Say Cheese!

Just couldn't help but post these pictures as our little Landon has learned how to smile at mommy and daddy and anyone who talks to him. We thought he was cute before but his smile completely brightens the room.

Landon's Dedication

Today Landon was dedicated at Mike's home church, Emmanuel Wesleyan Church. He did really well and looked EXTREMELY cute in the little outfit Grandma Debbie got him. He made it through almost the whole service but right when Grandpa took him to present him to the church and through the ENTIRE prayer, Landon decided to let his presence known. Enjoy the video and pictures!!!!


Landon's cute little outfit

Great-Grandpa Braisted and Landon

Four Generations

Our little family :)

Quick Trip to Maine

Ah, Maine, the way life should be! My family has gone to Maine every year since I was born. Last summer was the first summer I wasn't able to go to Maine because we live in the DR now, so because we were home this summer to have Landon, we took the opportunity to go.

We flew to Maine with Landon and he did absolutely AMAZING! He mostly just slept the whole way there, including the layover in Chicago.

Once in Maine, we did absolutely NOTHING except relax and recooperate. We had extra hands to help take care of Landon so Mike and I were able to sleep in several mornings! Man, did that feel great! Mike, Landon and I even got into some floaties and went floating in the lake for an hour or so. Landon must really like water because almost instantly, he fell asleep.

The pics are of the lake that our cabin sits on. Landon sleeping underneath an umbrella on the dock. And my niece Payton and nephew Seth holding Landon.

Family trip to Gatlinburg

Although it has been so hard to be away from the Dominican, it has been great to see family that we haven't see for a long time. This past few days, our family went to Gatlinburg for the annual Basham family vacation. It was 4 great days of sun, relaxation and mini golf. Mike and I had so many hands to help that we barely had to take care of Landon the whole time we were there. I have to admit it was nice sometimes to not feel the responsibility completely on our shoulders to keep our little one occupied, but a few minutes away from Landon and I was already missing him.

We were able to go miniature golfing several times on an all vacation pass. I even beat Mike a couple times. We also spent some time at the pool and browsing on the Gatlinburg strip. But one of my favorite places we got to go was the Ripley's Believe It or Not Aquarium. Mike's parents treated us to a no-baby date to the aquarium which was totally awesome. There were so many things to see and above all, it was SHARK WEEK! My absolute favorite!!! Not only that, but on TV it was also the Discovery Channel's Shark Week as well, so whenever I needed a break from the sun, I was inside the roundettes learning something new about my favorite underwater monster!

Mike really enjoyed some quality time with his parents and with his brother Josh. The boys also had the opportunity to play a game of "cut-throat" mini-golf which was a great time for them to let loose and have a little fun without us girls around. Tim was missing in action because of a gig in Orlando in front of 38,000 teens. We missed him but what a great opportunity!!!

Below are several pics of our trip...hope you enjoy!!!!



Landon and Daddy in their swim gear



Our sleeping baby...



Landon and Mommy catching some rays (don't worry, he has SPF 60 on!)



Mike and I at the Gatlinburg Ripley's Aquarium



Sawfish



The infamous sand tiger shark



Mike the stud astronaut!



Kathy, Brittney and I in front of the jellies



Mike and I at blacklight golf



Brittney and I at indoor golf



Brit and I at Chimney Top



All tired out...