What a year!!! Here's our year in a wrap. This year was a big year for our family. I can be "long winded"...according to some of our past ASL missionaries. hahaha So I have a recap and a story version. You take your pick!
condensed Highlights:
Matt turned 50! Trisha 45. Brayden 18. Brielle 16. Bryce 13. Brenlee double digit 10. Bryndal 4.
Matt and Trisha went to New Zealand for 2 weeks. AMAZING!!! Gorgeous!!! Green!!! Grass Fed everything!!! Matt's parents were finishing their 18 month mission for the Church of Jeusus Christ of Latter Day Saint. Celebrated 19 years of marriage in Dec. Always juggling kids schedules: school, homeschool, sports and activities, work, and church. Enjoyed family camping at Garner State Park for Spring Break. Six Flags in San Antonio, California beaches, Colorado hotels and Utah sledding. CG (Camp Gladiator) and hifit. Young Mens and Stake Auditor. Activity Days. Matt is the Senior Director of Finance. Trisha Crossing guard, doTERRA distributor, nursery co-teach @ co-op, and field trip coordinator. Missionaries for fast sunday and waffles. Light the World Service Party. Sister After Christmas Shopping.
Brayden Nelson (12th grade/ senior)competed on ANW show in Vegas...don't ask how he did...have to wait and see in June or July, UNAA in Cali, Everest comp in Utah, Bucket of Chalk in CO. 1st time voter, driver's license, FSY ASL, temple, young men's youth group (priest), BYU Idaho official acceptance, wisdom teeth out, ANW watch parties, Prom, homecoming, youth dances, ninja coach, Cutco, aspiring entrepreneur. 
Brielle (10th grade/sophomore)is band, band, band. Flute lessons, Marching Band, Band concerts and competitions, Concert band to Wind and now Symphonic, band banquet and band award, flag fundraiser for band, Letterman jacket for academics, church Christmas concert, temple, young women's youth group, drivers ed and learner's permit. Bookworm and aspiring author. movie watching, music listening and playing.
Bryce (8th grade) does Special Olympics (basketball, track and volleyball). Urgent care (staples on head, fractured wrist), Special FSY camp, growing tall, temple, young men's youth group (deacon) first talk at church, mustache shadow, has an interpreter at church, has a personal interpreter at school, art at school, ASL Christmas program.
Brenlee 5th grader: homeschool co-op, volleyball, plays, art and pottery class, activity days, animal care taker, zoo, books, puzzles, field trips, incredible helper, peacemaker.
Bryndal pre-k @ homeschool co-op, Art Start, Zoo, playgroup, feral child, boot-loving, clothes changing, tent sleeping, night owl, book loving, song singing, sometimes shy, climbing ninja.
Story Version:
Matt turned 50!!! Can you believe it!? Also notice the beard he's sporting. Brenlee wanted him to grow it out and now we can't imagine him without it. Trisha turned 45. For her bday the family went to Garner State Park for a few days and camped with her sister,Texann, and family. Later, the family went to Six Flags with her brother, Daniel, (and family) in San Antonio. This year they celebrated their 19th anniversary and go to the Houston temple where they were first married for Time and Eternity. The biggest highlight for them was going to New Zealand for a couple of weeks in July. Matt's parents were finishing their mission there and they had lots of adventures together. It's beautiful and they'd love to go back someday. We're thankful to all that helped make it possible, especially Trisha's brother, Daniel (and wife Michelle), for watching Bryce and Bryndal for 2 weeks. Bryce started styling his hair like his Uncle Daniel. hahaha They were able to go to the New Zealand temple while they were there as well.
Matt is serving in young men's with Bryce and Trisha served in activity days with Brenlee (will move to boys group in the new year). Matt always has a project going on and sometimes Trisha changes her mind. We had pavers in the backyard that he moved around the firepit. He has skills!!! He also tackled a fence and put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears. He had a little help but did the bulk of it. Now to other side of the yard for the new year. Brayden and some ninja buddies helped Matt erect some beams to make a fancy backyard pergola/monkey bars. Brenlee suggested he needs to build Trisha a bigger board or a missionary wall. True! We have a lot of missionaries and memories that have served here. We even got to take some of our ASL sisters to the zoo.
Trisha is on her 5th year as a crossing guard and still enjoys the commute. She tackled mum making for Brayden's homecoming. It was a lot to juggle making a mum (and his garter) all before his competition in Vegas, help collect photos and voice for his ninja warrior application video, appointments to rehab Brayden's shoulder, went out of the country for 2 weeks and prepared for his 18th birthday. We had a literal hurricane that came through as we were leaving for our trip but all the projects felt like a hurricane of their own.
Trisha became the field trip coordinator this year for co-op. It really has helped get the family involved in field trips. It's been fun to have Matt come along for some of them too. Trisha and her sister, Texann, had their first ever sister after Christmas shopping. Apparently, they shopped till they dropped b/c Texann said she took a two hour nap afterwards. hahaha Trisha got reading glasses for Christmas-wow-what a difference!
Matt hit a pothole "the size of Texas" as we drove to Cali for Brayden's competition. He changed the tire and got us safely there. We stayed on the 3rd level and a few nights Matt carried Bryce up all those stairs to bed. Good thing he has strong muscles and a big heart. (He faithfully does CG mon-fri. Trisha usually does it on Wed and Fri and Hifit on Saturday.) The Cali beaches were fun (and cold). Knotts Berry Farms was another favorite.
