Tag Archives: birthday

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!

Nolie is 12!

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Our sweet Bubba turned 12! He spent his special weekend rock climbing with friends, watching the Minecraft Movie (he LOVED it), eating his favorite foods, opening presents, and cheering on the Gators in the Final Four.

Nolan is our competitive, musical, feisty, and fun-loving kiddo. This year he has had a great start to middle school, is continuing to play baseball and trumpet, and has begun to hone his piano skills with lessons. He has branched out by making new friends, becoming a more adventurous eater, and practicing harder things like tricky Lego builds and complicated piano songs.

He is loving and funny and can always be seen playing with a ball or heard humming a song. He is so smart and loves to humble brag about his math skills.

We love this boy SO much!

Nolan is 10!

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Sweet Bubba hit double digits. It seems like he was just a wittle toddler screaming at us for more “foffles” and spending endless hours playing with his train tracks. Our baby boy declared this birthday his best ever. He had a surprise visit from Grandma who showed up at his favorite restaurant for dinner on his birthday, opened loads of Pokemon cards, and ate strawberry cake of course. We gave him new (big kid!) golf clubs and he celebrated over the weekend with his two closest friends at a Sea Dogs baseball game.

Nolan’s enthusiasm for life is contagious. He gets so much enjoyment from playing games, “dominating” in sports, and bragging about his math skills. He is always moving and can be heard stampeding down our stairs from a mile away. There is not a quiet bone in this rambunctious boy’s body. He is a lover of the Beatles, Mario Kart, sprinkles, stuffies, and Taco Bell. He is a feeler of all the feels and wears his big heart on his sleeve at all times.

We are so grateful for ten years of trying to keep up with our little man (although, he is consistently not so little, the tallest in his class in fact- as he repeatedly reminds us.) Happy birthday, Nolie! You are so loved.

Nolan’s Turning Ten Interview!

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!

Nolan is 9!

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Our littlest man is officially in his last year of single digits. We’ve had 9 years of laughing at his crazy antics, learning how to understand his big emotions, and being in awe of his never-forgets-anything smart brain.

This year brought big changes to Nolan’s life- new home, new school, new sports… and he has embraced it all. Which, is a tell tale sign that our once shy little boy is really starting to grow up.

Nolan does life large, loud, and intense. He feels all the feels, voices all his thoughts and opinions, and loves to “DOMINATE!” He plays hard and is a sweaty mess all year round. He goes full throttle until he drops. He is the only person I know who can pass out on the ground, in the middle of a concert, with thousands of people surrounding him, and sleep like the dead.

He’s big for his age. Looks more like a 12 year old than a 9 year old- which makes his borderline obsessive affection for stuffed animals and all things cozy, that much cuter. He’s rough and tough on the outside, and squishy and sweet on the inside.

Happy birthday, Bubba! You will always be our best and favorite surprise in life.

Nolan is 8!

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It’s that time of year again, where I struggle to grasp how my kids are as old as they are. Nolan is EIGHT-what?! I will always picture him as a chubby cheeked, messy faced, sweaty blur of blonde hair. In some ways Nolan has always been Nolan. A mix of exuberance, energy, and silliness. He has always been anxious in new situations and is his most comfortable self when competing to “win” something. In other ways, Nolan has grown and changed so much into his new big boy self. He is more confident, more independent, and more mature than I could have pictured him just a few years ago. He is learning to take his time with tasks (speed does not always equate to being the best) and is working so hard to accept that making mistakes is okay. He comes by that last struggle honestly! Nolan’s quick wit, attention to specific details, and sensitive heart make him a complete dreamboat to his mommy. The way he always asks to snuggle and adores “cozy town” (aka blankets, towels or pajamas that are fresh from the dryer), makes me swoon. His love for competing and anything sports related makes him his daddy’s total mini me. Time is passing too quickly with our little man, but we are savoring every minute. We love you lots, Nolie!