Braden Is NINE...

It seems like a more than just last week, but just last Tuesday my Braden turned 9! The first request he had prior to his birthday was a 'birthday 9 shirt."  I had been playing with my new Silhouette (more on that in another post) and he asked if I could make him something like that.  So, of course, being a week shy of delivery I honored my first born's request! Rusty made him pancakes before school and he was so excited to have me bring his class Krispie Kreme for his treat.

 Here is is right after school with his birthday balloons.

 Holy cow, looking at this picture I realize he really does look 9!

Yes I know the lighting is horrid in this picture, but I had a friend make a birthday banner (after the one I bought originally was deemed "too girlie" by the tallest of the men in my house. So, she made this just in time for birthday month here.  I love it!

 For dinner he wanted his grandparents and his bestie Stratton to come to dinner at Logan's Roadhouse.  (Berk had soccer practice so he wasn't there)

Here is the gang- Brenner, Rusty and I, Braden and Stratton,  Nana & Grandpa, Noni & Pops.  After dinner we raced back to the house where the rest of the family was waiting to do ice cream cake and presents.

 Ready to get the party started!

 He very thoughtfully opened and read all the cards- until we said he could read them later, it was a school night after all...

His big gift, from us, the Beck's and my parents was a PS3, games and such.

 And, because his other one was 2 years old, and very badly cracked, his sweet Dad got him a new cell phone.  He was equally excited for this as he was the PS3.  Maybe more.

 His Oreo Ice cream cake. It was so good!

The funniest thing to me, they immediately wanted to play with the Transformer figures on top.  Which, just hours before I fished out of the toy box- they were old happy meal toys!

Me and my big guy. Braden.  9 years ago you came into my life and made me a Mother.  I feel like we have grown up together, and clearly we have been through a lot in your short years! I cannot believe you are so old! We may have a hard time getting through your homework but I know you are the smartest 3rd grader I know.  You love watching Netflix (easier now on the PS3), playing capture the flag in the neighborhood and riding bikes and scooters.  Love you buddy!