Happy Happy Birthday...

Happy Birthday Brady. It's still officially your birthday in your half of the country, so hopefully you'll forgive me for posting this late... I never was really good at being on time, you know!

I just wanted to wish my little brother a happy birthday. I hope you've had a good day (knowing Shawnee, I'm sure she had something fun planned!) Brade, I want you to know how much I love you. Over the last 27 years you and I have had our share of "disagreements" on things, but we've also been the best of friends. I wish I had a picture of that cute little blonde boy. Man you were adorable (and you knew it!) I see so much of that little boy in my little boy. I only hope that his sisters will love him the way that I love you.

I could go on and on with stories (embarrassing ones) and mushy stuff that would make mom and Tami cry, but I'll keep it simple tonight. I just want to tell you a couple of things. I want you to know how proud I am of you. I know you've always hated that I feel responsible for you and that I always tried (ok, try) to boss you around, but I am so proud of the man you have grown into. I remember trying to teach you to open the doors for girls and when I see the way you treat Shawnee I feel so proud that you're such a good husband (and I totally recognize that the way you treat her has nothing to do with the stuff I tried to teach you in high school!) I also watch you with my kids and know that you're going to be an amazing dad someday. I was talking to our dad today and I think he captured the essence of you... "he's just a little kid in a big kid's body." I love that about you (most of the time!!) :) You're so fun and playful and sweet with my kids and I love watching how much they love you. You're a good kid. You always have had a good heart.

Happy birthday, little brother. I wish I could be there with you to celebrate. I love you more than I can write about in this blog! Know that I've been thinking of you today!

Love, your big sis!