fire making responsibilities pretty seriously so we had to sit around the tree for a bit until the fire chilled out (no pun intended).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jjF73frsY8Y/Ub6WXzlN2wI/AAAAAAAADOs/ZCZ-ldVWqFw/s1600-h/06%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Dad%252527s%252520suprise%252520sod%252520birthday%252520%2525283%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 15 13 - Dad's suprise sod birthday (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 15 13 - Dad's suprise sod birthday (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aIh7ZRTGghk/Ub6WYCQuwmI/AAAAAAAADO0/8z-0TUVwIeY/06%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Dad%252527s%252520suprise%252520sod%252520birthday%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="352"></a></p> <p>#1 – Father’s Day</p> <p>I owe so much to my father. More than I could ever write in a blog post. He is a wonderful dad, an amazing Papa to my son and a great man all around. </p> <p>We celebrated Father’s Day the same way we spent Mother’s Day, with Shawn’s family. But this time a couple good friends joined us too, Mark and Stephanie. We enjoyed a delicious meal, plenty to drink, dancing and lots of laughs all while golden oldies played in the background. My dad’s Father’s Day gift was a real fishing set for Brayden so they can go out on their first angling adventure. It was an absolutely perfect evening.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i0xzj3ALu_I/Ub6WYlXqHSI/AAAAAAAADO8/2vXqvqtFhxE/s1600-h/06%25252016%25252013%252520-%252520Father%252527s%252520Day%252520at%252520Shawn%252527s%252520%25252812%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 16 13 - Father's Day at Shawn's (12)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 16 13 - Father's Day at Shawn's (12)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNOIfaeXv46kDyV12avJta9Dlmd8wKrGWpy2LdvfqfuszzwlKwkXwvpxJhqD3iHgvDEEAQ7m504kF4ZQ4OdibMMoxShcNZl6Fz6V5GUyKEj7CF4stOC83X8yflJk8kFrcam4CUqqapMg/?imgmax=800" width="346" height="476"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K-mxW4_I-kc/Ub6WZk8v6dI/AAAAAAAADPM/VTdTpQxjK_Q/s1600-h/06%25252016%25252013%252520-%252520Father%252527s%252520Day%252520at%252520Shawn%252527s%252520%25252817%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 16 13 - Father's Day at Shawn's (17)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 16 13 - Father's Day at Shawn's (17)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2qk1O1557sw/Ub6WZ8mQDxI/AAAAAAAADPU/XmtH_SBPUxA/06%25252016%25252013%252520-%252520Father%252527s%252520Day%252520at%252520Shawn%252527s%252520%25252817%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="313"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SpWoQEJ9aqI/Ub6WabrSPVI/AAAAAAAADPc/ai_GUmR1T-c/s1600-h/06%25252016%25252013%252520-%252520Father%252527s%252520Day%252520at%252520Shawn%252527s%252520%25252814%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 16 13 - Father's Day at Shawn's (14)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 16 13 - Father's Day at Shawn's (14)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UgCzaVTdR_0/Ub6WbngLYzI/AAAAAAAADPk/E-z7u_0_ls0/06%25252016%25252013%252520-%252520Father%252527s%252520Day%252520at%252520Shawn%252527s%252520%25252814%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="312"></a></p> <p>I hope your week was a fabulous one too. But the night’s not over for me. The moment I click “Publish” on this post, I get to enjoy the season premiere of “True Blood”. Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, it does!</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-49761662998852802622013-06-06T22:58:00.001-07:002013-06-06T22:58:43.116-07:00Quid Pro Popsicle<p>My oh-so-smart toddler figured out how to negotiate the equivalent of a hostage exchange; in this case, he’s holding out on taking medicine until a popsicle is in his near future.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Brayden spent last week in beautiful Pismo Beach but he came home with two unintended souvenirs—double pink eye and an ear infection. On the plus side, he hasn’t had an ear infection <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/11/ear-intervention.html" target="_blank">since his surgery in late Fall 2012</a>, which is great. On the negative side, the pink eye meant no school for a couple days while he was contagious. One of those days was spent home with me, and I learned that <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2013/01/obedience-training.html" target="_blank">my mini Jedi mind trick master</a> was continuing to hone his craft.</p> <p>Just for the pink eye and ear infection alone, Brayden is on eye drops every three hours, and ear drops and amoxicillin twice a day. Then when you add his allergy meds to the mix, the kid is seriously Rx’ed up. The eye drops and antibiotics are his least favorite, and little b figured out how to withhold certain behaviors until paid in kind with desired treats.</p> <p>I’m generally not one for bribery but when eye drops are standing in the way of you returning to work (and your child to daycare), you put aside your righteousness.</p> <p>Here’s how it went down:</p> <ol> <li>I tell Brayden it’s time for eye drops/antibiotics. <li>Brayden goes to the freezer and gets out the box of popsicles and stares up at me like this.<br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vJsb7aGiS1s/UbF2iA4R79I/AAAAAAAADME/yuzkz3H7rFA/s1600-h/06%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Sick%252520Day%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 04 13 - Sick Day (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 04 13 - Sick Day (5)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cDoJzRRcib8/UbF2ijAn-9I/AAAAAAAADMI/d8kAtg3aHGo/06%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Sick%252520Day%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="314"></a> <li>I hold up the selected popsicle while he puts the dosing syringe to his mouth. <li>Each progressive act of consuming the medicine (e.g., drinking the antibiotics little by little or letting me put the drops in his eyes) is synchronized with me unwrapping the popsicle, pulling it out of the plastic sleeve and holding it in front of him. Each side watching the other to make sure the agreed upon steps are followed.</li></ol> <p>It’s a very carefully orchestrated dance, and I have no idea where he learned it. Unless I missed this particular episode of Jake and the Never Land Pirates, I would swear he’s watching crime dramas where negotiators exchange hostages for pizzas or airplanes and said to himself, “I think they’re on to something with this...”</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2UDb4pBAIdw/UbF2jA2SmiI/AAAAAAAADMU/UarDdPyz3Is/s1600-h/06%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Sick%252520Day%252520%2525286%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 04 13 - Sick Day (6)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 04 13 - Sick Day (6)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e4b6bGp9Liw/UbF2jfe6scI/AAAAAAAADMc/otoZ0gsiW0E/06%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Sick%252520Day%252520%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="219"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXY7reNVDZ0AbxH-2tKIshd9DONFQcygnQEcp-gcsEwuMNzxNKl8Sd5bf2yjrBulWrhEdK-VE168bsfM1E9ixQ56D1ZeotW2HVpT78V20ACFuKhvmZ4LZ0o3bvhL62jl7w65y8fLoznk/s1600-h/06%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Sick%252520Day%252520%2525287%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="06 04 13 - Sick Day (7)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="06 04 13 - Sick Day (7)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jf9AP01_NjQ/UbF2kQI0TQI/AAAAAAAADMs/VRaq7l16bGA/06%25252004%25252013%252520-%252520Sick%252520Day%252520%2525287%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="218"></a></p> <p>In any case, it’s just another reason why this child cracks me up. I love the adventure we’re on together as he gets older, and the way we ebb and flow as Brayden experiments with being an independent person and I learn how to parent the little boy he’s becoming while letting go of the baby he was.</p> <p>But enough of all that; I need to get back to my online Sally Struthers course on “Toddlers: Keeping Up With A Child Who’s Smarter Than You”…</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-50223861580031335992013-05-31T22:12:00.001-07:002013-05-31T22:12:23.434-07:00Party of Fore<p>Brayden enjoyed his first round of mini golf with his buddy, Elijah, and the mommies got to caddy.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>A couple Fridays ago, I got a text late in the afternoon from my friend, Elinor, whose son, Elijah, is Brayden’s good buddy (and frequent blog guest star). “Let’s take the boys mini golfing!” Well, why not?</p> <p>Brayden loves real golf and often practices his short game around the house (seriously). You may remember the posts <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/02/can-espn-interview-you-in-2026.html" target="_blank">Can ESPN Interview You in 2026?</a> and <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/04/seeing-green.html" target="_blank">Seeing Green</a>. If not, they’re cute starters on Brayden’s golf history.</p> <p>Elinor and I brought the boys to Magic Carpet Mini Golf which is a Reno institution with three themed courses. We chose the storybook one which was based on different fairytales.</p> <p>Armed with their kiddie irons, the boys enthusiastically ran to the first hole. Elijah actually did pretty good with starting at the tee but Brayden preferred choosing his starting point creatively.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9AQCFU-byD8/UamCngmFOVI/AAAAAAAADKc/umUJqPUuc0s/s1600-h/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525282%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2J9_av51K4U/UamCoGzsoWI/AAAAAAAADKk/KHv-cX6KaLY/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="470"></a></p> <p>The boys were so funny as they triumphantly conquered each hole. Every time the ball would drop into the little cup, Brayden would raise his arms in the air and yell, “I did it!”</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iiKE9llk430/UamCopmF0WI/AAAAAAAADKs/7Sx2EicqAD4/s1600-h/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9fqp0Ackz74/UamCpCndZ0I/AAAAAAAADK0/xVa8N37h1KA/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="360"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XeM-C3yppYI/UamCp_DOnfI/AAAAAAAADK8/2PxbTHIA72Q/s1600-h/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (5)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-elEiYvkW8TA/UamCqfeXGTI/AAAAAAAADLE/vGjqmz_8700/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="309"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sbVyLZ324Cg/UamCq1CWE8I/AAAAAAAADLM/BGm4CPtHjLE/s1600-h/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525287%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (7)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (7)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DumKOZ3lH2Y/UamCrGlF0RI/AAAAAAAADLU/xyQ7ihxWGew/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525287%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="309"></a></p> <p>The boys got a kick out of each little windmill, water obstacle and moving drawbridge. At the end of our round, we posed for a photo to commemorate <br>the moment.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lrw5vfUO_cQ/UamCrkZUawI/AAAAAAAADLc/l9V2eVHbHOY/s1600-h/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525289%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (9)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IQRAHJaL3zw/UamCsBhFEXI/AAAAAAAADLk/9qJNgFS0WSU/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="520"></a></p> <p>But the fun didn’t stop there. You know how the 18th hole is usually some crazy set up that keeps the ball after? Well, at Magic Carpet Mini Golf, you bring your ball inside and use it to play a free round on a slot machine. </p> <p>Only in Reno.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wa-zJriIHq8/UamCs9V7zgI/AAAAAAAADLs/2pwV1hOH82Q/s1600-h/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%25252810%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (10)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 17 13 - First Time Mini Golfing (10)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q6aTf-cHjLs/UamCtYqROBI/AAAAAAAADL0/JDyqftSYMqE/05%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Time%252520Mini%252520Golfing%252520%25252810%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="486"></a></p> <p>The whole evening felt like our own little personal start to summer. We followed up our time at the links with burgers and fries at In n’ Out Burger with Elinor and Elijah, and then Brayden and I met Shawn for ice cream. It doesn’t get more summer-y than that.</p> <p>I can’t wait to for the fun of the next three months. Now that Brayden is becoming a curious and active little boy, I can only imagine the adventures ahead. Bring on the warm weather!</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-13341917783932176992013-05-19T14:29:00.001-07:002013-05-19T14:29:47.297-07:00Must Be This Cute To Ride<p>This weekend Brayden bravely faced a big adventure—his first trip to an amusement park! My parents and I took B to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and we all laughed, screamed and ate to exhaustion.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I had an inkling Brayden would enjoy his first trip to a theme park. He is, after all, the cutest little daredevil this side of the Mississippi. (Just look at him catching major air in the pictures from <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2013/04/big-moves-and-birthday-grooves.html" target="_blank">Big Moves and Birthday Grooves</a> or taking on climbing walls in <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2013/01/american-toddler-gladiator.html" target="_blank">American (Toddler) Gladiator</a>). But even I didn’t realize how much fun he would have.</p> <p>Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a great park because in addition to three, large kiddie areas, they also have a great variety of marine and land animals. I wanted Brayden to get some zoo time in right away so we started our day with the stingrays, penguins and sharks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gEl_WiyFUI8/UZlD7KI9C-I/AAAAAAAADF8/8YsJua1V1G4/s1600-h/05-18-13---First-Six-Flags-Trip-174.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (17)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (17)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cMw2x6ZQaiM/UZlD7qhxbLI/AAAAAAAADGE/ZnxvEsdY5tc/05-18-13---First-Six-Flags-Trip-17_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="177"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwagbhnfE2US5xLDRqh-T2tpkMSetwrETiAZ4Y_bZWOAJT54zqWN4hNCny3S_kHG2P4zX9j4N0mW_nb2LFxPvtAxna8L5AIME8tXY85-D1lcN8zAxWe4lvdfyKyFTYulghHkcymD1mtgA/s1600-h/05-18-13---First-Six-Flags-Trip-194.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (19)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (19)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-83lkdRqw4bs/UZlD8rpT6YI/AAAAAAAADGU/O9HlQw3-mDQ/05-18-13---First-Six-Flags-Trip-19_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="178"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3NubAcQ_wcs/UZlD9KmeLsI/AAAAAAAADGc/X1jbyC0wpFc/s1600-h/05-18-13---First-Six-Flags-Trip-346.