
Brandon, I hope you have a very Happy 13th Birthday today. You are turning into a fine young man. Over the last few years I have seen you grow both physically and mentally. You're doing an awesome job. Keep up the good work and remember to be honest, respectful of others and to do your best at all times. I love you and am very proud of you. Love, Grandma.
On Sunday, some family members gathered to have a little party with Brandon for his birthday. We had it early since his birthday falls on a school day this year. Here are a few photos of his big day.

Here Brandon is showing everyone his PSP (Play Station Portable.) He had no idea he was getting this. When we went to Zellers on Friday night he told me he'd really like to have it. I said, "Sorry, Grandma already has your birthday gift." LOL I knew he was getting it but didn't let on. As it happened, his parents had bought him the exact one that he wanted. The graphics on this game are awesome. He can also watch movies on it. This is the big fad for kids right now.

He got money from his other grandparents and this is what he likes to get from them. Some other people also gave him money. Brandon likes to have his own money to spend, as all kids do.

This year Brandon read every card as he opened it. In the past he would lay them aside so he could get to the presents right away. He is maturing. However, he has entered his teens and is showing a bit of a tendency to talk back. I put him straight about that when he tried it with me and his mother did as well.

Brandon has always loved Lego and this year was no exception. He got two Lego sets. One was a robot and the other was Lego City which will go with all of his other Lego. He has tons of it from when he was very small. Grandpa and I gave him the robot.

Brandon likes to play cribbage and has been wanting his own crib board for a long time. I searched high and low for one that he would be able to have for a keepsake and I found the one in the photo above online. It has a picture of a cougar on it and it's very pretty. He told me he'd never seen a crib board like that one in his entire life. LOL
Brandon was more interested in the Lego that he was in eating his cake. He just couldn't wait to get that robot together.
He had a fantastic time and he was really happy that Melissa and Griffyn could come. Griffyn has been sick with a cold and we weren't sure if he was going to be well enough to attend. I will post some photos of Griffyn sometime this week.
If you have children or grandchildren, remember to give them words of encouragement. They need to build confidence and self-esteem. Have a great week. ~Blessings, Mary~