Family Craft Night

Every year at the elementary school they have a fun family night where the kids can come and do a million different crafts.  The last couple years I've been in charge of putting together a few of the stations.  This is right up my alley and I look forward to it.  This year I made paper plate frogs and pipe cleaner people.  The boys especially love when their friends come too.  Despite our lack of pictures, Tanner and I were there too. ;)

And the winner is....

It was hours of practice and prep, and then Landon started getting pretty nervous.  "What if I win? What if I don't win?  How should I act?" He was so cute to be worried about how to be a good sport.  When we arrived at the school the room was thick with nerves.  Dean and I felt sick to our stomachs just watching them compete.  As more and more kids dropped out of the competition it became more apparent that Landon really had a chance.  It was down to just him and Nolan when Nolan misspelled, "tissue" and Landon took the win with the word, "charred"!  He was so sweet and gracious with just the right amount of excitement, but so kind and concerned for his friends who had lost.  He immediately turned and shook Nolan's hand and congratulated him on doing so well.  We're pretty proud of this cool kid, and now it's more practice before he heads to Robert Morris University to compete at the next level.  This time it will be against 4th, 5th, and 6th graders!  You got this Landon! 

Pablo the Panda

This weekend Braddock had the honor of bringing home his "class pet" Pablo.  He got to tag along with all our weekend adventures and Braddock was supposed to document it and snap some pictures too.  He was extra lucky to be here for a long weekend with Martin Luther King Day on Monday so we partied even harder than usual.  

 Pablo rode home from school in the back of the van, and of course Braddock made sure he was buckled in safe and sound.

 He immediately took him outside to jump on the trampoline together.

 They cuddled up each night for bed.

 Pablo joined us for some light reading too!

 Braddock and Bridger made sure to introduce Pablo to all their other stuffed animals.

 They worked together to build a pretty epic train track.

 We hit up the movie theater to see "Spies In Disguise" (You can also see the two bracelets Braddock made for Pablo)

We sure had fun having Pablo come for the weekend. 

Spelling Bee Champ

For several weeks now Landon has been practicing and prepping for the Spelling Bee.  This week the big day came and he competed against the other kids in his class.  It was a bit of a surprise to all of us when he came home having taken first place!  Next step is to go up against the winners from the other 4th grade class.  We're cheering him on all the way!

 The other winners were Landon's buddies Sydney, Blake, and Jake!

Science Center

While Grandma and Grandpa Hilton were in town we made use of their Christmas gift this year and went to the Carnegie Science Center with our new membership.  We all had so much fun and the time flew by.  It was their last day with us and we lived it to the fullest before taking them to the airport to say goodbye.

Braddock was nervous but he faced his fears and did his best.  Landon was an animal and he scaled the wall all the way to the top a few times.

I couldn't be shown up by the boys but this was TERRIFYING!  Dean and Dad ran around like old pros with no fear at all.  Guess I'm just a big baby.

Poor Braddock was super upset he just barely missed the height requirement to do the high ropes course.  But it's motivated him to scarf his fruits and veggies since so he'll be tall enough next time!  Hahahaha!

 Grandpa took a little break on the handy toilet seats. 

 

My future astronauts.  That's currently what Bridger claims he wants to be when he grows up.

It's always hard to say goodbye but we're so grateful for the relationships we share that makes it that way.  Until next time!  We sure love you!

A Deacon

Today Tanner was ordained a Deacon.  He's been looking forward to, and anticipating this day for a while now.  We've talked a lot with him, and the whole family, about what that means and what his responsibilities will be.  He's been nervous to pass the Sacrament, but also honored too.  He'll do just fine and we’re pleased with his worthiness and desire to hold the Priesthood and serve like our Savior. To make the day even more special Grandma and Grandpa Hilton flew out to support him.  We sure love having them visit.  We missed getting a picture with PapPap, but he was there too.  How awesome to have two grandpas, a great grandpa, and your Dad all help in ordaining you! We hope this is a day he'll never forget.  Sure love you bud!

A Nelson Christmas/New Years Eve

We'd all been looking forward to having Dianne and Jared's families visit for the holidays.  When Jared's family all got the flu there was some serious disappointment around here.  We were all so excited when they were finally better enough to come, and then poor Jared was a trooper when he woke up the morning after their arrival with a kidney stone.  Poor Mom was pretty sick too, but she still managed to be the hostess extraordinaire.  We had so much fun opening gifts, eating endless amounts of food, playing games, and ringing in the new year together.  Highlights of the day....millions of little drones flying all over thanks to Grandma and PapPap....epic Bingo put on by Grandma Nelson complete with TONS of prizes....being able to gift Jared and Genevieve their converted home videos....and delicious food including our favorite cranberry pomegranate dip.

Ringing in the New Year...