18 years ago today.....

With much effort, and I am talking MUCH effort,

Brian Jeffrey Oakes was born 18 years ago today.........

He was amazing of course.  And adorable. 

Just look at those cheeks and that cute smile, and those eyes, and that neck....

But he didn't stay all cute and pudgey (sp?), he kept growing and the birthday parties kept happening......

I seem to have misplaced a photo from birthday #1.  Was there one??

But here is #2-

we had a family party this summer so Brian had two candles and Landon had four on their Ernie and Bert cake which I made myself if you can believe that.  Wish I had a better picture of it!  It was awesome. :)

For some reason I couldn't find birthday #3 either (?) but here is 4......

When Brian was four, he asked Jesus into his heart with Landon's help-

so we had a treat to celebrate this BIRTHday!

Birthday #5.........

notice his spiderman shirt-he was VERY into spiderman at that age. 

And ANY other sort of creepy, crawly, slimy thing he could find!  Thus, the worms and frogs on the cake.....

Birthday #7..........can't seem to find #6 either !? 

This cake had at least one snake on it.

Birthday #8...............

And #9..................

And #10..............

And #10 again??  I count 10 candles.  I am confused at this point. 

That's what happens when you don't write on the back of your photos!

Birthday #12.....this was the last of the official birthday parties.

He's a big boy now, an adult.  Ruler over the wind and waves.....

the flames..........

the waters.......

 

Able to leap tall cliffs........... 

A creator......

 

A dude............

A man.....

 We thank God for Brian, he's cool, he's funny, he's thoughtful, he's deliberate, he's talented, he's kind, he's disciplined, he's loyal, he's smart, he's a jolly good fellow which nobody can deny!  He's 18!!!! 
Love you, Brian!