More Pictures

Brady & Max

Checking each other out

Melissa & Brady

Pawn Stars

First time eating veggies!!!

Brady

& his Great Grandma Hook

With cousins Brenten & Lyvie

Brady & Lyvie trying to hold hands

June Volunteer Opportunity

June's volunteering was pretty simple!  Blood donor day was yesterday and I decided to take advantage of an opportunity that was already set up and easy to do.  I have only donated blood once, and that was in high school.  It was not something I enjoyed therefore have not done it since.  But after hearing my cousin encourage it and really thinking about those who really do need it to live, I decided to go for it.  Like their slogan says, "Give Blood Give Life"!  I mean I was practically a pin cushion for the past few years anyways, so I wasn't afraid of needles.  I would say it was a relatively easy experience.  The needle was a lot bigger than I expected.  And after she stuck me in one arm, the vein must have moved and so we had to go to the other arm.  But overall it was a smooth process and I know my little bit of effort will count for someone!!!  I did enjoy going to the mall and doing it because I'm a people watcher so I was occupied the whole time. 

On a side note, it's been five years since some friends and friend's of friends went to Florida for a getaway.  I would classify that vacation as my most relaxing vacation ever.  We had a free, furnished condo right on the beach in Miami to stay in.  Our days consisted of laying out and our nights consisted of eating in and then drinking on the deck all night listening to the ocean, shopping, or going out.  It was perfect.  And you all know that my heart is in Florida.  Here are some pictures from that trip - younger, thinner and so tan.... 

The group before our night out in South Beach

South Beach - Mango's Tropical Cafe

The view from our deck

My view laying out every day

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...

We have been busy lately!!  I took Brady to his first parade last Saturday morning.  Julie, Beckett, Brady and I headed over to Johnston to watch it and we got front row seats at the beginning of the parade route.  It was so much fun!!  Of course, partly because we were able to catch some candy, but it was absolutely adorable to watch the two little boys watch the big trucks and kids in the parade.  Loved it!!  That night, I was able to get together with some good friends and we went out to eat at a newer restaurant downtown called Americana.  It was great to catch up again!!!  Sunday night (Father's day) we headed over to our good friends the Taylors for supper and this visit was long overdue!!  Their little boy has a special place in my heart so it was fun to see him again and we really enjoy their company.  We have to do it more often.  Bright and early Monday morning, Brady and I met up with Julie and Beckett again and took off for MN to visit Tressa and Regan!  We had a great time hanging out and Brady was always watching what Regan and Beckett (aka Barbie and Ken -according to Regan) were up to.  Kids are so cute when they interact and talk to each other.  As long as they understand what they are saying.  :)  Times have changed and yet they haven't.  We now all have kids in tow, but still love to sit around, have a few beers and catch up.  Brady also made his first trip to the park while we were in MN.  Here is a picture of him in the swing for the first time:

Enjoying the swing.

Just checking things out!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the two most important men in my life!!!

We hope Chris had a nice day today.  Earlier this year, Brady had given him a gift certificate to TCI for 18 holes of golf and a cart.  This was supposed to be a birthday/Father's Day gift.  However I was feeling a little guilty he didn't have a gift for today, so Brady also got him a gift card to Scheel's.  We grilled out for lunch today and hung out together.  Chris you are a wonderful and fun dad to Brady.  You can tell he loves you so much because he is always staring at you and trying to talk to you.  It's so cute - he is so interested in what his daddy does.  I can already tell you will have a fun and silly relationship with him!  I hope you never underestimate your influence over him.

Also, I want to wish my dad a special Happy Father's Day.  It's another day to remind us how lucky we are to not only have you as a dad, but to have you here with us.  I've always said I've had the greatest parents in the world, although I'm sure I am biased.  You have provided us a fun, wonderful, spoiled life filled with so many good memories, so I want to thank you for your hard work and support.  I love you dad!!!

My wedding

Camelback Mtn

At the Port  

Vegas Baby!!!

Ok, well this title is deceiving.  We did fly into Vegas, but we actually visited my sister and her family and they live in a suburb of Vegas.  We took our first family vacation last week and I'm sure it will come as no surprise to you that Brady is pretty much a superstar in everything he does.  He traveled like a true champ!  He slept the whole way out there and just played and jabbered the whole plane ride back home.  We felt like people gave us the look like "oh great, a baby on our plane."  However, it was nice when so many people told us what a good traveler he was!!  There were a group of about eight 25 year old guys behind us and as we landed in Vegas, they were surprised that a baby was in front of them because they didn't even hear him.  I told them yes, and we are having a very different kind of Vegas trip then they are.  :) 

My little nephew Maxwell is absolutely precious and perfect.  It was so great to finally be able to meet him!  And Melissa and Gerry spoiled us.  We had a great time with them!!  We do different things every time we go out there, and this time was no exception.  "Just trust me", as Melissa would say!  We stayed at Melissa's place a few nights and Green Valley Ranch a few nights.  It's gorgeous there!
greenvalleyranchresort.com

Chris was able to golf a few times at these courses:
http://www.anthemcc.com/
http://www.reveregolf.com/index.php

We were able to go visit the Pawn Stars shop, had a girls night out (Jennifer demonstrated her versatile move for us and we hit up happy hour at my favorite place - The Blue Martini www.bluemartinilounge.com/index.html) and checked out a new casino (The Cosmopolitan?).  They have a three level bar inside a chandelier.  Amazing.  Anyways, here are some pictures with more to come!  As you can see, Brady loved swimming!

