Brayden's 1st Day of Kindergarten!

Our first day of Kindergarten was more like it.

(So glad I got all my crying out the day before.)

We were glad to see our little Brayden's name in the window...

...but he didn't really care. (at first)
He was a bit shy to go inside. (not surprised)
He eventually came inside (when he noticed he was alone) to greet his teacher, Mrs. Davis.
Daddy tried to make him feel comfortable by taking him around the classroom

...I couldn't get him to smile.
Mrs. Davis was really good with him.
DAD helped him build...
...a turbo car!
Then all the other kids gathered around and wanted one too!
(it was cute.)

Once Brayden got acquainted with the other kids, he felt more comfortable with us leaving.
I tried to give him a hug before I left, but he was too busy with his new friends :(

Braxton gave me a hug though! (he's always so lovey)
It cheered me up.
Braxton was sad to leave his brother there. He kept asking me to go back and get him.
After getting the other 2 kids in the car, I ran back up and peeked through the window...
He was EXCITED to see that I noticed him :)

...but I was MORE excited than he was when I saw his reaction.
I love him.

Chelsea's Bday Dinner

Went to eat at Z'tejas. Food was alright, but I wasn't impressed. Was fun to hang out and be with family though...

HaPpY BiRtHdAy ChElsEa!

happy 22nd sista. i admire you're free, sweet spirit, your smile, your tolerance to pain. even though you are 2 years younger than me, you're taller, more grown-up, and way cooler than me.
...style with ease...
...amiable character... ...my sister.
i'm sorry i woke you up at 6:00am all those mornings and made you be my twin during my 'mary-kate & ashley' obsession. i'm sorry i fought with you during dance class your sophmore year. i'm sorry i took your letter of concern the wrong way.

thanks for being a wonderful sister through it all. you are super special and i love you.
happy birthday,
your big sis

BiRtHdAy BbQ

cheeeeeeeeeese!



Blue eyes, freckles, and chocolate frosting

Brax and his bff, Buzz

that's a gooooooooooood cupcake



Bryce just loves Uncle Guy


Grandma, Aunt Julie and cousins, Candice & Alyssa

Guy from Matrix or Father-in-law? You decide.

Chelsea & Justin, Geneva & Mead, and all the kiddos


Brayden & Aundra sittin' in a tree...

This Star Wars gun is truly amazing. Really. I played with it for a half hour and didn't want to put it down. Thanks Chandie!

Brax anxiously waiting for his all-time favorite...Buzz Lightyear

Thanks to the help of Daddy & Uncle Lou, Brax got all set up in his new car...

...And wouldn't ya know? it's a BUZZ car!

Braxton is truly Buzz's #1 Fan: Buzz car, Buzz backpack, Buzz t-shirt, Buzz stuffed toy, Buzz doll, and not in the pic: Buzz board-game and Buzz water-gun.

And Brayden got a new bike too!

Look how EXCITED he is!!

Awe, my little boy is a little man


4th of July RODEO!! (Didn't get many pics because my memory card was full)

Wasn't very impressed with the rodeo this year. Okay, it was lame.


Thanks to everyone for your help with food & drinks, your wonderful gifts, your patience with me, and for making my babies feel extra special on their birthday.
Huge squeeze,
Big D.