A quick catch up

This past month was pretty crazy. I left for Utah the day before Jason left for Texas for a month. He went to Officer Basic Training in San Antonio while I hung out with family. I obviously got the better end of the deal. However, he toughed it out and didn't complain despite the hot, humid heat. We both kept busy, and though  a long time, it went pretty fast for both of us...luckily. As you can see, Braden loves his daddy. So it was tough for both of us to let him go. I love the pool shot because he used to leave his sunglasses on and looked so darn cute. Now he pulls at them unless he is really distracted.

We learned right off the bat that Braden takes after his parents and is an animal lover. He had no fears what so ever of dogs. In fact, he LOVED them! He buried his face in Koda's fur and got so excited anytime a dog came in sight. Fortunately, there was a dog everywhere we stayed!

We were able to be there for Kyler's birthday party, which we celebrated in West Haven at Jason's parent's home. Braden loved being with all the kids and part of the party.

Kara tickled Braden every time she saw him. It was so cute.

Braden was lucky, he got to spend lots of time with Uncle Victor and they became buddies quickly.

My handsome little man at Jaelyn's wedding.

Braden went through this funny stage of closing his eyes real tight like this for no reason. It was pretty funny and I'm glad I caught it on camera. Kids are hilarious!

Jaelyn had a fun country reception and as bridesmaids we got to wear boots with our outfits. Super cute and fun! There was lots of dancing, so Braden had to be my partner since Jason wasn't there.

The cute bride and groom!

While in Utah, I got to spend lots of time with my sister Becca and her family. It was so fun to hang out and do lots of summer activities. Micah and Braden shared a swing at the park. They both loved it.

I think Braden would stay in the swing forever if you let him. Saying that Braden loves being outside is an understatement. This kid is so content just being outside, even if he's just sitting in the grass. He had a little accident while at Becca's house and fell down the stairs. It was pretty scary, but he only cried for a few seconds until I took him outside. He instantly stopped crying and started chewing on a blade of grass! Tough kid and so happy outside!

We spent an afternoon at South Fork Park in the Provo Canyon and had a great time. Micah, Kara, Mae, and Lincoln were great little pals.

Jannae and her new camera that Victor gave her for her birthday. She was thrilled!!

Braden with his cousin Collin. Collin is so adorable and looks like he is older than Braden. He is a head taller, out weighs him by several pounds, has six more teeth than Braden (Braden doesn't have any yet), and is 3 months younger than Braden!! He is a super cute, cuddly giant! It will be fun to watch these boys grow up and be buddies!

Braden not only learned to crawl while we were in Utah, but he started to pull himself up on everything. He went from this kennel to the table all by himself. Big boy. He thought he was pretty cool stuff.

The day after Jason got to Utah, Jannae and Victor were nice enough to keep Braden for a night so we could have a little getaway in Salt Lake. We had so much fun going out to dinner, shopping at City Creek Mall, then staying at the hotel Monaco where we spent part of our honeymoon. It was a much needed celebration of Mother's day (which I worked), Father's day (Jason was in Texas), our anniversary (next month), and just being back together after a month apart. Thanks again Jannae and Victor!

Braden loves his Caterpillar dump truck that Jason's uncle Danny gave him. It makes cool noises and has huge wheels that he loves. It's so fun to watch him like all the boy toys. In fact, in Utah he was playing with his cousins my little pony, sitting on the floor, pretty content. Then all of a sudden someone dumped a basket of cars on the floor. Braden literally threw the pony behind him and went straight for the cars. He was smiling and had a car in each hand within seconds. Amazing that they have a preference so young.

So proud of himself, the cutie! I love this little boy and feel so blessed to be his mom. We have so much fun with him and can't wait to continue to watch him grow and change.