Eight is Great

Brayden got to celebrate his birthday at the happiest place on earth...Chuck E. Cheese.  Yes, he really wanted a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party.  Not the kind where you show up and mom orders pizza and brings your presents in, but an actual Chuck E. Cheese Birthday Party.  You know, the one where they set the table for you and you get an awesome blow up crown and Chuck E. comes out an entertains you.  I blame all the children that previously have had birthday parties there when we've shown up.

Brayden did design his birthday cake.  Apparently he wasn't impressed with the giant cupcake one I made last time that tipped over.  I like doing it this way much better- so much easier.  

He got to invite a few friends.  We missed a few that were sick or out of town.  Bummer.  I guess that's what happens when you have a December birthday.  The boys that did come were so much fun and full of all that boy humor- loud and silly.  

We opened presents....

... Danced with Chuck E.  The boys couldn't decide if they were too cool for that part or not, but they were good sports.

 Brooklyn, however, was mesmerized....

And the real reason Brayden wanted a genuine Chuck E. Cheese birthday party?  

The Ticket Blaster!

Later we got to celebrate at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's house.  One of the good things about having a Christmas time birthday is that usually the relatives are in town!

Notice how he's still wearing his chuck e cheese crown? ha ha

Landon also enjoyed the birthday party!

and even though the cake was half eaten, we still sang to him and let him blow out the candles.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Eight Things About Brayden

1.  He loves his "screen" time- whether on the DS, Ipod, TV, video games, computer.

2.  He still likes to cuddle with his mom (shhh don't tell)

3.  He loves to complain, but then will tell you, "no offense"

4.  He has an awesome imagination and once he told me about his "secret world" that he likes to play when he is by himself.  It was very detailed and had a fascinating storyline.  He told me that it was a "one time only" explanation and that I was really lucky he was even telling me about it.  I'd write about it, but I've been sworn to secrecy.  

5.  He is very compassionate (when he wants to be) and notices how others are feeling.

6.  He is HILARIOUS!  He has such a great sense of humor and can always make me laugh.  

7.  He is a math wizard.  He can do math problems in his head faster than I can.  I love how he breaks apart the numbers and puts them together.  Future CPA like his daddy? Maybe

8.  He is an all-around awesome kid!  I'm just so proud of the person he is and have loved watching him grow up into such a sweet kid.