Como Zoo

We went to the Como Zoo with some friends Sunday after church. It was a small zoo, but it was free and we had a nice time. I don't think Bracken really noticed the animals much, but he liked hanging out with his dad all afternoon. Bracken on the turtle

Bracken always breaks into a huge grin when we throw him in the air. I'm not sure if it's because he likes the motion or if he's laughing at the funny faces I make at him.

Bracken and his little friend Chrysalis.

Independence Day

This is my favorite picture of the day. We love our little boy's laugh!

I started out Independence Day by running a 5K with my friend Ligia. We ran through Bush Lake park, which is beautiful, but my favorite part was the end when I saw Brian and Bracken waiting for me as I crossed the finish line. It really made me happy to know I have their support in whatever I'm doing. I really enjoyed the run, and I want to keep jogging and get faster. Brian got off work a few hours early and we went to the park and had a BBQ with some friends. Yummy! And the best part was just having all three of us together (and awake) at the same time.
When it got dark we set off some fireworks with our friends Alex and Ligia. Bracken was a little frightened by all the noisy fireworks, but he liked the sparklers.

Jumper Fun

A couple of weeks ago Bracken discovered his hands and fingers. Now his two fingers are almost constantly in his mouth. He tries to get his whole fist in there and ends up getting frustrated when it won't fit. It's pretty funny.


Bracken loves his jumper. Notice the little toys. He gets so upset when the zebra falls on the floor and he will holler until we pick it up and give it back to him.

The first time he giggled was so exciting and rewarding. I find new ways to make him giggle every day. The funniest is when I'm taking his clothes off to get him ready for a bath. When I pull his shirt over his head he always breaks into a huge grin and then starts giggling away. His giggles are my new favorite part of being a mom.

Our Little Man

Happy Birthday Brian

Happy Birthday Brian! Whoo hoo! 24 Years Old! We celebrated on Sunday so we could spoil him all day long instead of just in the morning. We had his favorite breakfast (home-made Egg McMuffins), went to church, spent the afternoon together, opened presents, and had a few friends over that night for cake, ice-cream and games. His favorite present this year was a penny collecting book. As he's out working he finds change all the time and has found some pretty old pennies. So now he can start a collection. Then on Tuesday night we went out to see a movie, and it was so fun to just have a couple of hours away from the house. Thanks Heather for watching Bracken!

Happy Birthday Handsome! Bracken and I love you.

Swimming with Daddy

Our pool is open early enough that Brian can go swim with us sometimes before he goes to work. Bracken loves having his Daddy around, and Brian has fun pulling Bracken around like a little boat, and laughing at him for being so chubby that he floats.