Some families roam the rows and rows of vendors, looking for special gifts, some gather around a table with a mug of hot wine or a country's specialty food, but THIS family, following Europe's youngest tour guide, finds the first cheesy amusement ride, and tests out each vehicle it has to offer. UGH! We began our Christmas Market journey in Brugge, Belgium 2 weekends ago. Everything was going wonderfully, and we were all getting a tingle of the Christmas spirit...right up until Brady found the truck ride and we were forced to buy 3 tickets instead of just one. When he was finished his 3 turns, I had to pull him off, kicking and screaming...literally...I wish that I were exaggerating. Now, cut and paste this scenario into the Aachen, Germany Christmas Market, and you have successfully completed the Brady tour of the European Christmas markets. Why so short, you ask? Really...you need to ask?! 
When the Johnston family came for a visit last weekend, Brady could not get enough of Daisy and Jack. He wanted to do EVERYTHING that they did. In the picture above, Jack and Daisy sat down to watch a little bit of TV, Daisy with a lacrosse stick in her hand. Well, Brady grunted and panted as he drug a chair across the room, toting a lacrosse stick in the other hand, just so that he could plop in the chair and be just like Jack and Daisy. He kept looking over at Daisy to make sure that he was doing exactly what she was doing. It was so funny! He also giggled like heck when they were running around. Even though he couldn't begin to keep up with them, he thought he was right in the middle of the game. And I must say, he couldn't possibly have better role models! 
Now, I'm a pretty laid back mom, but my momma didn't raise no fool. One afternoon while Jeremy was away, Brady decided that he wanted to paint. So, I did what every good mother living in a rented apartment would do...I stripped him down to his diaper, stuck him in the bathroom, spread paper across the entire floor and let him go to town. Then, when he was done (and I had gotten my kicks by painting a huge smiley face on his Buddha-belly) I stuck him in the tub, and hosed him down. Is everyone taking notes? That's how it's done! Oh, and don't forget to buy "washable" paint.
If there's one thing that every parent has in common (well, almost every parent...some jerks have kids who sleep all of the darn time...no offense to those parents) it's that we worry about how much our kids sleep, we make plans based on when our kids will sleep, we pray that our children will sleep longer, better, and in their own room...you name it...if it has to do with sleep, then most parents stress over it. So, PLEASE tell me how my kid (NOT generally a good sleeper) can be playing, then all of a sudden lay on the floor and fall asleep...2 hours before his normal nap time, no less! I mean, honestly...Jeremy and I discussed doing a chalk outline! The thing is, he just looks so innocent and angelic when he sleeps. It reminds us of all of the reasons that we LOVE being parents. Then, he can wake up, and we are a little less high-strung about him shaking the wine rack, drawing on the floor, and bouncing on the furniture until it tips over. I guess God always DOES have a plan! 
...Yes, that's right, he's being a dude. Just like his Uncle Blaise, he loves to hang out with his lacrosse stick, practicing looking cool ("This is Blue Ice": only those of you who have seen Zoolander will get that). And, in the bottom picture, he's showing off his milk-gut to all of the other toddlers playing shuffle board on the poop deck. Ahh, being a toddler is the good life!
...in an otherwise dark and stormy Belgium. Whether it's getting ready to brave the outdoors, or getting a few things done for Dad at the office, Brady makes everything happier and sunnier for us! (And yes, that's a calculator that he's conversing on)
It only took Paula and I 30 hours (ok, that's an exaggeration) to do a 15 minute walk the other day when Brady and Lou-lou decided that they wanted to explore everything on the way home. They had a blast kicking leaves, following the trash men, and making mad dashes for other people's houses (I'm sure they thought it was hilarious to see us huffing after them, trying to catch up). They are 2 of the cutest little stinkers that you will ever meet, and recently, they have been the best of buddies. We are very lucky that Brady has "Sisa" to motivate him!
This past Monday, we had a wonderful visit from Marlon and his mama, Amanda. Brady and Marlon had a great time being mischievous throughout the house, and they played really well together. We love it when they visit!
Last week, for a long weekend, we visited Prague in the Czech Republic. While there were so many beautiful buildings, bridges, clocks, and shops, we were most taken by one thing...the TGIFridays! I know, we're pathetic, but it was SO GREAT to eat familiar food in a child-friendly setting. They gave Brady a balloon and he was happy as could be while we ate. Prague was a truly beautiful city, but we would suggest going without kids...then you might be able to enjoy a concert or museum without worrying that the alarms will go off.
Brady's first time trick-or-treating was a "sweet" success (pun intended) thanks to Tonya and Jay Johnston who, along with their children (Jack and Daisy, above) invited us to come along on their school's Halloween night. Incidentally, wonder-mom Tonya planned the entire event! Well, she should feel really good about her hard work because all of the kids seemed to be having a great time...Brady included. Dressed to the nines in his lion costume (thanks Aunt Boo!), he hit the town (Antwerp) uncertainly at first, but after the first few houses, Brady quickly realized that he had found his calling. We couldn't pry that treat bucket out of his hands with the jaws-of-life unless we were offering to open one of the treats from inside! We visited houses from several neighborhoods, and in between each house Brady checked out "the goods". While he was reluctant to walk up to houses alone, he went happily with me, Jeremy, or Daisy. We never quite got him to say "trick-or-treat", but we did manage to have him sign a few "thank yous". Our whole family had such a great time, and we are truly thankful to the Johnston's for asking us to take part in this much-missed American tradition. And as for the candy, Brady seems to have forgotten about it today, so I am enjoying it immensely (hey, I don't want his little teeth to rot)! 
Brady had a great week spending time with Elizabeth and Louisa. They ticked away the hours sitting on their favorite window sill, and made Brady's now-unused crib into a dancing stage. It was great fun! Brady is one lucky fella!
Ever since the Rees Family moved to Boston with our little buddy Cai (tear, sniff, sniff), Brady has mostly been hanging out with the gals. He and Louisa have had many fun play days, where they make the rules, and everyone follows them! Paula (Lou-Lou's Mama) and I usually end up running around the dining room to music, or watching the kids sit on tables. We couldn't be upset even if we tried. They are just too darn cute! By the way, Louisa has declared herself Brady's girlfriend...and he isn't arguing! Ladies, you're gonna have to fight for him!
Brady and I turned out in the height of style for this year's crab party! Everyone was so jealous of our appropriate dress. Surprisingly, Brady kept his crab hat on for most of the night. We had a great time at the party, even though Brady wouldn't taste the crab meat. Hey, there's always next year!
As I have looked over the pictures, I have had to ask myself who had more fun...Brady or the 7 adults who went along! It's always fun to have a reason to go on a giant slide, or ride a tiny train! 
We just returned from a great trip home and Brady was showered with affection and attention...among other things. One morning, we took him to Linvilla Orchards, where every year they have a pumpkin festival. Brady, along with Nonni, Poppy, Regan, Eric, Blaise, Jenny, and me, enjoyed playing in the playground, riding the train, going for a pony ride, and picking out pumpkins. His entourage was all too happy to follow him around and take him on the various equipment! Brady and I feel so lucky that we have a family who cares so much about making him happy. He had a great time, and it was so much fun to be with him!
