Happy Birthday Brayden Thomas!

Brayden turned 6 years old on the 23rd of September. I feel terrible that I am now just blogging about it, but I guess better now then never, right! Kiley was still up in Dallas on his birthday, so it was just me & the 3 kids! Teagen & Brayden had a dentist appointment that very day...I know, what a crappy mom to schedule a dentist apt. on his birthday, but really it was the ONLY day they had available. We went to the dentist, mr. B had 2 cavities.....happy birthday, right! Afterwards, we went to Toys R Us & I let him pick out his presents this year. He thought that was pretty cool. We then headed to Apple bee's for dinner. Great service, NASTY food! Oh well. It was a very long day, but I think Brayden felt pretty special!
Any how, Brayden wanted a swimming party in the worst way. He's been talking about a pool party since last April! So we made it happen. He invited some of his little buddies from church & the neighborhood. Kiley got home the weekend we had the party---so grateful for his help! We had cupcakes & did presents first & then headed to the Air Force Base to a fun out door pool with a slide & a few diving boards. The boys all went for the high dive & had a blast jumping into the pool! I couldn't believe these little boys had no fear of jumping off such a high board, but they seemed to LOVE it! I think Brayden had a great day! He is such a good boy!

A little bit about my Brady Bug! He was born in the afternoon on a nice hot day in Glendale, Arizona. He was my BIGGEST baby, 8 lbs 3 oz. & 22 inches. When I think back on those days, it seems to be a bit of a blur. Having two little ones only 2 years apart & during Kiley's 2nd year of medical school (some of you will understand that "fun" year), I remember struggling. He was not my easiest baby, but still a good baby all the same. He has always been so good at putting up with his older brother. I am afraid Teagen is a tough act to follow, but Brayden has held his own! He is definitely his own little person! The teachers he has had over the last few years, have always mentioned how much they love & enjoy having him in class. Most of the time, you will find Brayden looking out for his siblings, even his friends. He has been the peacemaker in our family, although I must admit lately he has swayed a bit! :) We are so grateful he is part of our family! We have learned a lot about him & from him! Here are 6 things that I love & appreciate about my little B man!

*He loves to learn. Often times, he will ask me for "homework" to work on. Before he started Kindergarten he was reading. He is a great little reader! I can't compare him to his older brother cause that wouldn't be fair, but he is much more WILLING to learn & has such a desire...can't let that slip by!

*He is very sensitive. This can be a good thing & a bad thing! :) He does shed a lot of tears when things don't quite go his way, but that is just who he is. I appreciate that about him, cause I am a crier, too! He is very protective of his siblings. If either of them are getting in trouble & he has had nothing to do with it, he will usually pipe up & stick up for them sometimes even taking the blame! That is how siblings should be, always willing to stick up for one another! I hope he never looses that unique/special trait!

*I love that he LOVES to play games, any type of games---video, computer, phone, board games, pretend games, etc! He has such a love for it! He could sit & play games all day long if I let him. He is also good at most of them, too!

*He LOVES to dance & wrestle. If he gets chance to turn up some tunes, he'll dance around the house. If daddy is around, he is counting down the seconds until he can wrestle with him.

*He is social butterfly! If he could play with his friends all day long, every single day of his life, HE WOULD! His friends mean a lot to him, reminds me a lot of myself! Along with his social-ness, he is a TALKER! Sometimes he doesn't ever stop talking, definitely a trait he got from me, just ask Grandpa Tom & Grandma Shirlee!

*One of my absolute favorite things about Brayden is his BEAUTIFUL smile! I love to see his smile-it's very contagious & just plain beautiful! It is an image that I will always treasure!

Brayden, we love you so much! All those who come to know you, are truly lucky! You are one of a kind!