Parental Break

Andy and I took a much needed trip together....WITHOUT kids thanks to my amazing in-laws.  We had 5 wonderful days in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  It was beautiful, peaceful, relaxing, and romantic.  We stayed at Capella Pedrigal and hardly wanted to leave there for any reason. 

When we arrived, we had to drive through a mountain to get to the resort.  That made it so private.

I love the glass hearts all over this tree.

This is the beach front.  No swimming in the water because the waves are too rough.  But the sound they made was fantastic!

And why would we go sit in the sand when we had this beautiful pool with poolside service!?  The infinity edge over looked the beach in the previous post, so we just had to walk across the pool with our drinks in hand to look directly at that shot.  The service was amazing and we even visited the spa for massages.

Here is my sweetie, looking the most relaxed I have seen him in 7 years!! This trip was between his job change.  He left the stressful, busy world of investment banking to go corporate.  This was the beginning of life without the blackberry constantly buzzing, and the return of weekends. 

  

Of course I went fishing with my guy...I had a blast!

We left as the sun was rising.

On our way out to fish we passed the land's end...the end of the Baja Penninsula.

Then came the fishing.  Yep, they had to help keep me from flying out of the boat.  It was so hard, and I got so tired I almost didn't think I could do it.

Here is why it was so hard!  My Marlin was a fighter!  He jumped out of the water over and over.

In the end, I finally got him in!  A hundred pound fish!

Andy caught one too.  He didn't look as exhausted as me though.

We went out to dinner a couple of times.  The great thing about our resort is that it was in walking distance to the city.  We went to Los Tres Gallos for authentic Mexican food.  It was sooooo good, but really spicy.  :)

On our last full day there we actually ran into my cousin Tony and his wife Victoria!  What are the chances?  We didn't know he was going to be there, and running into him in another country was crazy.  But even crazier was about a month later when I was in Florida, and I ran into him again with Andy's sisters when we were kayaking in the middle of the ocean to crab island!

The last night we ate dinner at El Farallon which is in the cliffs overlooking the ocean at our resort.

It was an amazing time and I will cherish the memories with my wonderful husband.

Braeden Turns 5!

Once again we made a trip to Jumpalooza for Braeden's birthday party.  The boys love this place, and it's always at the top of their list of places to have a party.  I love it too!  The kids get so much energy out and have such a great time!

 Braeden wanted a picture with his Pops.

Head first.....ABSOLUTELY!

The whole gang....

I love Braeden's sweet expressions as we sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

Chocolate cupcakes...his favorite.

Braeden is so blessed to have so many wonderful friends from Preschool.  Next year will be so different since none of his friends are going to his elementary school.  I look forward to the new friends he will make, but I am so sad that he won't be with this amazing group of kids anymore.

Braeden, you are the sweetest 5 year old I know!!  You are my sunshine, and I love you to the moon and back and all around the stars....with my whole heart!  I am so proud of the little boy you are, and I know that your future holds great things.  You love bugs, fish, plants, and anything in nature.  You have the most inquisitive mind, always wondering why and how?  I can't wait to see what kind of man you grow up to be.  Well, maybe I can wait...it's going too fast already.  No matter how big you get, you will always be my baby.  I love you sweet, sweet Braeden!

Love,

Mommy



Preschool Graduation

It was a special day when Braeden graduated from preschool.  They even got graduation caps.  He wasn't very happy about being in front of all of the families, but he was excited to graduate.  We loved his teachers and really will miss our friends in his class.  Sadly none of them will be going to his school in the fall.

I love this sweet face.

And then my little silly smirk comes out!  Cutie!

During the ceremony the teachers passed out their graduation papers and announced what the kids said they wanted to be.  Braeden said that when he grew up he wanted to be a superhero.  I think he just may be one!

Miss Nancy and Braeden

Miss Kim and Braeden (she is also one of Aunt Jennifer's friends).

Best buddy Will with Braeden.  These two really will miss each other.  They have been buddies for 2 years straight.  At least they will still get to see each other each week at church.  :)

Silly faces!

Braeden, Will, and the third musketeer Ty.

More silly faces!

Love these kids, and love our school.  I am glad I have one more kiddo there still, because it is such a special place for children.

Braeden's birthday day

He started off the day with his birthday pancake and presents.

Bugs in plexiglass of course, an ant farm, and an Aquasaur tank!

The aquasaurs didn't last long and the ants died in the mail twice (it's too hot right now), so we'll have to try again when it is cooler, but the bugs in plastic have been a hit.  He loves BUGS!

And since his party wasn't on his actual birthday day, we had chocolate cupcakes after dinner.

Braeden is my sweetness.  He has always been my snuggler, cuddler, and attached to my leg kiddo.  I wouldn't change it for the world!  One day he isn't going to want to hold my hand, sit in my lap, or snuggle with me, so I am cherishing it as much as possible.  I love his sweet smile, dreamy eyes and eyelashes, and the way that he loves his brothers.  I am proud of the way he handles being BOTH a big brother and a little brother, not an easy job for sure!  I can't wait to see what great things he does in this world!  I love you my sweetness!

Mother's Day

I love these precious gifts my sweet children make for me at school, and have to keep the pictures of them so I can remember these precious gifts!

From Austin

From Colton

From Braeden

Trip to Bryan

We drove to Bryan for Evelyn's confirmation at church and then spent the day at their home in the country.  Colton loves LOVES horses!  Some of his first words were "neigh, neigh" and he called horses "neighs" for quite a while.  He wanted so badly to get close to them here.

The older boys were running up the drive trying to catch the many, many butterflies in the grass.

Colton joined them in the chase.  Having this much space to run free is so wonderful!!

Kristen let Austin walk one of the horses in from the pasture with Wyatt.

He was pretty proud of himself.

Braeden was catching crickets by the pond.

Sweet Evelyn took Austin on her horse for a ride.

Kristen and Daddy even walked Colton on a horse too.

I love this picture.  He is really so happy here, even if it doesn't show.

And finally, Braeden quit catching bugs long enough to take a ride as well.

Then it was time for some real riding!

Colton enjoyed driving the tractor with Uncle Tom.

Wyatt and Colton were having a blast!  Such a bunch of happy boys.  We are so blessed!