One fish, two fish...

Brayden and Daddy went on their first fishing trip to our little pond across the street. They were ready with snacks, fishing poles and worms. Brayden caught two fish on his first day! He reeled it in with such excitement!
When it came time to see the fish not all fared well. He says "I don't like fishies anymore!" He'll get used to it!

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Happy Easter!

We started the weekend dying our Easter eggs and Brayden even got to participate this year. He enjoyed coloring the eggs and Keely loved putting them in the cups and trying to take them out. We had even more fun waking up eating candy hunting for eggs and finding some surprises! Then we got headed off for our first game at the Isotopes park. Keely of course had a BLAST in the kid zone going on the "up and down" (merry-go-round), the jumpers, and her first stomach dropping ride with Dad. Brayden decided to hang out with Dad and watch the game. We ended the day dropping the kids off with Mee-maw and Paw-paw. It was an action packed fun day!

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Spring is in the Air

As we say good-bye to the winter months of staying indoors while we cozy on the couch...

we say "hello" to spring! This past weekend was SO nice and we took advantage of every moment of it. Starting with getting the garden ready...

and of course much needed swinging!

Even Brayden loves enjoys hanging out on the swing. Check out the big boy on the big kid swing!

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Fill the House with Merry!

So I just love Christmas time. I mean I just L.O.V.E. Christmas! There is just something so fun and joyful about this time of year. So when Thanksgiving weekend comes around, yes I enjoy the yummy food, but what I most look forward to is knowing we will break out the Christmas decorations. I put on the music and tears fill up my eyes because it makes me so happy. And this year is looking to be extra special with the kids. Seeing the excitement in Keely's eyes as she saw the tree and says "Merry Kissmas" to turning on the snowman singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and watching both her and Brayden dance. It's these precious moments that make this time of year so wonderful. Being cozy with my family and the togetherness this holiday brings. All these moments make me savor each moment over the next month.

Starting to decorate the tree.

Brayden loving the "ball!"

Getting a boost from Dad.

Taking a break, it can be a lot of work putting up decorations!

The last touch to the tree.

Can't forget the doggies, they are in their Christmas best.

Our Tree!

The stockings hung by the chimney with care...

Our first year with lights on the house. So proud of Brent!

(Yes that is a Santa blow up in the front, what can we say when we go for it...we go for it!)

Happy Veteran's Day Daddy!

Happy Veteran's Day to our favorite Vet! Today we recognize all the service men and women who have served or are serving. Keely, Brayden and I couldn't be more proud of Daddy! This is a little something that Keely made today at "pre-school" for her Daddy. Today we say thank you for the sacrifices you make for our family and our country. We also want to say thank you to all the other Veteran's out there who have served or are serving! Including Paw-Paw, Nana, and Pop Pop. We love you and thank you all!

Football Season is Back Again!

The air is feeling brisk, the leaves are starting to change colors, the State Fair has began, and Football season has started up again....it must be Fall! Brent is really excited to have his own little Giant's club this year. Keely shouts "gooooo Giant's" any time she sees any football (toot-toot ball) game on. She and Brayden proudly sported the red, white, and blue today to support the team.

See, they are so into the game they couldn't even look at Mom to take the picture.

Ready to wear Daddy's Hat.

Strutting the jersey and slippers.

Game time!

Ready....TOUCHDOWN!

ABQ Jump!

Last weekend Keely was invited to a birthday party for our neighbor to ABQ Jump. It was in the middle of Brayden's nap so it was a perfect opportunity for Keely and Daddy time while I stayed home and relaxed during nap time. Apparently it was a B.L.A.S.T.!!! Everyone was so amused watching this little 2 year climb up the obstacles and going down the slide without a fear in the world. She sure kept up the pace with the big kids and was just so happy to "jumpe, jumpe, jump" while Daddy cheered her on! :)

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B & D

Daddy boot camp is in session. And as you can see it is torture. The first few tries of getting Brayden up he refused, but now he is getting the hang of it and with more practice walking will be just around the corner.

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Rock Star

We have a new rock star in our house! Brayden was due for a much needed haircut. It started out as just a buzz cut like dad allowing Brayden to have some relief from this heat...

but then Dad said "Let's see what this would look like".

I guess that's when I realized that I was not in control of the situation...so this is the result.

But it would appear that Brayden is enjoying the cool breeze he can feel on his head.

And according Brent, "he just looks AWESOME!"

Class of 2010!

Yeah for Brent!!!! On Saturday Brent graduated from The College of Santa Fe and he couldn't be happier. We had a great weekend celebrating with family and friends. Brent's brother, aunt, uncle, and cousin surprised him by joining his parents to come out to watch him walk and get that diploma. It was their first trip to the Southwest and can you believe we somehow went through the whole weekend without any New Mexican food! Such shame I know. Hopefully next time. After graduation we headed back to our house where friends, family, and neighbors joined us for food and fun to congratulate the graduate. We are all so proud of Brent on this amazing accomplishment. It wasn't easy, but he always meets any goal he sets for himself. And through all the hard work and sacrifices he did it!!

