2010 Nelson Family Reunion

We spent July 23-August 1 at the Oregon Coast for our Nelson family reunion. We had so much fun, it's hard to know where to start. Some of the activities included: Iron Chef competition (secret ingredient = bacon), Amazing Race, family 5k race, crabbing, spa night for the girls, nerf gun fight for the boys, family home evening, family pictures at the beach, alka-seltzer rockets, swimming, ninja and board games. I could go on and on. We don't often get to see our whole family together so I would have to say that was the best part.

Whitney's Birthday

W is for wonderful
H is for happy and helpful
I is for interesting
T is for thoughtful
N is for negotiator (she's a pro)
E is for energetic
Y is for youthfulSo, it's official, I am the mother of a teenager. How did this day sneak up on me like this? It wasn't Whitney's year to have a "friend" party, but we had a nice family party. She helped me make her cake. She wanted a red velvet cake with fondant on it. I am no "Cake Boss", but we did our best. It turned out pretty cute. She finally got the guitar she has been begging for. Now she just needs to learn how to play it. Too bad Grandma Anderson lives too far away. She also got contact lenses. The highlight for her was going to the "Eclipse" premiere at midnight a few days later with a friend. They wore their Jacob shirts and painted "Team Jacob" on their shorts. It was hilarious to listen to all the teenage girls in the theater oohing and squealing. At one point, I swear I heard a girl behind us sobbing.

Dustin's Birthday

Four short years ago Dustin joined our family and life hasn't been the same since (in a good way)! He is such a joy to have around. He is always happy and his endless energy keeps all of us on our toes, with never a dull day!

Dustin loves all things Star Wars so he got a lot of Star Wars related gifts which he entertained himself with all day long. He even had an R2D2 cake. Having a little boy is definitely different from little girls and I am glad, everyday, that we have the opportunity to experience both. We love you Dusty! Happy Birthday!

Kindergarten Graduation

Today was Lauren's kindergarten graduation. I can't believe how fast this year went by. Lauren has learned so much and she really enjoys school. She is an excellent little reader. Lately, she has been reading Junie B. Jones books with just a little help. Lauren is going to miss Mrs. Blake. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher. I wish all teachers could be as wonderful as her. All of this has me contemplating how fast our kids are growing up. Whitney will be a teenager in a few short weeks, Katelyn will be in the oldest grade in elementary next year, Lauren graduated from kindergarten and Dustin will be four on Sunday. I only have one more year left with Dustin before he goes to school too. I have to admit that when they were babies I never thought I would wish for time to slow down, but now I wish it would.

King of the Jalapenos

We have a champion among us! Todd is the reigning "King of the Jalapenos"!! Yesterday was the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown St. Paul and Todd won the jalapeno eating contest. Todd competed last year and came in second (the kids still contend that the other guy cheated). No second place this year! He was interviewed by the Pioneer Press and a local TV station. Here is the picture from the online edition of the Pioneer Press and a picture of Todd with his trophy!

Todd's 5K

Todd has had a goal to run a 5K and last week (May 1st) he ran his first race. It was a chilly and very windy day, but that didn't stop him. He ran really well and it was fun to cheer for him and watch him come across the finish line. Nothing like a cup of water in the face!

There are Todd's legs crossing the finish line at just over 26 minutes!

Skiing

In March, Todd and I decided it was time to take the whole family skiing. Dustin is finally getting old enough that we can all go skiing and we don't have to get a babysitter or have one of us stay home. Whitney learned how to ski last year and has been a couple of times. Katelyn and Lauren went to ski school. Dustin was too young for ski school so we hooked him up to a harness and he dragged Todd down the hill. Dustin was a little disturbed that Todd wouldn't just let go of him. Everyone had a great time. Lauren and Kate wanted to stay longer and Dustin cried when we took off his skiis.

Skiing in Minnesota is a lot different from skiing where there are real mountains. Whitney, a beginner, went down the black diamond. Also, Todd timed it and it took us 40 seconds to go down the run and 4 minutes to ride the chair lift up. I guess we'll take what we can get.