Branden's Birthday Beach Bash...in Haiti

I was there the moment that this little guy came into the world...

but sadly, not able to be there for his (inconceivable)

10TH Birthday celebration!!!

Branden & "Grama Ruth" birthday bowling!!

We are SO proud of the amazing young man that our nephew, Branden is becoming. He is a really cool kid! We were blessed to have gotten to hang out with him (& his wonderful family) several times last year, before we moved over seas, thankfully. It's one of those hard things that we struggle with about this life...having to miss out on irretrievable precious moments with family & friends.

I (Rebecca) was actually scheduled to be in CA for a nursing strike last week & would have been able to spend it the way he had originally wanted to - together & at the BEACH! However, the strike was settled, so I stayed here, which wasn't overall a bad thing, except when it came to Branden...

Our dear friend, Jerilyn, was here this past week though, & blessed us all with a night up north at one of the beach resorts. While we would have LOVED to have the Birthday Boy here with us, the next best thing was to be thinking of him all day while we hung out at the beach! 

Branden, this was our party for you!!!! We all hope that one day you can come here for a beach adventure with us, too! YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!

 (btw in case you all are wondering, NO, we haven't adopted a beautiful little Haitian girl - we are just enjoying the privilege of caring for Phoebe (3) while her mommy is in the US for a little while)

Emma would love to have sent you this, but it was still alive, so she saved it's life by throwing it back.

Tynan found a really cool gift that he thought you might like, too! 

They were alive as well, so he set them free - maybe they will still be there if you ever get to come visit? 

Just never EVER forget...that we LOVE you to the far side of the ocean & back, buddy! :)

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY, Branden Elijah Butler!!