Spring Break ~ 3-12-12

Our annual project for Spring Break is mulching the flower landscaped beds. I determined after watching the Folks do their landscaping every year that it is WAY too much trouble to put flowers out in the beds. They die too quickly and are costly to maintain every year. I just don't have the time or energy to keep up with them. Although they would look pretty in our beds. Maybe one of these days.

After working hard on the yard the boys relaxed with their electronics. They are really learning to share and it is amazing how much they already know at such a young age about the electronics.

 Braydon's headphones are plugged into Cameron's "ipad." It's really a LeapPad but we affectionately call it his Ipad.

 The boys LOVE to get in the fireplace to play.

Happy Spring Break!

Unwanted, but Friendly Visitor ~ 3-12-12

Yet another guest. Friendly, but unwanted. We managed to trap it in the lint bin and take it out to the grass for him to find a home that does not include the inside of our house.

 He/she was a bit scared to be trapped in here. Fortunately there wasn't too much lint in the bin so we could easily find him.

Free at last!

The boys had fun trying to get our guest out of the house and seeing him run to freedom.

Family weekend 3-3-12

Matthew and Christa came into town and we had a wonderful weekend.

On Friday night we went out to dinner an an entire family. While waiting over an hour to be seated at the restaurant Gary decided to take Cameron down to the "karate" place.

Actually I don't think it was actually karate, but a version of it. Michael and I actually stood outside because there was NO way I was going in there to persuaded to sign up for lessons already. Cameron was SO cute, but I shiver to think of all the activities we will be involved in over the next 18 years!

Christa and Matthew brought presents for the 3 February birthday boys, Cameron, Scott, and Michael. Braydon L.O.V.E.D opening the presents, the wrapped 9 times presents!

 Stack of presents!

 Uncle Matthew telling Cameron he had his eyes on him! They were so cute doing this back and forth to one another.

Braydon getting in on the action of opening present!

Strange Guest ~ 3-3-12

On our bench seat in the dining room we found a visitor that was hanging out. It was quite interesting trying to get it out of the house!

Happy Birthday Michael ~ 2-27-12

 Happy 33rd birthday to Michael!

Cadbury eggs for a birthday present. Michael loves them.

Braydon drinking a juice pouch.

Can you see the blue and green cup in the background??? Michael requested a 2nd one so the boys would stop fighting over the 1 we have in when in the bathtub. Happy to oblige!

Cheers to many many more years of birthdays!

Jon + Candace + Ethan = Family ~ 2-25-12

Candace and Jon had a blossoming friendship when they were in high school. Jon adored Candace. He went into the military and they kept in contact. Upon Jon's return from service they rekindled and began their life together. A few weeks before Jon and Candace went to Vegas and got married. So, they held a reception to celebrate their life beginning as a family of 3.

 Jon carried the picture of Candace and Ethan around when he was gone on active duty. You can't see it from this picture but it was folded in 4ths. What a story it has to share.

 Chocolate covered grapes and strawberries. Yummy!

 

 They had poker decorations and was a cute way to tie in Las Vegas.

 One of Jon's relatives made a fruit bouquet.

 Candace and Jon went to several shows while in Vegas. It was cute to see all the pictures of their fun times in Vegas.

 Ah, cute couple!

 Until cake goes flying. The craziest cake exchange I've seen to date.

 Much better...

Best picture of our side of the family.

L->R= Erica, Justin, Jon, Cameron, Candace, Ethan, Elisa, Barbara, Braydon, Eliseo, Ma

 Cameron, Justin, and Braydon

 The boys were pretty good considering the length of time we were enjoying the reception. But then Braydon went a little crazy crawling on the floor and

 showing his belly. Guess it could have been worse.

The bride, Candace, with Braydon and Cameron.

Congrats Jon & Candace!

May you have MANY years of happiness and share MANY days of love.

What do you eat at 9:37 am? ~ 2-19-12

Well, around our house cheese roll-ups are on the breakfast menu. Actually I should say lunch menu. The boys got up super early, ate breakfast, and were ready for lunch at 9:37. Although, I eat lunch at 10:00 at school, so I guess noon is a flexible time for lunch.

 Braydon helping out. I think we might have a chef in our future. Wouldn't that be nice!

Enjoying a warm tortilla filled with gooey cheese

Birthday shopping ~ 2-18-12

We went shopping with birthday money and this is what we got...

Yes, that is batteries, rechargeable ones at that. I can't imagine buying regular batteries at the rate we go through them.

And notice Braydon is on the side of the buggy being a big boy, or should I say slowing us down a bit by getting off and on!

Embarrassing Pics for Teenage Years ~ 2-17-12

We all have those embarrassing pictures we would rather our parents NOT share with others. Well, Braydon just started his collection! I'd rather not air my clean laundry but thought the photo was too cute.

Valentine's with my guys ~ 2-13 & 14-12

To avoid the crowds we went out for dinner on the 13th to celebrate Valentine's Day. We went to Applebee's.

 Braydon trying to enjoy his appetizer while sitting in the highchair.

 

 But of course it was short lived because Braydon wanted nothing to do with sitting in the high chair.

 

 Michael and Cameron

Cameron and I made his Valentine's cards this year since we didn't have enough of the ones we already had. They turned out pretty cute.

Afterwards, I worked on a craft project for Valentine's day that I got the idea off of Pinterest. Such a great website if you haven't been there. But, be ready to spend some time on there that you probably don't have.

 It's hard to read, but it says Valentine's Day on the hearts.

Braydon eating some M&M's

 My beautiful flowers from my hubby!

Cameron's decorated Valentine's box from school.

First Job ~ 2-13-12

Nope, not for me...For Candace. She graduated in December with a Computer Science degree, got married a few days ago, and is starting a new job that makes REAL money!

Congrats to Candace!

Happy Labor Day ~ 9-3-12

Labor Day is an American federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.

Thank you to everyone working today!

We've managed to spend about $600 on a new mattress and clothes for the boys. Fortunately everything was on sale and we are hopefully stimulating the economy.

Hope everyone has a great Labor Day and enjoyed their day, whether working or relaxing.

Birthday Boys ~ 2-12-12

Cameron's birthday is the 7th of February and if he would have been born 2 hours later he and Uncle Scott would have shared a birthday. I asked Scott this year if he wanted separate birthday weekend celebrations since now he sort of gets cartoon decorations. But, he didn't want that this year so the birthday boys shared a party again!

 The birthday boys!

 Blowing out delicious cupcakes. They were all different flavors and we got to choose which flavor we wanted to enjoy.

 Uncle Scott

 Uncle Mark and Braydon

 Cameron opening his presents

 Braydon helping Cameron open his presents

 Fireman hat! We've had a few hats, but this one is heavy duty plastic and I hope it lasts a while.

 Mark sporting the hat!

 Cameron got a Spiderman watch

 He got his very own dominoe's, which he has to own if he is part of the Payne family.

 Much needed clothes

 And then he got his very own canteen. Every 5 year old needs that to go outside to play!

 Braydon looking through Cameron's binoculars

 All ready to go bird hunting

 Braydon enjoying his cupcake and ice cream. Get ready for a mess!

Dressed up like Papa with his bird watching outfit