Neeley Family Blog

Here is just a quick post about our dear little girl. She was invited to her first birthday party recently. This was her friend Layla (who you can see in Brylee's birthday post).  Her mom had the party at Michael's Craft store...which I thought was so clever!! They brought in food for the girls. It was a Minnie Mouse theme, so sandwiches were shaped like Minnie, some fruit (also shaped like Minnie) and juice boxes.    After a quick bite the girls all got a little wooden bird house to paint.  They put on aprons and picked out some colors.  It was really fun to see each of them put their own personality into the painting.  Once the bird houses were painted, cupcakes were served! They had adorable Minnie mouse chocolate covered Oreos on top! So cute!   Layla then spent some time opening her gifts.     It was an adorable party that definitely gave me some ideas for future parties! Brylee loves crafts too, so this could be a...

We just got a little snow storm around here!!! The kids and I were super excited.  We do not get very many snow storms in the winter, so this was a special treat.  It came in on a Thursday. Brayden and Brock actually had to dismiss early from school because the snow started falling just before lunch time and they were worried about the build up by the end of the school day.  They got a snow day of Friday.  NO SCHOOL!!! The snow lasted through the weekend and even into the next week.  Monday was again a snow day with no school. Tuesday warmed us up and we were able to get back to a normal routine for the rest of the week. Rogue was in heaven! She is such a snow dog!!! We did not have the proper "snow gear" for the kids to be outside playing, but we made due with other clothes. :) The pick up line getting Brock from school. A little photo progression:               All in a...

So as stated in my last post, Brylee just turned 4. Our CO Neeley family decided to make a visit to see us, and it happen to fall the day after Brylee's birthday.  We planned some serious fun to happen on this visit. Brad and Eric wanted to venture to an arcade in Downtown Portland.  It has the "old school" arcade games from when they were a kid.  It is really an adult arcade.  They only let kids in until 5pm, then it is a 21 and over place only (they have a bar inside). Eric also wanted an '80's dance party. Since the one in Portland is again an adult function, we would need babysitters and have to deal with leaving all the kids.  I planned for an "in house" dance party. I ordered some '80's party favors and a wii dance party game that is music from the '80's and '90's.  Jenn and I got to spend our girl time chatting and hanging out together.  She lent moral support while I made Brylee's cake for her birthday ...

I can hardly believe it! My baby girl is 4!!! Where did the time go!?! She is growing up into such a big girl now.  Let's just discuss her for a minute here.  Brylee is in her first year of preschool. She is one of the tallest in her class (no surprise there). She is making some friends with a few girls in her class.  She tells me "not the boys." :) Brylee is into the Disney Princesses right now.  Her room is decorated in them.  She has several dolls, book and princess toys.  I think Ariel is her favorite right now, but that can change depending on the day.  She is sassy! Oh boy is she sassy! She will not let her brothers, dad or mom tell her "no." She is still working on growing out of having tantrums.  They are much less than last year, but still when they come, watch out and leave any public place you may be in/at in a hurry! We continue to work on using our words to describe what is wrong or what she needs, but as I say it is a work in p...

Brayden is again showing off his skills and trying to become the next Portland Trail Blazer. He started basketball in January and will continue until March.  Brock had initially said he wanted to play as well, then changed his mind and backed out of it. Brayden's team this year is made up of 1st and 2nd graders.  It is a district team, so there are kids from several different schools on his team. So far, he is demonstrating his competitive side and being the usual ball hog, but really is working towards passing and being open for passes from his teammates. He always plays hard though and wants to do well.  He enjoys it and now has started trying to use some NBA skills he has learned from his video game on the court! lol    

We bought the boys a Christmas present that involved them going to a Portland Trail Blazers basketball camp. The boys got to do warm ups, learn some drills, practice baskets, then meet two of the Blazers team members! I knew Brayden, being the sports nut he is would just love it.  Brock loves basketball too though and is really good.  He has gotten into it more after we have attended a couple games at the Rose Quarter. Brylee and I hung out on the bleachers and watched them do their drills and show their skills. :)  Brad dropped in for a bit to catch some of the action as well.  Brayden wore his black Blazers jersey and red shorts.  Brock is in the orange shirt and blue sweatpants. Just getting started.  Doing a few practice shots.  Breaking into groups to start drills.  Cheering on brothers!  In comes LaMarcus Aldridge.  And Will Barton.  In the back (middle) listening and watching...