11 on the 11th

11 gold dollar coins on 11 presents, 11 years old

Braylen is 11 years old today!!!!! I'm calling him my golden boy, since today is his golden birthday--he's 11 on the 11th. :) August 11th, 1999 was on a Wednesday, just like it is this year. Even though the years keep adding up, I can still remember everything about that day. I look at Braylen and it's hard to believe he was once a 6 pound baby. But he was. And a part of me will always remember him that way.

I decided to keep things simple today. Let him sleep in. Watch him go on a donut date with his grandma. Pick Uncle Eric's present out of the pile for him to open, since I knew it was something he could enjoy with his brothers. :) Fix lunch and get everything ready for an afternoon at the pool. Watch him have fun with his best friend, jumping off the diving boards and diving for rings. Prepare tacos, sweet corn, and watermelon for supper. Watch him open all his gifts and realize he didn't get any toys this year. Go for a family bike ride, dog included, and then come home to some ice cream cake. Summer birthdays are so much fun.

a hot sunny day at the pool!

hard to believe he'll need this hat, but it will get cold eventually

football gloves

My boy is growing up, but I still see some little boy in him. At least when it's just our family. That makes me happy. :) 11 years ago I became a mom. I blinked, and now I'm a mom of an 11 year old. At least that's what it seems like. Happy Birthday to our son Braylen Derek! Always remember to live like you're loved, because you are.

a gift from his brothers: a drawer organizer for his desk at home

11 things to remember about Braylen

1. He loves Under Armour clothing.

2. He'll eat anything.

3. His favorite color is green.

4. He laughs easily and frequently.

5. He has his own room, but sometimes he misses sharing one.

6. He's online more and more these days.

7. He prefers vanilla over chocolate.

8. Mountain Dew and Dr. Pepper are his favorites.

9. He's very much a people person, and his best friend is Matthew.

10. He still lets me tuck him in at night.

11. If it's a sport, Braylen's all over it.