Aug 15: Braden's Surgery

Tonsils, Adenoids, and Ear Tubes ... more surgery than we wanted our 2 1/2 year old to have to go through! But, he did great! The doctors and nurses were so nice. They let him have "boof" and his cars on the bed. Braden was very excited for his new car friends: Red, Tractor, Stanley, Luigi, and Guido.

He shook the nurse's hands and said "nice to meet you". On the way to the OR, he and the anesthesiologist were running down the hallway. Mommy even got to go with Braden to the operating room and stay with him until he fell asleep.

We were so amazed and pleased that he was able to cope so well. When he woke up, the nurses were snuggling him in the rocking chair. Of course, he only wanted Mommy (and Daddy), so we got to come back to the recovery area right away and hold him. Having my precious boy in my arms again ... life is so good! He was only away from us for about 1 hour, but it seemed like forever. Daddy said he felt like a "caged tiger".

As we got into the van to leave the hospital, Braden's first request was for "mine baby". Even when he isn't feeling great, he still wants to make sure his little brother is ok. Dylon was happy to see us and we are so thankful to our friends for watching him (Thanks Betz family!)

Now we are home and Braden is doing great. He's had a few popsicles, some juice, and you'd almost never know that he had surgery this morning. The doctor warned us though that the first couple days could be misleading and to watch out for day #3. We'll see what happens?!

Dylon decided that he didn't want to let Braden have all the fun today, so he had to do a few first today too. When I was taking him up for his nap, Braden and Daddy waved bye-bye. So, Dylon waved right back ... and continued to wave all the way up the stairs. It is so fun to see how much my 3 boys love and care about each other. After nap, Dylon was playing peek-a-boo with a blanket on the floor by the stairs. Next thing we know ... he has climbed up 2 stairs! My goodness is that little guy fast!

Aug. 8: Daddy Love, Big Lunch

It's great having Daddy home from CA. He flew out on Tuesday for his interviews on Wednesday. Daddy would really like a new job that wouldn't require him to travel so much away from us. This job was originally listed as a Denver location, but may be one that he can do from here. The interviews went well, but there is one other candidate. So, we are just waiting to find out who they picked. I could tell them who the best guy is!!!

The day started with a little bit of drama. Braden woke up and, as usual, asked for Daddy. Unfortunately, Daddy had already left for work. Braden's face crumbled, his lower lip quivered, and the tears came. "Dad-de say dood-bye!" I explained to my sweet boy that his Daddy was only at work and would be home for dinner. But, this did little to console him. A morning juice cup distracted him momentarily. We called Daddy on the phone (this usually resolves things), but again the lower lip quivered and "nugs" from Mommy were needed since Daddy could reach through the phone. So, while we were out doing errands - a trip to see Daddy was added to the list. Both boys were excited to see Daddy and get to go into work with him for a few minutes. I love the connection these 3 guys in my life have! How great is their love!!!

Dylon is doing great. He's moving all over the place. His big toes have blisters from so much pushing. And to keep up his energy, this is what the little guy at for lunch: 1/2 banana, 1 slice of turkey meat (the round bologna style), 1 cheese stick, 1/2 large yogurt, 1 1/2 cups of water. Yikes - what are we going to feed him when he gets older?!

August Starts

Aug 4th:

Braden was so excited to see "mine Cate". When she and her parents came over for dinner, both kids squealed with delight. It is so precious to see their friendship. You know, arranged marriage might not be such a bad idea! Both kids enjoyed their horsey ride off into the sunset.

Aug 5: Dylon is always on the go. He is so excited to get to play with his brother's toys. It's defiantely a learning process. Braden now has to adjust to "family" toys. Dylon is starting to pull up on any and everything. He is so proud of himself (and we are so proud of him!) when he can sit up on his knees to play!

Aug 6: My little musician. He loves to hear the music as he hits the keys and will even "sing" sometimes.

Aug 6: Today was laundry day. Braden started to help me fold, and then decided it would be much more fun to get dressed (a second layer never hurts!). So, on went Mommy's PJ top. And then two of Daddy's socks. He wore this outfit around for next couple of hours. So, if you need some fashion advice - you now know who to ask!

Aug 2: A Basketball Story

The Scene:
Dinner time in the Weinmaster House w/ Uncle Steve, Aunt Angie, and Cousin Kaleb present.
BBQ pork on buns, chips with DIP, and GRAPES for dinner.
A nice quiet meal ...

The Action:
Braden calmly picks up a grape and eats it.
He picks up another grape and throw it across the table -- Plop! It lands right in the chip dip!
Mommy: "Braden! What are you doing?" with a stern look and a loud voice.
Braden: "Bask-ball, Mommy." stated very matter of factly with no hint of wrong doing.

