Zoo Lights

I wish I could say we went to Zoo Lights this year for Branson, but honestly it is something I have been wanting to do for the past 7 years and never did! I was so excited that we actually had the opportunity to see the wonderful christmas light displays at the zoo this year! There were lights shows that danced to the music and all sorts of different displays. We also got to go to Stingray Bay and pet the stingrays. That was definitely Bransons favorite part. I personally enjoyed sipping some hot coffee and enjoying walking around in the cooler weather. My mom was in town and got to share in the experience. We also met Christophers brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Rachel there. Goodtimes!

Trimming the Tree!

Before Christmas this year we put up our lovely artificial tree (I usually prefer the real thing) and let Branson open his first Christmas present from his Auntie Mel. Christopher and I had a great time listening to some sounds of the season and sipping hot cider while we made a night of it. We even put a choo choo train around the bottom of the tree which Branson was just a little scared of. He is really getting the hang of the whole "Opening Presents" thing since his birthday. Wow, Holidays are just so much more exciting with a little one around to enjoy them!

Branson loved the glowing tree and "un-trimming" it too!

Pictures with Mom

And Pictures with Dad

Unwrapping his first present of the season- from my sister- Auntie Mel



Loving his "Light up rubber duckies!" We definitely gave him a bath shortly afterwards...

Halloween 2008

This year for Halloween we went with Christophers' parents to their Church celebration. There were many different rooms open for the kids to stop by and trick-or-treat or play games. Branson is still just a little too young to realize what was going on, but he managed to have fun anyway. He was our fierce little lion for the night and we don't think he could have been any cuter!

And then later that night Christopher and I went over to a friends house as "White Trash." It was all we could come up with last minute, but it was a fun night out!

Schnepf Farms- Pumpkin Patch

Before Branson's First Birthday, we took him to Schnepf Farms. We had gone there the night before he was born last year and decided to make a tradition out of it. It was fun to reminisce on the past year of our lives while walking around with our little boy. He really enjoyed it, but I think he will like it even more in future years when he can join in on more of the festivities.

Bransons first trip to the ZOO

In October, the weather was still beautiful and we decided to take our first trip to the Zoo. We went with a good friend of mine, Ann, and her little boy- Bransons friend Ethan. We made it through about half of the zoo before we stopped for food and let the boys play at the splashpad. It was a great day and we decided to buy a zoo pass so we could come back to see the animals whenever we wanted. Its been put to good use!

Ryan and Kylie's Wedding

It was definitely wedding season towards the end of last year and in November we celebrated 2 more great friends joining in marriage, Kylie and Ryan. Chris got to be a groomsman for his great friend Ryan and we also loved being a part of their committment to eachother. It was a great evening with friends and special for Christopher and I because they were married in Ryans parents backyard, which is where Christopher and I were married too! We love seeing our friends so happy as they start a new chapter of their life. Congrats!!!

Ryan and Kylie at the Rehearsal

Suzanne and Austins Wedding

Back in October 2 great friends of ours were married, Suzanne and Austin! It was an absolutely beautiful and special ceremony. I even got to do a a reading and was so blessed to be a part of their wonderful day. They have been married for over 6 months now and we love every chance we get to hang out with them and get to know them more as a happly married couple. We've even tried to get them to move to gilbert with us, which has been unsuccessful at this point! Congratulations to The Kings! We Love You!!

Bransons First Birthday!

Wow! I can't believe that a year has come and gone... it seems like only yesterday we found out we were going to have a little baby and now he is running all over the place! As a one year old, Branson is very busy... He is walking (almost running) everywhere. He started walking right around 10 1/2 months and pretty much gave up crawling immediately. He is so smiley and he loves to giggle. He loves listening to music while bouncing and shaking his head. One of his favorite songs is "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and he is really figuring out the hand motions. Branson just loves praise and is always clapping and smiling for himself when he accomplishes just about anything. We have been working on animal sounds- and he now knows what a Cow, Dog, and Sheep say. He runs to the door when daddy gets home from a hard day of work saying Hi Daaa Hi Daaa Hi Daaaa! His dad is his very favorite- he might even like him more than me. They spend most of their time together wrestling, playing peek-a-boo, hiding in "forts" (blankets over dads head) cuddling, reading books, and more! Branson is also such a good eater and even better at reaching his hand over the highchair to feed his doggy. The dog is finally getting paid back for all his months of licking Branson, with lots of tail pulling and body slams! I am sure I could go on and on about all the wonderful things my baby can do and has done for us. He has been such a joy for Chris and I. We are usually just in awe of him and laughing at all the funny things he does. He has such a sweet personality- and is also such a boy. Although its sad to think about how fast he is growing up, we are also so excited for all that is to come. Every day with Branson is such a blessing. We think we couldn't possibly love Him anymore and then the next day comes and somehow we do.... It's absolutely amazing!

Bransons Cake at his Birthday Party:


BF Jackson helping him out by eating the monkeys ear:

Hanging out with Cousin Taylor and BF Jackson:

Good Friends, The Blocks and The Lundbergs:

Mommy's and Babies (or should I say Toddlers?):

Big Girl Taylor feeding Jackson:

And now Branson:

Mommy and her Monkey Boy:

Grandpa with his precious Grandkids:

The almost Mr and Mrs Durkin:

The Blocks:

Coley, Me, Sarah, My Mom, and Pam:

Grandma and her little boy:

On Branson Actual Birthday, he had fun fingerpainting with his Best Friend Jackson! Messy!

Then I made him a Monkey cake and he loved looking at it, but didn't really like eating it!?!