7/15: O'Brien Pool

Pa & Ma came up yesterday and spent the night. This morning, Mom and I worked in the basement -- organizing and unpacking our "junk". I've decided that I need to clean out and get rid of ALOT of stuff! Maybe that can be my winter project.

Midmorning, we headed off to the O'Brien pool in Parker (about 20 minutes south). The boys and I have driven by several times, but I wasn't quite brave enough to go on my own. Braden was so excited when we pulled into the parking lot and he realized where we were.

Unfortunatley, there was a little cloud cover and a breeze blowing so it was a little cooler than we would have liked. But, that didn't stop my little daredevil. He was off and going. The water was a little warm which helped, but I think it could have had a layer of ice and he wouldn't have cared. It was hard to keep track of him as he went up the stairs, down the slides, through the tunnels, and splashed around. Nothing seemed to phase him and he was willing to try it all.

This slide had water rushing down at the top and sides. He went down it over and over and over.

Braden loved the splash landing at the bottom of the tunnel slides.

And waiting for the water to drop ... oh, the anticipation! A few times he stared upward too long and got a nose and mouth full.

One of Braden's favorite parts were the wheels and handles you could turn that would make water spray out of a tube, up into the sky, or change the flow of the water curtain you walked through. He quickly figured out how each one worked and would give them a yank or turn every time he passed.

Dylon, on the other hand, was not excited about the cold (even though the clouds burned off and the day was fairly nice). He also was not happy about the loud water noise and having to walk under and through the water to get to the slides. He was much more content to play in the bubblers with Pa & Ma. And when he got too cold, snuggle time with Pa was a must. Especially since he and Pa found the pretzels and dried apples to snack on.

Overall, it was a fun time at the water park. Both boys had a little of what they love most. For Braden -- running and splashing. For Dylon -- eating!

7/21: Full & Blessed Life

We are adjusting to life with our 4 legged girl running around the house. She is adjusting to us (and the kennel!) Only 3 accidents on the floor, so I'm feeling pretty lucky. We are armed with cleaning spray and deodorizer for those that are sure to come.

Some of you have asked how we came about getting her. Well, while I was sitting and eating breakfast Friday morning, MaeMae (Chad's mom) showed me the pet classifieds in the paper and asked what kind of dog a lhasa-poo was. I told her it was a mix of a lhasa-apso and a poodle. Since this was a breed we had casually been looking at, I called Chad and asked if he wanted to see the puppies. "Sure!" So, I made the call. On Saturday, the breeder drove from Harrison (1 hour north of Scottsbluff) and showed us 2 puppies. We initially were leaning towards the puppy that was more social, but as we watched them for awhile, our hearts were drawn to the honey colored pup that followed the breeder everywhere she went. Even though it took her awhile longer to warm up, she was soon snuggling deeper into our arms. We're hoping this means she will be a more loyal dog. So, that's how we ended up with our Brooke.

So, I guess you could say it's MaeMae's fault for showing me the paper, or Chad's fault for saying to call, or my fault for actually calling! But, regardles --- I'm actually glad to have her. She is so sweet and we are having alot of fun with her.

Brooke and Braden are becoming snuggle buds. She loves to lay beside him while he watches Handy Manny or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I guess it's true, there's nothing like the love between a boy and his dog. He is so very gentle with her and talks to her in this sing-song voice. "Tome here sweetheart", "It's O'Ta Honey" "Where's my doggy at?" I wonder if he'll like her as much when he has to clean up the yard in a few years?

Dylon gets jealous when anyone else has "b'ook". He loves to grab, squeeze, lay, pull -- anything he thinks might show her his affections. She's not so sure about his love languages, but tolerates him and has not nipped or growled at him. She seems to be a very patient and forgiving dog.
Today we also had a visit from Buzz Lightyear at our house. I had found this costume at a garage sale and Braden couldn't wait to put it on this morning. "Buzz" played outside, rode his bike, and yes ... went to Walmart with us. We got a few disapproving stares, but many more smiles, giggles, and high fives to my space ranger. He was thrilled! Thank goodness it was cool today after the storms last night (yes, we were in the basement AGAIN as the tornado sirens sounded at 11:30pm! -- we had heavy rain and fierce winds, but no hail). And all 3 kids even went back to sleep without much problem. Braden is not a fan of the rain, but that gave us a reason for some snuggle time. It touched my heart too when he asked to "P'ay to God 'bout the wain". I hope that he will continue to look to God as his protector and rely on Him for strength. Braden's childlike faith is such a good reminder to me of how God wants my relationship with Him to be.

