Nelson Family

Emma's First Dance Recital

2011-12-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

Emma had such a fun time at dance this fall. Ainsley was in the same class which made it even better. She was really excited to have a dance recital just like Adelaide did.

First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

Adelaide has been so funny about starting kindergarten. It's been all she could talk about for the past year or two up until a month ago. She went to get her tb shot from the doctor and flipped out. She was screaming, crying, kicking...we had to have an other nurse come in to hold her down as she is yelling she doesn't want to go to kindergarten. Ever since then she has told everyone that she does not want to go to school. This morning she was such a grouch, had a good cry and then was okay. We almost had an other melt down over not being able to find her lunch box but luckily we found it. She is such a sweet girl and acts so grown up all the time but I guess down deep she is a normal 5 year old.

More Family Fun!

2011-07-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

Brandon's Family came up this summer. His mom, dad, grandma and sister along with her little girl. We had a fun time- we were really busy. We drove up to Fairbanks. We saw Santa, ate at Pagoda(Guy Fieri went there), went to the bowl store, ate Hot Lick ice cream(super over priced ice cream), drove down to Denali, ate more ice cream, shopped and then came home all in a two day span. Brandon, Davis and his family went on a Kenai Fjords tour. They loved it. We went to the Farmer's Market, Wild Berry, Bear Tooth Theatre....... I think they saw the best of what Alaska has to offer. We had a great time with them here. The picture of the dahlia is from my front porch-I am pretty proud, I haven't killed any of my flowers/plants yet. We celebrated Brandon's Mom's birthday, Shauntay's, Davis' and Emma's birthday while they were here. Davis and Adelaide had their last t-ball game. They each got a trophy and a rootbeer float! Writing down all that we did in 10 days makes me tired.

The kids!

2011-07-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Adelaide passed out the day of the marathon. Davis found his train hat but he looked more like a newsie to me. Carter was posing with the girls.

Emma's 3rd Birthday!

2011-07-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Emma had a fun but low key birthday. We invited some friends and family to the park for pizza and cake. She had such a good time. It was a perfect party for a three year old. I tried to make a cake but it turned out to be a mess. It didn't taste good either. The good thing is that she won't remember it. Grandma Jan took her out for her birthday to dinner, a movie and shopping. As soon as they sat down for the movie she asked it they could leave and go get her a present from the store. That girl loves to shop. Emma is such a spunky girl, we love you Emma-nemmers!

Fun Outside!

2011-07-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Our kids have had such a fun time being outside this summer. We have had really nice, warm weather.

67 Degree Weather in Alaska = Running thru the sprinklers in your underwear!

2011-07-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

When it gets above 60 degrees in Alaska my kids think it is 80. They had a great time running thru the sprinkler. We had made homemade hamburger buns with our own patties and Brandon was so proud that he took a picture of it. They were really good!

A new addition...............

2011-06-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Carter has a flat head on one side and had to get a helmet to help correct it. He has to wear it 23 hours a day for about 6 more weeks. He got measured this week and has already moved 1/4 of an inch which is half way there. So the Doctor said maybe only 6-8 weeks longer. He doesn't mind wearing it, it is more of a bother for me than him. I will be happy when he gets to take it off for good!

Visit with Aunt Emmi

2011-06-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

We sure had a fun time with Aunt Emmi(especially Emma, I think). We went hiking, ran a race, rode bikes, ate food, went to the Farmer's Market and just hung out. A week didn't seem long enough. I will meet up with her again in November for my milestone birthday celebration in Seattle! My mom, sister and favorite cousin for a weekend sounds like a good time to me!!!!

Adelaide's Dance Recital

2011-05-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Adelaide's Recital was yesterday. She had such a fun time. She had more fun being in the finale then her actual class performance. They were aliens- hence the bright green outfits. Durning the finale they danced to "Firework" and snapped their fingers- she really liked dancing on the stage to that song. We had a fun day.

What's Been Going On!

2011-04-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

I made my first quilt a couple months ago. It is a Christmas quilt that we made as a Relief Society Activity. I am either late getting it done for last year or ahead of the game. I am really liking the quilting thing. I have 4 other quilts in the works.
Davis wrestled this year. He learned a lot and hopefully he gets more aggressive over the next year so he can win a match. He sure loves his little baby brother. He has made it clear that he loves Carter more than Mom, Dad, Grandma and even his sisters. When he wakes up in the morning the first thing he does is go looking for Carter.
Adelaide has still been doing dance. She has a recital in a week. She loves to perform and put on makeup. She is soo ready for kindergarten. She is having a great time at preschool. She writes her name, can sight read words, and do simple math problems. She likes to brag about how much she knows to Davis. He doesn't appreciate it.
Emma is counting down the days until her "Birthday", which isn't until June. She keeps telling me that on her birthday she wants white cake and she gets to take dance and preschool. For her birthday present we are going to put her in dance for the summer since she thinks that is what she gets to do. Preschool is going to have to wait a year, and I think we can swing a white cake.
Carter is such a sweet baby. He is so laid back. He sleeps thru the night, eats well and loves to be talked to.

Christmas in a Flash

2011-01-14T17:34:00.000-08:00

This year we stayed home for Christmas. It was the first time we haven't gone to Utah in 5 years. I loved it! It was nice to celebrate our Christmas on Christmas. We missed not seeing family but it sure was nice to stay home and relax.
Everyone waiting for me to stop taking pictures so they can eat the yummy dinner.

Carter catching up on his beauty sleep, sporting an adorable reindeer outfit from Grandma Nelson.

Here is our Christmas nativity. Adelaide loved being Mary. She kept smiling at Carter while Brandon was reading the story about Mary swaddling baby Jesus. Too cute!