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (34)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (34)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IQZKij0kfvY/UZlD9oY5_5I/AAAAAAAADGk/c1LHqgfzrTI/05-18-13---First-Six-Flags-Trip-34_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="367"></a></p> <p>The shark exhibit was particularly cool because you stand on a moving walkway through a glass tunnel surrounded by swimming sharks. I thought he might be a little scared at first but he wasn’t at all. He wanted to get in the water with the sharks!</p> <p>After we at crossed off a bit of educational fun, it was time to show him the real appeal of Six Flags—the rides! I mistakenly thought little b needed to “warm up” to all this so we all took a group ride on the toddler train…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LVYZofRAEAY/UZlD-JH0JDI/AAAAAAAADGs/QqVsCgJNq8I/s1600-h/05-18-13---First-Six-Flags-Trip-204.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (20)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (20)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zvUP0kvjV2k/UZlD-itEzXI/AAAAAAAADG0/cvs4_3HGoO8/05-18-13---First-Six-Flags-Trip-20_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="368"></a></p> <p>…but afterward, Brayden left us in the dust and made a beeline for the high impact kiddie rides. </p> <p>Some we had to go on with him, like the fast swings, carousel, high drop ride and roller coaster. My parents and I took turns as the de facto “adult over 54” tall" and got our “whee!” on.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fErqG05PotI/UZlD_RBoldI/AAAAAAAADG8/28nXfo8RNLQ/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252830%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (30)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (30)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gfgVZ5u0ECI/UZlD_3z_ZuI/AAAAAAAADHE/eqGqFGO9Fw0/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252830%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="233"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c1BmnqqEGGs/UZlEBJK523I/AAAAAAAADHM/-yG6IbIq6u4/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252846%252529%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (46)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (46)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hObW7pL-HO4/UZlECEUG1oI/AAAAAAAADHU/h3K_VECpzAI/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252846%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="233"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge709OF6XyBY7YysZsk0anH53v-E5pboUTjbUWm5U3kYobeObpf3fCzlarr8k1vHikQBJ7enuXdA9qZzFiLay6O4E8m7tDNkSKlZG2v5nQk2p8ycsh5fbQUnRE6tDCQ870YmGFKp3uVUk/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252810%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (10)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (10)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f_pP81AwBkM/UZlED48-FNI/AAAAAAAADHk/X_g1ADes_5I/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252810%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="606"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yd83M3UX5P8/UZlEE65W-hI/AAAAAAAADHs/ec_LC-iRMYU/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252824%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (24)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (24)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c9HC9Jk9ICM/UZlEFkO825I/AAAAAAAADH0/LS4YVMmF9LU/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252824%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="358"></a></p> <p>Since Brayden is taller than three feet, he was able to go on quite a few rides on his own. Again, crazy mommy over here wasn’t sure if he’d be game but Brayden barely even looked back at us. He was so, “Yeah, mom, I got this.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ADxk4uh0YvA/UZlEGbovIhI/AAAAAAAADH8/j6T1Pm_cBh4/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252835%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (35)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (35)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dr0hQQZ9hkM/UZlEGlrul8I/AAAAAAAADIE/xbXMubDtur8/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252835%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="183"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nsVTPtL-X9M/UZlEHRDAQaI/AAAAAAAADIM/MkWlBtTHgMc/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252841%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (41)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (41)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OmOYqgP7TZQ/UZlEJTGDcCI/AAAAAAAADIU/4EWwBpkHNos/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252841%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="187"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPWXjX6qrlmpIVKIhrY3reEZ3m7ctStIi7MAyzg0CRssOC-GUwVZE6WJnQl7i_9m2Fuqfz-f5oCZr0Jgl_DfiV_Tyd535E6qUlnBgjGMGs8mH4FfoT8n4zJ2MJTBjErqMtBqPAhjvnw0/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252843%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (43)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (43)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-doDErfeUy_A/UZlEKmgepfI/AAAAAAAADIk/S9d8WDJDNZY/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252843%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="362"></a></p> <p>One of the funniest moments was during the ride “Flight School” when Brayden had to pilot a plane. He didn’t get the whole “pull down to go up” and vice versa but it was hysterical to watch.</p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6b8c3761-3840-499f-8266-b1bc40a57ac9" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div id="1dc40a69-f5e2-40af-aa16-bd6a4adb2d29" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LqG1cvErEk&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4FeUjs76R1w/UZlEKwj4GcI/AAAAAAAADIs/B7YKMLx0u3o/video53091c2950ce%25255B21%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('1dc40a69-f5e2-40af-aa16-bd6a4adb2d29'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/4LqG1cvErEk?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/4LqG1cvErEk?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>After a couple hours of rides and a proper theme park food court lunch, we wrapped the day up with more wildlife.</p> <p>Brayden gave veggies to a giraffe with the looongest tongue ever,</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pYJYJz3hQso/UZlELS0-0BI/AAAAAAAADI0/Cg7ZB8jZJoQ/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252837%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (37)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (37)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3pnkx92Adqw/UZlELxwG-MI/AAAAAAAADI8/P9a-eKB7bDk/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252837%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="337"></a></p> <p>…admired butterflies in a conservatory,</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DVWgIOKppkk/UZlEMQd3VBI/AAAAAAAADJE/QtU1pJZ4654/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252857%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (57)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (57)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dcawhOgl7Og/UZlEOEd5NII/AAAAAAAADJM/OrnnHJbUAXQ/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252857%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="580"></a></p> <p>and fed fish to very loud, boisterous sea lions.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f3sv8eQ4gMI/UZlEPJUSFbI/AAAAAAAADJU/X2QUSp5Vxy4/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252861%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (61)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (61)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HzEKgo7fWGM/UZlEPpyINTI/AAAAAAAADJc/bXam0DdRsEg/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252861%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="180"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DjRht7yypY0/UZlEQJ1Q5nI/AAAAAAAADJk/7gF5AQOFkNc/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252862%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (62)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (62)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ov0iJwHUlx0/UZlEQqkHj9I/AAAAAAAADJs/5jhFkG3nL0w/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252862%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="185"></a></p> <p>As a matter of fact, the only thing missing from this very full experience was nap. Yes, Mr. “I’m Wide Awake” rebuffed my attempts to try and get him to sleep in his stroller. Brayden has only ever missed one other nap in his life, last year’s Fourth of July. With the memory still fresh in my mind, I decided to abandon the idea of nap and blaze through the day without worrying about it.</p> <p>(Note: If you haven’t read <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/07/independence-from-nap-day.html" target="_blank">Independence (From Nap) Day</a>, I highly recommend it. It’s a favorite of mine, and one of the most read ever on the blog.)</p> <p>We left that afternoon and drove home to Reno with a crashed out, but blissfully happy, toddler.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BUn-9swQtZI/UZlEQ5dZjDI/AAAAAAAADJ0/wnZNEpjGbBA/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252864%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (64)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (64)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-33xpsUDLc3o/UZlERegLR-I/AAAAAAAADJ8/FzI-jim__J0/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252864%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dpMrzpMHDrs/UZlER_7k7PI/AAAAAAAADKE/-t3Dw_B8N24/s1600-h/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252863%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (63)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 18 13 - First Six Flags Trip (63)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U4lYGUZtkWc/UZlESZEoJWI/AAAAAAAADKM/TdgKApLxU5I/05%25252018%25252013%252520-%252520First%252520Six%252520Flags%252520Trip%252520%25252863%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>When we got home that evening and we were getting ready for bed, Brayden and I had our standard quiet time rocking in the chair. And without even having to be asked, he said to me, “I had good adventure today mommy. I love you.”</p> <p>I love you too, little b.</p> <p>It was a precious way to end such a wonderful, long, fun day.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-35367870380633827782013-05-12T22:27:00.001-07:002013-05-13T20:36:07.511-07:00Step Away From the Lemon, Ma’am<p>I’m so happy I could shine in the dark. Between massages, flowers, a family BBQ and even an early morning wake up call, this has been a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I am so lucky to be Brayden’s mommy. Each Mother’s Day gets better and better and this year was no exception. It has been a truly fantastic three days.</p> <p>On Friday morning, Brayden’s daycare hosted a Mother’s Day breakfast. When I showed up at school, Brayden was so excited to give me my gift—a pretty purple plant in a pot decorated with his hand and foot prints. Needless to say, I adore it.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3D6uBbWF7JEskBNMLixLXzT099d3hDqg5iYSS1TfpgyNCjBHP9rCELdrQBD10CO8yPcxn0pTmdbDUH89VLK5aMCHKYX9gOzSSOPwmRzlNVu3PH66MXfB4TSB6Byerj084ERREOpRJgI/s1600-h/051013_MothersDayatDaycare-17.jpg"><img title="051013_MothersDayatDaycare (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="051013_MothersDayatDaycare (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OtjsQCrPQvQ/UZB5uh7U_ZI/AAAAAAAADD8/lEOmeb9nXac/051013_MothersDayatDaycare-1_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="236"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z-9AEo3gI0U/UZB5vLB0aYI/AAAAAAAADEE/V5uvVen8iMw/s1600-h/051013_MothersDayatDaycare-412.jpg"><img title="051013_MothersDayatDaycare (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="051013_MothersDayatDaycare (4)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BAeJX_rOLik/UZB5vteYXDI/AAAAAAAADEM/jkQzP8pVXfI/051013_MothersDayatDaycare-4_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="234"></a></p> <p>After work, my incredibly sweet boyfriend, Shawn, took me to a really nice spa for some Mother’s Day pampering. I was so incredibly relaxed that at dinner I couldn’t even put lemon in my water. I picked it up, barely squeezed it and shot it across the table. Then I grabbed it again, still couldn’t hold on and sent it flying again. Shawn told me to back away from the lemon and politely did it for me.</p> <p>Forget Quaaludes, apparently all I need is a good massage to incapacitate me.</p> <p>Saturday was a beautiful day, and Shawn, Brayden and I went up to a little old mining town called Virginia City for their annual Chili Cook Off. Brayden jumped in the bounce house, touched a snake and even got to feed a donkey some carrots. Quite the Western adventure for a two-year-old!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H0ybSTB4SbA/UZB5wZR956I/AAAAAAAADEU/tegtdD5OCAk/s1600-h/05-11-13---Virginia-City-24.jpg"><img title="05 11 13 - Virginia City (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 11 13 - Virginia City (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t9jN8Cviv2Y/UZB5wxjvBZI/AAAAAAAADEc/_eLbRjiLAcg/05-11-13---Virginia-City-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="179"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gEeJV9fkH_Y/UZB5xqttHZI/AAAAAAAADEk/h8LRbO2wDKE/s1600-h/05-11-13---Virginia-City-610.jpg"><img title="05 11 13 - Virginia City (6)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 11 13 - Virginia City (6)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cXRbzHz63vA/UZB5yrbzWWI/AAAAAAAADEs/sIZnQGLB30w/05-11-13---Virginia-City-6_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="181"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bavry4TkyW4/UZB5yzevEBI/AAAAAAAADE0/3CRuhm26urQ/s1600-h/05-11-13---Virginia-City-95.jpg"><img title="05 11 13 - Virginia City (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 11 13 - Virginia City (9)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NL2nUxN7tlo/UZB5zqT7gmI/AAAAAAAADE8/pxRLzhznVFc/05-11-13---Virginia-City-9_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="362"></a></p> <p>The official holiday itself started off pretty tiring. Brayden is a good sleeper and almost always out until 7 a.m. or later (“almost” being the operative word). Apparently, Mother’s Day is on the exception list because he was up and ready to party at 5:15 a.m. </p> <p>Our list of things to do included calling our grandmothers in Connecticut. Earlier in the week, Brayden and I picked out and mailed card for everyone.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KAcWiE2-Y1g/UZB50I8My3I/AAAAAAAADFE/2aDiJu173Rk/s1600-h/05-05-13_ShoppingforMothersDayCards_%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 05 13_ShoppingforMothersDayCards_1 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 05 13_ShoppingforMothersDayCards_1 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5enVvfdxzCw/UZB50nKqCoI/AAAAAAAADFM/mimY_GyiijQ/05-05-13_ShoppingforMothersDayCards_%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="412"></a></p> <p>The morning became even brighter when Shawn unexpectedly showed up with a Frappuccino. Brayden was enamored of the drink and immediately declared it “too heavy” for me to hold so he offered to hold (and drink) it for me.</p> <p>Mother’s Day afternoon was the grand finale of the weekend—Nana, Papa and Uncle Ryan (my mom, dad and brother) came over along with Shawn and his parents to celebrate the day. We all exchanged gifts, and I received an adorable card and dinner out from my little b and a big, lovely arrangement of potted plants from Shawn’s mom.