Counting

I just found this video from a couple of months ago. As you can see, Braden's favorite number is two!

This Week

On Wednesday Ben and Braden went to the doctor with me. Dr. McCollum always tells me to bring Braden with me so he can "help" him listen to the baby's heartbeat and measure my belly. I never would take him unless Ben would be there to restrain him.

I sure am glad he came! He was a wild man! However, we forgot to take any pictures of Braden helping. Maybe next time...Ben says after sitting in the waiting room with him for 15 minutes there won't be a next time. Ha ha!

I realized today I haven't been taking many pictures so I tried to get a few of Braden playing in his room this morning.

A very Braden face!

Today we took Braden to his first movie at the theater. Here he is on the way there. It was pouring rain and we were late so unfortunately I took no pictures there. What kind of mother am I? I don't think we will be taking him again for a while. He did good for about 15 minutes while eating popcorn and drinking LOTS of Sprite. Then he realized how fun it was to run up and down the aisle and sit in every seat and crawl on the floor. I wish I had one fourth of his energy!

In lieu of pictures at the movies we did take our yearly photobooth pictures. Enjoy!

Big Boy Bed

As I type this, Braden is upstairs sleeping in his new big boy bed! As we were taking the crib down to move to the baby's room, I was feeling like it just hasn't been that long since we set it up for him. But here we are two years later, and he is sleeping in a twin bed! Crazy! We had a trial run at nap time and he slept great. I'm hoping tonight goes that well too. One neat thing is that this was my dad's bed when he was a little boy. I think it's sweet that Braden gets to sleep on it now. I will take pictures of both kids' rooms and post them when they are ready. Right now we are playing musical furniture upstairs and it is craziness. Here are a few pictures of Braden trying out his new bed. So cute!

Our Month in Pictures

I can't believe it's already been six weeks since Christmas! We haven't been doing a whole lot since then. The weather has been much too cold for any outdoor activities besides sledding and we've had a couple illnesses. Other than that it's just been "the usual" here in the Blanton home. Here are a few pictures of our last month or so.

Braden and Gavin...best buds!

You'll never find a happier mom!

We love having Mackenzie live just down the road. She visits a lot when Ben works evenings.

Braden and Lucy testing out our new sled! I don't know what Braden is doing here.

Josh gave the kids "rides" around the living room.

As you can see, we found many uses for the sled!

Braden is into trying on every accessorie he sees: sunglasses, hats, toboggans, head bands, whatever!

Silly boy! Love that smile!

Enjoying the snow before it melted. Braden wasn't too sure what to think. The boy does not like to be cold!

Drinking "warm" chocolate after playing in the snow. It was a hit!

Ben's work gave us discounted tickets to the Dixie Stampede. It was a first for all of us! We had such a fun time. Braden would not look away from the show for a picture or food or anything! I love how happy Ben looks in this picture. It was such a joy seeing our boy have so much fun!

I think he clapped 90% of the time!

Take a close look. That is my wild boy sitting down and playing with blocks...by himself! It was so surprising and exciting I had to get a picture. I'm so thankful for little moments like this!

My Sweet Talking Boy

Christmas in Pigeon Forge

This was the third year my family rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge and had Christmas there. It's so fun having everyone in one huge cabin and just being together for the whole week. It has certainly changed since two years ago when there were no children. This year there were four kids under two. Not quite as restful, but definitely more fun now!

Trying to get a good picture of the cousins in their matching pajamas.

Jacob's face is hilarious here!

All smiles!

The only one where they are all looking the same direction. Too bad it wasn't towards me!

Tyler was so sweet to help Braden open his gifts. Any time he sees his picture now he says "Das Tylew!"


Conway and his VS bag!

A glimpse at the madness when opening gifts.

The "big" kids decided all the paper was more fun than opening gifts.

Enjoying B's new Aquadoodle. It was a hit!

Trying to break out of this joint!

Hugs!

Aubrey taught Braden "Ring Around the Roses"

Three little Vol Fans!

Cutie pies!

"Hey, get this nasty hat off me!"

Christmas in Knoxville

"Look what Santa brought!"