Brandon got into a car accident the end of November and the car was totaled.(wasn't his fault) We had to decide whether or not to replace our honda accord or to upgrade to a truck which we were planning on doing at some point anyway. So Brandon won- he got a 2009 Chevy Silverado. I like the truck but it was an added expense that we didn't have with the other car so my hair dying was one of the things to go. That's why I look like and albino with a wig on! haha - oh well I am already married so why should I care, right?

Adelaide's Dance Recital

2011-01-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Fletcher

2011-01-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

I am playing catch up. Brandon's Grandpa Fletcher passed away on October 24th. Brandon was really close to him and we will miss him greatly. Brandon took Adelaide and Davis down to the funeral with him. They left a day after he passed away to go be with family in Utah and I had Carter the next day. Why couldn't that baby have waited 8 days?

Brandon's family.

Brandon's Uncle Brian and Aunt Jodi's family.

Davis and Adelaide before the funeral service.

Jacinda and Avery(baby Caleb) on the way.

Happy 5th Birthday BooBoo Chicken!!

2010-11-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

Adelaide is our full of personality girl! She can be such a stinker and then turn around and be funny and super sweet! She was so excited to turn five. We love her so much and can't imagine our family without her "girl drama."

Finally Some Baby Pictures!

2010-11-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

Our Baby was born on October 26th @ 2:17 am. He was 5lbs. 13oz and 18.5 inches long. The Saturday before he was born Brandon's grandpa passed away in Utah- he took Adelaide and Davis to Utah with him and the day after he left I had the baby. Grandma was beyond thrilled to take his place. Everything went well and the kids were excited to meet him when they got home a week later. They all love him. Adelaide has turned into his second mother. She wants to change his bum, hold him all the time, walk around with him- it's great! He is such a sweet baby, I think we will keep him.

First Day of Preschool

2010-09-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Adelaide was so excited to start preschool. She thought that preschool meant she was going to the elementary. She wanted me to send a lunch and a backpack so she could be like Davis. She didn't even say goodbye to me. She walked in the door and that was the last I saw of her. I think she is really going to have fun.

The Park/ Talkeetna Weekend

2010-09-07T11:22:00.001-07:00

We finally had a sunny day so we took advantage of it and headed to the park. The kids of course had a blast.
Brandon suprised me with a weekend away without kids. We went the the Mt. Mckinley lodge near Talkeetna. It was so nice just to get away. The weather was foggy and rainy the whole time except while we were driving home. Mt. Mckinley came out for a little bit. We had a really nice time thanks to grandma for watching the kids.

Alaska State Fair

2010-09-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

The kids love the fair and this year was no exception. Emma was old enough to enjoy it so it was that much more fun for us to watch her get excited about everything there was to see and EAT. We rode rides, the horses, ate, looked at the animals, saw a bird show, hula hooped, ate, saw snakes and alligators, ate some more, and visited with friends. We had a really good time- we stayed at the fair until 10pm. Adelaide was on Brandon's shoulders almost the whole time. Emma kept putting her hands over her ears because she didn't want to listen to me. Hello terrible twos!!!

Happy 8 years- a few days late!!!

2010-08-27T12:07:00.001-07:00

Love you honey! You are a wonderful husband and a great dad. Thanks for 8 great years. I look forward to spending many many more with you. Love you

This and That

2010-08-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Davis started first grade yesterday. His teacher is Ms. Tardiff. I hope he has a fun year. He wouldn't smile for me in any of the pictures except the ones with his sister's. He did give me a kiss at the school in front of girls so I am still okay.
On the 4th of July we went and had dinner with our friends up the street. They have a hot tub so the kids had a blast hanging out in the water.
We have been going on hikes, baseball games, the park, go carts, and I have only a few pictures to prove that we haven't just been sitting at home while it rains and rains. The most rain in 50 years- 31 days straight of rain as of a few days ago.

24th of July Video

2010-07-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post this last year but it was from my Brother-in-laws camera and then I forgot about it until he sent it to us. This is Adelaide riding the sheep last year at the Bear River Celebration on the 24th. She is such a tough girl. Looking back I can't believe we let her get on a sheep wearing shorts and jelly shoes. What kind of parents are we?

Happy 6th Birthday DAVIS!

2010-07-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

We sure love this boy. He is such a sweet and sensitive boy. I can't believe that he is 6 already. I am so glad to have him in my life. I can't imagine what the past six years would have been like without him in it. He isn't a little boy anymore. A funny thing that he asked me the other day. We were driving to the movie theatre and he asked me, "Mom, if you are a "red neck" will the persons at the theatre let you in?" It was so funny, and he didn't know why I couldn't stop laughing to answer his question. As a joke I told him he would have to ask Grandpa Nelson if he gets let into the movies. Too funny!

What we've been up to................

2010-07-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Davis lost his first tooth this week. Adelaide was making him be her puppy with the leash in his mouth on the trampoline and they fell or jumped and it ripped out of his mouth and his tooth came with it. The tooth fairy brought him $5(inflation, right?)
We have been working on fixing up our dirt yard this year. We planted grass and built flower beds and have been chopping down trees. Yard improvements are never ending.
The kids have been enjoying being outside, playing baseball with Dad and taking swim lessons. The picture of Adelaide is her running from Brandon who kept spraying with them with the water bottle.
The kids are soo excited about having a new baby. Adelaide keeps stuffing her shirt with things so that she can pretend she has a baby. If anyone ever forgets to bless the baby during EVERY prayer than we hear about it. Davis wanted to take a picture of me and the baby so Emma lifted up her shirt and stuck out her belly too.

It's Official!

