I still can't believe my baby is 6! I remember thinking at his birthday last year that he should have already turned 5 months earlier, but then this year, I just can't seem to accept that he's growing up.
This was an extra special birthday because our family came to visit us for the weekend. My sister and her two girls and my mom, Gary and Gramma Willie came to celebrate. Braden was very specific on how he wanted to celebrate his big day. For breakfast he requested pancakes and bacon and then later for lunch peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
After lunch while most of the kids were playing, Carter helped me make
Braden's birthday cake. Braden requested a Frankenstein cake.
This was the first time I have ever used fondant
and lucky for me it turned out perfectly.
Even though Braden had his cousins to play with and I had planned lots of fun things to do, he didn't seem like he was having a great birthday. My dad had called to wish him a happy day and asked how it was going. Apparently not very good...but that was only because he had to wait for dad to come home to open his presents. As soon as dad came in the door his mood switched and the joy was back. We let Braden open a present and then we played a game in between. (Thanks mom for taking care of all the games!)
K and Tay got Braden a Wigglin' Sprinkler and Writing Book
Gram and Grampa sent Books and Money
Grammy Bo got him (and brother) Squinkies.
This is Braden telling Grammy that she got the wrong ones.
(Yes, I was embarrassed.)
We took a break from opening presents and let the kids play for a while. We were still waiting for one of his present from mom and dad to arrive by mail. I had ordered it online and it was supposed to arrive by the end of day on his Birthday and it finally did just after dinner. (For dinner, by the way, per Braden's request, we had Crab and Fish.) I called all the kids to come down so Braden could open his last presents (the ones from Kam and me) and he came running and started diving in, ripping paper before I could get the camera ready. I feel bad because I shouted for him to stop. I wasn't mad, but it must have come across that way and I made my baby cry. I felt horrible. I told him I was sorry and he forgave me right away (love that about this boy...always loving me despite my faults.)
These next couple of pictures are his reaction to our first gift - a new soccer ball. Apparently a new soccer ball was not on the agenda and was a big let down.
Lucky for him though, the next box to open had just what he had asked for
- a Switch & Go Dino!
Carter was surprised to see that Braden wasn't the only one to be spoiled this day. Kam and I decided to give Carter one of his birthday presents early. Having your birthday 4 days after Christmas isn't the best time for more present giving so letting him have his gift early was a perfect way for us to spread the giving around.
After all the presents were opened we sang and had birthday cake.
Happy Birthday Braden! I hope all your wishes come true. I love you!
