/ Nelson Notes

The Obligatory First Day of School Pictures

8.28.2019

Bringing you photos of the first day of school... on the third day of school! These two handsome studs started 4th and 2nd grades on Monday. Levi was a little nervous Sunday evening, but didn't show any inhibitions come morning. They were so excited! Both boys were up, showered, dressed, and ready for breakfast by 7:10AM. I am so glad they love their routine; it makes mornings go so smoothly.

This year, Levi has Mrs. Casperson. She's a sweet and typical type A teacher who will hopefully teach Levi how to be organized and responsible this year. I have no doubt Levi will have fun with all his friends and succeed in whatever he puts his mind to this year!

Jed has Mr. Butler and I am thrilled. His teacher is going to be teaching the kids through reverse engineering this year... something I know Jed is really going to enjoy! I think this teacher is going to be the perfect fit for Jed this school year.

8.27.2019

A couple of weeks ago we were headed up into the South Hills together as a family on a Sunday afternoon when Jed asked if we could go camping. I could see Bron mulling over the request in his mind. He passed the idea by me later that evening. I was all in; it sounded fun! But then we debated on where. Do we keep it simple and head up into the South Hills or travel a little further and discover some place new? I am so glad we decided to put in the extra effort at the last minute to camp in an area of Idaho none of us had ever visited before because... It. Was. Epic.

We left the house on Friday afternoon, three days before school started; one last summer adventure. We found a large camping spot in a grassy area near a creek under some beautiful mountain peaks. The place was like a dream! We hardly saw or heard other campers all weekend. The place felt so remote. It was wonderful.

8.22.2019

^^Two year old potty humor. He thought he was hilarious! 😂^^

You guys, I take it back. I'm not quite ready for summer to end and school to start after all. It's no secret that summer is hands down my favorite season: the warm sunshine, water play, adventuring, sleeping in, and being together as a family. It just can't be beat! I am going to miss these carefree days and late backyard sunsets like crazy.

The other day I turned on Pandora to jam out while I cleaned my kitchen. The song 'Summer of '69' came on.... "those were the best days of my life." I wondered to myself what the best days of my life might be when I'm old and wrinkly and ready to pass on. I thought of those days when Bron and I were dating and newly married. Those were definitely good ones. And then it occurred to me that these just might be some of the best days of my life. Right now! The last couple of years and perhaps a few more ahead. The kids are at such fun and innocent ages. They're independent enough that they sleep through the night and can grab their own breakfast. The boys love my attention and don't mind hanging out with me. In fact, they think their parents are pretty cool! Bron's career is humming along. We live in a nice home on a beautiful piece of property with some of the best friends God ever created. Life is good and we're pretty darn lucky. Yup. These are the days!

8.18.2019

By Wednesday evening, after Grandma and Grandpa Nelson had gone home, Bron and I weren't ready to be done vacationing! We were having too much fun exploring with our boys. Then we had this idea. Since we were so close to Glacier National Park, we should drive up there for a night and show the boys one of our favorite places. After all, it had been on our wish list to take them there since Bron and I visited five years ago! So that's how we spontaneously extended our family vacation. Worth it!

We miraculously pulled straight into a parking spot late Thursday afternoon in Glacier National Park and took the boys on the short hike to Avalanche Lake. But first, to see the Cedars Trail.

8.16.2019

Tuesday was a bit more low key as we set out to explore a few of Coeur d'Alene's downtown highlights at the kids' pace.

First on the list was to hike Tubbs' Hill! We didn't finish the hike. Instead, we pulled off at a beachy spot and the boys enjoyed playing in the water! I didn't think to wear swimsuits or bring our towels. (Actually, I wasn't thinking at all. I was just surviving with my sore throat!) But we all had a blast anyway. I didn't talk much, but I sure did enjoy myself. Hanging out at the water's edge in the sunshine and watching my boys happily play is a day in heaven in my book!

8.15.2019

Dear Boys,

I am counting down the days til school starts with decidedly more excited anticipation than you are. I never ever thought I'd utter those words, but here they are plain as day in black and white: I can't wait for you to go back to school!

Perhaps it's this awful sore throat, cough, and fever sickness I've been dealing with for over a week that's talking, but I can't be 100% sure.

You see, I'm ready for my house to stay somewhat clean for longer than five minutes.

There are Nerf bullets on every surface, sand in the crevices of the couch, trash and clutter piled up in your room, and sticky spills all over the kitchen floor.

I'm ready for a break from my job as referee.

I help fill part of our days together with fun outings, but you're frankly bored of each other. Oh, the screaming and the pestering!

I'm your mother. I love you fiercely, boys. But you're driving me crazy.

I'll probably be wishing it was summer again when that first school project comes home and we can't make some spontaneous trip to the pool, but for now, I've never been more ready for school to start.

Ten more days.

Until then, Hulu is your babysitter.

Love,
Mom

Nelson Notes

SLIDER

The Obligatory First Day of School Pictures

8.28.2019

Camping Under the Milky Way

8.27.2019

Last Half of Summer Round-Up

8.22.2019

Our Coeur d'Alene Family Vacation Part III: Glacier National Park

8.18.2019

Our Coeur d'Alene Family Vacation Part II: Tubbs Hill + The Hiawatha Trail

8.16.2019

Ten. More. Days.

8.15.2019

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