2010-06-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

Our Baby is Officially not a "baby" anymore. She is two and as independent as all get out. We have loved watching her grow up and discover things for herself. She is a fun and humorous little girl. She gets teasing and loves to do whatever her brother and sister are doing. Emma Claire we love you and are so grateful to have you in our family.

Recap of the last Month

2010-05-27T10:27:00.001-07:00

It was really quiet the other day so I went to find Emma and I walked into the wash room to put the clothes in the dryer and I could hear Emma calling me. I couldn't see her and I had just walked past the bathroom and she wasn't in there and then the dryer door swung open and I found this.....

We had a birthday get together with my family before they all left for Utah. We just went to the park and had pizza and cake. Perfect time for an almost 2 year old.

Davis had a graduation ceremony for kindergarten. We thought it was really lame until we saw him in his cap and gown and singing so cute. He did a good job and had fun. He's ready for 1st grade.

Out latest Project- Baby Boy #4. I am due November 6th. I'll be 29 with 4 kids. What were we thinking?! We are all really excited to have a new baby and especially that it is a boy. 2 &2- I think we are done.

Adelaide's Spring Recital

2010-05-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Adelaide had her dance recital on Saturday. She looks forward to it all semester. She loves getting up on the stage and performing. She did really well. We didn't take pictures before the recital because I didn't get there until 5 minutes before the show and Brandon forgot so we had a grumpy girl by the time we took pictures. She looked happy up on the stage so who cares about happy pictures, right?
The last two pictures are the day after the curlers. They turned out just like I thought.

Walk down memory lane

2010-05-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Any of you remember sleeping in these? I just bought some today and Brandon and I put them in the girls hair tonight. Yes, my husband put curlers in Emma's hair all by himself. We will see how well they turn out tomorrow or how many of them actually make it thru the night.

Alaska Zoo Fun Run

2010-05-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

The kids ran at the zoo on Saturday. They have a run every year in May. They break it up into age groups and then boys and girls. They tape off a course thru the zoo and then the kids run it. They had so much fun doing it. The kids get a t-shirt and a ribbon. McDonald's has yogurt and juice for them and then they get a powerade after. It is a lot of fun.

Lately....

2010-04-29T12:17:00.001-07:00

I am having problems uploading my pics- the picture doesn't show up just a bunch of #'s but when I publish it they are normal. If anyone knows what the deal is let me know.
Emma decided on her own last week that she wanted to go the bathroom like a big girl. It has been a week with only a few accidents that weren't her fault. We will see how long it lasts but I am enjoying it while it does. We were giving her a treat when she went #2 and Adelaide asked me almost crying what was she going to get for going #2. It was kind of funny.
There are some pictures of the girls cooking with their dad. The girls thought it was fun to lift up their shirts to warm their bellies everytime Brandon would open up the oven.

Seriously?

2010-04-14T15:32:00.001-07:00

Woke up to snow this morning and it hasn't stopped all day. So much for global warming right? The other pictures are the girl's in their Easter dresses that Grandma gave them.

Week of Fun

2010-04-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have not been fun. I got sick a week before Easter and it never went away. I thought I had a cavity or a cracked tooth because my tooth was hurting so bad so they scheduled me for the earliest appointment they had and turned out nothing was wrong with my tooth I just had a sinus infection that they detected on the x-ray. Then I had to get an appointment with the doctor and get antibiotics. Emma started throwing up last week and kept waking up with a fever so I took her to the doctor and she had a double ear infection. She didn't pull on her ears once. I felt like a stupid mother but my kids don't get ear infections so I didn't know the signs. We all have a gnasty cough and runny noses. Hopefully we all get better soon. Hello Spring!

Easter outfits from Grandma Nelson

2010-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

I didn't take very many pictures of our Easter for some reason. We dyed eggs, had a nice dinner with grandma and had an egg hunt outside that the kids loved. They got very spoiled.

Easter Morning

2010-04-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

New Baby in our Family

2010-03-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is my sister-in-law, Shauntay and her husband Chris' new baby girl. Her name is Taylee and she is about a week old now. We are so happy and excited for them to start their family. They have been very patient in waiting to get a baby and it finally happened. They flew to Maryland to pick her up and came home a week later. Now they just need to fly to Alaska so we can hold her too. Adelaide says very sweet and innocently, "Chris and Tay's baby Taylee has a brown face." We are excited to have her in the family.

Homemade Waffle Cones? Yes, Please!

2010-03-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Aunt Emi and Uncle Efu gave us a waffle cone maker for Christmas. Brandon loves ice cream and cooking - he had a fun time trying to perfect the waffle cone.

Davis thinking it is pretty good.

Waffle cone bowls.

Adelaide enjoying her ice cream cone. Thanks you guys we love it. It made our Family Night tasty and fun.

Davis' First Fieldtrip

2010-03-10T10:49:00.001-08:00

Davis and his classmates at the local newspaper.

First ride on the school bus.

Davis making his money bank @Lowes.

Listening to Bruce about how to build their project.

It runs in the Family

2010-03-02T13:46:00.001-08:00

All of our kids at one point or another during their childhood have "cheesed" the camera. Adelaide has done it since she was a baby and apparently it hasn't gone away yet.

Emma is in the "cheese" faze.

Davis used to be a cheeser.

I guess I am the one to blame.

Davis Broke his Collar Bone

2010-03-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Davis went outside to sled last Wednesday and came in crying a few minutes later. He fell off of his sled and either hit wrong or landed on a rock or piece of ice. He has to wear a thing to take the pressure off of it for a couple of weeks. I told him to come in the kitchen so I could take a picture of him and he gave me this serious look. Ofcourse Adelaide had to be right there giving me the same face. Not a very exciting story for breaking your first bone.

The Past Week

2010-02-04T15:21:00.000-08:00

Davis was in serious need of a haircut and we asked him if he just wanted us to shave it. He said "Yes, because then Dad can't give me turkey's!" So we shaved it all off. He was excited because now he looks like Uncle Yao.