The Conclusion:
LAUGHTER! And then of course we reminded Braden that we don't throw food. Basketball and can be played outside or in the living room, but not with food. And to end if all:
Daddy: "Nice throw buddy!" "But no more throwing food!"

(And ... Cousin Kaleb ATE that grape -- dip and all! Yuck!!!!)

Aug 2: Voyager Boat Ride w/ Shaw's

After the Brewer's stadium tour and lunch, we went to downtown Milwaukee and took a boat ride. The Voyager took us down the Milwaukee River, around the harbor, and then back up the river.



After all the excitement of the day, Dylon was ready for a nap. Before the boat even left the dock, he was fast asleep.



Braden enjoyed some more time with his buddy, Uncle Kaleb.



Braden enjoyed the boat ride. He liked to see the bridges open and close for us to pass through. The view of downtown Milwaukee from the harbor is awesome. Braden loved the big buildings and being able to see so far.




We also got to see this schooner as it was sailing out onto the lake. Wouldn't that be fun to go for a ride on?



Once Dylon woke up from his nap, he got to have some special time with Uncle Kaleb too.

I think these little guys of mine aren't going to know what to do when our extra hands go home!

Braden and Dylon were such good boys today. We had a busy day and missed being at home for naps, but they just took it in stride. It was one of those proud mommy days when you are so thankful for the good kids that God has given you. But, I'd still be thankful that they are mine even if they had been naughty! :)

Aug 2: Brewer's Tour w/ Shaw's

Today we went on our tour of the Miller Park Stadium where the Brewer's play. It was interesting to get to see the media area, special party rooms, the locker room, the bull pen, and walk out on the field. Dylon was tired when we started, but enjoyed some snuggle time with Mommy.

Sitting in the dugout and looking at the BIG field ...
Ready to play ...
All of us enjoying the day ... well, almost all of us. After our 1 hour tour took almost 2 hours, Dylon as past done! (Kaleb, Trista, Braden Chad, Dylon, Angie, and Steve)
Our family!
Our BIG boy in the BIG stadium
After the tour, we ate lunch at TGI Fridays (restaurant in the stadium). Aunt Angie decided that Dylon could share her spaghetti. He was more than happy to help and truly enjoyed himself. It was a little hard on Mommy though ... messes just aren't my thing. But with alot of baby wipes, everything turned out ok.

July 31: Waiting for Daddy

Having company visit gave an extra pair of hands and allowed Aunt Angie to capture a common routine in our house on film. Many days, this is the scene you will find at our home. Two little boys waiting excitedly for their hero to come home. As the mommy, it brings tears of joy and my heart overflows. I am so thankful that my sons have such an incredible Daddy! I pray that they will always look up to this great man and become like him when they grow up.

Do you see him yet?

Look! There's Daddy's car!

Daddy's home!
Ready for some hugs.

Mommy loves her boys too!
So, there you have it. A little glimpse into the arrival home of our hero!

July 31: Milwaukee Zoo w/ Shaw's

Braden and Dylon took Uncle Kaleb to the zoo today to show him all their favorite animals. Even though he's a teenager, he's never been to a "real" zoo, so it was quite the experience for him. I loved watching his excitement and awe of all the unique animals that God has made.
Here's our 3 guys "monkeying" around a little. The baby gorilla is almost the same size as Dylon.


Here's a few of the animals that we saw or that saw us:


(Sure am glad that there was glass between us and him!)


("Nemo" according to Braden)


(the hippos were playing peek-a-boo)

Braden enjoyed pointing out all the snakes and lizards to Uncle Kaleb.

All smiles for the camera ... I love this little guy!
Dylon was content to just ride in the stroller and have drinks and snacks!
Braden looks up to his Uncle Kaleb. He sure thought he was big stuff wearing his hat around.

July 30: Ice Cream Truck

During the afternoon, Mommy made some brownies. Braden loved helping to clean the mixer. Anyone want a kiss?

While dinner was cooking, we heard some music outside. Braden was so curious. So, the boys went out to explore. Hand-in-hand ... there is so much love!

And yes, the music was coming from the neighborhood ice cream truck. So, the boys just HAD to buy some! This was Braden's first ice cream truck experience -- it was the first time we'd heard it come through our neighborhood. And Uncle Kaleb even set a good example and saved their ice-cream until AFTER dinner!

Braden was so excited and fascinated by his ice cream, that he couldn't even look at the camera. 6 pictures, and this was the best we got.

And yes, Braden's orange dreamsicle was a yummy mess when he ate it after dinner. But so worth it!