Backyard Camping

The boys had been dying to campout and every time we tried there would be rain in the forecast, so when a window of opportunity presented itself we jumped on it.  The boys all worked together to get a fire going and then we roasted hot dogs, string cheese, and marshmallows.  When things got dark we moved into the tent for some games before bed.  Dean conked out but the rest of us played for awhile before calling it a night.  Everyone slept really well and thanks to an extension cord Dean could even be on his cpap mask for the night.  It was memory making at it's finest!

Halloween Carnival Nelson Style

We had pulled out the Halloween bins from the attic and started decorating when the boys had the great idea to put on a Halloween carnival of sorts in the basement.  This was Braddock's brain child, but his brothers got on board and they all worked together surprisingly well to put on what turned out to be a SUPER impressive carnival.  There were lots of different stations from crafts, to food, to games, and even a monster book reading station.  They had mood lighting, Halloween music, and decorations.  Seriously, everything was planned to the tiniest detail.  We started things off with an old wipe container turned ticket dispenser at the top of the stairs and then we proceeded down to the party.  Everyone had so much fun and Dean even managed to make it back from the Stake Center in time to join us by the end as well.  It's not often that things go smoothly and everyone gets along, so nights like this have to be celebrated!  

 

 During set-up Bridger stuck this caldron on his head only to find out that he couldn't get it back off.  After some struggles and a few giggles from Mom, we managed to cut it enough to squeeze his head back out! Hahahahaha!

We snagged a ticket and went downstairs.....if you made it through the spider webs you got to enter the party with a disco ball and glowing jack-o-lantern.  We danced to the music and then started making our rounds through the stations.  The decor was on point...

The apple bobbing station was easily the favorite.  All four boys just dived right in...

Playdoh Monsters...

Spooky Bracelets... 

Spooky Pictures...

Monster Book of Monsters....

Witch Hat Ring Toss...

Scary Book Reading... 

And Pin the Mustache on the Spider....

I'm kind of obsessed with the creativity that went into everything.  These boys are the BEST!

Landon Lately

 This cute kid is always amazing us.  I went to his school open-house at the beginning of the school year and saw his projects on display in the hall.  I'll admit I was a bit surprised whenand was shocked to see what they were all about.  Each student was supposed to pick a part of them that they love and write about it.  Landon picked his legs.  Now that's not a big deal except for the fact that his legs are currently covered in spots from his rash.  He didn't let that bother him, or allow it to stop him from recognizing the good his legs do for him!  I admire his attitude so much.  He wrote a whole paper about those legs and even sported a picture of those rashy, but useful legs of his.  This boy teaches me things every day.

 Landon was also nominated to be part of his school's Leadership Club.  This is a group of kids that were suggested by their teachers for their leadership qualities and they get to help out all over at the school as part of the club.  As a nominee he had to get signed permission from his parents, put together a resume, apply for the jobs he wanted, and then be interviewed by the Principal and the School Counselor.  Landon's taken this all pretty seriously and has been so tickled to be chosen.  It's been fun to watch him feel so proud of an accomplishment.  Too often he just feels like he's in Tanner's shadow.  On the day of interviews his principal tweeted this....

A Birthday Beach Bash

Braddock started planning his beach birthday party back on Landon's birthday last May.  He couldn't be more excited when the day finally arrived 5 long months later, and we couldn't be more relieved that it was still warm enough to enjoy a day at the beach.  After a few hiccups....like no open pizza places at that time in the morning, and setting everything up outside the concessions stand that was supposed to be closed for the season only to be told we had to take it all down and move it across the entire beach just as the party guests began to arrive, but all in all things went great, and the only thing the kids will remember is how much fun they had.  Every single friend Braddock invited was able to come and the best part of it all was that they were completely entertained the whole time with no effort on our part.  In fact, we had to drag them away from the sand to come eat lunch and do presents and dessert.  We sure loved celebrating our big 7 year old and were happy to have finally pulled off his first friend party ever.  (Middle child problems! Hahaha!)  Happy Birthday Bud!