Just because...

Just because...

 I think she's one of the most beautiful little girls out there...and had to share her new "look"... big girl pigtails. 

And just because she's getting quite the personality.  I love my little Miss Vivian. 

The Man in the Big Red Suit stops by...

Christmas morning... Braden was so, so excited this year. Vivian really wasn't all that interested, she was just playing and enjoying herself.  The night before, on Christmas Eve, we put the kids to sleep and set up Christmas.  Then Chad, his mom and I played some Trivial Pursuit and realized that it made a lot of sense for us adults to have our Christmas then and there.  I mean... Braden doesn't really care what I open and it's kind of a distraction from the kids, so we opened our gifts the night before.  Once we did it wasn't hard to figure out why Chad and his mom came up with the idea... they wanted me to get the new flash for my camera so we could enjoy it Christmas morning!  Great idea!!!  Here are some pics of the kids on Christmas morning. 

Expression as he was walking in to see what the man in the big red suit left him

Cheese... this is the look she gives the camera all the time.  One day her "smile" for the camera won't look like she's trying to load up her diaper

Candy in the stocking... always a hit.

He got some clothes... he's 4 and already such a man, totally unimpressed with clothes as gifts.

Our little man was spelling out the letters on the label, he can recognize his name, Vivian's name and Mom and Dad.  He was "reading" to see who the gift went to.

The Smart Cycle game system from Grandma Carole and Uncle Jimmy... it's been a big hit!

Christmas keeps getting better every year as we see them enjoying it so much.  Next year, Vivian should understand it too.

Every Boy Needs a Rocket...

On Christmas Eve we took the kids outside to play with a rocket shooter!  Braden and Vivian enjoyed it a lot!

It's on it's way up... and these things can go high!  As high as the top of the tall trees!  You see there is an air pump that you step on that sends it up, up and away!

That was SO cool!

Let's do it again. He has to get it just right.

He jumped so high I almost didn't get him in the picture.  Braden was giving it all he had!

Miss Vivian thought it was hilarious.  I love when we can capture moments of pure joy.

She even got to help Big B set up

And away it goes... this went on for awhile.  Great to get things that take the kids outside and entertained,  Thanks Uncle Andy and Aunt Amy!

The Road to Four Flies...

Last month we celebrated Braden's fourth birthday... wow.  He's becoming such a little man.  He knows exactly what to do to be the sweetest, smartest kid... and he knows how to push buttons too (seriously Big B... I do not understand your need to want to climb on every.piece.of.everything.  If you think it can't be climbed on or over... Braden will find a way)

With birthdays come annual doctor check ups.  Our boy is still rockin' the high end of the charts at 3 1/2 feet (42 inches tall... 80th percent) and 44 lbs (95th percent).  He's skin and bones on top, so he's just a solid little dude.  We all know vaccinations are painful to watch when you have a little baby... but I personally think it's harder when they get older since they know what's coming and have all the anticipation built up.  Nothing like a promise of ice cream on the way home to dry the tears.

If you recall, last year we started a birthday tradition.  For the kids' birthday they have total control over what they want their cake to look like, no matter how crazy.  (Click here for his 3rd birthday cake). 

Q:  What color cake do you want?
A:  White cake (which was a chocolate cake, but white frosting)

Q:  What do you want it to say?
A:  Braden

Q:  What color do you want the letters?
A:  Blue

Q:  Anything else on the cake?
A:  A Pony... and candles. 

So this is what we came up with... this year Grandma Paula baked and frosted the cake and I decorated.

After cake we opened gifts... Kung Fu Panda from Uncle Keith and Aunt Casse.

He scored the Leapster 2 game system from Grandma Paula!

Boris the Tyrannosaurus!  It's been a big hit.

For his party this year I took the easy route... we went to a massive gymnastics place in town.  Nine kids with a private party instructor.  Warning - the place had bad lighting for my camera... and I didn't have my fancy new flash or zoom lens for my camera yet (more on that in another post).

A big jump into the pit!

Lots of climbing

Miss Vivian loved the trampoline!

In the pit with friends.  He had a blast. 

I'm so happy and feel privileged that this little man is ours. 

Next up... he'll be FIVE.  I cannot even imagine!

Mini Chad...

While I continue to sort through the mass amounts of photos from our fun-filled December (Big B's birthday, the party and loads of Christmas activities), I thought I'd share a photo comparison. 

Both pictures taken on their 4th birthdays. 

And in case the other picture didn't convince you that they kind of look alike.... I think this seals the deal.

And when Braden saw this picture of Chad, from Christmas 1982, on the kitchen counter, he picked it up and said, "Look Mom, it's me!"