Random photos...

The Boys - Fun photos of Reece, Braden and Aaron.

All Smiles

Happy Boy - Reece has begun to smile, laugh and coo which I just love. He is such a happy baby!

Minnesota Family Vacation

In September we took our first family vacation with Reece. It was a much needed getaway where we relaxed, did some hiking, went out on the boat, roasted marshmallows and had some great quality time as a family. Thanks Uncle Joe and family for letting us use your Lake House!

On the Road - We drove through the night up to Minnesota hoping the boys would sleep. It worked out great. Braden woke up at 4am but feel back asleep later. Reece slept in the back until the last 30min.

Arrival - we arrived for breakfast and to see Great Grandma Andries. Grandma Wilmes, Aunt Kriss and Aunt Joan were also waiting for us. It was a fun morning before heading to the cabin.

Sibley State Park - we went for a quick hike Saturday morning. It was nice to experience the great views and weather.

Nest Lake - it was a beautiful Sunday morning when we took the boat out for a cruise. Captain and Co-Captain took us safely around the lake for a ride. We stopped and did a little fishing but no bites. Thank goodness we did not count on that for dinner.

Reece slept the entire time....the gentle rock of the boat was perfect for napping!

Campfire - Yummy! I can't remember the last time I've had s'mores. They were fun to make. Thanks to Aaron's great bonfire making we roasted some marshmallows. Braden tried one but was happy with just the graham cracker. Too gooey for him!

New Toys - Braden had a blast and was right at home playing with all of the fun toys. We had plenty of pretend meals served to us and it was fun to watch his imagination at work.










Tractors - Aaron took Braden to his Uncle Tanks farm and Braden got to see some tractors. They were pretty big compared to him!

The Park

Daycare Buddies - Braden and Chase after having a lot of fun at the park. I've never seen two boys go up and down the slides so many times. Wore me out just watching them run around!

Say Cheese

Adorable - that's what I think of this photo!

Happy 2 year Birthday Braden

Whose hand is bigger? Boy has Braden grown!

Braden's Birthday Party

Braden turns 2 - Braden is now officially a toddler and one who loves Fire Trucks. I made him a special Fire Truck cake which he loved. The day was a lot of fun. Braden woke to some fun decorations and a sausage and egg breakfast. We then had friends and family over for some homemade pizza's. Aaron is quite the pizza chef....along with Brian's friend AnnMarie.

Braden knew right what to do and blew out his candle. He enjoyed opening gifts and we all had fun playing with his toys (Hot Wheels, Thomas the Train, connectible blocks, Basketball goal and his first remote control Fire Truck). At the end of the day, you'd think Braden would have crashed but instead, it was over an hour after we first put him to bed that he finally fell asleep! It was a day I think he'll remember!

Birthday Candles - Braden is really into Fire Trucks so I surprised him with a fun cake. I think he was in awe but really enjoyed it! He knew right what to do and blew out his candle...after trying to put it out with his fingers! (smile)

Braden's TWO!

Braden's Two! - professional photos for his two year old portrait. What a handsome little boy!

Fire Truck Puzzle

Puzzles - Braden loves puzzles and is really good at them. His Uncle Robert tried to outsmart him with this mega puzzle. It was huge and they had fun putting it together. Maybe in a few months he'll be doing this one lickity split like the other puzzles that he plays with.

Our Visit to Grandma and Grampa Gens' in Ohio

Corn on the Cob - I didn't think Braden knew how to eat corn on the cob but I let him try some of mine. I never got it back....he LOVES corn on the cob!

Releasing Minnows - Braden and Grampa Gens on another trip to release fish into the water. Something they will enjoy many more times I'm sure.

Playground - Grandma and Grampa have the best park near their house. We went there multiple times and mom enjoyed it as much as Braden. He took his ball everywhere with him even down the slide. Grampa taught him how to dribble and that was fun to watch. I think we have a basketball player on our hands!

Akron Zoo - Grandma Gens, Uncle Robert, Braden, Reece and I all went to the Akron Zoo. It was fantastic! The best children's zoo I think I've been too. Braden's favorite animal was the otter and he enjoyed the jelly fish exhibit. A good time was had by all!

Hanging out - Grampa Gens with the boys!