Braden's birthday

We celebrated Braden's 4th birthday a week and a half ago. Emma Kate was sick all last week and with John home more he hogs the computer...so I haven't had time to post the pics until now. Sorry for the delay. I can't believe my little boy is 4 years old. Does anyone else I have a hard time with their kids growing up so fast! Anyway, Braden requested a Spiderman party, so my mom and I went to work finding everything Spiderman. Braden had a great time and opened presents in record time.






The Spiderman cake. Mom and I did not make the cake this year. After the 3 hour Curious George cake last year we decided to pay someone else to do the work!









I love his face in the picture. He is so thrilled!

Beach pictures finally!

Our obligatory family picture on the beach. Emma Kate, of course, is not looking but it least we have a smile from Braden because in all the others he was crying.



Walker and Braden at one of the restaurants we went to. Braden was ready for his food and wanted to have nothing to do with having his picture taken... Ah, the joy! Also, notice the man in the background hitting on the woman at the bar. I'm sorry to say he went home unsuccessful that night.



There were sea-dos parked on the beach outside the restaurant, so John took Braden on a little field trip while we waited for our food. This was definitely the highlight of his night (Braden that is.)



Playing on the beach. These are about the only pictures we got this year of the kids on the beach. The first few days we had great weather but I didn't bring my camera out; I don't usually drag my camera out until the middle of the week. Well, unfortunately, the last three days of our trip it rained. So, I quickly took these pictures on our last day when we had a break in the rain, but as you can see it was very windy. Oh well, I've learned my lesson for next year.



Emma Kate's wind blown look. Notice there are no pictures of me from this day, the wind blown look doesn't do as well for me.

Beach bound!

We're leaving for the beach on Saturday so I'll be out of touch for a week. I'm sure I'll more than make up for it with lots of pictures when we get back.

Here are a few pictures from last year.

If I had my life to live over again

"If I had my life to live over again, I would have waxed less and listened more. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadows over my feat, I'd have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was to be my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle...I would have cried and laughed less while watching television...and more while watching life...There would have been more I love yous...more I'm sorrys...more I'm listening...but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it...and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it." -Erma Bombeck

Braden's Preschool Graduation

Last night was Braden's preschool graduation and let's just say it was traumatic. We kind of knew that Braden didn't like being in front of people but we did not realize the extent of his fear. The kids walked down the isle playing instruments and Braden was in tears looking at everyone...he kept playing his drum though. When they all got up on stage he burst into tears again. That's pretty much the way it went for the whole program. He would manage to get it together then when he saw me he'd start crying again. I felt so bad for him, but I really wanted him to be able to make it up there. Then if that was bad enough, as they were giving out the "diplomas" and calling people off the stage one by one, Braden ended up being the very last name called! But, he made it, he wasn't crying, he sat up on the stage and toughed it out. I was so proud that he was able to stay up there even though he hated every minute of it!! By the time he got to me, he burst into tears again and cried for a good 10 minutes. As we talked about it later he said he didn't like everyone looking at him, but that God was with him. I was so proud that he was so brave.

Blog problems

Okay, I'm having blog problems today. I was trying to get creative and change my blog background instead I caused disaster! Somehow in the process I got rid of all the "Quotes to Remember" (I'm so upset about this. This was my way of writing down all the funny little things Braden says and now I can't remember any of them. If any of you out there remember one, please comment to this post and let me know.) I also got rid of my playlist which isn't as big of a deal because I should be able to just put it back on here. Anyway, I'm very frustrated and will not be trying to change my blog background anytime soon!

Dress up

Emma Kate wearing John's socks.
Wearing 2 sets of pajamas and Braden's underwear
Wearing one of her dresses over her pjs with her shoes on, of course

Emma Kate loves to put on clothes and shoes, especially shoes. From the moment she wakes up to when she goes to bed she always wants shoes on. She especially loves to wear Braden's shoes. I think we have ourselves a little priss.

Dancin' in the room

One of our favorite things to do right now is to put on the song, "Life is a Highway" and dance around Braden's room. Braden loves to play air guitar and Emma Kate tries as best she can to dance (the girl has no rhythm.) Braden on the other hand has had rhythm since the day he was born. At least one of our children has a chance to have the Millard musical talent. I'm afraid Emma Kate has inherited the Kesler music genes, sorry girl!