Braddock had a rough day behavior-wise and as he sat in his room contemplating his actions he softened and whipped up these "sweet" notes for all of us to try and make up for it. He's my Jekyll/Hyde for sure, but man does he win us all over with that sensitive side of his.
Dean doesn't get out fishing nearly as much as he'd like to, so when the Elder's Quorum planned a fishing night I encouraged him to go even though he was feeling bad about leaving me solo with all the boys. Turns out he was the only one to show other than the guy who planned it so I was extra glad he went. And he ended up snagging this GOLDEN TROUT! It was a stocked pond and it had exactly one golden trout for a fishing derby that had already happened but this guy had evaded everyone. Dean was the lucky guy to land him and now he has bragging rights.
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It took a full two weeks before Keaton lost his umbilical cord. But man is it easier after that thing finally goes. We were thrilled to finally be able to give him a full bath and not have to worry about it. He liked it much better than the little sponge bathing in the sink. We may have a bath fan after all.
We loved having Grant and Rachel's family and Eric and Morgan's family all out to visit within the first two weeks of Keaton's life. It was so fun having cousins to play with and fun things going on for the boys while we were settling in to newborn life again. Living clear across the country from much of our family often means we don't get to meet new cousins until their pretty old, so it was extra special they got to meet Keaton right off the bat. Some of our favorite activities while they were here was water fights, going to the local arcade, and smore's and woofums by the fire. We also played lots of games and the cousins had tickle fights for hours to "build their abs." Hahaha! Sure grateful to be doing life with all these people!
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.