We celebrated Jeff and Alyvia's Birthday on Sunday. The food was awesome thanks to Julia Child(aka Lisa).

Davis hasn't figured out summer/winter activities yet. He thinks you should be able to ride the scooter in the snow.

Emma was not so excited about being out in the cold.

This was the best picture I got of Adelaide. She wasn't in a photogenic mood.

Emma looking like Ralphie- not Ralphie the other brother. Can't think of his name.

Sewing Projects/Random Pictures

2010-01-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Adelaide ready for church in a coat Grandma Jan made her two years ago- it was a 2T and it just fits her now.

Brandon and I before church- Adelaide wanted to play photographer.

Adelaide being a goof.

Davis hiding in his fort of pillows.

Emma with a macaroni and cheese face.

Blanket I made for Adelaide. It has the nubby fabric on the back so it is super cozy.

She picked out the fabric- so I can't help that it looks like a newborn blanket. She loves it so it doesn't matter.

A baby towel I made for Brandon's friend at school.

Baby toy that I made for our friend.

Chistmas/Birthday/New Year Celebration

2010-01-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

Adelaide's cake the Aunt Tay made her. Such a cute purse cake- Adelaide loved it.

Great Grandma and Davis laughing at who knows what- I get a kick out of this picture.

Davis and Emma hanging out.

Adelaide taking a whack at the pinata.

The kids and cousin taking a bath.

Brandon trying to entertain the little kids. I don't know that they ever got the hang of the game.

Emma with her pony from Grandma.

Adelaide and her zoo zoo pet from "Red" Grandma.

All of the girls sporting the aprons I made them for Christmas- they turned out alright for my first attempt at sewing.

Christmas Eve/Temple Square

2010-01-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Emma and mom on the front runner. We had dinner at Emilie's house before we left- she made a yummy veggie cheese soup and Yao made a beef spicy soup.

All of us at Temple Square. It was cold so we went to the Joseph Smith Cafe and got hot chocolate to warm up.

Yao and Davis on the front runner. After we went to Temple Square we went to get chinese food at 10:30 p.m. It was really good food and we had a fun time.

The Nutcracker

2010-01-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

We went to the Nutcracker again this year. Adelaide loved it so much last year that we had to go again. She talked about going again all year. Aunt Emi came and we had a fun time.

Mom and Addie before the show.

Emilie and Adelaide waiting for the show to start. Adelaide got restless towards the end and was trying to imitate the dancers in the aisle.

Christmas early in Alaska

2010-01-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

Davis sporting his new sweater from Auntie Sarah. Santa got Davis a basketball hoop thing where you can race each other(it is in the background). He was pretty excited.

Brandon and Davis after opening all of his presents.

Emma got a tricycle. She doesn't know how to ride it but she wanted to try.

Adelaide in her new dress for the Nutcracker sitting in her chair from Santa. She was disappointed she didn't get Emma's santa present. Santa brought Emma a rocking horse that makes sounds and waggs its tail. We had a very nice Christmas before we went to Utah.

Adelaide's Christmas Dance Recital

2009-12-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Adelaide looks forward to her recitals all semester. She loves being on stage and performing. Which is funny because she is shy talking to people and interacting that way but I guess she feels at home on the stage.

Playing with her friend before the big show.

She was pretty funny to watch- she got out of line a bit and then was behind a girl so she shuved her way to the front where everyone could see her. She let me do her hair and she thought she looked like a ballerina. She sure is beautiful.

Thanksgiving/B-day Party

2009-12-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

Craft that Davis made in school. Gobble Gobble.

Cousins eating dinner.

Adelaide trying to take a picture of the grown-ups.

Waiting for her friends to arrive at her pizza birthday party.

My attempt at a free-hand jewelry box cake. She loved it so why do I care?

2009-11-26T01:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Three birthdays in four days is crazy!!!

What a nice looking baby.

This is my favorite picture of Adrienne.

Adrienne in Elementary.

Check out the new freshman.

Happy Birthday Honey, I look forward to many more birthdays with you.

Happy 4th Birthday!

2009-11-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

I love how sweet she can be.

I love her funny personality.

I love it when she smiles.

I love it when she helps her brother and sister get dressed or get a toy. She can be such a great helper.

I just love having her in our family. She has such a spunky and precious personality. I can't believe she is already 4. Happy Birthday, "Goozie."

Happy Birthday Brandon!

2009-11-23T09:11:00.000-08:00

Brandon at a year old.

Brandon's school picture when he was 6.

Brandon's senior picture.

Brandon towards the end of his mission in Australia.

The day we got engaged.

You are such a handsome "MAN." Happy 32!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

Before we went trunk or treating and they got all hopped up on sugar.

What a sweet looking "Mickey."- not Minnie! I tried to talk her into a bow in her hair and she could be Minnie but she didn't want to.

Davis kept telling everyone that they would scream when they saw his costume. He was very excited. His favorite part of halloween was trick or treating door to door- he said that he "loved" it.

What a pretty ballerina. Once she got the idea of you put out your bag and they put candy in it she was all about it.

Silly Girl

2009-10-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Adelaide has been saying pretty funny things lately- maybe not funny but smart things that I didn't know she comprehended. The other day she came in wanting to wear a t-shirt as a dress. I said "No, way- you need pants."
" Mom, I need to wear a dress, to get married!" she starts to walk off and says, " Ugh, I need to go get married in the temple!"

