Playing at Liberty Park

Today is Pioneer Day, but Craig doesn't get the day off, so Brayden and I were left to entertain ourselves until he got off work. Luckily, Deana was watching her bosses son, Jackson, so we took them up to Liberty Park to play.

The boys seemed to have a lot of fun. Even though there are plenty of things to do at the park, they were completely content to hang out at this little stream and play with the leaves that floated by. Deana went crazy taking pictures. It's kind of nice having her around, not only for the awesome company, but I don't have to worry about my camera. I just get to play.

This last one was our favorite picture. I love seeing what she can do with her photo editing software. Obviously she had a beautiful boy to work with, but she managed to really make his blue eyes pop.

Strange Kid

Taken Wednesday the 8th: Below Brayden is a boat with hole on the top. You are supposed to put the balls over the holes and then hammer them down so they will roll down the ramp to the bottom. It's really cute. Today Brayden has decided that he doesn't need the hammer. He put the balls over the holes and then sat on them until they fell through. He was so proud of himself. Whatever works I guess.

Taken Monday the 20th: I love watching Brayden sleep. He always finds such random ways to get comfortable. This has to be my favorite position to date.

Taken Thursday the 23rd: This one was taken at the park just down the street. The rest of the pictures we took that day look like a normal kid playing around, but this one looks like an adorable old man. I love it!

Summer BBQ

Today was just too beautiful not to celebrate with a BBQ. Deana kindly offered her backyard, so a bunch of our friends met up to fire up the grill. Everything was delicious!

After pouring a few drinks in the basement, we wandered to the front yard to start up a game of Hands Up, Stands Up. I love playing "little kid games". They are so much fun!

In keeping with the "little kid" theme, Twister eventually broke out in the backyard. It's a lot harder than it looks.

As the evening wore on, we ended up back in the basement playing pool. I had such a great evening. I love summer!

Eric's Mission Farewell

Craig's younger brother, Eric, was called to the Tucson, Arizona mission. Since he leaves soon, we were invited to watch him give his farewell talk in church and then over to Jan's for lunch. I don't have a clue why Brayden is making that face. It's priceless!

After most of the guests left, Jan opened the pool for her family to enjoy. Brayden and I had a lot of fun swimming.

Good luck, Eric! We'll miss you.

Brayden vs Mommy and the Cedar Chest

This picture was taken on the way how from an Urgent Care yesterday. Notice the wrapped thumb. It really is a heartbreaking story. So, I was putting stuff away in my cedar chest. I shut the lid and sat down on top of it to keep working. That's when Brayden started screaming and I noticed his thumb stuck under the lid. I'm pretty sure I instantly started crying. I'm so glad that Craig was home. He calmly led us all to the car and drove us the the Urgent Care.

The doctor said that because he is so young and his bones are so soft nothing broke, but they still wrapped it up for us. It didn't seem to bother Brayden, especially with the painkillers he was taking, but I was shaken.

Brayden could tell that I was struggling. This morning, I was laying on the couch watching him play. He came over to me and just laid next to me on the floor. I was rubbing his back and telling him how sorry I was and he eventually fell asleep. It's a little disarming to have this little guy trying to take care of me when I should be the one taking care of him.

When Craig got home, he took off the old bandage so he could wrap it in a clean bandage. That thumb was so swollen and it looked like it really hurt. I'm so sorry little guy.

Independence Day with the Shane's

We headed over to the Shane's today for a BBQ to celebrate the 4th of July. Brayden liked watching Daddy play yard games with his brothers.

Brayden Throughout June '09

Taken Tuesday the 2nd: Adorable boy chillin' in the tub.

Taken Saturday the 6th: I'm not sure who he stole the sunglasses from, but he looks great.

Taken Monday the 8th: "OK, Mom. I'm ready to go."

Taken Thursday the 11th: Brayden fascinated by the hailstorm outside.

Taken Tuesday the 16th: Playing around on one of our walks around the neighborhood.

Also taken Tuesday the 16th: I think he was showing me that he had finished eating all his vegetables.

Taken Thursday the 18th: Hanging out in the grass in the front yard.