Braxton Turns 9!

Braxton turned 9 at the end of August. I can't believe I have a kid that old!!! It only means I'm getting older.... We started the day off with presents first. It was a Saturday and Dave spent all day helping some friends move. He came home about 1 and there were two boys coming over at 2 for cake and ice cream. I hadn't finished the cake yet, nor showered, nor cleaned up the mess.

Last year we ruined Braxton's birthday as it was the day we decided we had no other choice but to move in with Dave's parents for a while. We had a big party with lots of friends over, but he also cried a lot that day because we were going to leave 3 days later.

We haven't met very many people here yet, but Braxton asked if he could have two boys from church come. We were excited he wanted people to come over so we quickly agreed! He asked for a chocolate cake with strawberries in it and chocolate frosting.


 

His cake was everything he wanted, even though you can't see the chocolate frosting! I wanted to be able to decorate it still so I put a small layer of chocolate frosting underneath and decorated over it!!

 



All in all he had a fun day! We also let him pick out all of his meals which was exciting for him! We've been eating a lot of cheap stuff lately that they don't enjoy so I think he LOVED having stuff to eat where he loved it all!

We sure love Braxton!!! He's really struggled for the past year and still wants to move back to Centerville. I hope that someday he'll be able to move on and let go. In the mean time I hope that we can just make him as happy as possible without being there!!!

My Double Sided Banner....

For the boys birthday's we decorate the house every year. They look forward to it and comment for days in advance that we'll decorate for them. Each year I find myself up until late hours of the night making a Happy Birthday sign. I decided I would make one that we could use every time and then I don't have to stay up for hours making new ones. It says Happy Birthday going along both sides. I'm pretty excited I'm already prepared for the next time!

Another Post.....

I usually don't post much without pictures, but I decided I don't always have to have pictures to make a post! On Friday night we went with the boys to their school for a family movie night. It was on the ball field in the back of the school.

They hung a white tarp on a fence and projected a movie on it. The screen was small and the sound was way too loud, but it was fun! We got there a few minutes early and they had music playing and kids were running around playing. Ours were standing in front of the speakers dancing like crazy! Once it started, it got dark fast and pretty cold. They played the movie Rio. Porter fell asleep after a while and I just kept him wrapped up and close to keep him warm. After the movie was over we left and stopped at the store for hot cocoa mix and went home, had hot cocoa, and went to bed!

We had fun and are excited to go next year! We will be more prepared then with lawn chairs, sleeping bags, and treats. This time we just sat on the ground on a blanket and didn't bring any snacks!

Excited For Fall!

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm so excited for fall!!! I can't wait for cooler temperatures and it also means the boys are back in school! I'm hoping I can finally get settled from the move. The last year has been a whirlwind and I'm looking forward to it maybe calming down.

Dave and I both took turns being sick for almost a month each and in separate months. Needless to say, our boys didn't have much excitement this summer. I did venture downtown with them by myself once. There were these free Friday activities in Market Square during the summer for kids. We went to The Bird Guy day. It was a free show, but the parking was $12 for less than two hours!

While we were on the drive there, the radio started talking about how at the Steelers Stadium that day there were American Idol auditions going on. I was worried it would be nuts down there, but it wasn't. Needless to say, we decided we would go and check it out. I found parking and it was cheap! Only $3 and we even found a spot! We got out and walked over and overlooked where everyone was waiting and people were coming out. There were some that were completely heartbroken and crying as they walked away. Braxton was worried that I would get arrested and they would get thrown in Juvie for being there. I tried to tell him it was a public place and we weren't causing problems so we'd be ok!

After that we walked across the street to the Ohio (I think....) River and watched the ferries and boats come through.

At the bird show.





After the show the bird guy let kids hold a few birds. He placed five birds on them if they would wait in line and hold still. The boys thought it was cool!

 

The American Idol hopefuls! There were more than 30,000 people there. This was just a small section!

 

The boats and ferries!
 

 

We were right next to the Carnagie Science Museum and this sub was in the water outside of it. It was kinda cool to look at!

Our Visit With the McKenna's!

Dave's parents came out East for a family gathering in Nauvoo. They flew to Michigan, stayed with Dave's sister, went to Nauvoo, and then drove here with Dave's sister Bethany and her two little girls. They were here on a Friday afternoon and left Sunday early afternoon. It was a quick trip. On Saturday, there was a water main break in town so the ten of us had no running water for HOURS! We went to the pool for a swim. Afterwards, we can home, still no water, ate lunch, and went to see Cars 2. Pretty fun movie. Porter actually sat through most of it! Afterwards, we got pizza and went to a park to let the kids play! That pretty much sums up our visit!

Dave, His dad, Martha, and Cole.
 

I know, it's a "head shot," this is Braxton having fun!

Porter was a bench warmer, like with anything else that includes water (I sat out with him)....

Cole just taking a breather!

Dave.

Dave's dad and Martha.

Dave's sister Bethany, and youngest daughter Alina.

Dave's mom.
 

4th of July Festivities!

We went to my parents house for the 4^th. We love being on the lake to watch fireworks and have a bonfire! We roasted hot dogs, bratwurst, and marshmallows! Our friend Robyn came to visit us and hang out for festivities also! My sister Jen and her family were there also!

 

My Aunt Josie makes donuts with all the kids. This is the first year my kids were here to help! They had a lot of fun!!!

 

My sister Jen and I.

  

 

Porter just hanging out!

 

The boys fishing with my dad!
 

 

  

 My sister brought a few fireworks and sparklers to use at my parents house!

 

  

Every year the lake association has a boat parade. People decorate their boats and go around the lake in a line. The boats are judged and you can win prizes!
 

The fireworks!