Officially an Adult

It's official, Braxton turned 18 yesterday.

He got to sleep in (Derek did his paper route) and then came with us to watch McKell in USU's Homecoming parade.
He didn't have a free night that we could go out to dinner, so he fit us in for lunch after the parade. I think I have multiple pictures that look just like this of Braxton and Ryan each year when we celebrate Braxton's birthday.

He reluctantly sat on the saddle while we wished him a happy birthday. It seems like we have been celebrating everyone's birthday at Texas Roadhouse lately.

He requested ice cream cake, which we had today. At eighteen, Braxton is a senior in high school, loves to watch sports, has way too much fun teasing McKell, is the favorite cousin to a lot of my nieces and nephews, still has a hard, hard time getting up for his paper route, complains about paying for his own gas, recently became the owner of a yellow motor scooter, always wants the last word in an argument, and is addicted to chocolate and treats. But more importantly, he is kind, respectful to others and a good student. Happy 18th Birthday Braxton!

Homecoming 2011

Braxton went to his last Homecoming dance on Saturday night. I have a feeling this year is going to fly by.

He went with Katie and had a great time. And of course, he looked so handsome:)

The whole group. I wish I would have taken the pictures a little earlier, before it was so dark.

They ate dinner in Ryan's backyard and I was able to go over and help cook and get things ready. Ryan's mom had decorated the table so cute - it was all in crimson and gold (the school colors.)

These 4 got to serve the group. Ryan has a brother the same age as McKell so they each invited a friend and were able to serve that night. They had a great time.

Earlier in the week, as part of Homecoming, the seniors painted the street, and apparently had a huge paint fight.

Growing Up and Moving On

This beautiful girl is growing up and has moved on to middle school. She looked so grown up on her first day of 6th grade. So far, she thinks middle school has been boring. She has some fun teachers and has already made a lot of new friends.

Here she is on her first day of elementary school with her Kindergarten teacher, Miss Dopp.

And her first day of middle school. She is growing up too fast!

The Last First Day

I can't believe it, but Braxton started his senior year of high school. I can't believe he will soon be done. He has fairly easy classes this year and is enjoying every moment of his last year. The picture above completes his first day of school pictures and I am sure he is glad since he will hardly stop long enough for me to snap the photo.

First day of 11th Grade

First day of 10th Grade

First day of high school (9th Grade) - the sad thing is that this doesn't seem like that long ago. I still remember driving him to the high school that morning.

First day of 8th Grade

First day of 7th Grade

First day of 6th Grade

First day of 5th Grade

First day of 4th Grade - I am glad that Janae (my friend) had taken this photo because it is the only one I have of Braxton on the first day. I love that Braxton and Corey were wearing the same shirt. It wasn't a planned thing.

First day of 3rd Grade

First day of 2nd Grade

First day of 1st Grade - I am somewhat surprised that he has a Pokemon backpack. He was really into Pokemon, but I have never really let my kids get character things, like shirts and backpacks. He must have really begged:)

First day of Kindergarten - Braxton was so excited to go to Kindergarten and he was so ready, he could already read. I will never forget dropping him off that first day at Hillcrest. He was our only child at this point and it was a HUGE thing for me.

And finally his first day of Preschool - I can't believe how fast time goes!