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_psN2EigrUQ/UZB51LLzHYI/AAAAAAAADFU/dz_Pg8ekn8E/s1600-h/05%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Mother%252527s%252520Day%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 12 13 - Mother's Day (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 12 13 - Mother's Day (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nBcqyVBSbhU/UZB51lGoEuI/AAAAAAAADFc/zMuppMfwplA/05%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Mother%252527s%252520Day%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="175"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y_KBquvox5U/UZB52VsFljI/AAAAAAAADFk/IQGWagRxs9Q/s1600-h/05%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Mother%252527s%252520Day%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="05 12 13 - Mother's Day (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="05 12 13 - Mother's Day (3)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b1otxkbgKok/UZB523_0sPI/AAAAAAAADFs/wpWxOv0nw_4/05%25252012%25252013%252520-%252520Mother%252527s%252520Day%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="178"></a></p> <p>The weather was gorgeous, the food was great (cooked on my new Weber grill!) and we all had a wonderful time that went happily into the evening.</p> <p>I can’t believe this is my third Mother’s Day. And like I said in the beginning of the post, these special days in May just keep getting better as the years go by. My beautiful son is happy and healthy, and I have so much love in my life. I feel truly blessed.</p> <p>Happy Mother’s Day to all my friends and family who are moms. I hope you spent the day with your families being appreciated for the love, support and effort you give every day.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-78744763195025314562013-05-05T22:38:00.001-07:002013-06-06T21:57:14.798-07:00You’ve Got a Friend in Me<p>Listening to the classic Toy Story theme song put a lot into perspective for me. Friends, both new and old, are the common thread in a range of recent events that include a 48-hour trip to D.C. and more dinner parties than I could count.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>“You've got a friend in me<br>When the road looks rough ahead<br>And you're miles and miles<br>From your nice warm bed<br>Just remember what your old pal said<br>Boy, you've got a friend in me…” <p>Isn’t this a great song? I was cuddling with Brayden while watching Toy Story and the lyrics to this song really resonated with me. Friends have been a major reoccurring theme the past few weeks for two reasons: 1. I’m dating a wonderful guy, and we’ve been meeting each other’s friends 2. I took a business trip to Washington, D.C. where I met with up a couple very special old friends. <p>I’ll start with the business trip… <p>I was in Washington for literally 48 hours and not a second went to waste. Between obligations to the conference I was attending, I was able to enjoy reunions with amazing friends I’ve known since my teens. <p>The first was Chris, a college buddy from my glory days at the University of New Hampshire. He was a friend—and only ever a friend—in the truest sense of the word. He looked after me like a sister and even dutifully installed shelves in my sorority room. There isn’t enough I could say about Chris. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S4bxsazFIDs/UYdBvxgLvtI/AAAAAAAADCA/4T7g5VOuj_c/s1600-h/Fall1999_Homecoming%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fall1999_Homecoming" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Fall1999_Homecoming" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrze9AxA-rlNpIFsA8RE9RPssCJrXo0Xvz8I_Zl6fW5eriHRmbbMcGDWfnDL_XrPAhhIzNv5HtfCmQ6RD9TgRyUVWnE3_hwkKNYXA5nqlW8wZkuI0QKqJ9IwRBk_-Q-xmiUgZjQvmjXP4/?imgmax=800" width="283" height="232"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E0UXVVi-ypE/UYdBxCJ0fOI/AAAAAAAADCQ/hRyoMY3gR9E/s1600-h/Fall1999_ChrisHangingAShelf%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Fall1999_ChrisHangingAShelf" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Fall1999_ChrisHangingAShelf" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbBLtlzsUYCwL26Cz2-0sTZSQGU8t4cGaYksVJ9ovS4n4LGTObW6e5azpzyRnYTsXM5-1bndpkNuFG-O5MyG5TzpMTx6RPXj8VNmebaFNQVXSwcU0FQ9uoLpTaxDIw34KNQOJ5NDzvSo/?imgmax=800" width="172" height="241"></a> <p>Immediately after arriving in the city, I met with him and his beautiful wife, Gayle (an Alpha Phi from my chapter no less!), who is expecting their first child very soon. I hadn’t seen Chris in more than 12 years but it was like a day hadn’t gone by. We had so much fun reminiscing about our years at UNH. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fS6B8M-kXBM/UYdBzTpKANI/AAAAAAAADCg/CCT6e-hhwsg/s1600-h/050113_DinnerwithChrisandGayle%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="050113_DinnerwithChrisandGayle" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="050113_DinnerwithChrisandGayle" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ffMdIX8GI2o/UYdB0TFd6JI/AAAAAAAADCo/ih4kbjmJwhM/050113_DinnerwithChrisandGayle_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="485"></a> <p>On my second day, I met up with a close friend and roommate from my Walt Disney World College Program days, Krissy. She sold popcorn in Magic Kingdom, and I was in retail at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Typical glamorous internship stuff. A friend of 15 years, Krissy and her husband were my hosts during my last D.C. trip, recounted in the post <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/01/east-coast-vs-west-coast.html" target="_blank">East Coast vs. West Coast</a>. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2BxN_0IiyGw/UYdB1DSQ6LI/AAAAAAAADCw/2sUxu_m58C4/s1600-h/WDWSummer1998_3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="WDWSummer1998_3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WDWSummer1998_3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt5P0j7pN1eW6eTPWgYOTkHjFLuSwawyUXg0Km7SyLxJcUqfEERJacUx1iS0bxaaxJZjKOjsYUpWRUqhPESGSnDfDkfOYuXTt-PxaD1JPd_WwqRstE1n9wWPqsRCk7f4NPagi24KG4AM/?imgmax=800" width="442" height="234"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yLVrPk0wUM8/UYdB3HoXr8I/AAAAAAAADDA/D6YcjrgyktY/s1600-h/WDWSummer1998_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WDWSummer1998_1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="WDWSummer1998_1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wI0q8W8wqf0/UYdB3_Bh3aI/AAAAAAAADDI/IOVlwxTeZso/WDWSummer1998_1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="347"></a> <p>Krissy’s a new mom so our two hours together were jam-packed with catching up on life and babies. Krissy is the kind of friend who you may not see often, but when you do, it’s like you never missed a beat. I am so happy were able to get together, and I’m very grateful for our long-standing friendship. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zBH_j6x59s4/UYdB5vpdkqI/AAAAAAAADDQ/JW3yNY9782Q/s1600-h/050213_DCwithKrissy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="050213_DCwithKrissy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="050213_DCwithKrissy" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8wmJ3znAyfM/UYdB6P3Rl5I/AAAAAAAADDY/Q4yCIv9GvZA/050213_DCwithKrissy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="357"></a> <p>OK, now I’ll circle back to item #1 from the list above, my amazing boyfriend. The past several weeks have been filled with introductions on both sides, as we’ve met (and continue to meet) the people important to each other. <p>A really great element to all this is that many of his friends have kids Brayden’s age, and little b, with his bright spirit and easy sociability, fits right into the mix. Brayden’s comfort is paramount to me, and I take it as a good sign he seems just as happy as I am about our expanding universe of friends. <p>In reading this week’s post, I’m sure you couldn’t help but remember a friend you haven’t seen in a while or recall a favorite memory from adventures you found yourself in together. Or maybe you flashed back when you met your significant other’s social circles, and you came to like him/her even more for the great company they keep. Either way, take a moment to act on how you feel. Pick up the phone. Send an email. Drop a note in the mail. Plan a BBQ now that the weather is improving. Do something to maintain those ties. <p>Why? <p>Well, I think the the last verse of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” says it best: <p>“It's me and you<br>And as the years go by<br>Boys, our friendship will never die<br>You're gonna see<br>It's our destiny<br>You've got a friend in me..”</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-43166585408796696682013-04-27T14:34:00.001-07:002013-04-27T14:34:15.966-07:00A pizza, quantum physicist and fire truck walk into a bar…<p>This week had it all—pizza with friends (twice!), a practical exam for Mensa, brownies AND big rigs!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>On Tuesday, Aunty Amy came over with Ben and Jake for a pizza and presents celebration for the twins’ 6th birthday. Pizza and presents is a long-standing tradition. We have them for every birthday and Christmas (and sometimes just because).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0rwfQLVYiTU/UXxEKDR7G1I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/Syl54uiaL3s/s1600-h/04%25252023%25252013%252520-%252520Jake%252520and%252520Ben%252527s%2525206th%252520birthday%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 23 13 - Jake and Ben's 6th birthday (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 23 13 - Jake and Ben's 6th birthday (5)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tDQc18DhJjo/UXxEKglRliI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/NwFtFR7qYhc/04%25252023%25252013%252520-%252520Jake%252520and%252520Ben%252527s%2525206th%252520birthday%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="353"></a></p> <p>Brayden was invited to a pizza play date with several other friends on Thursday at his little buddy George’s house. The weather was gorgeous so the kids ran and played all throughout the house and backyard while us mommies caught up over wine.</p> <p>On Friday morning, I mastered the art of changing a small child from his pajamas and into his clothes while sitting the entire time at the kitchen table during breakfast. Forget quizzes about trains leaving stations at different times and when they cross paths or identifying patterns in number sequences—this is how Mensa should vet its members. </p> <p>Considering that I not only successfully accomplished the task while only getting minimal syrup in my hair AND I also qualified for the single parent bonus multiplier, I figure I’m only two clicks away from being a quantum physicist.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jouqmDn_A-k/UXxELF-JHGI/AAAAAAAAC_g/6W9t83WSDpU/s1600-h/04%25252026%25252013%252520-%252520Mid-breakfast%252520clothes%252520change%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 26 13 - Mid-breakfast clothes change (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 26 13 - Mid-breakfast clothes change (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-68h2PO3ZjVs/UXxELqYf7wI/AAAAAAAAC_o/aQ-DKqrOKW4/04%25252026%25252013%252520-%252520Mid-breakfast%252520clothes%252520change%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" height="180"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y_hPw9gOiQE/UXxEMzt_wdI/AAAAAAAAC_w/0sj5eMp6lGg/s1600-h/04%25252026%25252013%252520-%252520Mid-breakfast%252520clothes%252520change%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 26 13 - Mid-breakfast clothes change (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 26 13 - Mid-breakfast clothes change (4)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fpj36N0Gnpw/UXxENFnLzhI/AAAAAAAAC_0/HcT0sF0pbMA/04%25252026%25252013%252520-%252520Mid-breakfast%252520clothes%252520change%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="176"></a></p> <p>After work and school, we kicked the weekend off right by baking two batches of brownies, one to keep and one to give as a surprise homecoming gift for someone who had been out of town.</p> <p>Little b loves to help in the kitchen, and he was so excited to pour, mix, measure and taste (!) all the ingredients.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TR9Ej-IEd8U/UXxEN9h7s-I/AAAAAAAADAA/dUh-xv0NoSU/s1600-h/04%25252026%25252013%252520-%252520Making%252520brownies%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 26 13 - Making brownies (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 26 13 - Making brownies (1)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uFO_uRGFtJA/UXxEOQanz3I/AAAAAAAADAI/NY6txhXdNT0/04%25252026%25252013%252520-%252520Making%252520brownies%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="363"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pMjRNE8Uikk/UXxEPCsiAZI/AAAAAAAADAQ/jOqbUCNYk54/s1600-h/04%25252026%25252013%252520-%252520Making%252520brownies%252520%2525284%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 26 13 - Making brownies (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 26 13 - Making brownies (4)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f0D2FW8JY_s/UXxEPc55HOI/AAAAAAAADAY/6Zqe1XQtPEo/04%25252026%25252013%252520-%252520Making%252520brownies%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="364"></a></p> <p>But all roads lead to Saturday in this blog post. The pièce de résistance of the week was this morning’s Kids on Big Rigs event. Several friends’ families met up, and we all shared in the team sport of managing little boys who are crawling up, around and all over dozens of different super cool vehicles.</p> <p>I particularly love the one of him playing mini newscaster.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wRBCbHf8xQY/UXxEP_8XkEI/AAAAAAAADAg/rAvol4Mm3pM/s1600-h/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SIvd803NNT0/UXxEQubJxdI/AAAAAAAADAo/x41J3Z1Olec/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="181"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--vWccv1P3SA/UXxEQ9F704I/AAAAAAAADAw/yy6iVHzGcGU/s1600-h/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%25252819%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (19)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (19)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KaAM-PymR4A/UXxESBTJOXI/AAAAAAAADA4/N1YSdrPyfmg/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%25252819%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="183"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hhTvyWAbGvE/UXxESSVQjuI/AAAAAAAADBA/YbugSyhr5Ts/s1600-h/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BQknMC9_Yuw/UXxES8vWdhI/AAAAAAAADBI/V-R0MDagtGQ/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="315"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e_Aq6-bhiuQ/UXxEUPrcLkI/AAAAAAAADBQ/UUz3H5kzlyQ/s1600-h/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%2525288%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (8)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (8)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LYlpnyF0OSI/UXxEUlMRhGI/AAAAAAAADBY/mztSo9Fz-JQ/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="316"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljq8fRwMkAu30PxFl0K99rBxGwRb-i23yCJlEXl4i3JWpX2C3UwLH0UrI48X8KFTCkOTVg1k0Pj_ihke2m89KNl8-PDFx5IIQbFmW9CP2vC5lbv7N_EQT73tIq-mDKAEUZWyjezbmxPQ/s1600-h/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%25252814%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (14)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 27 13 - Little Kids on Big Rigs (14)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8jFqzM1pV1E/UXxEVr0Y0rI/AAAAAAAADBo/ThpvXx0Svi4/04%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Little%252520Kids%252520on%252520Big%252520Rigs%252520%25252814%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="356"></a></p> <p>Brayden and I were busy little bees this week, and it gets even crazier when you factor in two other things: </p> <ol> <li>The week’s not over, and I still have more than a day of (kiddie free!) weekend left in front of me. <li>This isn’t even everything we did over the last week.