It's been a long time...

Edit:  This blog post was saved as a draft from 2016.  In an effort to return to blogging...I'm publishing anything and everything I started but never finished.
We will start with Brayden turning 14.  At least I got it posted before he turns 15.  :)

I've clearly taken a break from blogging.  Unintended, as usual.  I never understand where time goes until it is gone.  :(

Anyway, I need to start by celebrating Brayden's birthday.  That was May 18.  He is 14 years old now.  Wow!  We tried to have a little surprise party for him.  Anyone that knows Brayden knows his favorite restaurant is Applebees.  We decided to go there for his birthday - and I picked up two of his friends (Jacob and Asher) to surprise him.  Scott and Brayden arrived at Applebees after we were already seated.  I think Brayden was surprised.  :)  I tried.  Somehow, it appears I did not take any pictures of the surprise party.  But, I do have the traditional birthday picture! 

At the time of Brayden's birthday, we hadn't been on vacation yet.  He was counting down the days.  So for his birthday cookie, he got a beach cookie.  :)