The busiest weekend I've had in a while, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Brayden!

We made it through our crazy weekend!  Let me just share the big things that were going on. . . Saturday- Messiah practice then dress rehearsal/performance for those without tickets during the day and the Ward Christmas party that night.

Sunday- Speak at a small branch about 30 minutes away, take treats to Brayden's nursery friends, ward choir practice, BRAYDEN's BIRTHDAY!!, The Messiah performance, and taking the harp for prelude/postlude music.

It's harder to put into perspective the business when you just read it, but take my word for it that it was packed and I was slightly worried that Brayden would get slighted of birthday fun again this year.  Luckily, thanks to a lot of prayers and faith, I was not stressed all weekend!!  Even though between the big events we had to find time for writing talks, getting birthday stuff ready and all the normal little things, it all worked out very nicely.

My favorite moment of the weekend was Brayden's excited face when he came out to find his presents on the table (that's how we've been doing it) and the joy he got from each one.  We didn't actually open them until after church since we were rushed to get out in time for our talks, but he didn't seem to mind.  He even loved the birthday cards and was excited about getting money!

My least favorite moment of the weekend was when Brayden tipped my harp over while I was grabbing the cover for it.  Yeah, not good.  But, it didn't break and I wasn't upset with him.  I was very blessed emotionally to not even be worried about it.  But I know it was a miracle that it survived with only a big scratch on the top.  Brayden was very distressed about it too, so I am extra grateful that I could worry more about him than the harp.  But it was still not my favorite time of the weekend.

Here's the pictures to enjoy!! 

 Brayden got a new McQueen shirt that he wore for the evening.  When I told him I was going to get a picture of it, he had me take a picture of his back first.  Then he said "another one" until I had taken 3 pictures of his back.  Then he let me see the shirt. :)  And I love how he stuck his belly out and everything to show it off.  Too silly and cute.

The one of his back does allow me to share another part of our Saturday - my not-so-great (to be nice to myself) haircut that I gave Brayden.  I just use scissors because our buzzer only has size 1 and 2, which is too short for my B. I cut it in the bathtub because it's easy cleanup, but this time I cut a chunk of the back way too short, so as you can see I had to attempt to even it out and it looks sort of awful.  even the top is not great.  I don't know why I struggled so much this time, but I kinda ruined his hair.  At least it grows back and he doesn't even have a clue.

 Brayden loved opening the cards and put his money in a little pile.  It was pretty cute.  He got a nice card and money from his Aunt Kim & Uncle Trip.  Another card and some more money from Grandma and Papa Brown.  And he got TWO birthday cards from great grandma C (a mistake I'm sure. . . we only plan to deposit one check). We gave him a fish that he has named Grandpa.  We added Grandpa Betta.  Haha.  We got him a new garage sale wardrobe too ;)  And his Grandy got him 4 toys!

He played with this gator golf for 20 minutes before he would open another gift.  He was very much in a gator golf zone.

 Birthday Breakfast dinner!! Since we didn't have time to do it in the morning, we got our yummy breakfast for dinner and invited Brayden's favorite friends. 

It turned out a great birthday for Brayden and a success in everything else!