</li></ol> <p>As much as I miss the sweet baby that was, I love the sweet boy Brayden is becoming. Our adventures get better by the month, and the upcoming summer will be a banner season as little b continues along his transition from toddler to little boy.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-13681793205132452052013-04-20T21:46:00.001-07:002013-04-20T22:11:11.623-07:00Big Moves and Birthday Grooves<p>(My parents’ move to a new house + a birthday party) X a tired toddler meltdown = a big glass of wine for me</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>First off, let me say I am authoring this post while drinking a large glass of wine. Definitely not my standard modus operandi. </p> <p>Today has been a very long day…</p> <p>It started with an exciting new beginning for my parents, Bob and Krys. After 12 years in a large, five-bedroom home, they decided it was time to downsize and move into a smaller home more suited to their life (and happens to happily be much, much closer to Brayden and me!)</p> <p>Moving days are a bear and a blast all at the same time. Exhausting and frustrating, sure…but also filled with the promise of a new chapter in life. Plus, you always find out who your friends are on moving day. Those people willing to carry boxes, move couches around three times until you figure how exactly how you want it and are willing to eat sandwiches for lunch as payment for doing it? Those are your friends.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SDWZKp7jDCo/UXNu_RabY3I/AAAAAAAAC8o/i_ljvGzU3dM/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Moving%252520day%252520for%252520mom%252520and%252520dad%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Moving day for mom and dad (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Moving day for mom and dad (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DN6ShGXU0oE/UXNu_7yDViI/AAAAAAAAC8w/LGJZVz-jmHs/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Moving%252520day%252520for%252520mom%252520and%252520dad%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="175"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nD-hZ11FoIw/UXNvADziJ2I/AAAAAAAAC84/-9r5tt2ch3M/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Moving%252520day%252520for%252520mom%252520and%252520dad%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Moving day for mom and dad (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Moving day for mom and dad (4)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2JbhxskqnIcBKo6b4uVtfd0CTnp88uDr6zNWhYiMyRkhNPE8WG23C4V2AL5_-CBK0qxNQjhYRDN6YQ7q32Sbv2N6QxeJqsATlmyC2QVSLSOtFy5oA12O-4-5nhuzg_r0QdOn7iI3vIE/?imgmax=800" width="225" height="174"></a></p> <p>Thankfully, my parents had several friends to help, and everyone did a great job.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T5crIB8JKhM/UXNvBNi7r5I/AAAAAAAAC9I/l4XCREoOBqc/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Moving%252520day%252520for%252520mom%252520and%252520dad%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Moving day for mom and dad (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Moving day for mom and dad (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KJfuO1q_8Ss/UXNvB0e_J-I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/GkET2XPP4vA/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Moving%252520day%252520for%252520mom%252520and%252520dad%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="223"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dK5ndeoJ6jw/UXNvCXCyCdI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/d3WqHhAFznw/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Moving%252520day%252520for%252520mom%252520and%252520dad%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Moving day for mom and dad (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Moving day for mom and dad (5)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G_1B6CG9fps/UXNvCkF6FkI/AAAAAAAAC9g/ZhbbIU5mw4s/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Moving%252520day%252520for%252520mom%252520and%252520dad%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="222"></a></p> <p>And my parents being my parents (and Brayden’s amazing grandparents), they have a bedroom just for little b. They had it custom painted and even bought him a special new bedding set. My son is so lucky to have such a wonderful Nana and Papa.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WVvXGH0TJVs/UXNvDY-ggaI/AAAAAAAAC9o/MJyZb13C72s/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%25252814%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (14)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (14)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cA5RGizL6H8/UXNvDqyxzDI/AAAAAAAAC9w/AxGmJgNQMck/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%25252814%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="359"></a></p> <p>Once 3:00 pm hit, I had to duck out to get Brayden and take him to his buddy Elijah’s third birthday party at Gymboree. Elijah’s birthdays are always blog-worthy (see last year’s post <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/04/bouncin-birthday-party-fun.html" target="_blank">Bouncin’ Birthday Party Fun</a> for a flashback) and this year was no exception.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AOfY7OCVDTg/UXNvEPUXSnI/AAAAAAAAC94/NWOXwBEg6SM/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (2)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNz4hN_dIMuG66gz08EP1PRvCL8H3q32Cq1S1T_77ZCJdrtwfRaPGvBYi66CUZR4FZ4sh3LpB4vsFXuBCQULsmD-hE_cVa_JbFRxY6uV7tstFAZzbHE-TTU7jN_u9bZFDOTBUpAs7StU/?imgmax=800" width="471" height="364"></a></p> <p>The party started off with a bang, and the boys and their friends had so much fun. A top favorite was jumping off a ledge like brave little future Go Pro-ers and collapsing into a heap of giggles.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oVEXx-H2cmo/UXNvExYgIiI/AAAAAAAAC-I/4oxFW1gIr6s/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525285%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (5)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2V3r9zG7qew/UXNvFSiD0UI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/L_Kss6R5YCw/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="307"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wQFh-4YO1wA/UXNvF5onypI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/_Se9hpNhjg0/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525286%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (6)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (6)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FJ6rpi6oo8I/UXNvGTCsYxI/AAAAAAAAC-c/1vgwF24Gd2Y/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="318"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LaBqu34wAzU/UXNvGr2ifUI/AAAAAAAAC-k/OgMaRazSr3I/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525288%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (8)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (8)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AJobzfOkfc8/UXNvHAgfzTI/AAAAAAAAC-s/JHdxv9mpeg4/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="305"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRXzzQd0Wbx5VC1R-OCFAyiw-SHhN8eZ31zg5_bCJzmaRWjOZM3JG21fnRoqDsDGbu9DQmkZERAlBzf-I82WstPmRwm25fuxXgxPstJiRzgy69vzokLBNDb4uK3siVxCM10nkDSRge_k/s1600-h/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525287%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (7)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="04 20 13 - Elijah's 3rd birthday party (7)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NAAupc2PdGM/UXNvH27qjTI/AAAAAAAAC_A/x1i5qidpX8I/04%25252020%25252013%252520-%252520Elijah%252527s%2525203rd%252520birthday%252520party%252520%2525287%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="312"></a></p> <p>But alas, the good time did not last forever for Brayden. He had a super fun morning with his dad at the Sesame Street Live show, but, after an already big day, he ran out of energy at the party.</p> <p>Brayden started to, as I like to call it, “fray at the edges.” He was coming dangerously close to a total meltdown so I made an executive mommy decision and left the party early. </p> <p>Really, I have no complaints about Brayden when it comes to his public behavior. Granted, I pay close attention to his energy levels and make sure I respect the schedule his body needs, but at the end of the day he’s just a damn good kid. </p> <p>I’ve made it two years, seven months and 20 days without having to leave a restaurant, store, event or anything because of him or the way he was acting. Even today’s hard to pin on him because he was pretty maxed out on the fun meter. I’m sure he’s going to sleep it off at his dad’s house and wake up his normal, happy self tomorrow.</p> <p>So now I’m back to where I started when I opened the post…the glass of wine has turned into a few, and a bubble bath is on deck.</p> <p>After today, I’ve earned it.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-20747292391803772482013-04-13T12:46:00.001-07:002013-04-13T12:46:11.941-07:00Next Stop World Cup 2030<p>Brayden is officially enrolled in his first organized activity, a play-based soccer program called Happy Feet.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://www.renosparkshappyfeet.com/" target="_blank">Happy Feet</a> is a cute program where kids as young as 2 learn soccer basics with Bob the Ball in a play-based, storytelling setting.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aZ9ws4nlSzA/UWm17oSpCQI/AAAAAAAAC7A/JBUxFhrGia0/s1600-h/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525283%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (3)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (3)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bRIiInij6Zw/UWm179KpniI/AAAAAAAAC7I/T6hSqNOJRBw/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="314"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E-qFiQcyAiM/UWm18Z3WYBI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/wXSxlSbbdwU/s1600-h/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (5)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (5)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vWwm-T2LHuU/UWm18qysTXI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/D6JX_mkoZZc/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="313"></a></p> <p>I participated in a class a couple weeks ago, and Brayden was so proud to show me his beginner’s dribbling, stopping and kicking skills.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-scaXxPw_tB0/UWm19MhLUXI/AAAAAAAAC7g/wI6JQOD_kHk/s1600-h/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525287%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (7)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (7)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n9T6vy8pb90/UWm19WQRMeI/AAAAAAAAC7o/AgFWj-1s6Dg/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525287%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="356"></a></p> <p>As you can imagine, a dozen two-year-old toddlers is a handful. I give the two coaches a lot of credit for keeping the kids engaged as much as they do. About half the kids seem to follow along well (Brayden and his buddy, Elijah, are in this category), and the others are pretty distracted by the fact they’ve got a ball to play with. But nonetheless, the coaches maintain a good structure, and it’s an excellent introduction to sports and following directions.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYjpHYvNsh11Tqn5mPJPj6jUOxoO3F72ZvK8d_8gZIS5ogmGUrSCyGWBc7anOudnZo1NcMSd9m9AT8gJMYeNrhVHZK_BQajeVCz8expy-BT8OdEZmc6uyIAwDF08u6U8iATMA5Cmh48Y/s1600-h/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525286%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (6)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (6)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QIxVC5lQX5s/UWm1-X4Hj2I/AAAAAAAAC74/isdJcbsu3-4/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="375"></a></p> <p>Of all the activities, Brayden seemed to most enjoy making an “ice cream cone” which is when the kids place the ball on top of an orange cone and carefully walk around balancing it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bxeDwPkAIBA/UWm1-_yW3KI/AAAAAAAAC8A/qFy2Nug2izM/s1600-h/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525288%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (8)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (8)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dcmvC7xt6kA/UWm1_2LYj9I/AAAAAAAAC8I/-tSQBhyE91A/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="191"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3P87ZDZlnro/UWm2ADteLwI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/6z1LAPki5XQ/s1600-h/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%25252811%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (11)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="03 27 13 - Happy Feet Class (11)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nhAXu6jFGWI/UWm2AhV4lFI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/65XW_OrAPEo/03%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Happy%252520Feet%252520Class%252520%25252811%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="189"></a></p> <p>Little b is definitely growing up. I’m excited to see which sports he decides to play for real when he gets older. Brayden is still very much into golf but also talks about wanting to go pro in pirating so we’ll just have to see how his interests develop. I think he’ll make for a good mini Tiger Woods, Pelé or Captain Hook, and I can’t wait to cheer him on no matter which direction he chooses.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-17040164899600387462013-04-06T13:54:00.001-07:002013-04-06T13:58:31.810-07:00All’s Fair in Love and Sharing Whisks<p>Brayden’s favorite friend from daycare, Elijah, and his mommy, Elinor, came over for a play date. These two little boys got into everything, and I’ve got the pictures to prove it.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Brayden and Elijah have been schoolmates since they were about 1 and became “Cuddly Kittens” together (the name for the 1-year-old classroom at daycare). Elijah is a frequent guest in the blog and co-star of the very popular dance video in the post <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/02/little-buddies.html" target="_blank">Little Buddies</a>.</p> <p>Toddlers are a crack up to watch in action. They understand the etiquette of sharing but take parity very seriously. It’s not unusual for each child to use a toy for a pre-determined number of minutes or turns before it’s time to switch. A good example of this was dress up time. Both Brayden and Elijah took turns as a pirate and super hero with very cute results.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k27TdRs_WaQ/UWCLfC_GauI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/6fQkD62i8lo/s1600-h/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (1)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iG6WA7WA404/UWCLfQCOeJI/AAAAAAAAC5g/D3JB14iyOX8/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="338"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0IlMCgUqt2E/UWCLgIhp-eI/AAAAAAAAC5o/cpb0-yvR2fo/s1600-h/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (4)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (4)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwbjgSSc1WHEXHCPSNK2Vmq5qgruF459DqqeQF9OCKOx4_3mFHdOubnglRCHpT2CpmhGTZ2yXQh_SUhMyA2HdkzTHGuZ9GFblnhqO1aqHm6UXdsKzf5aJyQxLVw2Aq12LqQSyH_tOEQY/?imgmax=800" width="441" height="341"></a></p> <p>The boys were whirling dervishes and tore through just about everything we had in the living room. Trains, cars, books, sports equipment and much more were left in their wake, but the funniest moment occurred when the boys started playing with the cooking toys and both laid eyes on the whisk at the same time. Up until this point, they had been sharing very well, but there was something unusually compelling about this little plastic whisk. A few tears were shed, a second whisk was procured from the kitchen and then the boys hugged it out Entourage-style.