Neeley Family Blog

Well, we managed to get another quick trip in as a family.  This time our adventure took us 2 hours North to Great Wolf Lodge. Brad and I bought a Groupon recently for the Lodge and planned out our trip when there was a break in school and baseball.  These happened to be the days leading into the Memorial Weekend but we took it as a chance to have some fun and relax. We left Thursday morning and stayed just one night.  The kids were excited to be able to put their swim lessons to use and get back in the water.  We had not been there since the boys were little and Brylee was not yet a part of our family, so about 5 years! We had a Kid Cabin suite this time around, which meant plenty of space for each person.  There is a King bed, sofa sleeper, bunk beds and a single toddler/twin bed.  It worked out perfectly! We spent much of Thursday swimming.  We took a small break for dinner and were back at it until story time came around (also bed time ;)). ...

I got to take a quick trip to the beach overnight for Mother's Day! We had two baseball games in the morning on Saturday, then headed out.  We booked a hotel that was "pet friendly" too! Rogue was so excited to take a ride! We hit the beach first thing.  Saturday was a gorgeous, 72 degree day and perfect for playing in the sand, water and flying a kite.  The kids were so happy to be there! We spent several hours playing.  When it was dinner time we finally headed in.  The hotel was great! They had free movie rentals and even offered a bag of popcorn when we went to check some out.  Rogue enjoyed the dog treats that were in our room too! Here are some glimpses of our overnight stay and fun in the sand: Sunday morning we got breakfast at the restaurant next door.  It was super yummy! We then spent a little bit of time on the beach and checking out Haystack Rock at low tide.  Brad had never seen it at low tide before in all ...

We made it through! Two sports at the same time, no days off in the week, done and done! The kids just had their last lessons for Spring.  I will sign them up for more, but it will be during summer.  I did have to write this post though to show off their skills.  I was in shock and awe their last lesson as to what they were working on! Here are some videos to show their progress: I think they are all far less scared of the water than when we started.  They each made some big strides this time with their lessons and it makes me less nervous to have them in the water! We still have some work to do till they can swim on their own, but we have some opportunities coming up to spend time in the water.  So until next time!

We are well into our third season of coaching the boys' baseball teams.  The first year, Brayden was on t-ball.  The second year, Brayden and Brock were on t-ball.  Third year, Brayden has moved up to Rookie ball and Brock is still on t-ball...problem.  I knew this day would come and I still picture it in my head of all 3 kids on different teams and sports and the same time needing to be taken to practices, games, etc. every day of the week and quite possibly at the same time. Well, we are entering that vision a bit.  Brad had decided to coach Rookie ball this year and move up with Brayden.  We were just going to put Brock on one of the t-ball teams.  Well, our plan did not work out the way we thought.  They were short 3 t-ball coaches this year and so they started recruiting.  With boys in both levels they asked if we could coach both.  BOTH!?! Uh, yeah I totally thought Brad was crazy when he brought the idea to me.  I put it ...

It has been several years since we have taken the kids to swim lessons.  Brylee has never done any.  The last time, Brock and I did a class together and he was like 18 months or so, so yeah it has been a while. With summer coming, and just as we have done recent visits to places with a pool (like our trip to Disneyland) it is apparent they need to get more comfortable in the water.  At least, then maybe I will not be on edge the whole time they are in the water. I signed them all up for classes back in February.  They classes did not start until April. I knew that we would be doing baseball as well during this time, but some part of me thought "oh that is no big deal." Hmmmm....  yeah, no big deal that we have an event every night of the week, but Friday and Sunday....that discussion can continue in a different post. ;) So off we went twice a week for 8 weeks.  I think they all made progress in their classes.  The boys were in a class together an...

We have a new first in the family, Brayden has lost his first baby tooth!! So exciting! He squealed with glee when it fell to the floor. He has been working on wiggling them as his two front teeth started to loosen.  I have even tried tying floss around them and pulling to no avail.  Just the other night he said, "mom will you try again? they are really loose now, especially this one (insert image of him grabbing one of his top front teeth and moving it around)." I reluctantly agreed. So we wrapped floss and pulled and.... the floss broke! HA! So we tried one more time and....ping to the floor it went!!! And squealing began! We will wait for the tooth fairy tonight and see what she brings. ;) He wanted me to send this picture to everyone too so they could see his new smile.  Brayden is heading back to being a toothless kid!

We made the jump and finally got the kids a swing set. We have been looking at them for quite a few months now.  We found one that we like at Toys R Us.  It had been on sale at the end of Fall, but we were just a week or so late on that good deal. :( Brad and I have kept our eye on it. It finally just went on sale again and we had a coupon too! Bonus! After orchestrating pick up of the box and slide, it sat for a week or so in the basement while we waited for some nicer weather. Brad got the instructions out and it said that it would take 10+ hours for 2 people to put together.  Brad's brother Eric got a smaller one last year and it took him about 6 hours to put it together, so we knew we were in for it. He picked a day to start with cataloging and putting some smaller frames together. He then had another day of moving it outside and connecting those frames. A third evening brought additions to the framing and the addition of the slide. And a fo...