Branden is 11!

 

Branden turns 11 today. ELEVEEEEEN.

It’s kinda killing me to type these words. Turning 10 was difficult enough because it was that big two digit milestone, but I feel like 11 is almost monumental in a completely different way. And of course, we’re officially entering the tween years, so theres grumpy attitudes and all that jazz, too.

Branden has matured so much over the summer, it’s really incredible. Where we struggled last year with anxiety ridden mornings (for me), that is all gone. He’s still a slow poke, but he’s really got it all together and is in a place where he knows what he needs to get done (chores, homework, etc) in order to get to do the things he wants. Chris and I are so proud to see the person that he’s growing up to be.

So to celebrate Brenden’s 11th trip around the sun, here’s some fun facts about our big boy:

• Branden started playing the trumpet this year and is really enjoying playing an instrument.
• Our resilient boy started a new school (again) this year since we moved over the summer and is not only loving it, but thriving in his new environment.
• Some of his favorites foods are: turkey burgers, ramen noodles, fried calimari, noodles with peanut sauce and edamamae.
• He takes after Chris when it comes to his taste in music and loves techno/EDM and is awaiting his eighteenth birthday so that he can finally tag along to a concert.
• He still loves gaming and got a brand new pair of headphones for his birthday this year.

• Branden probably has a bigger vocabulary than me and is smart as a whip – we might be looking at a future lawyer here.
• His previous fear of dogs has completely diminished (for the most part) and we really credit him for choosing Oliver as they had an instant bond. Oliver greets him every morning by practically jumping on his bed to get him up for school.
• We’re searching for a local art school that works with our schedule, because he’s so interested in (and really good at!) sketching and wants to hone in on his skills and get better.
• His smile and giggle seriously light up every single room he walks into.
• Every once in a while, when I’m working in the office or in the bedroom at night, he comes in to check on me and give me a hug and I just think its the sweetest thing ever.

I just want to wish our sweet, compassionate, handsome, smart boy the happiest of birthdays!

XOXO,

Allison