</p> <p>Not a minute later, they joined forces to raid my drawer of real kitchenware and made off like cuisine capers with a garlic press, tongs and strainer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u8omYOf8n6o/UWCLhN-O60I/AAAAAAAAC54/tQq-V6KfeRw/s1600-h/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%2525286%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (6)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-edybuQ2cAJw/UWCLh_Gga_I/AAAAAAAAC6A/qDusH6ZxF6Y/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="358"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4BpO7DyyiYY/UWCLiYeJdWI/AAAAAAAAC6I/yo_mJwwv8Pg/s1600-h/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (5)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (5)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aqccbMYV8as/UWCLjSOKCqI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/RCmIYiDmrZo/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="362"></a></p> <p>After they finished playing out their own version of Top Chef: Toddler Edition, they worked together to build towers with blocks and ate pizza (love the picture of them doing “Cheers!” with their crust).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D3GWILqBAKA/UWCLj0wUl1I/AAAAAAAAC6Y/Z98tsJZCZ4I/s1600-h/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%25252814%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (14)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (14)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pPohTUP5qtk/UWCLkPeG4MI/AAAAAAAAC6g/5O9c8xow3U0/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%25252814%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="370"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RmPoNGAqmgo/UWCLkpDfuZI/AAAAAAAAC6o/SsLxVP4xEF4/s1600-h/04%25252006%25252013%252520-%252520Play%252520date%252520with%252520Elijah%252520%25252816%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (16)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="04 06 13 - Play date with Elijah (16)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg277pu7yoKSL46mI8D_UAT-fq6y4_PLAcAHIZ9NBHPQEaqoTRJstAwT5Z39P8ChP0rP7uoUBbQleqAH3AFIZYoL68yQ7aO6V1Al6XcjT-8OuNbGG_1dJfewQ7H8NTdCR6hIT2uOFMgLGc/?imgmax=800" width="479" height="370"></a></p> <p>It was a full, fun morning of toddler play. After Elijah and Elinor left, it was time for nap. I asked Brayden if he wanted cocoa before he went down to sleep and he said, “No, Mama. I want Elijah.”</p> <p>As adults we know a good friend is invaluable. No money, status or item is worth more than a true friendship and especially those we’ve had since we were young. </p> <p>I’m happy to know that even at two, Brayden recognizes that his little buddy Elijah is even better than chocolate. Is there a higher compliment in the world of toddlers? I think not.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-85081139522481578742013-03-31T16:07:00.001-07:002013-03-31T16:08:43.403-07:00Little b’s Hoppy Easter<p>The bunny trail towards Easter Day included arts n’ crafts, egg hunts, baskets and much more.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Remember when holidays were celebrated on a day? Not any more. Halloween decorations are out before Labor Day and some stores decorate their Christmas trees while the turkeys are still on display. To that end, Easter is a bit refreshing because it seems to swoop in quick, involve lots of fun activities the week prior and then the day itself arrives amid a fanfare of baby chicks, bunnies and eggs.</p> <p>Brayden has been at the edge of his little seat in anticipation of the Easter Bunny’s appearance. Nothing in this world is more thrilling than a present to him and the idea that some cute, cuddly bunny is going to leave him a basket of gifts while he sleeps is, like, beyond awesome.</p> <p>The week has been a ton of fun in the lead up to the big day. Here are the eight most egg-citing moments of Easter 2013 in chronological order:</p> <p><strong>8. Carrot Feet</strong></p> <p>Brayden’s daycare teacher, Miss Joan, turned his feet into an homage to the official vegetable of Easter and optometrists. I can’t wait to get this painting and put it on the refrigerator!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-70DHCxyToGk/UVi_K_Fd_CI/AAAAAAAAC00/SpwgXrKP1aI/s1600-h/03-26-13---Carrot-Foot-24.jpg"><img title="03 26 13 - Carrot Foot! (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 26 13 - Carrot Foot! (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T6WZr32UIk4/UVi_LXFyeEI/AAAAAAAAC04/GCqTGMO6JOI/03-26-13---Carrot-Foot-2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="218"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8hGrFxqtbUc/UVi_LtFYZMI/AAAAAAAAC1A/xEKfwvXKT98/s1600-h/03-26-13---Carrot-Foot-44.jpg"><img title="03 26 13 - Carrot Foot! (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 26 13 - Carrot Foot! (4)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wXg8MVb9uEU/UVi_MJSBD3I/AAAAAAAAC1I/IdJUqbJk5Hc/03-26-13---Carrot-Foot-4_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" height="218"></a></p> <p><strong>7. Visit from the Easter Bunny</strong></p> <p>The Easter Bunny himself visited Brayden and his classmates at school. At first Brayden was excited but a bit uncertain. He warmed up once his buddy, Elijah, ran over for a hug and broke the bunny ice.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CibEKFDU7jQ/UVi_SqQOrvI/AAAAAAAAC1U/NFS-_JbTX9U/s1600-h/03-26-13---Easter-Bunny-at-Child-Gar%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 26 13 - Easter Bunny at Child Garden (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 26 13 - Easter Bunny at Child Garden (4)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sbv82pE51FQ/UVi_S0-KINI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/wD8UyCMDNz0/03-26-13---Easter-Bunny-at-Child-Gar.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="314"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eFrChxfqWt4/UVi_TXaiIkI/AAAAAAAAC1k/dNtKRhhoF6s/s1600-h/03-26-13---Easter-Bunny-at-Child-Gar%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 26 13 - Easter Bunny at Child Garden (7)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 26 13 - Easter Bunny at Child Garden (7)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sHHYTl5mI-M/UVi_TiiG0GI/AAAAAAAAC1o/9JJ291K0Ixo/03-26-13---Easter-Bunny-at-Child-Gar%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="314"></a></p> <p><strong>6. Toddler-ific Easter Egg Hunt</strong></p> <p>Brayden and I joined several friends with little boys for a special Easter Egg hunt at a local high school just for kids 3 and under. It was great to participate in a session just for the little ones. There were so many people there but the boys held their own and made off like bandits.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h1Yc5DD4Wv4/UVi_UUeJuXI/AAAAAAAAC10/y_GwQVgSI00/s1600-h/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-35.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zj1F_bBTJNA/UVi_U-EVhFI/AAAAAAAAC18/Fe0DDG8rUbA/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-3_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cmJhDaskUaA/UVi_Vd0895I/AAAAAAAAC2E/cIDR1aQ3pDM/s1600-h/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-67.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (6)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (6)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZxvweTeSapo/UVi_VqS_CZI/AAAAAAAAC2M/GajX16B3vwU/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-6_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="235"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vB4k1eMnA5E/UVi_WH4SmLI/AAAAAAAAC2U/qDbEcioBXFo/s1600-h/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-95.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (9)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfopfUKvvNIXcWs2CVCO_jx_hSKkW0FN3k1-CHrMsaQGW_4ofOmK_RQ_gaaHf52STPjdaCujkHCc9H9FHd5SBo55b-PZgfFlkr2ZOj-GB-7-eR1SKRnJczFZwkLm0Bg_XqVZYu8QiSx_0/?imgmax=800" width="172" height="237"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ULRxjKiLf4E/UVi_Xa1vJgI/AAAAAAAAC2k/f0nT7XvaxVw/s1600-h/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-24%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (24)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (24)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-52w-sopkZAA/UVi_YLI0xoI/AAAAAAAAC2s/DUSKl2Ffvqs/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-24.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="322"></a></p> <p>The kids also got to jump in a bounce house and pet bunny rabbits. Between that and the candy, what more could toddlers ask for?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DY1vtIXM0cE/UVi_YpSf0UI/AAAAAAAAC20/0vWbpPJ9A3g/s1600-h/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-19.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (19)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Pre-Easter Festivities (19)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HIRavHtujWI/UVjBjpbryzI/AAAAAAAAC28/JH1mlViNZGs/03-30-13---Pre-Easter-Festivities-19%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="325"></a></p> <p><strong>5. Adults-Only Coleman Family Easter Party</strong></p> <p>Have you ever been to an adults-only Easter party? If not, I highly suggest you either get yourself invited to one or consider hosting your own next year. My good friends, Chris and Katie, put on a really fun event where guests wore their Easter best and participated in a hunt with eggs that skewed both young and old. Egg fillers and prizes included Redbox rental codes, candy, temporary tattoos, shiny quarters, bottles of liquor, restaurant gift certificates and more (the “more” eggs included prizes of a more, ahem, mature theme). An <br>egg-cellent time was had by all! (sorry…I had to use egg-cellent at least once in this post)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ijFw0lhGEsE/UVjBlnWorzI/AAAAAAAAC3E/Frvofrb6XvE/s1600-h/03-30-13---Coleman-Adult-Easter-Part%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Coleman Adult Easter Party (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Coleman Adult Easter Party (4)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L9__0YdnW6k/UVjBnTfcLHI/AAAAAAAAC3M/rhFABxMUb5k/03-30-13---Coleman-Adult-Easter-Part%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="303"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XzvMK4zTzQA/UVjBn687CyI/AAAAAAAAC3U/8cPXF5M2D24/s1600-h/03-30-13---Coleman-Adult-Easter-Part.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Coleman Adult Easter Party (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Coleman Adult Easter Party (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W47xwyEHWUk/UVjBo848VXI/AAAAAAAAC3c/Yc8tNscHr4Q/03-30-13---Coleman-Adult-Easter-Part%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" height="302"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-naYBv1ADbEs/UVjBp10RUKI/AAAAAAAAC3k/5kZzvfgM8Dw/s1600-h/03-30-13---Coleman-Adult-Easter-Part%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Coleman Adult Easter Party (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Coleman Adult Easter Party (1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOmpeyfOG2QTlS120Sh2D7yd3AG2KWu7W9uj1e6-QWpYgedeeigQd7vlGX6jmQEbt0qXkJF20nF3QPkzsui0zEQRhWF4VjLKNNWpwfWj8mxlM0aDe5JCmKbb_4vrzznh8whPyxabgWBY/?imgmax=800" width="222" height="301"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XEGVVNNOl1k/UVjBqlB1xTI/AAAAAAAAC30/W6E2J-tHuro/s1600-h/03-30-13---Coleman-Adult-Easter-Part%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 30 13 - Coleman Adult Easter Party (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 30 13 - Coleman Adult Easter Party (3)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eoBR-gEGJE0/UVjBrOiO00I/AAAAAAAAC34/ep7JJST4cAw/03-30-13---Coleman-Adult-Easter-Part%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" height="298"></a></p> <p><strong>4. The Easter Bunny Arrives!</strong></p> <p>Everything about this morning was just too cute for words, but the best part of all this might have been last night. I explained to Brayden that the Easter Bunny would come and bring presents while he was sleeping. So what does he do? He lays in bed and starts yelling, “Easter Bunny! I’m sleeping! You can bring presents now!” He is <u>so</u> my child.</p> <p>When Brayden really did fall asleep, the Easter Bunny created a trail of eggs from his inside his bedroom leading to the living room where a treasure trove of gifts awaited him.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AGtVvU3LGxY/UVjBrWIiqXI/AAAAAAAAC4E/IZw2AIt55sk/s1600-h/03-31-12---Easter-Morning-26.jpg"><img title="03 31 12 - Easter Morning (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 31 12 - Easter Morning (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HKWHonl8Hsg/UVjBrkJ441I/AAAAAAAAC4I/3FQ3QZA8zXU/03-31-12---Easter-Morning-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="318"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1gp6ehHbv5Q/UVjBsEg53VI/AAAAAAAAC4U/BBZZt2-v39U/s1600-h/03-31-12---Easter-Morning-56.jpg"><img title="03 31 12 - Easter Morning (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 31 12 - Easter Morning (5)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aa71NZIPuPs/UVjBs3y4YYI/AAAAAAAAC4c/G4ZvK7E6t9k/03-31-12---Easter-Morning-5_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" height="325"></a></p> <p>OK, the “Easter Bunny” is just going to admit it went a little overboard this year. It’s a Cars basket filled with related stuff, a Cars tee shirt, a Thomas the Train bath paint set, and a Jake and the Neverland Pirates dress up kit. The worst part is that all the stuff isn’t even out. The Easter Bunny decided to hold back some of the presents for another time because even it realized that *maybe* things got out of hand. Or it is out of paw? I’m sorry…I just can’t help myself…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jFp1x7WNHXk/UVjBtekJM3I/AAAAAAAAC4k/ZNMxT0xAuqw/s1600-h/03-31-12---Easter-Morning-65.jpg"><img title="03 31 12 - Easter Morning (6)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 31 12 - Easter Morning (6)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6JTrPjyJaX8/UVjBtyPBK8I/AAAAAAAAC4s/JMrvO7svW88/03-31-12---Easter-Morning-6_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="388"></a></p> <p><strong>3. Dying Easter Eggs</strong></p> <p>Because Easter isn’t Easter without coloring eggs, right?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YGbhd2EjdcA/UVjBuo7XfjI/AAAAAAAAC40/EJmwFBGl5Ig/s1600-h/IMG_68154.jpg"><img title="IMG_6815" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6815" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A0ILH9TNEMM/UVjBvD7z6xI/AAAAAAAAC48/rMcEp-DDkXM/IMG_6815_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="325"></a></p> <p><strong>2. Brayden’s Personal Easter Egg Hunt</strong></p> <p>Seeing as little b’s been such a good boy lately, the Easter Bunny made arrangements for a special egg hunt at Nana and Papa’s house. Finding eggs makes him so excited, it makes me wish we did this more than once a year. </p> <p>So much about Brayden’s personality (and hopefully his future) is revealed starting at 35 seconds in, and the very best moment of the whole day is at the end of this video.