This morning I had the children's primary songs playing and I feel my Saviors' love started playing.
"Mom! Saviors' Love!" Adelaide
"Yep, who is the Savior?" Mom
"Jesus. Davis, who is your Savior?" Adelaide
"Jesus." Davis
"Yep, that's good." Adelaide

Yesterday was the primary program at church. One girl was talking about getting ready to be baptised. Adelaide said "Mom, I want to get baptised too."

She is a fun kid. She certainly has a sense of humor. Whenever we go somewhere and she is asked what her name is she says "Boo Boo or Doo Doo head," and then laughs because she gets a kick out of herself. Atleast I can be reassured that some serious gospel principles are getting thru that goofy personality.

Family Pictures(Professional ones)

2009-10-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken towards the end and the kids were spent.

Sweet Emma girl.

He looks so grown up to me.

Brandon and I don't really have any pictures of the two of us. It was fun to take some couple photos.

Jamie sure captured Adelaide's personality with this one.

Happy family picture- and Brandon even smiled in all of them. I don't think he will ever live it down. For those of you who saw our engagement pictures or wedding photos he wouldn't smile and I am going to harass him over it for a long time especially since he cheeses it for his school pictures but couldn't smile on his wedding day! I don't get it. Either way I loved having professional pictures taken- Jamie did an awesome job. I love the fall colors.

Wildlife Conservation Center

2009-09-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

This was the after math of our trip to the Wildlife Conservation Center. It is like Alaskas zoo- but way better.

This is a shot of the elk before it tried to charge Brandon. It must be that time of year because he was acting crazy. Brandon was making him mad by sticking the camera thru the fence and he was getting way upset and kept trying to ram him. Thank goodness for the fencing.

Emma was getting a free ride on dad's shoulders. She was rubbing his head and ears the whole time- she gets to ride and he gets a head massage- they were both happy about it.

Cheese.

Nice hairdo Adelaide.

I shouldn't have eaten that extra cookie.

My turn to get some luvs from my baby girl.

The bears were out and wanting to get over to the stream to play in the water.

Nice shades!

Davis was our own personal navigator. He was really into the map and telling us which way to go.

hey there dude?!

Oh- grumpah face!

The highlight of the year up here in Alaska- The State Fair!

2009-09-07T21:53:00.000-07:00

The kids with Uncle Jeff.- Whenever we go out with other people Brandon and I become chopped liver.

The cousins riding a ride at the fair that makes me sick. it is the one that goes around and around until you want to puke and then changes direction for some more stomach turning. They loved it!

I think that Jeff and Lisa must have brought the stroller for their 5 1/2 year old instead of their soon to be 2 year old.

Adelaide and her "fair face." She got a unicorn this year.

Shake it girl!

Davis got to get his face painted this year. He chose a train and he was pretty stoked.

This picture makes me laugh. Have any of you seen the SNL sketch with Mark Wahlberg or the guy that plays him where he is talking to animals? "Hey goat- How yeah doin? Say hello to your mother for me, alright?" It is so funny- that is what this picture reminds me of.

The family and Smokey.

Adelaide inhaling her cotton candy- watermelon flavored.

The kids laughing at each other in one of those picture things.

First Day of Kindergarten!

2009-08-24T10:25:00.001-07:00

Davis went and found his seat in his class. I don't know if you can see his name well enough or not. His class has two frogs and a fish tank. His teachers name is Mrs. Hanford. I told him I would make him dinner for his first day and he asked for salmon and rice with speed racer yellow cake cupcakes with yellow, white and red frosting and the #5. Like the Mach 5- those of you who are up on your speed racer lingo.

Davis this morning before we left for his first day of school. He woke up on his own and started getting dressed- no time for going to the bathroom, eating breakfast or showering-right to clothes. Too bad mom insisted he do the above before we left.

Adelaide had to be in the picture ofcourse. This is at Goosebay Elementary. Davis' famous school-we have been hearing about his school before our house was built 2 years ago. Love the roller backpack- I think it's nerdy but he loves it.

I bribed Adelaide to move out of the picture so we could have a picture just of Davis. I went a little crazy with the pictures but it could have been worse, there was a lady taking picture after picture of her kid walking down the hall and she was behing him so it was of the back of his head.

7 years closer to Happily Ever After

2009-08-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

I think almost everyone I know got married in August. It must be the month to get married. Brandon and I have been married for 7 years now and it is hard to remember what life was like before we met. I feel like we have always been together. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband- he did get 100% on a facebook quiz "How well do you know women." He must be pretty amazing! He is very thoughtful and let's me do pretty much what I want because he is always trying to make me happy. He is a wonderful father- even if he drives me crazy while he wrestles with the kids and they scream at the top of their lungs. They love it. I love you honey. Thanks for 7 great years!

Train Ride to Seward

2009-08-18T09:12:00.001-07:00

Good thing we caught the only time they were nice to each other on camera.

Davis trying to get some time away from us.

Brandon and the kids while they liked each other.

Me and the kids. I don't know what we were thinking taking three kids on a 5 hour train ride. Never again.

Before we got on the train. We should have known then it was not a good idea. The novelty of being on the train wore off after 20 minutes.

Riding the horse @ Grandpa Nelson's

2009-07-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

All of the one year old cousins riding Mr. Wrinkles.

Daddy and Emma.

Emma having a blast on the horse.

Davis' turn.

Adelaide not so sure about gettting on top of animals after her crash on the sheep.

Bear Lake

2009-07-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

We went to Bear Lake over the weekend. We rented a boat and went tubing. We all had a fun time.

The kids loved the sand and seashells.

Davis playing in the water.

Emma laughing it up.

Happy July 24th!

2009-07-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

We went to a Real soccer game with Brandon's family. We had a good time- they had fireworks after they won!

Bear River had a 24th Celebration and Adelaide went muttin bustin. I will post the video once we get it. She was so tough.

