Top 10

So one of the things I like to do when it is slow at work is to surf through blogs on blogspot.com. There are tons (though many are from countries where I can't read the writing!) It's fun to kind of snoop on other people's business (which is one of the reason, I guess, that I took my blog off of the search site... I don't necessarily want people snooping unless they know us!) Anyways, it is fun to see people's stories.. I especially enjoy the ones about families and their kids (wonder why)... Well that long introduction is for this simple top ten list that I snatched from another blog. Thought it would be fun to do on Branson.

Here are Branson's latest top 10:
1. Favorite food: HOT DOG! Go ahead, ask him what he wants to eat! I guarantee I already know the answer... well unless there are french fries on the table, and then it might be a toss up!
2. Favorite book: I think I would have to say the Foot Book... he taps his feet the whole time we are reading it! Other favs include, Brown Bear, Brown Bear and 10 Little Puppies. We often have to put his books away to give us a break from reading the same one over and over!
3. Favorite Game: Peek-Boo (we are teaching him how to hide around the house and call "Peek-a-boo!" Our easier version of hide-n-seek.
4. Favorite thing: Branson is really into Mickey Mouse right now... we bought him a stuffed animal recently as well as a CD that has Mickey singing his name throughout the songs. He gets a kick out of it! The first couple of times, he started looking behind the TV (because that is where the speakers are) to see if he could locate Mickey! His other favorite thing is playing on his new playscape in the backyard!
5. Favorite Impersonation: He does so many animal sounds these days... I think "Hohoho" is the cutest right now... though he makes a great Cow "Moo" and Cat "Meow"
6. Favorite Thing to Say: "dunno" When asked where something is Branson lifts his arms in the customary shrug and says "dunno?"
7. Favorite vehicle: tractor - Branson truly adores Tractors! Thanks Papa!
8. Favorite Movie: The only one he has ever sat and really paid attention to at all was a Tigger and Pooh Christmas Special... it was cute seeing him sitting in the leather chair like a big boy watching the movie... I tried to sit with him on one occassion and he quickly told me "no" :( My boy is growing up!
9. Favorite Show: Its a tie right now between Little Einsteins ("Blastoff") and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
10. Favorite thing to wear: his gray tennis shoes... not sure what we are going to do when he outgrows those...

New Year's Eve

We had an amazing time on New Year's Eve! Branson was dressed in his rocket pjs because that was as close as I could come to fireworks! Branson actually went to bed before our friends came over which was nice. After the other kids went to bed we played darts, ate gumbo and played a hilarious game called Loaded Questions! Way to ring in the new year with laughter!

Playing with colors...

I decided to see just want my camera was capable of today so I changed all the settings and colors. These were the two I liked the best!

Who can resist a boy and his dog?

The day after...

Well in the Hurst family we used to go out every December 26th and go shopping with Susie. This year was no different. Branson wasn't terribly impressed with the shopping aspect as we tended to only go to clothing stores, but he sure didn't mind stopping for a ride on Winnie the Pooh at the outlet mall!

The family arrives!

The theme of this years Christmas ended up being fear... LOL! Branson was afraid of about half of his gifts! He is warming up to this really cool (moving) dragon... though getting close to it is still not his idea of fun!

Papa teaching Branson how to play golf... I think it will take a while for him to become the next Tiger Woods!
Papa and Nonna bought Branson a really cool playscape for the backyard! He loved it!

And of course... Uncle Sue was there to liven the party and spread some laughter!

More gifts!

Branson really grasped the idea of opening presents this year, so it was much more enjoyable to watch... though in this one, if you look carefully, he is trying to use his fork!

Branson decided about a month ago that he wanted to try to start potty training, so as any good parents would, we bought him an Elmo potty training chair! He has successfully used it already several times!!!

Branson loves animals and can tell you what sound many of them make... this puzzle makes the sounds when you put the piece in its spot. He thought it was too cool!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Santa came to visit the Tappan house and brought with him many gifts and much merriment! We had a wonderful year and lots to be thankful for! Branson of course was spoiled with all of his gifts, but so were both of his parents.