Neeley Family Blog

Well friends, this week has been filled with bad news.    First, I got a call from my cousin Stephanie (my dad's brother's daughter).  She is seen here with myself, the kids, and my uncle Phil.  I first have to say that she is not a phone talking type of person.  We text more than anything, so I knew there was something going on.  She told me she had Breast Cancer.  My heart dropped.  I listened as she told me what she had been going through with appointments and the whole discovery process in the last few days.  She told me everything was going to be fine.  I believe her, but still I think "why did this have to happen!?" So, I am waiting for more information from her as she has a lumpectomy and starts her treatment plan.   The picture below, is a bracelet from Stella & Dot.  As soon as I saw it, I knew it would make the perfect gift for her.  Steph loves elephants!! This bracelet is the strength bracelet....

This post is to strictly document the fact that my mom's side of the family got together.  This has not happened in years! They just don't.  We did when I was younger, but as we have grown up there has been more and more distance between all of us.  So here is proof that my mom, grandma, aunt Kelly and aunt Mary were all together at the same time!   and proof that my sister can still ride her horse!   Brylee and Grammy being a bit silly :)

So we have hinted a couple times that we would be taking a trip at the end of summer and we finally got it all mapped out! Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu, Hawaii!!!!!!  We were brainstorming ideas of locations for the next Brotha's ball (aka. a family trip with Brad's brother Eric, his wife Jenn and our niece Audrey) and I believe Eric mentioned Hawaii, we all jumped on board of course- who wouldn't want the hard decision of pool or beach!?!  This is the largest post I have ever done and the videos are also posted to our YouTube Channel.  Jenn also did an amazing post on our trip for their blog and you can see it here .  So grab a beverage, snack and make sure you are ready for loads of pictures as we explore the Oahu Brotha's Ball. :) Jenn and I did most of the planning.  The Brotha's had their input in things that were a must for them as well.  After careful research, modifications, mapping, re-mapping, review reading and Groupon/Liv...

My youngest step-brother, Kyle just got drafted to play for the Boston Red Sox. We are so excited for him!!! He just graduated University of Portland.  He has played baseball for them his full four years.  He is a pitcher.  Kyle has done really well in his Junior and Senior years there.  And there was some hope that he would end up getting drafted.  The draft in baseball has 50 rounds.  He was drafted in the 7th round.  Pretty darn good! Kyle had several teams calling him in the days prior.  He signed his contract on Tuesday and flew out Sunday morning.  Here is a video of him in action.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_IchTClNkA We had a "draft" party for him Friday night.  He is super excited and I think still in the "I can't believe this is real" phase.  John is super proud and excited too! Here is Kyle on the right with his current roommate. The boys had him autograph their "Portland Pilots" baseball bats and ...

My dad's mom, Grandma Nancy just turned 80! I cannot believe that she is 80.  My aunt Laura invited me over to her house for a birthday party.  It wasn't a surprise party, but there were lots of friends and family there to help celebrate the occasion. I took Brayden with me.  Brock did not want to go and Brylee was sick so I thought it best not to take her.  My sister and Isabella went as well. I got there around 6:30 and the party was well under way.  My grandma eyed me right away and gave me a big hug. I then got to visit with family and a few friends.  I even ran into one lady that I used to manage when I worked at Lloyd Center.  Small world! She is really good friends with my Aunt Laura and my half-brother Chris.  We took a little time to catch up as well. My Grandma with her daughter, 5 granddaughters, 1 great-granddaughter, and 1 friend. Sisters & Sisters  Cousins... its been years since we were all in a picture togeth...

Well, my dad's side of the family decided to put together a reunion.  I was unsure about going as thoughts of the awkward conversations fill my head.  The visions of introductions as to who I am and how I am related to these people.  Most of them have seen me since I was a little girl, and with my dad being gone  now he would not be there to help make the connection.  But with a threat from my sister, and knowing that both my uncles would be there and that they wanted me there, I decided to go.  The event was held at my Great-Uncle Charley's house.  He lives about an hour away on the way out to the beach.  I thought my parents lived out in no-man's land.....boy was I wrong.  Charley lives in NO-MAN's land!  It was gorgeous out there though.  He has his own vineyard and lots of acreage.  They had a bounce house, dunk tank, and drawing area for the kids.  Tables of food, beverages, and desserts.  The festivities w...