First time swimming...



Exhausted little boy.....

Brady and Maxwell

A tired dog who is very happy to be home...

6 Months!!!

Happy 6 Month Birthday Brady!!!  I can't believe I have been your mommy for six months already!!  You are such a wonderful, funny and happy baby.  We love you so much!  And you get to take your first plane ride today on your six month birthday- we have a feeling you will do great! 

Every day you are doing something new and I love watching you grow and learn new things!!  This past week you have been getting up on your knees and rocking back and forth.  I have a feeling you will be crawling any day now.  Or at least scooting!  You grab for our faces now and sometimes even give us kisses.  You seem very interested in what Drake is always doing.  You are even so smart that when you hear him walking in the kitchen, sometimes you turn around to try and find him.  You know he's there even if you can't see him!  You are turning into a mamma's boy - which I love.  :)  One of my favorite things is when you are getting tired and it's your morning naptime, I lay you in our bed and you turn into me and snuggle.  There is nothing sweeter in this world then snuggling with you.  Sometimes you even smile and giggle as you are falling asleep!

You are still a very curious baby.  You play with your toes and try to suck on them a lot.  You love to look out the front door, in the mirror at yourself and you always smile when you see pictures of yourself!!!  When we try to rock you to sleep, you are always distracted by things in your room, like the monkey/name sign hanging on your wall or the ribbons on your burp cloth.  There is so much for you to explore and look at all the time!  One time you had decided that you really didn't feel like sleeping, so I snuck into your room to see what you were chattering about.  You were on your knees in your crib, jabbering away, trying to grab at the circles on your sheet.  You are a busy little guy!!!

You are such a good natured little baby.  My wish and dream for you is that you always find life to be this happy.  You seem to go with the flow and take things as they come and I hope that quality stays with you too!  Although I am biased, it seems as if your smile, big eyes and happiness catches everyones attention - no matter where we are.  I have a feeling that this personality of yours will be your best asset someday - lucky you!!  :)

Your dad and I have quite a few nicknames for you.  I've always called you Boo since you were born.  You are also called Boo Bird, Brades and B-rady.  And sometimes I still accidently call you Drakey or tell you 'you are a good doggy' (I meant to say 'good baby').  Oops!

Drake seems to love you too.  He has been sleeping in your bedroom every single night unless it storms.  Then he needs to sleep by us yet.  We like to believe that he is very protective of you.  When you reach out to touch him, he's very tolerant of you and sometimes gives you a gentle kiss.  You have even managed to make a very spoiled dog love you!!

Words can't describe how my heart melts when I watch you, or how I don't think I can love you any more than I already do, and then you smile and I do.  We would do anything for you.  I used to sit in the glider in your room before you were born and try and imagine what it would be like to be sitting there holding my baby someday.  What life would be like and how it would feel to be a mom.  Now when I sit in the glider rocking you, I can't believe how special and peaceful and right it feels.  We were meant to be together and I am never in a hurry to lay you down.  To us, you are perfect!!  We love you and Happy Birthday baby!

Class: May Volunteering. Grade - F.

I failed for my May Volunteer Opportunity.  May just flew by and I just didn't find/make the time for it.  I tried to donate blood a few times, but with not being able to bring Brady with me during the day there and the nights being busy, I had to cancel my two appointments.  Hopefully I'll plan ahead better for June! 

Brady is so entertaining lately!  He is doing all kinds of fun things.  He scoots backwards when on his belly.  The past few days he has been learning to get up on his knees from his belly.  I have a feeling he will be crawling soon!!  When changing his diaper, he is constantly digging his heels in and scooting away from me.  He literally does not stop moving - ever!  The last couple of baths, he has splashed in the water, although I'm not sure he did it intentionally.  He talks, but it's more of a squeal to make sure you are paying attention to him.  He scoots himself around in circles, is beginning to giggle more, LOVES his jumper, is reaching for things and sometimes even gives kisses, and he seems very interested in the two things I won't let him have - our TV remote and cell phones.  Typical guy!  :)  We had him into the doctor yesterday to make sure he didn't have an ear infection and he weighs 17 lbs 2 oz. 

Here are some pictures of him - he's growing up so fast!!!