Dylon also kept me entertained at the store while we were shopping. He loves to kick off one shoe (always the left). He also delights in eating the packages of anything he can reach. Plastic = Yummy? And if that wasn't enough, he loves to play peek-a-boo anytime he can. Today, he used some fabric we were buying and boo'd at everone we passed.

Hmmm, even with all the stress of 2 boys and a puppy, I still look at my life and am so thankful for these precious gifts.

7/16-7/19: Weekend Fun

We had an incredibly fun weekend!

The boys and I headed north to Scottsbluff on Thursday morning. We arrived in time for lunch with MaeMae at one of our favorite Mexican restaurant. While the boys napped, I finished stripping wallpaper in the guest room. It made me very glad that we bought a house WITHOUT wallpaper! :)

Friday morning we were up early and painted the guest room. Braden was so excited to be our big helper. Notice that my little handy man is wearing his "Handy Manny" underwear ... how appropriate!

He did a good job covering his part of the wall, but soon gave in to the lure of a movie with his brother.

Saturday Chad headed off to golf, the boys enjoyed a fun playtime with the Shaw's, and the girls hosted a baby shower for cousin Kristi. We all enjoyed our morning and the special time with family.

(Trista, Jenn, KRISTI, MaeMae, Aunt MaryAnne)

Today, we went out to Lake Minatare for awhile. We enjoyed a family ride on the SeaDoo. Braden loved helping Daddy drive and might have ended up with a few bugs in his teeth -- he couldn't stop smiling! Dylon was not quite as excited and alternated between shedding a few tears and almost falling asleep. After a quick lunch, we went cruising around the lake in the boat. Dylon was much happier in the boat, but would hide under the towel when he'd had enough of the wind in his face. Again, Braden had the time of his life!

It was almost 100 degrees, so we were very happy to cool off with a swim.

And to top off the weekend, we decided to add onto our family. Yes, we are now the very happy (and probably crazy!) owners of an adorable little girl with 4 legs. Brooke is a 6 week old, honey colored laso-poo that has quickly established a place in our hearts. She has only been with us for about 6 hours, but seems to be adjusting. Braden is finally beginning to understand that she is going to live with us and it's not just a dog that we are "looking at". She has only pee'd outside (I know, the time will come!) and loves to snuggle on our laps. She spent 2 - 20 minute periods snuggling with Braden in his carseat on the way home. He was so tender with her and gently stroked her head and back. When I asked him what we should call her, he said "She not have no tag, so we call her not-ing". Apparently, he has caught on that I always look at his stuffed animal tags to try to get a hint as to what to name them. But, Daddy was good at coming up with a name we call agreed on. Dylon already points at her and says "B'ook". He is very concerned that she gets water, her blanket, and a few others things she else she might not really want or need!

Tomorrow we'll head off to the pet store to buy everything a doggie could want or need.

Here's the list Braden gave us on the way home: toy, ball, bed, toy, leash, food, and a BONE!

We do need just about everything since we hadn't really planned this out. Thank goodness MaeMae had a few extra supplies to loan us for our trip home.

Welcome home, Brooke!

7/4/09: July 4th Family Fun

We had a fun 4th of July! Two of my brothers (Matt & Jer) came up for lunch and spent the night. My dad and stepmom also came over for dinner. We played bocce and ladder golf for awhile, but soon were forced inside by another rain storm. The Uncles decided it was time to splash in a few puddles so the 4 boys headed outside to play. I'm not sure who had more fun -- the big boys or the little boys! They finally came back inside, soaked to the bones, shivering, and having loved every minute. We stayed home and watched fireworks from the deck. We could see the various shows all over the front range -- at least a dozen or so. It was beautiful! Braden enjoyed staying up late and finally headed to bed at 10pm. Dylon crashed out early and was in bed at 7:30pm before the fireworks ever began. He slept through all the commotion -- even with the neighborhood boys shooting their own fireworks off in the cul-de-sac behind our house. It was fun to have family here to celebrate with. We'll still head out to a firework show every couple of years though -- there is nothing like having the sparkle right above you!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Some July Pics

7/1: Poor kid, Dylon thinks a mini-van is a racecar.

