Braden is Six.

Braden turned six on the 6th.  

This little boy brings so much laughter to our home.  

Some nights before Scott and I go to bed, I tell him all the funny things Braden did or said that day.  We both laugh our heads off and I can't believe how witty this boy is.  

We love his little personality, (most of the time...he can be a stubborn one sometimes).

He is so creative and whatever he envisions in his little head he tries to bring out to life. 

He often amazes me and he makes me laugh hysterically (where tears are rolling down my face, that kind of laugh.) 

Like yesterday, he came home very upset because someone hadn't been nice to him.  As he walks in, he says, "you know what I've decided mom? 'so and so' can be a bully!" He goes on to tell me what happened. Then says very passionately, "I'm going to go tell his mom right now! and I will give her a piece of my mind!!!!" 

How in the world am I supposed to keep a straight face? 

Braden was the chubbiest baby.  Those cheeks were awesome.  

Braden was the cuddliest baby too and he was definitely a mommy's boy.  

Braden has such a depth to him now as a boy.  

He feels compassion for others often.

He is thoughtful. 

He also feels the Spirit and thinks deep thoughts.

Some nights ago, Brielle came to our bedroom after we had put everyone to bed and says, "Mom, Braden is crying like a baby." Then, Braden sneaks in from behind her crying, just as Brielle had stated.  Scott asks him, "why are you crying buddy? what's wrong?" Braden says, "I was laying on my bed, thinking about the good stuff." I asked, "what is the good stuff Braden?" he answers, "you know, that we can be together forever as a family." By then, we all had tears in our eyes and hugged. 

It was a priceless moment. 

For his birthday treat at school Braden requested chocolate chip cookies (because frosting makes his stomach hurt, he says.) So, as he requested we brought chocolate chip cookies instead of cupcakes. 

His teacher is outstanding and just makes those kids feel so special.  

It was especially nice to have Scott on vacation and be part of all of the celebrations.  

(He purposely requested the kids' birthday week for his week vacation.) 

We all sang 'happy birthday' to him and the kids had their treat.  

Mrs. Bitner is such a great teacher, I'm so grateful for her.  

Braden has grown so much and has matured a lot since the beginning of the school year...and I LOVE that she just picked up Braden for the picture to be next to his Valentine heart on the left.

The kids usually get to pick their favorite place for lunch on their birthday. 

Braden chose Chick-Fil-A. 

This boy is a soup lover.  He ordered their chicken noodle soup, his usual. 

But the main reason for choosing Chick-Fil-A was the ice cream. 

Around the beginning of January, I asked the kids what kind of party they wanted.  It was a friend party year.  I was ready to go all out and throw them a good party.  However, both of them almost in unison, requested to go to Idaho for their birthdays to spend it with their grandparents and Aunt Lanie! 

They were both so excited, that's all they talked about for most of January. 

A few days before Braden's birthday however, Braden asked if we could have our neighbor friends over to decorate Valentine cookies.  So, we had a little party nonetheless and enjoyed having our neighbors over.

 

We sang them both happy birthday since Brielle's birthday was only 3 days away.

It was supposed to be a no gift party, but our awesome neighbors gave the kids presents anyway.  

They were so happy and grateful.  

Penny came to drop some things off for us to take to Idaho, it worked out perfectly because she was able to join our little party! 

Brooke was in heaven with the frosting. 

Happy Birthday to Mr. Braden! 

He is now a 6 year old!