Ten!

On September 14, 2006, our lives were forever changed when Iain Mark came into the world and made me a mom and Jeremy a dad for the first time. How is it possible that that was ten years ago? We've spent ten years with this guy, this smart, funny, sweet, goofy, loving guy. 

Iain's name means gift of God, and that is exactly what he is. He has made our lives rich and full and I can't wait to see what God does in and through him as he grows up. His middle name, Mark, was my grandfather's name. Iain is his first great-grandchild and shares his outgoing, congenial personality, his ability to talk to anyone, and his love for the Lord. I pray he will also share his legacy of a family who loves Jesus and each other, when Iain is the great-grandfather.

Because he's cool like that, Iain decided that he wanted to have his tenth birthday party be themed after his favorite book (he's a bookworm like his mama!). He currently loves Holes so a Holes party it was!

(last day as a nine!)

Iain, Cory and I spent the night before the party getting it ready. He thought of most of the games, and he made this sign for the front door.

Everybody's favorite game turned out to be this one: Pin the Face on the Warden. Haha!

The "cake" was Iain's idea too: monkey break (because it has a hole in it) with toy lizards crawling out.

Party time!

(He's TEN!!)

First, the birthday boy and his friends made the Brannon family traditional birthday banner.

Then I read everyone a summary of Holes, for those who hadn't read it or seen the movie (several of the boys have read it since the party! That's us, doing our part to spread good books wherever we can.)

Then it was Pin the Face time.

And next: a freeze-dance party to Toby Mac. When they froze, they got tickled with toy lizards and had to stay frozen.

Then after a hole-digging relay race in the backyard, it was time for cake. I LOVE Iain's face in this picture.

The party gang!

(Isn't he handsome?)

After everyone went home, we had BBQ cups for dinner (birthday boy's request), and watched Lego stop-motion movies on the computer while we ate. It was such a fun day celebrating our boy.

Iain, we love you and we're so proud of you--who you are and who you're becoming. You're an awesome kid and we're thankful to be your parents.

My Firstborn Turns Nine

Dear Iain,

Half a month ago, you turned nine. You posed for your "last day as an eight" picture, went to bed that night, and woke up the next morning a year older. Not really, but you know what I mean.

You're getting to be so handsome. I love the new haircut you've been sporting, and when I told you so, you said, "Oh no. Now all the girls are going to love me. I better get a new haircut." Your confidence is awesome and hilarious. 

On your birthday, we made you a birthday banner. We cooked hotdogs over a fire in the backyard, and we played corn hole toss. I can still beat you, but that won't last, I'm sure.

A few days later, we met your friends at the bowling alley for bowling and laser tag. I loved watching you play! You were so excited, you had so much fun with your friends, and you delighted in the whole morning. You asked for lemon bars instead of cake, and I was happy to oblige. 

I was secretly hoping you'd win the game. And you did. You even got a strike and a couple of spares--what fun! Look at that score. :)

Nine years ago, you made me a mama. Today, and every day, you make me smile. You make me proud. You are brave, smart, funny, kind, clever, creative, and deep. You are a good brother, and you lead this little pack of kids well. I pray that you will always love and serve and follow Jesus, that you'll know Him more every day and in knowing Him, will love Him. I pray that He will make you bold, courageous, kind, and strong. Your daddy and I love you, Iain Mark. Your brothers and sisters adore you. Happy ninth birthday!

Love always,
Mom

Iain's Eighth Birthday

(Trying to catch up on the blog before little girl makes her appearance.)

Iain is EIGHT.

Here are the traditional last-day-as-a-whatever (seven, in this case) pictures. This guy is handsome, silly, and smart as a whip.

This year was a big deal for Iain. For the first time, we had a friend-only party, where we didn't invite families--just the kids. It was, of course, Ninjago/Lego themed and included lots of free-play with legos. Party guests who could come (several ended up sick) were Sam and Ben, Noah, and Bryar. Iain was in heaven. Of course, Cory (the birthday boy's best buddy) and Laina were there too.

We started off making the traditional birthday banner.

Iain requested Ninjago face cupcakes, including one Lloyd (the green ninja) for himself and one Nia (the girl ninja) for Laina.

He also requested cheetos, clementines, and BBQ cups for dinner.

He's eight!

During dinner, we watched stop-motion lego movies on YouTube.

And to wrap up a great day, Iain and Jeremy spent the evening putting together one of his (many) new lego sets.

Iain, you're growing up so fast. You are laid-back, loving, huggable, and sweet. You adore playing legos with Cory, listening to story hour, jumping with Mason on the trampoline, playing in the yard with Laina, coloring and drawing, reading, and eating. You are learning to be a good friend and you're growing so much this year as you think about others and how God would have you act toward them. You are silly, forgiving, and smart. You are a blessing, our Gift from God, and we love you so. Happy birthday.