Bath Time Fun

Life just got a little easier or crazier for me, I haven't decided yet. We're trying to do bath time together instead of separate times to give me more time during the day. (Thanks to the Sloan's for lending us the bath chair so I am able to put both of these kiddos in the bath safely.) Now my morning isn't rushed trying to clean Brayden's helmet and washing his head. But the evening is a little more chaotic between dinner, bath, and bedtime routines. But I think after a few days we'll get the swing of things. Especially now that Brent is home in the evenings!

That's right, Brent is DONE with school. And I mean D.O.N.E.! He completed the last class he needed to fulfill his degree! CONGRATULATIONS BABE! We are so proud of Brent. He has worked so hard to complete this degree. Taking a break to let me complete mine, taking the orders to Italy, and also working full time the entire time he was going to school. He certainly has made many sacrifices for his family and we are so thankful for all those sacrifices. Now it is his time and I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate him and share in the joy of completing his degree. Way to go Brent!

I Got This!

Keely and Daddy

Man, how this girl just LOVES her Daddy. It is so interesting to see how partial she is to him at such a young age. Yes, she loves her Mommy but there is just something about that relationship between Father and Daughter that is so unique and special. It just melts my heart to watch them together. Lately Keely wants to be doing whatever Dad is doing, which means some homework time too. Since she wanted to help Brent out I set her up with her own homework. She also loves watching Brent juggle and he even gave a go of trying to teach her how to juggle too. What I just love the most about these two together are the sweet, sweet giggles that come out of our little munchkin!

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Elf Yourself

It's that time of year again...and this year we get to add Brayden to the fun! Merry Christmas everyone!

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It's Beginning to Look A Lot....

like Christmas! I just love this time of year. Like a lot of American households we spend Friday morning after Thanksgiving setting up our Christmas tree and decorations. This year presents many more challenges with an 18 month old in the house. Keely had oodles of fun helping decorate the tree and is having so much more testing our patience trying to take the ornaments off (especially the candy canes). The house always feels so much more cozy this time of year and makes me remember how grateful I am to be here with my wonderful family. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the Christmas spirit!

Brayden's first glimpse of the tree.

Look at the big tree!

Helping Daddy.

Did I mention she LOVES the candy canes?

Our Christmas Tree

Brayden Edward Duncan

Brayden Edward Duncan

September 26, 2009

3:19 am

7 lb 11 oz 19 3/4 in

He is here! Early Saturday morning we welcomed Baby Brayden to the world. I am thankful to say that it was a quick and safe delivery. Brayden is thriving and just perfect. He looks A LOT like Keely when she was first born with the exception of the dark, thicker hair. We came home tonight around 5:00 and were greeted by "The Big Sister" Keely. She has done so good with the new baby and is very curious to his every move and sound. We did have a small moment of jealousy when I started to nurse him but everyone is doing their part to make sure she knows that is loved and not being replaced. Below is a small montage of moments from his birth and coming home. I will try my best to bring more pictures in the days to come, but please be patient with me as I adjust to being a Mom of 2! Thank you everyone for all the wonderful wishes during this celebrated event. We can't wait for him to meet everyone!

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Phase 2

While I try to keep myself busy waiting for Brayden's arrival, Brent hasn't had a hard time finding a few things to do. He is trying to make use of the time and having his Dad's help to continue "Project Backyard". This past week they have finished digging out where the deck will go, built another wall, and began framing the floor for the deck. At least one of us is doing something useful! The backyard may look like a construction zone, but it is coming along and I can't wait for next summer when I get to plant flowers, grass, and play with the kids.

The second wall and dug out patio on the top tier.

Dad working the Bobcat.

View of our second tier.

Beginning framing and posts for the deck.

Lumber for the deck, posts, and cover.

Daddy's Girl

Someone is getting another tooth and needed to cuddle with Daddy. Moments like this melt my heart.

Swim Time

Today we went swimming again and this time with Daddy! Keely had so much fun and really enjoys being in the water. Trying to teach her to hold her breath or just keep her mouth closed in the water is a tough one, but we're working on it. Unfortunately we had to cut our swim short because of a storm that came in, but the time we were there was a blast.

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Phase 1

So several weeks ago Brent began Phase 1 on landscaping the backyard. I showed you the first step, when he used the bobcat to dig in our mountain of a hill. Here is the progression of what he's been doing for the past 3 weekends.

After digging with the bobcat and leveling the dirt.

Setting up the footer.

Putting Jaccob to work.

Setting up the posts.

Here's the wall!

So Phase 1 is almost complete, just a few more loose ends to tie up. But looks great, don't you think! He's been working hard and getting help from so many people. Hopefully when it's all done we'll have a great spot to gather and BBQ.