Braddock went to the regional engineering fair at the Carnegie Science Center today. He built a double decker, motorized, spice machine customized to fit in my spice cabinet. This kid worked his butt off, with the help of Dean’s guidance, to bring his project to fruition. They easily clocked over 100 hours building (and re-building when plexi glass broke!), coding, filling and labeling spice jars, and tweaking things till it all worked well. He and I pounded out his poster (that's my area of expertise 😉). Then at the fair someone messed up and put him in the middle of the science fair not the engineering fair. They also made him remove all his spices and cover up the spices on his poster because they are made from living things!? Not sure why that's a problem, but apparently it was against the rules, but we're not sure if that's the rules of the science fair (which he shouldn't have been in!) or the engineering fair. Anyway, despite so many set backs this kid still killed it and came out with a second place win and a cash prize! He’s one cool kid and we’re so proud of him for working so hard, persevering when things got tough, and making the best of things when it was a mess.
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.
