Family day at MOA

For two weeks over Christmas break, Ben busted his booty on the basement. I somehow convinced him to take Tuesday off so we could go do something fun together. We had free passes to Underwater World (which Evan didn't like at all), and a gift card for the MOA, so Evan enjoyed some rides at Nickelodeon Universe. It was a crazy, busy day to be out there. I feel like we spent all day in lines.

Heckman family Christmas

Ben's uncle and aunt, Joel and Sue, had everyone over for Christmas on Saturday. It was very nice to see everyone and how the family continues to grow. This is Braden and James. James belongs to Ben's cousin, Josh. James was born on 4-1-09 and Braden on 4-4-09. It was neat to see how different they are with being so close in age. Braden is quite a bit thicker, and James is quite the crawler!

This is Braden E. and Brayden H. Brayden belongs to Ben's cousin, Steven. He was born exactly 5 months after our Braden.

What cuties!

Christmas Day

I gave all my boys (when I say that, it includes Ben) haircuts on Christmas morning. Braden got his first haircut of his life. I just cut off his little mullet. We were glad to see that go! My parents, Mary, and Lance spent Christmas Day at our house this year. Our tree was quite bare until they showed up! Thank you for all the wonderful gifts!

Trying to get both boys to pose for a picture is quite a challenge these days! That is why we had to do two separate photos on our Christmas card this year.

Ben and Lance decided to take my dad out for a sled ride Christmas night while Mary, Mom, and Evan went to Mary's house to feed Ludo. Braden and I got some quiet time alone!

Christmas Eve

Ben's parents had us over (next door, literally!) for Christmas Eve with the Erickson family. We enjoyed a nice dinner with family and had fun watching the kids open presents. Unfortunately, I didn't take any group photos of anyone :(

My Santa Baby

It was fun watching Braden explore the Christmas tree, etc. He is so curious!

My 1st dance recital

On December 12, I participated in my first dance recital. I've always wanted to take dance, ever since I was a kid, so after I recovered from having Braden, I decided to join a dance class at a local studio. I convinced my friend, Kara, to join me. Later on, she ended up convincing me to be in the recital, even though she was not going to. Reluctantly, I decided to do it. It was a very awkward feeling. I don't really think I am a performer, but I kind of like the challenge. It's not easy for me to memorize all those moves!

toys galore....and the walker

When we decorated for Christmas, Ben decided to give Braden an early X-mas by bringing out all of the big baby toys. Man, I love my young children, but a little part of me can't wait until the toys go away! Braden loves his walker. He knew how to operate it the second he got in it! He cruises all around our kitchen now and is even trying to get into cabinets. Yikes!

Of course, Evan has to try out all of Braden's new gadgets.

Dad's 60th Birthday party & Evan's 1st time bowling!

My mom planned a great surprise party for my dad. We invited a bunch of family and friends to go bowling on Saturday night. Although it was passed our boys' bedtimes, we decided to venture out and let Evan try bowling for the first time.

As one would guess, he got plenty of gag gifts. This jacket stole the show!

Evan was telling us to "stop bowling!" until someone gave us the ramp for him to try. From then on, he loved it!

Braden's 1st Thanksgiving & Papa's 60th Birthday!

Yep...my dad tunred the big 6-0 on Thanksgiving this year. My mom prepared a delicious gluten free meal, and we were able to spend the whole day together. It was wonderful! Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Here is Ben teaching his boys how to play "Chopsticks."

Laundry is fun!