SMASH THE CAKE

One of the "new things" in the "mom club" is tortuing (well sort of) your child for a CAKE SMASH photo shoot. You know, to prepare them for the real thing at their birthday party?!?! I saw this done a few years ago, even before my pregnancy and just knew that I would have to do it one day when I had a baby of my own.

Well, today was the day! Let's just say, despite Braylon freaking out when chocalate cake touched him, I would say the shoot went over pretty well. By the looks of the photos you would NEVER guess that we had "Mr. Crankie Pants" as the subject of our photo shoot. Thankfully, Bray did cooperate for a quick minute and we were able to get a few shots.

Credit of amazing photos go to Mrs. Erika Rowe, she will be launching her website very soon!

11 Months

Well, I am sad to start this post as I can't believe this will be the last "monthly blog entry" before our baby is a "toddler". I CANNNNOOOOTTT believe that Braylon has already turned 11 months. It's so sad how quickly the time truly does fly by. Braylon had a very busy month with Daddy's birthday in California, Seeing Pawpaw in Denver, and celebrating his very first Easter. He continues to be our daily dose of delight and we continually Laugh Out Loud with his new daily tricks.

He is a mad man on the loose in the house. I used to say to myself, Ah, we won't need to put "security locks" on the cabinet doors, we'll just tell him "no". Yah Right! You ask what's on Daddy's "honey do list" this weekend, you already know. He managed to find the Christmas dish cabinet and had a great time breaking 2 dishes. He also loves pulling out all the pots and pans and pushing them around the kitchen floor. Did I mention this kid would rather play with daddy's stinky gym shoes over his new musical toys?

Braylon still loves to eat and despite only having 2 teeth manages to eat all his fruits and veggies. He also loves pizza, shredded chicken, and shocking to me, tomatoes and lemons! I hope his broad appetite sticks with him, after all he needs all the food he can get in order to be a champ on that football field.

Braylon will keep with his mode of travel when we take up Hawaii next week to visit Candice and the twins. We are sad that David has already deployed and won't be there during our visit-but cannot wait to snuggle our new two lil' nephews. I am especially looking forward to Braylon having his feet in the sand and ocean. My mom is joining us for the vacation and she's cant wait to visit The Islands for the first time.

We will be celebrating Braylon's 1st birthday on May 21st in a backyard swim party for a "Prince". Brooke and Chad, who are expecting their first addition this fall, will be flying from NC to spend the weekend with us too, We can't wait.

Long over-due lunch with The Shipleys!

Braylon meeting "Wilbur" from Famous Daves. They will become good friends, since we practically own stock in this place.

Playdate! Shandiin and Violet. Missy and Jude. Mommy and Bray


Hangin out in his crib in Denver Hotel

Infamous "Baby Jail". Not so fun anymore...

What a wonderful Day, Ruess Wedding

For those of you that attended our wedding, will remember our Amazing DJ, Teffanie. Teffanie and I met in 2006 when I was interviewing her to become the most important vendor of our wedding day. That day would be the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Teff has been there for me through thick and thin over the years, and her generous and caring heart is like no one else. Fast forward 4 years later, when Teffanie would finally meet the Love of Her Life, Mr. Dave Ruess. 4 months later, I was honored in standing by her side while her and Dave exchanged wedding vows at candlelight

Now, a blog wouldn't be a blog if I didn't share just a quick story about my experience just a short time before the wedding began. Here is the short story version...

Bride and Maids running 30 minutes late from hair and makeup to get dressed for ceremony.

Mother of Bride and Groom nervous that they may have a "runaway bride" on their hands
Arrive at ceremony site, Maids get bride dressed.

Maids start getting dressed. One maid zips up other maid (me) dress. Zipper gets stuck.

30 minutes before start of ceremony, 3 people truing to get maid (my) zipper un-stuck.

One jerk and bam, zipper breaks.

Everyone freaks.

Maid (me) is sitting in non-private "dressing room" in undergarments (note, not just any undergarments string black thong-had no idea anyone that evening would be seeing her in this attire) trying not to burst into freak out mode.

Meanwhile, bride is out getting photos done (Maids are MIA for photos)

Maid calls husband and mother who are in route to ceremony site. Tells them the dress fiasco, they have 5 minutes before store closing to purchase and pick up new dress. Time is 15 minutes before start of ceremony.

5 minutes later, dress was delivered.

Maids and Bride grab a few photos before sunset and start of ceremony.

All three ladys down 2 glasses of wine

Ceremony begins.

Wedding: A Success.

Lessons learned...Give yourself an extra HOUR while playing a part in a wedding. Always think before you choose your "thong of the day". Don't buy a dress if it has an "hidden zipper", if something goes wrong...it's all over.

The End.

Trip to Denver

We have started a "tradition" by meeting David's dad and family in Denver once a year for the Annual Church Conference. It had been 6 months since we have seen them so they couldn't wait to get their hands on Braylon. Dad, Mary, and Destiny were all shocked at how big Bray was and how quickly he's changed. We stayed in an amazing hotel in the heart of downtown Denver. When I say "heart" I mean we were right there in all the action. I loved the location and truly recommend the area of "The Pavillions Downtown" when visiting the Mile HIgh City. We even had a "Yard House" Restruant inside the lobby of our hotel! It was a happenin place I tell ya!

As always, the time with The Kingcannons went by way too fast. However, we are blessed for the time and memories made and look forward to the next. It's so hard being away from family, but are truly grateful for our time with one another.

3 Handsome Men

David's Birthday Celebration

It's common tradition in our house to head up a destination when our birthdays roll around. I'll be honest, since David's birthday falls in April we usually end up traveling then as the weather is always so nice. Our plan this year was to go to San Diego, but due to overbooked flights and no availability, we choose the next best Cali destination, San Jose to visit The Cupples Family.

We had a great time in San Jose. As always, Tommy spoiled us with wine and fine dining. This was the first visit back to San Jose since they purchased their in home custom wine cellar. It was really cool to see the history of all the fine wines, and of course also great "tasting" them. We had the opportunity to visit a few beaches right outside of SJ and also spend the day in San Francisco. We had a great time dining, shopping, and playing on Pier 39. My favorite part of the day was taking the famous "San Fran Trolly" through downtown. I love this part of the state and can't wait when we vist again this Labor Day.

Happy Birthday Davey!