Neeley Family Blog

So, we thought we were done with all the birthday info, but we got a belated present from Uncle Eric and Aunt Jenn. It arrived this week. And part of the fun in getting it is just having a delivery truck drive up to the house and drop it off. I think the box could be empty and still the boys would be excited to have something delivered! So Uncle Eric picked this out as you can see. I just hope there will not be any blood shed from these toys. There has already been a little crying from the hitting inappropriately.... wish me luck :)

On Brayden's actual birthday, we decided to spend a little family time and celebrate the boys birthdays as the 4 of us. I had worked in the morning, but when I got home the boys had just finished their naps and were ready to go! Brayden informed me he would like to go bowling for his birthday. So off we went. It started off with all 4 us bowling, but about midway through Brad and I gave up our turns to let the boys take over. The bumpers were up and we also had access to a ramp which was handy for them to use. Brayden did not really need it, but thought it was cool to use anyway. Brock, on the other hand, did need it and did not take long for him to figure out what to do on his own. He then proceeded to push me and Brad backward away from him so that he could do it himself. It was pretty stinkin' cute to see him march his way up to the ramp with a 6 pound ball in his arms and roll it all by himself. He would stand there and watch it go all the way to the pins. Here are some pho...

September is a very busy month for us! Birthdays, birthdays, birthdays! On the 7th Brock turned 2 years old. I had to work that day and since Brad and I had gone to the Dave show the night before, his actual birthday was very low key. We sang to him and let him open a couple presents. The 12th is Brayden (and my mom's) birthday. He turned 4 this year. With everyone's schedules my family decided to get together mid-week to celebrate everyone's birthdays. We got pizza and Brad and I ordered a Mickey Mouse cake for the boys (per Brayden's request). It was a good time with family. Grandpa John had also been promising Brayden that he could ride one of the horses the next time he was over. They thought it would be fitting to do it for their birthday party. As you can see from the photos, they loved it! Getting Quincy saddled up: Brayden on his ride: Brock decided to join in: And then Dominic: The boys enjoyed the cake and presents they received. Here are a few photos from ou...

Brad and I are fans of Dave (this is no shock to anyone) and have been for a long time. We have gone to many shows all over the US to see Dave or DMB. We have not been in recent years due to timing issues with us having children (hah! imagine that!). Anyway, DMB was playing Labor Day weekend at our favorite spot, the Gorge (George, Washington). Brad and I had planned when the dates were announced to try and go at least one to two nights. We had asked my parents to take the boys overnight for us, which they kindly said sure to. As it got nearer, I got my schedule at work and did not get the dates off I requested. So I told Brad that I did not think I could go because of my work schedule and that he should go without me. He did not like this, but said that he would try to find a ticket for himself. About 4 days prior to the weekend I made a last ditch effort to get someone at work to trade with me a day and to my surprise it worked! So I was getting off early on Saturday and off on Sunda...

Well, officially Mr. Brayden is a school boy. He started his first year of Preschool on the 2 nd of September. He was very excited the night before. We picked out his school clothes and got everything ready for the "BIG" day. He was still excited at 7am the morning of his first day. He was ready to go right away. He was shy walking into class and unsure about his new surroundings. He is an analyzer just like me and was taking in everything. He was quiet, which we expected. Brayden was fine with me leaving him. He just kept saying, "you'll come back and get me in a while?" I reassured him yes, I would be back with Brock and he could tell me all about his day. I took these few pictures before I left. I love the seriousness on his face! I got a little build up of tears in the eyes as I went to leave. It was such a surreal experience to leave him there in school. He just does not feel that old yet. I was so excited for him though and knew he would have the great...