</p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:46b0af7b-348b-42ad-9b03-396427fa9781" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div id="9a1cff87-d9f7-49f1-be9b-5fc95864827e" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfDZi5UlnEE&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iO0EaIiK51Q/UVjBvajwOGI/AAAAAAAAC5M/CTLfL5B9Nxk/videoc3b8433e83f5%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('9a1cff87-d9f7-49f1-be9b-5fc95864827e'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/sfDZi5UlnEE?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/sfDZi5UlnEE?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p><strong>1. Easter Dinner with the Family</strong></p> <p>My mom cooked a delicious ham dinner for us, and it was the perfect way to end the holiday.</p> <p>I’m actually pretty happy to say this Easter was fairly traditional, and I mean that in the best way. Easter 2011 was preceded by a scary hospitalization for Brayden (see the post <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2011_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Renown’s Cutest Patient Ever</a>) and 2012 had me heavily medicated (see the post <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/04/elmos-tweaktastic-easter.html" target="_blank">Elmo’s Tweaktastic Easter</a>). So compared to the last two years, today was a homerun.</p> <p>I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Easter too and that your gifts included the love of family and friends (in addition to a super fun pirates-themed basket!)</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-68721979132386380992013-03-24T19:26:00.001-07:002013-03-24T19:26:27.148-07:00Mid-Thirtysomething<p>This weekend I celebrated my 34th birthday with friends and family. I’ve been pretty contemplative these last few days as I reflect on the past year and what I hope for in the next 12 months to come.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Ah, life…the twists and turns, the doors that shut and the windows that open. Whoever said life was an adventure wasn’t kidding. This has been a defining year for me as I grew into my new role as a single, working parent with an amazing, sweet, intelligent toddler.</p> <p>Rather than look back though, I’m looking forward. At press time, I’m newly single but appreciative for the fond memories and experience of my first real relationship post-divorce. The trek towards 35 will start with much of my life as a clean slate.</p> <p>I’ve spent the past few days celebrating the big three four by catching up with friends and enjoying happy times with my family. I am so grateful for the all birthday cards and would like to give special thanks to my little, Holly, and my grandmaman for especially touching cards that just made my day.</p> <p>On Friday night, my friend Dawn took me out to a great new restaurant in Reno, SoDo, and we literally closed out the back room of the restaurant.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MUwFGKQy0vs/UU-1u8t4PkI/AAAAAAAACzc/EEX9_z1Xp2Q/s1600-h/03-22-13---Pre-birthday-dinner-with-.jpg"><img title="03 22 13 - Pre-birthday dinner with Dawn" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 22 13 - Pre-birthday dinner with Dawn" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6FcJw8ULWW0/UU-1vhoRdNI/AAAAAAAACzk/Czpzb4Vuqxs/03-22-13---Pre-birthday-dinner-with-%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="280"></a></p> <p>Saturday was spent with another dear friend, Amy, who indulged my desire for Olive Garden’s addictive salad dressing. The rest of our night included a nice bottle of wine while catching up after a busy few months for both of us.</p> <p>Today is the end of the birthday trifecta. Brayden and I made our way to my parents’ house for a full day of family time. It started off with my first birthday request—my mom’s apple pancakes. They are to die for. I only get them once a year, and while it’s true I could just make them myself, we all know everything tastes better when mom makes it. Brayden graciously offered to help me blow out my candle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kv5fDMWyhhY/UU-1wIjXmWI/AAAAAAAACzs/MzUKlrIF8Yw/s1600-h/IMG_67394.jpg"><img title="IMG_6739" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6739" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-60gTg2wmWfc/UU-1wuxz-DI/AAAAAAAACz0/BARQdpnjHZs/IMG_6739_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="339"></a></p> <p>After breakfast, Brayden gave me a lovely bouquet and card which made me get all teary-eyed. I just love being a mom. There are no words.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gJpJGGaV-uQ/UU-1xU7OtgI/AAAAAAAACz8/iltX6WuklRU/s1600-h/IMG_67335.jpg"><img title="IMG_6733" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6733" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rrarU6T9FZvKEqssS5tMWwFwI5F3eDBTKcsWSvNn03tDe7UkGoKqFJpzd08VcqAG6KroHlipty_3MuiKHQWg2obDvqb-znTKEFxnhvGavRyzbOkKnBYCwsI6i3827trL0Krn6wIjbt0/?imgmax=800" width="445" height="350"></a></p> <p>It was a beautiful day out, and we played outside and at the park. The whole day was just lovely.</p> <p>After dinner, it was officially cake time. I went with a chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting (why not?) freshly baked the day before.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U6e6mx3N9OU/UU-1yit6J9I/AAAAAAAAC0M/-K4bGkWL0oc/s1600-h/IMG_67295.jpg"><img title="IMG_6729" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6729" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_aVIBzwhJc0/UU-1zGEV8CI/AAAAAAAAC0U/H_nGKLwegLM/IMG_6729_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="327"></a></p> <p>Have you ever read the post <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/06/little-rituals.html" target="_blank">Little Rituals</a>? If not, it’s worth the two-minute detour to follow the link. Brayden loves to sing “Happy Birthday”, and his little voice is just about the sweetest thing ever. I wish every day could be my birthday just to hear him sing to me and get so excited to blow out the candle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zFn313_fW_E/UU-1zpUOAoI/AAAAAAAAC0c/g8Me_XMeGq0/s1600-h/03%25252024%25252013%252520-%252520Celebrating%252520Mommy%252527s%252520Birthday%252520%25252816%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 24 13 - Celebrating Mommy's Birthday (16)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="03 24 13 - Celebrating Mommy's Birthday (16)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WYB6e2mTgQ4/UU-10R2_ijI/AAAAAAAAC0k/jpHK0_F2pH4/03%25252024%25252013%252520-%252520Celebrating%252520Mommy%252527s%252520Birthday%252520%25252816%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="342"></a></p> <p>I am lucky to have such great friends and family in my life, and I am so appreciative for all of you. The support is more than I could ask for. It may be happy birthday to me but all my thanks are to you.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-55996989839596120782013-03-15T16:26:00.001-07:002013-03-15T16:26:12.007-07:00Aunty Liz’s Lucky Seven<p>My Aunty Liz flew out from Connecticut for some Braun family fun. We love her annual visits, and this post recaps seven of the trip’s top moments.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>#7 – Seven hours of bingo</p> <p>Yes, you read that correctly. My mom, Aunty Liz, Abby (Ryan’s awesome girlfriend) and I played for seven hours for the Nugget’s $100,000 Bingo Blowout. This is some serious bingo action. More than 1,700 players attend the event (in a single ballroom!) all hopin’ and prayin’ to yell out the word of the day. Unfortunately, none of us won but we still had a great time!</p> <p>#6 – Pre-birthday celebration</p> <p>I came home from work on Wednesday to find a yummy super-sized cupcake in (early) celebration of my birthday from my mom, aunt and Brayden. I asked little b to help me blow out my candles and he happily obliged.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XqV3YUY5z_4/UUOtgZGNQPI/AAAAAAAACwY/ZBa8MWCzrWE/s1600-h/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (16)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (16)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4awIUs8wrfnSiwHX2RQHilXOpD83ZUCFq6_rMqBkg0JYxFtrE963CJhvL82I7YTPZCsHirHG9Q18Fyyr9mRyhTRTEAo1ul3x4ksnb9wKbl42fLzmnZ1oC9WW39_WfGh4_piKQmvlh0Ec/?imgmax=800" width="226" height="180"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eR31mVHtVmg/UUOthrURk-I/AAAAAAAACwo/oVuZLujdxZM/s1600-h/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (18)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (18)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RSYyJ4Wi87Y/UUOtiIUktDI/AAAAAAAACww/CfEhNhNqcUU/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="182"></a></p> <p>#5 – Dad channeling Elvis at a magic show</p> <p>Yes, you are still reading this post correctly. The entire family (sans Brayden) got together for dinner and a show at the Eldorado. We saw Magique which was a really entertaining magic/illusion show. The highlight of the night was when my dad was randomly selected to participate. He had to tell everyone what Elvis ate the last time they hung out. My dad said peanut butter and potato chip sandwiches, and (somehow) the magician pulled out a piece of paper from a locked box hanging above our heads that said this very thing. Super cool! After the show, we all got our photo taken with the show dancers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-adkNVGLB95A/UUOti1iztWI/AAAAAAAACw4/GC8kQt13GE8/s1600-h/03-10-13---Magic-Show-at-Eldorado-13.jpg"><img title="03 10 13 - Magic Show at Eldorado (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 10 13 - Magic Show at Eldorado (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YVoJQ56apok/UUOtjpDMcKI/AAAAAAAACxA/BoC27sX2IEM/03-10-13---Magic-Show-at-Eldorado-1_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="448"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F5xDkwHQ9EM/UUOtkZlgESI/AAAAAAAACxI/6IRrtV4IG8E/s1600-h/03-10-13---Magic-Show-at-Eldorado-25.jpg"><img title="03 10 13 - Magic Show at Eldorado (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 10 13 - Magic Show at Eldorado (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dy7DdAwT1b8/UUOtlEGwC7I/AAAAAAAACxM/s6il7vOOZ8M/03-10-13---Magic-Show-at-Eldorado-2_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="387"></a></p> <p>#4 – America’s Next Harmonica Star</p> <p>On the day Aunty Liz arrived, she and my mom came over with a special surprise for Brayden—a harmonica. Of all the instruments that could be given to a two-year-old, a harmonica is really not that bad. Brayden took to it quickly and put on a little concert for us. Adorable.</p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:70eb0f47-a2ca-4854-8de6-267ac3d14548" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div id="3a034942-08f1-451e-933f-e4df8abc1f30" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j44vAl9xPNI&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-irYGkErN6Ek/UUOtlmuNRZI/AAAAAAAACxg/Lbbymezn6eI/video77a681a83841%25255B26%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('3a034942-08f1-451e-933f-e4df8abc1f30'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/j44vAl9xPNI?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/j44vAl9xPNI?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Io-sthL75tI/UUOt8s-uWjI/AAAAAAAACxk/0cJT2n7XKpo/s1600-h/03-08-13---New-harmonica-25.jpg"><img title="03 08 13 - New harmonica (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 08 13 - New harmonica (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4uxpB7BqwuU/UUOt82W4MYI/AAAAAAAACxo/lm5sb_BmYac/03-08-13---New-harmonica-2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="184"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2VC6NhJ5XcU/UUOt9ny1eEI/AAAAAAAACxw/UrdAQS_zCiA/s1600-h/03-08-13---New-harmonica-96.jpg"><img title="03 08 13 - New harmonica (9)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 08 13 - New harmonica (9)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OUlvr3P48i4/UUOt-CTJKUI/AAAAAAAACx4/QsdiYGU5s_E/03-08-13---New-harmonica-9_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="184"></a></p> <p>#3 – Bowling showdown</p> <p>My mom, Aunty Liz and I enjoyed some bonding time over bowling. After a great girly lunch, we made our way to the alley for a couple competitive games. I came out on top during the first match with a score of 121, but my mom smoked us all with a 161 during game two.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3mYeAwiT1fw/UUOt-vjGaAI/AAAAAAAACyA/QUCHCUjyhKo/s1600-h/03-12-13---Bowling3.jpg"><img title="03 12 13 - Bowling" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 12 13 - Bowling" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B6aplYdwpr8/UUOt_d9x1_I/AAAAAAAACyM/WNIN64HZ0ik/03-12-13---Bowling_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="349" height="474"></a></p> <p>#2 – Bonding time with Brayden</p> <p>Brayden stayed home from daycare one day with his Nana (my mom) and Aunty Liz. They spoiled him rotten from the moment he woke up. Pancakes for breakfast, cuddles and kisses on demand and even a trip to Chuck E. Cheese’s! And let’s not forget the new basketball hoop and fishing set! Little b was a happy, tired boy when I got home from work and he was sad to say goodbye to his beloved Aunty Liz.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oXWyQ7QriNY/UUOuANQfCUI/AAAAAAAACyU/3njcsOoD6gY/s1600-h/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (13)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (13)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o3qjSo2kUcc/UUOuA2VOWnI/AAAAAAAACyc/OhOqgaUrYKc/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="240"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dA2TjIEW7Ic/UUOuBlicUqI/AAAAAAAACyk/hhCGo0zWNLo/s1600-h/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (11)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (11)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X6oG1ZDFXLM/UUOuCOu8xqI/AAAAAAAACyo/EspiDa3nrss/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="229"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-70tzKQrrl_o/UUOuChgGCjI/AAAAAAAACy0/nWbtFAEszn8/s1600-h/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (15)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (15)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yTCpPpgPylc/UUOuDZnWGmI/AAAAAAAACy4/AES4yhD1dQE/03-13-13---Super-fun-day-with-Nana-a%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="363"></a></p> <p>#1 – Morning cuddle time</p> <p>Brayden got cozy with my mom and Aunt Liz, and it was the cutest thing. He was so happy to be with his Nana and Aunty Liz while playing his favorite Disney game on my mom’s iPad. It’s the little moments that make the best memories.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VUSc3sHMwEU/UUOuD3dOb0I/AAAAAAAACzE/sToBSewmgI0/s1600-h/03%25252013%25252013%252520-%252520Super%252520fun%252520day%252520with%252520Nana%252520and%252520Aunty%252520Liz%252520%2525284%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 13 13 - Super fun day with Nana and Aunty Liz (4)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4e6fdfS-nkA/UUOuEqbnYFI/AAAAAAAACzI/sMz2z4Cgn-s/03%25252013%25252013%252520-%252520Super%252520fun%252520day%252520with%252520Nana%252520and%252520Aunty%252520Liz%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="344"></a></p> <p>We absolutely love hosting friends and family here. Are you related to us but haven’t visited Reno in the nearly 12 years the Brauns have called it home? Then plan a trip! It’ll be fun—I promise! We have slot machines at the grocery store. It doesn’t get much neater than that! However, if you’re still not convinced, it’s your lucky day. We’re making a trip back to Connecticut in mid-September so it won’t be long until we see you (and bug you to book a trip out here sometime) in person.