Category Archives: Brady

Brady-boo is 14!

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How is this child growing up so fast? Our not so little Brady-boo will be in high school next year. While he is more than ready, we can’t help but want to make time slow down a little.

This year Brady grew so much socially. His friend group expanded as he began to get more involved in band, running track and cross country, and participating in Lego Robotics club. This was evident at his birthday party where 11 teen boys came to hang out, swim, and EAT SO MUCH FOOD. One thing I noticed was how each of them had such nice things to say to Brady in their birthday cards- they all seemed to know him so well and really care about him. It feels good to know that as he begins this new adventure of high school, he will be surrounded by some really good kids.

Brady at 14 is not that much different than Brady at 4 in most ways. Yes, at 5’8 he now towers over me, but he is still my dinosaur obsessed boy. He still studies things and quietly observes in new settings. He still loves museums, books, and building. In fact, this year he asked for money for his birthday so he could buy his own Lego Robotics kit. He loves learning behind the scenes information about his favorite movies (Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Jaws) by watching documentaries about Steven Spielberg and John Williams. He is a wiz at coding, Lego, and anything Paleontology, but he also loves being up to date on current events and government.

This kid is so unique and so kind. He is analytical, logical, and has such a good head on his shoulders. We are so proud of the young man he is becoming. Slow down, time! We love you so much, B-man!

Brady-boo is a teenager!

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Our sweet Brady turned 13 this summer. This past year has been a tremendous time of growing and maturing for him. He is easily 2 inches taller than me and is eating us out of house and home. You can practically see him growing before your eyes. He is smart and kind. He is witty and analytical. He loves Minecraft and coding. He plays trumpet and runs track. He spends his time reading and hanging out with friends. He is easily the best teenager I know. We are so lucky he is ours!!!

Brady is 12!

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It’s hard to believe our quiet little blue eyed boy is on the verge of teen years. It seems like just yesterday he was flying his toy planes around and eating his cheddar bunnies while watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And now, as I type this, I’m currently washing up a week’s worth of his smelly laundry from his first sleepaway camp that he just returned from where he learned to design flying gliders and all about Lego robotics. Our sweet Brady-boo still has his big kind heart from his toddler years- but he’s got a little older kid independence mixed in there now. He is still fascinated by building and understanding the way things work. He still has a HUGE appetite (and God only knows where he puts it all!) He still loves movies and music. And, he’s still a quirky daydreamer with plans to discover a dinosaur fossil when he grows up. It’s bittersweet to see our little guy grow up into this pre-teen kiddo, but he makes us proud every day. He boldly tries new things and doesn’t let a challenge deter him. He is fiercely himself in a crowd of middle schoolers all trying to out “TikTok” each other in an effort to fit in. He could spend hours with his books and playing video games with his brother. He is curious about the world and makes it better just by being in it. We love you lots, B-man!

Brady is 11!

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It happened again- our boy is a year older. Brady is such a light in this sometimes very dark world. His curiosity, his always spinning wheels, and his even keeled nature make him such a one of a kind kid. At 11, he loves all things dinosaurs and Jurassic Park. He pours through books faster than I can keep up- we are constantly at the library stuffing our tote bag full for him. He is often distracted and in his own head thinking of new inventions and analyzing the way things work. He is fearless and has tried all kinds of new activities this year- baseball, skiing, trumpet… He is kind and gets along with everyone he meets. We couldn’t have asked for a better 11 year old. He is so excited for middle school and growing up. We secretly wish we could keep him this age forever. We love you Brady-boo!

Brady is TEN!

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Remember when you turned ten and you thought it was so cool because you were double digits and you could tell everyone you were a decade old? I do. Remember when you were a new parent and you thought people with ten year old kids were kinda old? Ugh, I remember that too. But alas, here we are. Brady is ten and we are the parents of a decade old kid.

But, what an awesome decade it’s been. This ten year old kid of ours is better than anything I could have dreamed up. He is thoughtful and empathetic. He is an adventurer and a dreamer. He has the most positive attitude of anyone I know and always looks on the bright side of life. He is easy going and eager to please. He works hard and strives for success in all he does. He is willing to try new things, and he cheers on others always.

This year Brady excelled in Taekwondo and made it to a green belt. He got straight A’s all through 4th grade. He tried baseball for the first time. And, he continues to be his happiest when reading a good book.

This year we also threw a major curve ball into his life by moving him 10 states away from family and friends. He embraced this change with excitement and courage. He says he was born to live in Maine because it is full of new experiences and challenges. I just love him to pieces.

Happy birthday, Brady-boo. May your life always be an adventure!

Brady is 9!

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Brady-boo is officially in his last year of single digits. We’ve made it to the halfway point of his childhood. What the what? How is that possible?