Uncle Chris borrowed a big army truck( I don't know the official name) and they used that as their float in the parade.

Uncle Alex and Emma.

Everyone on the truck.

Dinner at Maddox for Davis' Birthday!

2009-07-31T10:04:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to blow out candles.

Group hug.

Aunt Shauntay and Davis share the same birthday. Happy Birthday Auntie!

Everyone gave him a transformer. He loves his Transformers!

I was going to take a picture of Davis and Adelaide ran over and stood by him and said "Take a picture of us... Cheese!" They are good friends most of the time.

Davis Turns 5!

2009-07-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Davis. We love you so much! You have been such a blessing in our lives. You are a sweet kid and are turning out to be such a fun and out going boy. You love meeting and talking to new people and we really like that about you. You are so sweet to your sisters most of the time. We all love you- We really enjoy being your parents. Love you Buddy.

Lagoon

2009-07-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Davis rode front row on the Colossus. He went on it twice and loved it.

Davis rode Wicked twice. They wouldn't let him go on it again because the same person who measured him before said he must have shrunk. He was just excited he got to ride it.

The family on the train.

Kids on the train.

Adelaide cheesing it.

Adelaide concentrating on driving the cars.

She had to ride the pink kitty.

Chris and Shauntay with Averie.

Me and Davis.

Brandon and Addie.

Driving the cars.

Grandpa Bill on the water ride.

Me and Davis before we got soaked.

Toad's Fun Center

2009-07-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

I think this is one of the few times he used the club instead of his hands.

Emma and Mommy.

Playing arcades. Such a boy thing- I don't get it.

Waiting for Davis to be done.

Camping/Four Wheeling

2009-07-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

After 4 wheeling. Dirty face.

We had fun even though we were so gross.

Aunt Shari takes the cake with the most dirt on her face.

Adelaide being a goof.

Before the 4 wheeler ride. He thinks he is looking pretty cool.

Brandon before the ride.

Emma having fun camping.

Uncle Chris and Davis on the 4 wheeler. Davis rode with him most of the time- Cool Uncle Chris.

Swim Lessons at Brigham City Pool

2009-07-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

Adelaide hanging out in the water.

Davis jumping in the water to his instructor.

Davis' instructor and class mate after going down the slide.

Brandon flew in that morning and we were so excited to see him.

Emma waiting not so patiently for the kids to be done.

Liberty Park

2009-07-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

We went to the little carnival thing they have at the Park- the kids had a great time. Davis was brave and went on the swings that weren't so kid friendly. It went really fast and high- they didn't measure him either- I don't think he should have gone on them.

Emma on the airplanes.

Adelaide on the carousel.

This picture makes me laugh everytime. Addie wasn't happy about having to leave the birds alone so she was moping and it looke like an evolution picture to me.

Wheeler Farm

2009-07-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

The kids loved going to Wheeler Farm. Mom loved it because it was free.

Emma trying to feed them weeds.

The kids loved the horses.

Photo with the cow that wouldn't be quiet.

Taking a ride on the wagon pulled by a tractor.

Grandpa Bill came to say Hello.

Emma taking a nap on the go.

Adelaide trying to befriend the ducks.

Dinosaur Park

2009-07-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Emilie lives a mile or so away from the Dinosaur Park. Grandma and Emilie went to New York and I thought I could walk without a stroller or reinforcements to the park.

We made it- barely. I don't think I will ever do it again. Next time we will drive or take a stroller.

Fun at Aunt Emmi's

2009-07-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Adelaide after a day of swimming . She fell asleep in the car and I made her walk in the house- she made it about two feet before she collapsed on the floor.

After they woke up from swimming. They still look drained.

Adelaide on the train.

Grandma and kids on the train.

Auntie Em and Emma.

We went to eat at the Union Grill and then went and played on the trains. Davis was in heaven.

We went swimming and it wiped the kids out. Davis fell asleep at the table.

The Fourth of July!

2009-07-30T10:21:00.001-07:00

The kids and I were in Utah for the Fourth. Emilie and I ran the 5K up in Huntsville while mom pushed the three kids in the stroller. Davis made it some of the way. We then had breakfast in the park and watched the parade- the Michael Jackson float was my favorite. We tried to keep the kids up until 10pm for fireworks but they were way too tired. We had out own fireworks at Emilie's and then put the kiddos to bed.

Melting in Utah!

2009-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am loving the warmth but we are not used to it anymore. The kids aren't familiar with playing at the park and getting their buns burnt by going down the slide or getting in their car seats and burning their legs on the buckles. We have only been here a little over a week and I think I have taken 100 pictures already. I will have quite a few to post when we get home. We have a list of things to do and places to eat while we are down. Cafe Rio, Cheesecake Factory, Lagoon, Outdoor pools, Zoo, (Brandon's favorite- not mine) Taco Time and Tony's Pizza. Anything I am forgetting about?

Wishful Thinking

2009-06-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

This picture just cracks me up. We had beautiful weather for a week straight and then two days of rain. The kids were going stir crazy and found the swimming bag and wanted to wear their swimsuits and go outside. It was not warm enough to be so lightly dressed - so Adelaide found a winter hat to help keep her warm. Every time we take a picture outside in Alaska it looks like we added a fake backdrop.

Happy 1st Birthday Emma!

2009-06-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post pictures of Emma from the past year and after I had downloaded all of them I realized it was the wrong order- and then I accidentally deleted two of the pictures. So I just went with it. These are pictures from today back to last June 5th.

Emma and Dad before going to breakfast on her first Birthday!

Emma, We have loved every minute with you this past year and hope to enjoy many, many more. You are such a sweet little spirit. We love having you in our family.

Love, Mom

Birthday Celebration Early

2009-05-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Emma's Birthday early before grandma left for the summer.