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-79069477011827126722013-03-02T14:29:00.001-08:002013-03-03T13:39:01.399-08:00State of the Toddler: Two and a Half Years Old<p>Brayden just crossed the halfway mark on his way from two to three years old. Let’s review how Part I of the (not so) Terrible Twos went.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Yesterday was Brayden’s Very Merry Half Birthday (yes, that is my take on Alice in Wonderland’s “un-birthday” celebration…I haven’t gotten last week’s <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2013/02/mad-about-mouse.html" target="_blank">Mad About the Mouse</a> post out of my system). My sweet boy is getting so big.</p> <p>Now, I don’t want to go and jinx myself here but so far the twos haven’t been that terrible. Willful? Yes. Burgeoning independence? Check. A bit fussy? Sure. But not terrible. With that said, I just knocked wood…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4TQqmN8pBnQ/UTJ9NfpvbBI/AAAAAAAACuY/9N8rQlD-_70/s1600-h/11%25252023%25252012%252520-%252520Cuddling%252520with%252520Avery%252520%2525288%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="11 23 12 - Cuddling with Avery (8)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11 23 12 - Cuddling with Avery (8)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xbyCiAlFMeQ/UTJ9N21IHQI/AAAAAAAACug/UkFVR7Alx6s/11%25252023%25252012%252520-%252520Cuddling%252520with%252520Avery%252520%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="322"></a></p> <p>And now onto our milestone review…</p> <p><u>Height:</u> 35 1/2 inches</p> <p><u>Weight:</u> 26 1/2 pounds</p> <p><u>Clothing:</u> 3T (but the pants need the adjustable waistband because he’s a little green bean—long and slender)</p> <p><u>Hair, Skin and Eyes</u>: No changes since the <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/09/state-of-toddler-two-years-old.html" target="_blank">State of the Toddler: Two Years Old</a> post</p> <p><u>Teeth:</u> His three-year molars are coming in but he’s been good about it, if not a bit droolly. He’s also a champ at the dentist and doesn’t seem to be scared. If you’ve never seen the post <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2011/11/mr-thirsty-does-what.html" target="_blank">Mr. Thirsty Does WHAT?!?</a> then I highly recommend you read it. I really advocate for parents to take their children to the dentist when they turn 1 (if not earlier) to help put kids on the right trajectory for dental health. It really does make a difference. Wow, I really am a mom in my mid-thirties, aren’t I?</p> <p><u>Food:</u> Brayden’s still a little fruit bat, and he eats his weight in apples, plums, bananas, raspberries and pureed fruit pouches. A typical dinner could be pierogis, grilled cheese or chicken nuggets. Cheeseburgers are becoming a fast favorite too. But Brayden’s got his food vices too. He’s addicted to Velveeta Shells & Cheese microwave single-serve cups and Cheetos puffs, and tries to steal swigs of his Nana’s Pepsi. As a matter of fact, each of the three items listed above were introduced to him by my mom. She’s Brayden’s Chief Fun Snack Sidekick. If it’s chocolate-y or cheesy or just plain yumtastic, then it’s on their list to eat together.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-efuLa5On9g8/UTJ9OQRr-oI/AAAAAAAACuo/_ylITqWFXDc/s1600-h/02%25252003%25252013%252520-%252520Super%252520Bowl%252520%25252817%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 03 13 - Super Bowl (17)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 03 13 - Super Bowl (17)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b6ALPzCXTjo/UTJ9Ot4W4BI/AAAAAAAACuw/BpMZ8PapzFE/02%25252003%25252013%252520-%252520Super%252520Bowl%252520%25252817%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="355"></a></p> <p>Brayden’s got some interesting food quirks too. Don’t ask me how this came about but he’s got a thing for eating frozen waffles. He takes them right out of the freezer and just starts munching. Sometimes he lets me cook them after a few bites, but only sometimes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0wH4-NiwkY0/UTNnMsLz6QI/AAAAAAAACvw/Cpib3RHFd6k/s1600-h/03%25252003%25252013%252520-%252520Frozen%252520waffles%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 03 13 - Frozen waffles (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 03 13 - Frozen waffles (1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XImOSCtTwYQQkV8cEEOjKONdIUfgpALcilwjKSsMBFoieXkctvOLd3K3_NZNrcXTrJePkW6QGcgNDPPzx3ZEYKmbeLQo8UOP00wMknBUlu7LOpHuePouf3YZnGjqTY-eYrjeP2nDZRY/?imgmax=800" width="226" height="175"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c83QhfVKE9M/UTNnNqbBu9I/AAAAAAAACwA/tky0PVEuUP0/s1600-h/03%25252003%25252013%252520-%252520Frozen%252520waffles%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="03 03 13 - Frozen waffles (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="03 03 13 - Frozen waffles (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IddPnL4Kl0o/UTNnN8YPNzI/AAAAAAAACwI/B_7253oqBsM/03%25252003%25252013%252520-%252520Frozen%252520waffles%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="177"></a> </p> <p><u>Potty Training:</u> Brayden is the #1 potty-er in this daycare class (oh yes, I really am a thirtysomething mom…the things I say nowadays…). I wouldn’t call what we do at home potty training; I’d say it’s more like potty play. I regularly ask Brayden if he has to go, and he’s also starting to anticipate it himself. After each successful bathroom break, he gets one M&M for each hand. We’ll probably phase into the serious potty training soon, and I think there’s a good chance he’ll make the full transition pretty well.</p> <p><u>Personality and Preferences:</u> Brayden is such a happy, sweet, loving, bubbly boy. He loves to cuddle, help, give and engage with those around him. I’m pretty sure he’ll be an extrovert. Brayden’s also pretty sly and is not afraid to try to charm your socks off in an attempt to get what he wants or escape punishment. His eyes are super expressive, and he knows how to slowly turn up the sparkle in them while at the same time breaking out into his 24-karat double-dimple smile. The kid just slays me.</p> <p>In the not-so-cute category is Brayden’s newly discovered whining phase. He has a way of drawling out “Mommy” over and over again in a high-pitched whine when he wants something/is being fussy/disagrees with me/doesn’t want to do what I asked/etc. It’s like nails on a chalkboard. </p> <p><u>Development:</u> I could write a ton here. Brayden is learning at the speed of light. Here’s what happened just yesterday morning: I went out to start my car before work and my hands got a bit cold. When I got back into the house, I went into Brayden’s room to get him ready for school. Upon feeling my hands, Brayden says to me,”Mama hands are cold. Mama no touch Brayden,” and he proceeds to wrap my hands in his blanket! Then after a moment he said, “Mama hands warm. Mama hold me.” I just about fell to the ground. He had a whole conversation with me without needing any prompting, context or anything.</p> <p>Brayden really enjoys counting (he can get to about 12) and singing his ABCs. We’re still working on colors. Singing and dancing are super fun, and he knows more words than I could even count.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uVrGXct1GWo/UTJ9PPi5UcI/AAAAAAAACu4/PuyBjqdNaKI/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Just%252520Like%252520Mickey%252520Mouse%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 10 13 - Just Like Mickey Mouse (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 10 13 - Just Like Mickey Mouse (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u4fRWPL0088/UTJ9PtxwW8I/AAAAAAAACvA/dA3gwb8Bkq4/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Just%252520Like%252520Mickey%252520Mouse%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="332"></a></p> <p><u>Favorites and Playtime:</u> Brayden’s list of beloved characters continues to grow and change, as is standard for a two-year-old. Thomas the Train is still an evergreen favorite but he doesn’t watch the cartoons as much. He prefers his Thomas clothes and actual train toys. Some new TV shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake and the Neverland Pirates have become part of the rotation along with longer term faves like Calliou and Fireman Sam. His absolute favorite movie is Cars.</p> <p>If Brayden had his druthers, he’s be outside almost all the time. He loves to run, jump, climb, hop, kick, slide and swing. He’s adventurous without being reckless which might very well be the scariest combination.</p> <p>Books are still a part of our daily routine and visiting the library and children’s museum are regular stops on our weekends together. Cooking and kitchen items are a new curiosity. To feed this potential interest, I got him a pots, pans and food set to play with.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wZnGdcYoAj8/UTJ9QBMIFJI/AAAAAAAACvI/LAFKisjV2IQ/s1600-h/01%25252024%25252013%252520-%252520Playing%252520Chef%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="01 24 13 - Playing Chef" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="01 24 13 - Playing Chef" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sm9JpIKsDRE/UTJ9QiFnXkI/AAAAAAAACvQ/r5kkY2Di-Gw/01%25252024%25252013%252520-%252520Playing%252520Chef_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="354"></a></p> <p>Brayden also loves his fur brother, Avery. I love it when they cuddle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WI1psxvNRZk/UTJ9RbyrpqI/AAAAAAAACvY/NjCRdnQP3Pw/s1600-h/11%25252029%25252012%252520-%252520Avery%252520as%252520a%252520pillow%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="11 29 12 - Avery as a pillow (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="11 29 12 - Avery as a pillow (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y3vgsDzxtvg/UTJ9R13ftaI/AAAAAAAACvg/96Iw0mNWxSU/11%25252029%25252012%252520-%252520Avery%252520as%252520a%252520pillow%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="327"></a></p> <p>As Brayden gets older, new adventures become possible and I can’t wait. In the next six months, we’ll be trying new things, traveling more and opening up our world together. Brayden just started Happy Feet lessons at school <br>(a pre-K, play-based soccer program), he’ll be starting swimming lessons soon with his dad and that’s just for starters. I see trips into California for amusement parks and zoos this summer and there will also be adjusting to the new home my parents are moving into in April. Exciting times for sure, and all that we’ll be sharing with you as they happen.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-21534776971061327492013-02-22T22:05:00.001-08:002013-02-24T11:33:35.289-08:00Mad About the Mouse<p>Brayden did something I had been waiting for since the moment he was born—he discovered a love for Disney.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>In my high school junior year English class, we had to write a paper about a future life goal. Even though I was only 16 at the time, I wrote about wanting to take my kids on the best Disney World vacation ever. My family took regular trips to Orlando, and many of our favorite times together happened there.</p> <p>My Mom, Dad, Uncle Steve and Aunt Barbara brought me on my first Disney World vacation was when I was four years old. My parents were expecting my little sister, Heather, so this was the 1983 version of a family babymoon. I have the best memories of this trip and loved meeting all the characters from my favorite Disney storybooks and cartoons.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bwK_a28D08g/UShcD9D0mVI/AAAAAAAACsA/U5HkNgxiHOs/s1600-h/02%25252022%25252013%252520-%252520Mommy%252520at%252520Disney%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="02 22 13 - Mommy at Disney" border="0" alt="02 22 13 - Mommy at Disney" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VVI6_z0U260/UShcE_hXiuI/AAAAAAAACsI/3dfee0YIVM0/02%25252022%25252013%252520-%252520Mommy%252520at%252520Disney_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="459"></a></p> <p>Those childhood trips had a lasting impact on me, and I couldn’t wait to create the same special memories for my kids.</p> <p>Now let’s flash forward to late 2012. Believe it or not, I hadn’t exposed Brayden to much Disney yet. He had the movie Cars, but that was about it. So imagine my surprise when he came home one day ranting and raving about Mickey Mouse of all things. In short order, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse became a regularly recorded program on our DVR, Mickey Mouse pajamas were purchased and the baby Mickey plush doll my sister and brother in law gave Brayden came off the shelf and into his bed.</p> <p>As fate would have it, I was sent to Orlando in January for two back-to-back business trips. On the second trip, my co-workers and I went to Downtown Disney, and I bought little b a bunch of super cute paraphernalia, including Mickey Mouse ears with his name embroidered on it.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_QixrkD52JoYLQpLhYegZB9cY9LqDARFtH5GgRhnTR-VeYzjLucejOnFH2fbipl0sseKPmcKSbjvysJUypqlfmU6pneaUguLiUkEp3RjyQkgDgz0LHOHmgNm2XfLFw1XcQJVx-VoTw0/s1600-h/01%25252024%25252013%252520-%252520Mickey%252520Mouse%252520clothes%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="01 24 13 - Mickey Mouse clothes (2)" border="0" alt="01 24 13 - Mickey Mouse clothes (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bd0_ywBifQ4/UShcGOgDJcI/AAAAAAAACsY/h2Kgjf2wYdQ/01%25252024%25252013%252520-%252520Mickey%252520Mouse%252520clothes%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="310"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1BtA79kcwmk/UShcGnKmWQI/AAAAAAAACsg/TMY0miJXEmA/s1600-h/01%25252021%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%252520First%252520Ears%252520%2525282%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="01 21 13 - Brayden's First Ears (2)" border="0" alt="01 21 13 - Brayden's First Ears (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fmeDOD_3b90/UShcHcXPsRI/AAAAAAAACso/N-cMUk0DT94/01%25252021%25252013%252520-%252520Brayden%252527s%252520First%252520Ears%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="310"></a></p> <p>Brayden was on cloud nine when he got his goodies. He especially loved his ears and insisted on wearing them anywhere and everywhere, such as raking in my parents backyard,…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_pEeqRntvwI/UShcIOz87BI/AAAAAAAACsw/-Hg71R22oTE/s1600-h/01%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Raking%252520at%252520Nana%252520and%252520Papa%252527s%252520with%252520your%252520ears%252520on%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="01 27 13 - Raking at Nana and Papa's with your ears on (1)" border="0" alt="01 27 13 - Raking at Nana and Papa's with your ears on (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DkQJdl067sQ/UShcI8DGAsI/AAAAAAAACs4/JuTPwHstAaE/01%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Raking%252520at%252520Nana%252520and%252520Papa%252527s%252520with%252520your%252520ears%252520on%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="257"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZivT1WDuqP0/UShcJsOUURI/AAAAAAAACtA/QUui36HPeec/s1600-h/01%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Raking%252520at%252520Nana%252520and%252520Papa%252527s%252520with%252520your%252520ears%252520on%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="01 27 13 - Raking at Nana and Papa's with your ears on (2)" border="0" alt="01 27 13 - Raking at Nana and Papa's with your ears on (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XXoICN9bK5M/UShcKKo3JiI/AAAAAAAACtI/_PxObdPu22w/01%25252027%25252013%252520-%252520Raking%252520at%252520Nana%252520and%252520Papa%252527s%252520with%252520your%252520ears%252520on%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" height="256"></a></p> <p>the grocery store, Kohl’s and playing in his ball pit at home.