Field Trip

Last weekend, Erin, Brayden and I took a little field trip to a local fire station. For the past couple weeks, Brayden has been quite intrigued by fire trucks and it just so happened that Erin has a friend who is a fireman. So he told us to bring Brayden by to check out some fire trucks. Brayden was defnitely very hesitant at first, not wanting to go anywhere near one. He liked seeing the lights go one though. By the end of the little trip, he was sitting in the fire truck. He talked about them the whole way home! I was just thankful that the alarm didn't go off while we were there! That could have been bad!

He looks so little standing in front of the truck!

Not sure if I like this, mommy!

Getting a little closer. Looking in the truck with E.

He made it to the steps in the truck! What's that, mommy?

Mommy and Brayden.

It's the fireman's helmet!

Standing on the front of the fire truck.

We finally made it to the driver's seat, although he isn't so sure about this!

He even got a fireman badge as a "Junior Fireman!!"

A New Baby!

We are so excited to tell you! In the spring there will be 4 of us! April 7th, to be exact. And it is another little boy! Brayden is so excited to be a big "brudder!"

Halloween 2011

What a fun Halloween this year! Brayden was a little pirate and it took some convincing to get him into his costume, but once he wore it for a while, he loved it! The part he loved the most was going out and getting some candy. We had quite a few Halloween parties this year, so he was spoiled rotten! We will have candy for quite a long time!

Aargh!!

Family photo before we head out to trick or treat!

Oooh! What is this?

More candy!! Look at this!

Notice how it is all lined up on the table! :)

Pumpkin Patch 2010

This year for our yearly trip to the pumpkin patch, we went to "The Patch" at Bertrand Farms. It was a cute little farm that had a petting zoo, corn maze, hay ride, and pumpkin patch. It was a beautiful fall day and it wasn't busy at all, which was wonderful! Brayden loved running around seeing the animals, riding on the hay ride and picking out his pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. He also loved helping Sean "navigate" our way through the corn maze. They did a great job and only got us turned around once. :) Brayden posing by the "Big Pumpkin."

Brayden and Mommy with the perfect pumpkin!

I think this is the one! It's heavy!

On the hay ride with Grandma and Grandpa.

Helping Daddy navigate through the corn maze. I think Brayden had a little advantage!

Look at all these little pumpkins!

I like this one!!

Big Boy!

My baby is growing up today. Taking yet another step into the big boy world. Every step is more and more difficult for his mommy. Tonight we upgraded to a big boy bed. Sean has been bugging me for months, saying that Brayden is old enough to have a big bed. I kept putting it off because it was yet another reminder that he is no longer a baby. Tonight I gave in. Sean got the tools out and Brayden wanted to help. When they were done, we had a big boy bed and Brayden was beyond thrilled. He kept asking if he could go to bed. When it was finally time, he crawled right in. I guess we will see how the night goes!!

Taking apart the crib.

Brayden helping.

All grown up!

So excited!!

Cheese!

All ready for bed!

Fall is Here!

Fall is in the air! Tonight was a perfect example. The air was a little crisp, the sun set early, the football stadium lights shone in the distance. It was wonderful. Truly my favorite time of the year. And with it so beautiful out, we definitely had to take advantage of it. Sean was mowing the lawn and Brayden wanted to help. So we got out his little lawn mower and he mimicked Sean's every move. Then we decided to get out his birthday present from Unlce Chad and Aunt E. He has had this Gator for over 3 weeks now and has been too scared to ride it....until tonight. I knew he would love it once he tried it. So I had to bribe him with candy and he finally stepped on the pedal and off he went. At first he freaked out a bit until he saw Sean and I clapping and cheering for him. Then there was no stopping him. He drove all over the lawn. He doesn't quite grasp the steering part, so we have to follow him around and help steer, but he loves it!!

Mowing with Daddy.

My two year old!

Riding his gator!! Finally!! Yay!!!

Cheese! Now get out of my way!

Loading the wood.

Two Years Old

We officially have a two year old! Brayden celebrated his big day last week and we celebrated it in style! He got to bring cupcakes to daycare and have a little party with all of his friends. Sean and I picked him up early from daycare and went out for dinner at Beef O'Brady's. He got to sit on the "couch" of the booth with his Daddy instead of a highchair. He thought he was pretty special! After dinner we took him to a playground where he ran around and played non-stop. He wasn't too happy that we had to leave, but that all changed when he saw the stack of "surprises" we had waiting at home for him. He would open one present and want us to open it right away so he could play with it. We had to keep reminding him to open more presents. By the time he was done opening presents, our living room looked like christmas morning, with wrapping paper and toys strewn all over the place. He had such a great day and was one tired little boy come bedtime!

Look at me!

Let's play!

Time to go down the slide.

Brayden and Aunt E - Can you tell he was excited to be at the playground?

Helping Daddy put together his new tent.

Posing by his stack of "surprises."

Building a Thomas the Train train set with Daddy.

Playing with his new remote control car.

What could this be??

Power tools! Just like Daddy's!!

The "after" picture. All and all, it was a wonderful day!!

My Baby

My baby is no longer a baby. He has turned into a wild, rambunctious, crazy toddler. He is always exploring, always trying, and always wanting to do things on his own. He is non-stop. Always going, always moving. He is gentle and kind-hearted. He loves trains, tractors, boats, and big trucks. He loves being outside and helping his mommy and daddy. He is independent, but always has time for a hug and a kiss. I know this is so cliche, but he is growing up too fast. It seems like just last week we were bringing him home from the hospital. Now he is almost two. In a little over a week, we will celebrate his second birthday. His second birthday! Where did the time go? No matter how old he gets though, he will always be my baby.

Family Reunion 2010

A few weekends ago, we traveled up to Grand Rapids for our annual Miller Family Reunion. This is always one of my favorite times of year since we don't get to see the majority of our extended family but once a year. It is so much fun to see everyone and catch up with everyone. And this year was no different. We had a blast and had a good time with everyone. It amazes me how much the kids grow up over the previous year! We spent the majority of our time either laying around the pool, swimming or eating. The weekend went by too fast and I am already looking forward to the next reunion. Although we get a little spoiled this year since two of my cousins are getting married between now and the next reunion, so we will get to have two mini reunions before the next one!

My sis and I shortly after arriving to the reunion.

Brayden, Mom, Me and Erin waiting for our rooms to be ready.

Uncle Chad and Brayden doing one of Brayden's favorite things....swimming!

Me and the love of my life! :)

Brayden and I. We actually got him to look at the camera and somewhat smile!

Brayden and Papa shooting hoops in the pool.

Brayden being goofy.

**A special thanks to Aunt Sue for the amazing pictures!!**

I'm here...I promise.

Wow...this summer has flown by!! We have been so busy. We have been gone almost every weekend. Between camping, weddings, reunions, and pool parties...we are spent! And it doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon! We have more camping, get-togethers, birthdays, and weddings coming up through September. They have all been so much fun though and it is so much fun to see Brayden experience them. He is such a trooper! So that explains the lack of blog posts. I promise I will try to update them more often when I get a chance. Until then, here are a couple of my favorite pictures for the moment!