SNOW DAY

We woke up this morning to SNOW! This is the second time this winter! It snowed all day and the news said a record 7.9 inches fell in Dallas. Amazing.

When Brayden woke up this morning I took him to the window to show him the snow and he immediately said, "HO HO HO, Santa!" :) Which cracked us up because the last time it snowed was Christmas so he immediately related the snow with Santa. I was nervous he was going to start running to the den to see where the presents were Santa had brought him.

After work/school we went out and played in the snow and had a blast. There was so much snow -- it was unreal to see this much snow in Dallas. Brayden loved it. He ran through the yard and helped us build a snowman. He is such a big boy! Here are some photos below:

Daddy showing him to eat the snow.

Not so sure about it.

Snow on Christmas!

Christmas was wonderful this year. It came and went quickly, which is unfortunate, but it was fun and Brayden really enjoyed it this year, which made it even more enjoyable for us. He really got into Santa this year, not really Santa "in person", he is still a little unsure of actually going to see Santa, but liked to talk about him and kept mentioning how Santa was coming and that he had to be a "good boy". I put on Polar Express one day on TV and the child became entranced with the movie. We watched it probably twenty or more times before Christmas (actually we are still watching it!) and he now knows the words and dances to all of the songs. Santa is the major theme of the movie so I think by watching it, it allowed Brayden to realize how magical Santa is.

It snowed Christmas Eve. What a beautiful sight that was! I think the Dallas Morning News said it has never snowed on Christmas Eve since the National Weather Service has begun recording weather in Dallas (which dates to I believe the late 1890s) - which is pretty unbelievable but honestly I do not ever remember it snowing on Christmas! It was so fun to wake up to snow Christmas morning.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that 2010 is a great year for all.

Daddy and Brayden out in the snow Christmas Eve.


Christmas morning.

So peaceful!

Look what Santa brought!

A firestation!

Now that is not the face a child with new toys should make ! :)

Playing with his new firecar

Stocking time!

Family Pics

One of my best friends, Jennifer Dawkins, is now photographing families so she took pictures of our family before the holidays. She has a great eye and is quite talented behind the lens. Brayden was a trooper smiling for the camera so Jenn was able to capture some really great shots of us. I ended up framing and making calendars of some of our favorite images for the grandparents for Christmas. As you can see below Jenn did an awesome job! I think she has found her calling.

Breakfast with Santa 2009

This morning was the annual Breakfast with Santa at the Wagner's house. It is always a fun time. Brayden was still quite weary of Santa - this year wouldn't even attempt sitting on his lap. Kept saying "Go home, Go home" when we would even approach him, so we didn't force it - and just let it go. He has plenty of years to warm up to him if he chooses too :) He enjoyed playing with the kids that were there, especially his cousins, Cooper and Charlee. Here are some pics from the morning:

An attempt at a cousin's picture. :) Quite difficult to do!


Ryan with B and Charlee (Brayden loved that they had sprinkled donut holes)

Proof Santa was indeed there - Grady was a bit shy too.

Group of dads that all played soccer together back in the day

Photo without kiddos

The highlight of the morning was going outside to see Cousin Cooper's Lightning McQueen car. You can see from Brayden's face - he is very excited! He kept saying "Ka-chow, Ka-chow"

This is Brayden's favorite character! And he got to sit in him! What a dream!!!! His feet didn't reach the pedals so he couldn't drive it (thank goodness) but he sure felt cool sitting in it.

Very sweet ride. Cooper was very patient to share with so many other kids.

Grady liked it too.

Back to the rightful owner. Cooper drives is remarkably well for a 3 year old. I was very impressed! :) Mad skills that kid. Notice dad's foot stopping him for the moment. Hopefully by the time Brayden is old enough he will be onto another phase and won't want one of his own.