7/1: I promise, we feed this kid. He just thinks his stinky toes are Yum-my!

7/3: Two boys and their pudding snack. Can anyone tell me how my two boys ended up so different?
7/3: Racing on the Wii. Both boys are enjoying playing video games with Daddy now. Braden's actually getting the hang of driving the monster trucks.

Sprayground (6/30)

We arrived just as the water was turning on. Shortly after buses, vans, and LOTS of cars arrived. Before long, the place was overflowing with running kids! But, my boys had fun ... at least one of them did!!!

Braden was so excited. He was jumping up and down before we even had the sunscreen on. In, out, under, around -- the wetter, the better! He watched the bigger kids and tried to copy everything they did. I think he thought he was 10!

One water logged little guy!

Dylon was a bit overwhelmed by all the commotion. He played with a cup in the rainbow for a short while, but soon decided he was cold and cuddles on mommy's lap would be much better. Of course, that was just fine with me!

Every once in awhile, Dylon got brave enough to venture back out into the water with his brother. I love watching the two of them interact and see their friendship forming.
Two tired little boys were ready to head home for lunch - after a promise from Mommy that we would come back!

We had a fun morning and enjoyed being out side in beautiful Colorado. The only down side, was that it made us miss our WI friends -- especially me! How I would have loved to met some of my dear friends and watched our children run and splash together. My heart aches with the emptiness that distance has created. I long to see their faces, hear their laughter, and live life together again.

Cold Water & Grandparents (6/27-28)

Saturday morning we said goodbye to the Verzal's, loaded into the van, and headed north to Scottsbluff. The boys took quick naps while I went to a baby shower for Chad's childhood neighbor with MaeMae. Then we were all off to cousin Sarah and Steven's wedding reception. It was nice to meet Steven and we enjoyed some time with other Aunts and Uncles from the Weinmaster family.

That evening, we went out to Lake Minatare with MaeMae. The boys had fun getting their feet (and clothes) wet in the water. Braden retreated from the cold water first.

Dylon is usually the first to have his fill. However, the lapping waves and rocks mesmerized him. He was shivering and still wanted more.

On our way home Sunday, we stopped in Loveland for dinner with Grandpa and Grandma Simmons. Have I said how fun it is to have family close by?!

Just like Mommy (6/19)

If you ask Braden who he wants to be like when he grows up, he will ALWAYS answer "Daddy"! But, there are days when he thinks it might be fun to be like his mommy too.
Today, was one of those days.



For his first try, he didn't do too bad applying the lipstick.



Look carefully at the toes! I promise, there was NO polish!
Braden, how I love you! You bring such joy and laughter to my life!

Verzal Visit (6/25-6/27)

Our house was overflowing with fun as we enjoyed an awesome visit from the Verzal family. Joe was our best man and is now married to his wonderful wife Lynette. They have 3 adorable children, Madeline, Callie, and Carson. We were so happy to they made our house a stop on their CO vacation before heading home to Kearney, NE.

Joe w/ his kids: Madeline, Carson, Callie ((Sorry Lynette, I never ended up with a picture of you ... guess that's what happens when mommies are both behind the camera!)
The kids quickly reconnected and enjoyed being together. Braden was so happy to have "friends" again! Dylon wasn't too sure what to do with another kid his size, but after a while decided Carson was alright.

MaeMae came down from Scottsbluff and loved having ALL her "grandkids" together.

We found a new use for our master bath . Rub a dub dub, THREE boys in the tub! I think they would have stayed in all night if we had let them.

Friday we headed downtown to the Aquarium. With 5 kids, we ended up moving through at a pretty quick pace, but everyone had a fun time. And we didn't even loose anyone!

Carson, Madeline, Callie, Dylon, Braden
MaeMae loved snuggle time with a tired little boy!

Dylon loved the stingrays - perfectly slimey for a little boy!

The kids needed a picture with the shark before leaving.
(Dylon had already headed to the car with Daddy.)

After naptime (interuppted by a tornado warning and time in the basement), we headed to the subdivision pool. I love this picture ... and it wasn't even staged.

Braden was very excited to go to the BIG pool with Daddy!
All the kids piled into the master bath that night and had so much fun. I wonder how many kids you can really fit in that tub?
We loved having the Verzal family visit us and look forward to their next CO trip! We love you guys!!!