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We sure did luck out with this kid. He is the coolest, quirkiest, funniest 9 year old you could ever imagine. He loves to create, build, and daydream. He loves to talk anyone’s ear off and is a friend to all. This year he has found a love for Tae-kwon-do, Harry Potter, and adventure seeking. He is always learning, and often gets in trouble for staying up too late reading. He is one of a kind and makes the world a better place.

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Happy birthday, sweet boy! We love you!

 

 

Brady-boo is 8!

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Today we celebrate 8 awesome years of having Brady in the world. He is truly one of a kind and brings happiness and curiosity wherever he goes. Brady is always looking up and studying the world around him. He is fascinated with the way things work and questions everything. His go-to phrases are “I have an idea!” and “I wonder…” His gears are always turning and his creativity blows us away. Every teacher he’s ever had has remarked on his positive outlook and joyful heart. He is quick to forgive and quicker to apologize if he feels he’s done something wrong. He marches to the beat of his own drum and never goes out of his way to “fit in” or be like anyone else. He’s the kind of kid who could entertain himself for hours with a piece of paper or a stick. In fact he loves searching for the perfect stick, rock or leaf! He’s smart in a way that can’t be measured by standardized tests. He loves to please and is harder on himself than we ever could be. He challenges us with his one track mind that often has a hard time turning off. He is your stereotypical gifted kid who is desperately lacking in the common sense department. He will find life on Mars before he will figure out whether you’re supposed to push or pull a door to open it.  We love his quirky personality but we love his enthusiasm for life even more. He is as special as they come.

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Happy birthday Brady-boo! We love you to the deepest part of space and back!

2018-2019 School Year (K&2)

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Another school year has flown by. Nolan completed his first year of Elementary School and Brady finished his last year of primary grades. Next year Nolie will be a big 1st grader and Brady will be entering a new world of Standardized tests and real letter grades in 3rd. Both boys had a positive school year and came more out of their shells. Brady really embraced his love for reading and writing (swoon!) and Nolan became obsessed with all things math. They developed sweet friendships and grew in confidence. And, as evidenced by these pictures, they both grew like weeds!

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Brady said his favorite part of second grade was “Market Day” and art class and Nolan said his favorite part of Kindergarten was P.E. and recess (shocker!) Here are some special moments from the school year…

 

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First day riding the school bus!

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Brady received the “Leader of the Pack” award for the 3rd year in a row. This year his classmates voted for him.

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Tacky tourist day!

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Habitat Day- Brady’s Alligator presentation. (Go Gators!)

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Art Show

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Almost the end of the school year…Nolan was SO ready for summer!

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End of Kindergarten celebration

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Dino Dig!

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Paleontologist Nolan at his Dino Dig

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Nolan with friends at lunch

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I was so happy that both boys had the same lunch time so I could visit with each of them when I went to their school.

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Nolan and his teacher, Mrs. Ryan.

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Brady and his teacher, Ms. Marlow.

Now time to enjoy summer!!!

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First and last day of Kindergarten and Second Grade!

Brady’s Birthday Celebrations

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Summer is a busy time for our family. We have so many celebrations between birthdays, anniversaries, and Father’s Day. We still find time to party hard for our kids’ special days. This year was no different. Brady had a special day on his actual birthday, a party with his friends at the movie theater to see Solo, and a family party. Here are some pictures from his celebrations.

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Brady is a blessed little boy to have so many friends and family who love him and love to celebrate him!

Brady-boo is 7!

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Look at that sweet face. I can’t believe that face is 7!

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This boy is full of curiosity and adventure. He is a believer in magic and “The Force.” His silliness and joyful heart are contagious. He makes friends everywhere he goes and will talk a stranger’s ear off.  He insists on fairness and following the rules.

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Even though the years are going by so fast, and he has matured in many ways, we are so blessed that Brady has maintained his innocent sweetness. He always looks for good in people. He reminds us of the bright side.

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This year Brady fell in love with reading and can often be found with his nose in a book. We find flashlights in his bed from his attempts to stay up late reading. This was also the year of STAR WARS for Brady. You can quiz him on any bit of Luke/Leia/Vader trivia and he will school you. He spends half his days practicing his light saber moves.

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Brady loves to work on projects. Our house is filled with his drawings, lists, design plans, and ideas. His “inventions” have cost me a small fortune in scotch tape, plastic cups, and toilet paper rolls.

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Brady is a perfectionist and can’t stand to make a mistake. His Lego structures are always symmetrical and he cannot walk away from them until they are complete. He is fearless and is always up to try new things. He is his brother’s protector and often takes on the role of the third parent for him.

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We are so blessed that Brady is ours. He reminds us of what is important in life. Here’s to lucky number SEVEN!

Happy birthday, Brady-boo! You are so, so loved. It’s a better place since you came along!