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-96N7gENoxR8/UShcKqeqy9I/AAAAAAAACtQ/TwCBnEcJbnc/s1600-h/02%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Mouse%252520ears%252520in%252520the%252520balls%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="02 17 13 - Mouse ears in the balls (1)" border="0" alt="02 17 13 - Mouse ears in the balls (1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t89bAUyO9LI/UShcLFcudVI/AAAAAAAACtY/9-AwY-lvpmI/02%25252017%25252013%252520-%252520Mouse%252520ears%252520in%252520the%252520balls%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="332"></a></p> <p>I couldn’t be more excited to share Disney with Brayden, and the thought of taking him there makes me giddy. Being on the West coast, we’ll probably start off by visiting Disneyland in California next year and save Disney World for when he’s five or six. I’m bouncing up and down in my seat just thinking about it.</p> <p>So in the meantime, if you stop by the house you may very well hear shouts of “Super cheers!” (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse), “Yo ho ho!” (Jake and the Neverland Pirates) or “Ka-chow!” (Cars). And my mom has an entire collection of Disney movies on VHS she (literally) moved 3,000 miles from Connecticut to Nevada so you could say Brayden’s pre-vacation Disney education is officially underway. Thankfully, graduation will be the trip I’ve been dreaming about since I was 16.</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-76522808481477065482013-02-16T15:39:00.001-08:002013-04-08T20:07:40.852-07:00A Shower of Sweetness<p>It’s that time of year when a little love goes a long way. And being the little love bug he is, Brayden gave his heart to quite a few valentines on February 14.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I like Valentine’s Day. There, I said it. I get the whole argument that it’s a manufactured holiday BUT there is never any harm in showing love or kindness towards the special women in our lives. A wise man knows chocolates, a card or roses are worth their weight in gold with most women, and I plan on raising Brayden to be a wise man.</p> <p>I really enjoy preparing for Valentine’s Day each year with Brayden. <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2011/02/heart-throb.html" target="_blank">In 2011, he dressed up as the world’s cutest baby heart throb</a>, and <a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/02/love-bug.html" target="_blank">in 2012, he colored his very first valentines for his classmates</a>. This year, we upped the ante with cards for family in Connecticut. Brayden went to work with his crayons and put his own personal touch on each one.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iXkhM_2gFyI/USAYa9QCfII/AAAAAAAACpY/dlhm2vJbnFw/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520Prep%252520%2525285%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 10 13 - Valentine's Day Prep (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 10 13 - Valentine's Day Prep (5)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NpD_8MB3zk5Z-6w5Axcoah10JCvyBckbpvsLccZKcRdJjCfpkB-BEcSD5xgiFGC6tDhRbQGJzz6rfRv6NtBa21yGl50JABNBmt1OZLPQ2yBhE4np0qEQ2-3OAWhQg978CL7cFw33yd4/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="343"></a></p> <p>Exchanging valentines at school is also a favorite highlight of the holiday; it’s kind of like Halloween but with better candy. This year Brayden gave away five chocolate boxes to teachers and four to classmates. I was particularly excited about the adorable boxes of Disney princess chocolates for the cute little girls in his class.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ShPds7ZBEfM/USAYdGH98LI/AAAAAAAACpo/3rem8KWjQgQ/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520Prep%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 10 13 - Valentine's Day Prep (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 10 13 - Valentine's Day Prep (1)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KwQsPcV4ktU/USAYddu0jtI/AAAAAAAACpw/aiExiQH590I/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520Prep%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="348"></a></p> <p>If you’re a regular blog reader, you know I teach the importance of showing appreciation quite a bit. Thankfully for me, Brayden is a great giver and takes a lot of enjoyment in making other people smile.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-skzhAI--VdE/USAYfTY3FxI/AAAAAAAACp4/-8ZCuAzo8UU/s1600-h/02%25252013%25252013%252520-%252520Pre-Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 13 13 - Pre-Valentine's Day (1)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 13 13 - Pre-Valentine's Day (1)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4tFEit4yvdiTa6tyxFPFaHINZ5Bh8G8_tKPFsFINW1SHuWIHiQ-rN93uR5MLlpvf7d21VTJWq2c-sz03vHe9U3GfZ6wOlYCEbe_fLaMkMMRH3klc-XIoc6d87jHbdO3y1s83H34OShc/?imgmax=800" width="227" height="181"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w1gZiSTpsVQ/USAYi5IhxoI/AAAAAAAACqI/F9tmw3ArDZA/s1600-h/02%25252013%25252013%252520-%252520Pre-Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 13 13 - Pre-Valentine's Day (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 13 13 - Pre-Valentine's Day (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6BXTFX81Ltc/USAYkQpvjII/AAAAAAAACqQ/8_FrMBA6B7Y/02%25252013%25252013%252520-%252520Pre-Valentine%252527s%252520Day%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="232" height="180"></a></p> <p>And he was really excited to give me the homemade valentine he crafted in school. That super sweet double dimple smile does it to me every time…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p-sVZ2HyByg/USAYmCIqRyI/AAAAAAAACqY/gJbofF3PKNk/s1600-h/02%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Mommy%252527s%252520V%252520Day%252520Gift%252520%2525283%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 15 13 - Mommy's V Day Gift (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 15 13 - Mommy's V Day Gift (3)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hnLhdIky2Qc/USAYniXJRUI/AAAAAAAACqg/qIQB-5wSZ2c/02%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Mommy%252527s%252520V%252520Day%252520Gift%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="365"></a></p> <p>Now that I’ve shared all Brayden’s Valentine’s Day successes, I have to at least acknowledge where we’ll look to improve next year…flower handling. Brayden really, really, really wanted to hold one a rose. When he got it in his inquisitive little hands, he did as any good boy would and immediately dissected it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Sh-EhC-SWlk/USAYpNhY4KI/AAAAAAAACqo/HBZ-Iyj_8CA/s1600-h/02%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Mommy%252527s%252520V%252520Day%252520Gift%252520%2525284%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 15 13 - Mommy's V Day Gift (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 15 13 - Mommy's V Day Gift (4)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WEopYGsQgOY/USAYq-vEFmI/AAAAAAAACqw/25uQA-HNRko/02%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Mommy%252527s%252520V%252520Day%252520Gift%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" height="314"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hCv7j6DXKrI/USAYsUcxC5I/AAAAAAAACq4/SHb6IVxYyIg/s1600-h/02%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Mommy%252527s%252520V%252520Day%252520Gift%252520%2525285%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="02 15 13 - Mommy's V Day Gift (5)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="02 15 13 - Mommy's V Day Gift (5)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0TNDeI2LnOc/USAYt-D6DsI/AAAAAAAACrA/J3YflD4uCec/02%25252015%25252013%252520-%252520Mommy%252527s%252520V%252520Day%252520Gift%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="316"></a></p> <p>From cards to candies to plucked roses, Brayden and I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day week, and we hope yours was filled with sweetness too!</p> Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183514624082656465.post-55021375962888571982013-02-10T13:33:00.001-08:002013-02-11T10:05:45.870-08:00License to ThrillWhat’s 37 inches tall, got four wheels and excited all over? Brayden “driving” a new car at his first auto show.<br />
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Brayden is 100% boy. And as his mommy, I know I need to feed my little testosterone machine with mini man things and experiences. That’s why we have tool sets at the house (<a href="http://www.biggestlittlefamilyblog.com/2012/04/if-you-build-it-toys-will-come.html" target="_blank">so Brayden can help Papa build things</a>), race car sets, monster truck toys, ride on fire trucks and a slew of decidedly boy things (though, for the record, we also have “babies”, kitchen/cooking toys and other things to nurture both sides).<br />
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As most little boys do, Brayden loves cars, trains, planes and anything that goes vroom!, so it was a no brainer to head down to the Reno Sparks Convention Center for the 2013 Reno Auto Show.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JICsOMk53kQ/URgSCOIQkLI/AAAAAAAACmk/G41jhl7EFcE/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (1)" border="0" height="499" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sdKBkV79gKE/URgSCfG3BrI/AAAAAAAACms/4oSG68PunIs/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (1)" width="363" /></a><br />
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When we walked into the conventional hall, Brayden let out a quiet “wow” and immediately made a beeline for…yup, you guessed it…the most expensive car at the entire show, the new 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4. Of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbGwHV8pf0nPN0h7C74ZqWZdiNskx2qIQhZIKh-Npk3WbLCJHiUPOhMHLouMxrsofbLuYvGKRkSdmDdJlPCEsNIKbXe3ivLZPG0fM1wvVI-J7zyls3W6yBuMUTNQ9w-SQaO_Y0MCKho4/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%2525284%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (4)" border="0" height="183" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hCPT2gatlng/URgSDzFYo_I/AAAAAAAACm8/pS5lmDTyZ10/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (4)" width="229" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-grwUHRRO7gU/URgSE9PwCoI/AAAAAAAACnE/Nd612iUlJJg/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (2)" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSUJpXWttukDVIUkXgKaMLEXuAYzU_d22DzAk30_JETT4xxRhDDV8LQgceqBQhfZNu7rLOn_1PPv0DU877z1D338MZlu-HaTU3gJEwdw3cESi9hzo6OljUo-p5W8FbDm-lKxKKxgzZ7E/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (2)" width="225" /></a><br />
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Genetics never fail to amaze me. There are hundreds of cars at the show and dozens right when you walk in but Brayden immediately throws himself at a Porsche. Considering his Grandpa Jewell has a Porsche himself, I think it may be in Brayden’s bloodline.<br />
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But seeing as this was a fancy car, the doors were locked. No seat pictures for little b in the Porsche. <br />
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No worries though, just about every other car was available for toddler inspection. Brayden was in all his glory sitting behind the wheel of all sorts of vehicles.<br />
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Brayden sat in big, lifted trucks,…<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n6xveXMsPHs/URgSF_PKiOI/AAAAAAAACnU/hLPSmCp66TI/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%25252810%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (10)" border="0" height="336" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PFuPuaPMGHE/URgSGSBIcTI/AAAAAAAACnc/V-GT5sjnbfM/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%25252810%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (10)" width="435" /></a><br />
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sensible mid-size sedans,…<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TeICVsEKP6o/URgSG8kvtLI/AAAAAAAACnk/yhwSyD7R5Ys/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%25252815%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (15)" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vKgsWevQKh4/URgSHLbVhLI/AAAAAAAACns/gPprwsJ5c8E/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%25252815%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (15)" width="436" /></a><br />
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and the zzzooomiest bright yellow sports car I had ever seen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZYEt1pyL6ArMQfP4SL_kPwNKH5Xv3sIbgtn3OJ-FpqqEXwaINTbPTBzef0HpVej6rvSZeXtlAz4pJ8Mqsrz22C9WH9_Ta2XgLHZKqGh-dcq8JzXaJl9IDGTRfko8WDiVAkJ3xdNDr0Y/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%25252816%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (16)" border="0" height="561" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dWQmXa2RB78/URgSIzlJLRI/AAAAAAAACn8/UXIDtBKRA68/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%25252816%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (16)" width="408" /></a><br />
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He especially liked the sports car. Just look at that ridiculously happy grin (which actually scares me a little). When he got into a particularly cool car, he would turn to me and say with a big smile, “I am Brayden.” It was too cute for words.<br />
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We also practiced our manners and, if a salesperson was around, we asked if it was OK to sit in the cars we looked at. As a reward for his good behavior, the lady from the Cars.com booth gave Brayden a little football.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U9-n5k-NW2g/URgSJ5IA5lI/AAAAAAAACoE/qFnEXyGDlOo/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (3)" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1eW7OtLSHKw/URgSKHU158I/AAAAAAAACoI/mrjh6d2-6I8/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (3)" width="431" /></a><br />
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There is no better compliment than a total stranger recognizing your child for good behavior.<br />
When it was time to leave, Brayden had one final request—to take a picture with the Kia hamster. Sounds like a deal to me, little man.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4HvaeJEyb_c/URgSLfiYU0I/AAAAAAAACoU/S3uvei4HEpE/s1600-h/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%25252814%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (14)" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mguprBhaNPY/URgSL5G1QmI/AAAAAAAACoc/-iVK6YS0TSo/02%25252010%25252013%252520-%252520Reno%252520Auto%252520Show%252520%25252814%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="02 10 13 - Reno Auto Show (14)" width="357" /></a><br />
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Brayden may only be two years old but I know the next 14 years will pass quickly, and I’ll have a 16-year-old on my hands before I know it. And although much will change with him between now and then, I have a feeling that at the 2027 Auto Show he’ll still be making a beeline for the Porsches…Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02259867738692926576noreply@blogger.com0