Emma was loving all of the attention.

Trying to share with her sis.

I thought it was funny that Brandon was trying to feed the Birthday Girl her cake with a fork.

It's almost like she knew she was supposed to pose with her cake for the camera.

No more pictures!

Brotherly love. Emma could care less.

Emma at the park making her "kissy monkey face."

I did a preschool with some of the mom's in the neighborhood this year and as a last get together we went to our local milk, cheese, ice cream plant to learn about cow's and how they make the ice cream and produce the milk. It was fun. I even learned something. I had no idea cow's had 4 stomachs.

I gave Emma pancakes with strawberries and real whip cream. You can see the delight on her face and she stuffs it in.

My grown up baby girl. She is turning into such a pretty little girl- she can be so gross though. She is worse than Davis. She thinks burping, farting and boogers are hilarious. She isn't afraid to pick up a spider and she will chase Davis with it as he screams and runs for his life. I went outside the other day to find her naked on the porch with #1 and #2 in an empty gatorade bottle? Where did we go wrong?

A recap of our week

2009-05-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Adelaide's ballet performance is Saturday. They had a dress rehearsal and picture day on Thursday. She really liked wearing her blue tutu.

Adelaide showing me her idea of fifth position.

She is a pretty little girl.

This is Emma's latest face. She had a tooth come in on top but it isn't one of her front teeth it is a side tooth. She's a snaggle tooth baby now. I can't figure out if she can feel it when she makes this face or what.

I was trying on old dresses that I wore as a baby and taking pictures of Emma. The other two wanted in on the action.

Brandon started his summer job this week. He had trainings in Anchorage after school every night. Here is a picture of the kids hanging out with Dad before he had to go to work again. Brandon has been in a weight loss challenge for the past couple months and he has lost 30lbs. He made weight today! He celebrated by having 4 donuts and a vanilla steamer for breakfast. Way to go!

Hey, Everybody it's Family Night!!!

2009-04-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Jeff, Lisa and Ainsley. We decided to bowl two games and the kids didn't even make it thru the first game. The adults had lots of practice.

This picture turned out really blurry but it was too cute not to post. Grandma got a strike!!!!

Emma decided she was done.

Here's our Alaskan kids- guns n' all. Davis, Adelaide and Alyvia spent most of their time right here. They were more excited about pretending to play arcades then bowling. Money well spent.

Ainsley looks thrilled!

Davis is excited!

Don't the girl's look ecstatic?

Adelaide getting ready for her turn.

The clan minus me and Uncle Jeff. I think he was hunting down the perfect ball.

Atleast we got a cute picture of Grandma with the kids.

We have a Nudie Baby!

2009-04-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

We were sewing last week and Emma was being such a ham. Granted she was naked and was really enjoying the freedom. She was getting up on her knees and dancing. We were all just laughing hysterically. She is such a sweet baby. Don't mind the "nakie" pictures. I left out the one of her butt in the air.

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

This was the best picture I could get of all three of them. Grandma Jan made the girls dresses for Easter. They turned out so cute. We went to church and then stuffed ourselves with awesome food. We had a really nice day.

The Easter Bunny brought Adelaide a jewelry box with a dancing ballerina inside. She put candy in it instead of her jewelry but whatever.

What a sharp looking boy. He got his first suit and he loved it because it was just like Dad.

Happy Easter Emma!

My kiddos!

2009-03-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Would you like some of my oreo? What a nice girl.

Adelaide has a bad habit of coming into our room in the middle of the night. The other day she came into bed with us and she felt all slick. We put her to bed in pajamas and sometime between falling asleep and coming into our room she changed into her swim suit.

Such a sweet, innocent face. Boy does she fool people. I tried to run errands at Target last week and she had an all out hitting, kicking, screaming at the top of her lungs FIT! I just calmly walked out of the store as she is freaking out and people are staring at me. Davis is crying because he doesn't want to go. She wouldn't walk so I was carrying Emma and trying to carry her but she was flailing her legs so I couldn't. Why do I even try to run errands by myself? 3 to 1 is not fair.

Davis loves to listen to our ipod's and play the air guitar. Not bad! Yesterday he informed me that we need two more babies. Two Boy Babies. He wants brothers to sleep in his bunkbed and play "crash cars." Do 4 year olds have more insight to what"s in store for us than we do? I have always thought 4 kids but 5? He wants one of the babies to be named "Donky Kong." I don't think he gets to have any input.

Bella and Minnie

2009-03-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Adelaide treating Minnie like a baby. The cat stays in the garage most of the time, by choice, because she gets harassed.

We got two new animals right before we left on vacation. I think Grandma is still cursing us. Our chocolate lab came with a name and we didn't change it. Her name is Bella. We must have a thing with double consonants- Addie, Emma, Bella and Minnie.

We're Back!

2009-03-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

A neat building in Puerto Villarta.

Emma and Mommy at dinner.

Miss Hollywood!

Emma cheesing it.

Isn't he handsome?

Playing chess after a fancy dinner.

The Master Chef's Dinner- Our last night eating amazing food.

Enjoying a pina coloda by the pool.

Most of the wait staff is from Indonesia. They were the sweetest people. They leave their families for 10 months at a time and miss their children being born all to give them a better life. They loved Emma. A lot of them had kids her age and really enjoyed seeing her everyday. Even maintenance men that I hadn't ever met would walk buy us and say "Hello Emma." She was the talk of the ship and she loved the attention.

Riding the tender to Loreto.

This is a Catholic Church in Loreto. I thought it was pretty.

We loved La Paz. Brandon is ready to move there to teach at the University. Doesn't this look like a postcard? It was beautiful.

Goodbye Alaska..... Hello Mexico!!!!

