We usually spend Memorial Day with our Ward at a local park having a big pot luck meal and the boys favorite thing is playing in the creek there. Thanks to Covid we haven't had our usual picnic in years, so they were excited to be back at it this year. We learned a long time ago it's just best to show up in swimsuits because inevitably they'll be soaked, and they quickly got to work building a dam the second we arrived. We dragged them out to eat and then they were right back at it as soon as they finished eating. After the picnic Dean and I ran to a bunch of appliance stores trying to score a Memorial Day deal on a new fridge (our's is on it's last leg), but ultimately we decided just to keep using our current one until it dies in hopes of being able to eventually overhaul the whole kitchen. We ended up feeling a little bummed we had wasted so much of the holiday shopping, but we were glad we still got to pack in some fun.
It was a crazy season this Spring. We had a LOT of rain that made for a LOT of postponed games. Dean coached Braddock last season, so he signed up for Bridger's team this time. Bridger was THRILLED to have Dad as his coach. And I know I'm biased, but it is one of Dean's God-given talents. He does such a great job with those kiddos. We ended up with a double-header make up game when Dean was in quarantine with Covid, so I took Bridger to his games. And luckily we were done being sick before the final games of the season. Braddock played so well this season too. He's really getting the hang of it, and we're just bummed that now he's too old for in-house games which are the ones played on Saturdays. We'll have to look harder for a league that has Saturday games that will allow our kids to keep playing. Sure love being these boys' number one fan. Here's to another great season in the books!
Landon never got a 4th Grade Send-Off thanks to Covid, so it was extra exciting that things are back to normal enough to have one for Braddock's class this year. But then I got Covid again right before his big party day. Luckily I was out of quarantine in time to still go, but it meant a mask for me all day. Those cute kids had such a good time and it was fun watching them all interact. I've known these kids now since kindergarten and it's crazy how much they've all grown. They started the day off with donuts and juice at the school and then they were bussed to the Raccoon Fire Hall to spend most of the day. We had crafts, games, music, and food and they just loved spending time with their friends. I was the photographer for the day and took SO many pictures in front of the backdrop. After lunch we went back to the school for awards, cake, and a wrap up to the school day with a march through the hallways. I'm always grateful when I get to be a part of the boys activities and Braddock has a great group of friends. Now they're off to the Jr. High next year. Heaven help us!
think they're in charge around here, but really we all know the boys call the shots. Dean's the cyber school coordinator at the high school and has made himself indispensable as the go-to tech guy as well. Andrea loves being a stay-at-home mom, hanging with Keaton all day. She does her best to keep up with the boys and is Activity Days Leader at Church. She volunteers with the PTA and blogs in her "spare time."
is nearly 18 and is halfway through his freshman year at BYU. He's pursuing a degree in Chemistry but changes his mind often. He has pet snails in his dorm and is working on a podcast in his spare time. He also loves to cook and is enjoying his independence.
is 15 and in 10th grade. He plays the trumpet and piano and participates in the school musical every year. He can't wait to turn 16 and learn to drive and is enjoying being the oldest now that Tanner's away at school.
is 13 and in the 8th grade. He plays saxophone in the school band and continues to take piano lessons. He rocks the school musicals, plays on the boys soccer team, serves with NJHS, and a million other clubs. His mischievous smile keeps us all on our toes, and he is best known for his scavenging skills, bringing home all sorts of "treasures" he finds at school.
is a big 10 year old and rocking the 4th grade. He's the lone Nelson at the elementary, but handles that like a champ. He plays piano and is always talking our ears off. He's smart as a whip and loves playing soccer.
is almost 3 and absolutely full of energy. He loves music and sings all day long. He is smart as a whip and has an impeccable memory. He's adored by his big brothers and gets into EVERYTHING.
