Christmas-tingle

Braden, Kelan and I went to the the park across the street from our house today. What a little time in nature, even if it's the local, city park, can remind us of- the simple things:

The sun was shining; not a cloud to be seen.

There was a gentle, winter breeze in the air.

Relishing silent alone time, just the three of us, at a public park.

Appreciating pushing both my happy and content boys in swings, side by side.

That magical, Christmas-tingle, feeling that only comes a few days before Santa's arrival.

Peace and happiness ARE states of mind and to be present during the little moments in life.

It's Santa!

Daddy and Braden spot Santa Claus outside the train window.

Santa, Daddy & Braden
Braden was actually pleased to see Santa,
he looked away from the camera at the last moment.

Santa Claus giving Braden,
THE 1ST GIFT OF CHRISTMAS!
-it's a silver sleigh bell

Polar Express 2009

Allllll Aboooooard!
Next Stop... North Pole!!!
Santa's on his way.
All the food and festivities are from the Christmas holiday classic,
The Polar Express.

Mmmmmm, chocolate chip cookie

Hot Chocolate

Clapping for the tap dancing waiters.

I LOVE this picture of Braden.
It's a face I've never seen him make until this moment,
when the train began to move,
his joy shone all over his darling face.
The TRUE meaning of Christmas!

First Train Stop

Before we boarded the Polar Express,
Braden couldn't wait and had to climb aboard a "diesel" train.
As the pictures show, he was all smiles.

A big moment for a Thomas the Train fan!

Daddy and Braden

Toot! Toooooot!

Mirror Buddy

Kelan gets a kick out of seeing himself in the mirror.

Braden & Kelan's Playroom

More quickly than I anticipated, the boys are now playing, side by side, in their playroom. Braden loves pulling out all the toys and Kelan likes practicing his new skill, pulling himself to his knees to explore.

One of Braden's favorite things to do:
play with his Thomas trains!

Cow Encounter

The boys and I went to a local park on Wednesday;
all of its play structures are farm themed.
Braden is having a closer look at the giant concrete cow.
He loved climbing it.