2009-03-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

We are leaving tonight to San Diego where we will board a cruise ship to Mexico. We haven't been in weather over 75 degrees in over three years. You know the part in Sound of Music after Leisle kisses her man and she throws her arms out while she is in the rain and screams. That is how I am feeling right now. Stephanie you know which part I am talking about. I am so excited. Brandon and I are leaving the two kids home and are just taking the baby. We are so excited to go and spend time together. I am going to take lots of pictures because this is probably the only time we will go on a cruise. I will have lots to post when we come back in 11 days!!!!

2009-02-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I had a fun day shopping with my girls. Davis spent the day with Brandon at a wrestling tournament and had a blast eating junk food and playing video games.

Brandon was gone all day and I had to work in the evening. We celebrated earlier in the week. We went out to dinner in Anchorage and went grocery shopping at Costco. Very romantic?! After six years of marriage and three kids later- grocery shopping can be more enjoyable than you would think. It was fun just to hang out together minus the kids. Thanks to grandma for watching them.

2009-02-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

Taken seconds before..........

Poor third child! Davis and Adelaide just wanted to give her loves.

2009-01-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

Adelaide had the funnest time at her ballet class. I asked the teacher when I picked her up if she behaved herself and she said, "She's a talker. I thought when she first came in that she would be really quiet and shy and then she wouldn't stop talking." I am glad that she likes her class and feels comfortable enough to be herself.

2009-01-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

I was feeding Emma the other night and her way of letting me know she is done is by spitting the food right as I put it to her mouth. One landed on her forehead. We thought it was pretty cute. Emma sporting a sweet potato bindi.

2009-01-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

She is sitting up!!! Those thunder thighs are coming in handy. She topples over every once in a while but for the most part she is an upright girl.

2009-01-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

Adelaide has such a big personality when she opens up. She can be such a ham. She is so excited for her ballet class tomorrow.

Utah Fun!

2009-01-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

We had a really fun time in Utah. The kids were very spoiled. We had Christmas before we left and then celebrated with all our family again in Utah. Everytime we went to a different house the first thing they asked was "Where are my presents?" The first night we were in Utah we went on the "Polar Express," the Heber Valley Railroad. They sing carols, Santa visits, drink hot chocolate and eat cookies. The kids really enjoyed it. Adelaide and all of the girl relatives went to the Nutcracker at the Capital Theatre. She is into dancing and ballet. She was holding onto the chair infront of her smiling. During intermission she asked me if we could go again. She starts her ballet class this week. I don't know who is more excited her or me. We went to the Children's Muesum at the Gateway, the boy's went to a Jazz game, we tried to go the the movie but Davis decided to get sick after eating red vines- yuck! I think mom had the most fun of all- Check out Jeff"s blog to see pictures of her car after hitting a bull moose.

2008-11-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The turkey looked beautiful. I made name cards for everyone and Davis kept trying to put on an extra googli eye because turkey's have two eyes. Smart kid. Emma had a great time eating potatoes and gravy. She was cheesing it for the camera. With all of the birthdays and Thanksgiving this week, we have gained 25 lbs. collectively.

2008-11-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

My birthday was on Wednesday, I am 27. Davis wanted to take a picture of me. He is a great photographer, "make a angry face, stick out your tongue." I posted the normal picture instead of the ones he coached me on.

2008-11-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

Adelaide's Birthday was Tuesday. She is three and knows what she wants. She has wanted to go to Chili's for her birthday for months. Everytime we would drive by it she would say "Chili's for my birthday." We went to Chili's for her birthday and she was in heaven. Her face lit up when we sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She had her family and her ballerina cake and we were at Chili's(everything she had dreamed of) she was laughing when we sang her name. She had a fun day and really enjoyed all of the attention. We love our "BumbleBee."

2008-11-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

Brandon's Birthday was on Sunday. He is 31. He found out on Sunday that his pig was pregnant and ready to deliver at any time. He spent the entire afternoon and night finishing his barn for her. She had 7 live piglets. Happy Birthday Honey!!! Sorry you didn't get to celebrate with us.

Mom and Dad's boy

2008-11-17T22:56:00.000-08:00

This is Davis. He is not lacking in personality. He loves people and is a very caring boy. He bugs Emma and she loves it. He is obnoxious to us and she just laughs and smiles when he is screeching as loud as he can right in her face.

Adelaide Bee

2008-11-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

This is our wild girl. She is very girly but can play transformers with the best of them. When she was born we decided not to give her a middle name. Davis Mark Nelson is our oldest and she kept telling us that her name was Adelaide "Mark" Nelson. We figured at that point we should think about giving her a middle name and Mark wasn't our first choice. Her great grandma's middle name is Bee and we liked the sound of that and it fits her.

Our Pumpkin

2008-11-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

This is our latest addition. Emma Claire was born on June 5th of this year. She is almost 6 months old and is a super sweet baby. The kids love her. She is close to rolling over. She has started trying to talk and she discovered her tongue. We are having a fun time with our kids and seeing our family grow. We love being parents and are blessed by our children daily. We are also blessed with patience but it runs out around lunchtime.

Cute kids

2008-11-17T22:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a recent picture of the kids in the new kitchen. Davis keeps telling everyone he meets that he is 4. He is proud. Adelaide will turn 3 on the 25th. She wants a ballerina cake. I am going to attempt to make one. If it turns out I will post pics. We painted her room over the weekend. She picked pink and purple. It sounds scary but it turned out.

Oh no

2008-11-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

We are going to post pictures that are three years old. We have to play catch up since we are just now getting online. This is our first picture to put on our blog. Brandon and I love this picture. I was going to take a picture of them looking at me and just as I pressed the button a pan fell off of the counter and startled them. Davis was one and a half and Adelaide was 6 months.