Brayden Nelson turned 18!!! ( first time voter this year) He got the best bday present ever when he got "the call" to compete on the American Ninja Warrior show. We flew out to Vegas two days after his birthday. We think it'll air in June or July, so unfortunately, we can't share his results but just know it was a dream come true.
This man child is a senior and the year is flying. He got his driver's license in August. He is still working as a ninja coach but started a job with Cutco. If you're looking for some good, American made knives or kitchenware, he can hook you up! He's learning a lot and applied for their Leadership Academy and was accepted. He took concurrent classes through BYU Idaho last year and they extended a formal acceptance to attend, after he graduates. He didn't take classes last semester because we didn't want to interfere with the ANW show. We honestly believe RTD is the reason he was selected to participate. It's rare, one in a MILLION. With that RTD comes the challenge of hearing. We have talks printed up at church to give him more of a CC (closed caption) so he can understand better. He also has a night driving restriction due to vision. He can get himself somewhere but if it's stormy (and dark) or night, he will need a ride.
He was asked to go to a prom with his friend, Hannah. He had never been to a high school dance so was extra excited for this opportunity. He asked his friend, Rose, to the church prom. They have a friend that couldn't go, so he went to one more, self made prom, and asked another friend. Three proms in one year? Of course Brayden would do something like that. hahaha He's our social butterfly and loves people. He definitely felt the loss as a lot of his friends graduated last year and went on to college and missions. He has taken an interest in swing dancing and loves to go dancing. We're fortunate that our stake and surrounding stakes do an incredible job of hosting youth dances. He asked Hannah (from our neighborhood) to Homecoming this past Fall.
In the Summer he went to the FSY ASL in Provo, Utah and had a great time. He managed to get a few stitches in his eyebrow(said a girl threw a door at him). He tried out some ASL seminary but it was a lot to juggle so mainly stuck to our local seminary. This 24/25 school year he and Brielle are in the same seminary class. He went on High Adventure with the young men from church. Lucky for him, Matt bought river pants and gloves to protect their skin so they didn't get burned like some of the other participants. (He also brought a portable AC unit...camping in Texas is HOT!) He competed in the UNAA comp in California so our whole family (minus Brielle who stayed behind for marching band) drove out to California. We stayed with Trisha's cousin, Ricky (and wife Kristen). California was beautiful and while Brayden volunteered, the rest of the fam hit the beaches. We went to Knott's Berry Farms and since the kids Aunt Michelle wasn't there to take them on the crazy rides, like she did at Six Flags, Trisha got to do it. We also drove out to Colorado for the Bucket of Chalk competition and then on to Utah for Thanksgiving. He got a sword from Trisha's aunt Monica (and new husband John). Now he's a true ninja 
Brayden's ninja adventures have been some of the highlights of our year as our family has gone along. Matt and the kids flew out to Vegas for the American Ninja Warrior show filming. Luckily Matt's parents have a condo in Vegas so the family stayed there (with them), and was able to see Brayden compete. We all sported our RTD shirts.
He's on the stake youth leadership committee and enjoyed a lake day. It was the same day he flew out to Utah. Apparently, a girl flew off the tube onto him and it dislocated his collar bone. He didn't know and competed on it. When he got back, we took him to see a chiropractor (Dr. Hayden) and he had to do some rehab on it. We went to a deep tissue specialist as well. All of this was before he competed on the show. He did say the Utah (Everest) comp is one of his favorites. They don't compete on Sundays. Trisha's Uncle Rick and Aunt Beverly came to watch that competition.
He got his wisdom teeth out and was hoping to be loopy but he woke up during the surgery so he didn't have that experience. He did ask to keep his wisdom teeth and toyed with the idea of using them as a White Elephant gift. hahaha gross!
Brielle turned 16! Sweet 16 and a sophomore. She finished her freshman year in concert band and then bumped up to Wind Ensemble. At her band banquet, she received an award for most improved sophomore. She (and the whole family) rode the rollercoaster of Marching Band. It's a rough ride but she hung in there. Each semester there are re auditions so she moved to Symphonic band. She's first chair symphonic going into this new year, with a new band director. For someone that is terrified of schedule changes, she really struggled initially but "there's no growth in the comfort zone." She's doing a lot of growing this year. She somehow managed to keep good grades even when Marching Band consumed her life. She received her letterman jacket for academics.
She's taking driving lessons and played her flute for the stake Christmas Concert. She loved it! She's looking forward to dating and now she and Brayden can double. Her Rapunzel hair keeps growing and Trisha is the official bun maker for game days and concerts, except for the ANW competition when Matt did it.
She loves reading and wants to be an author. She has a piece she started but she's still trying to figure out the publishing part. She joined the Tri-M Club and Best Buddies Club. She enjoys playing her flute to her buddy when she visits him. She played a flute solo at FSY and although she felt like she might die, she lived. hahaha
She's a big fan of the WICKED movie and she's always listening to or playing music. She continues flute lessons and has shown an interest in playing the piano again. It was fun to see her pick a thoughtful gift for the family name exchange for Christmas. She really hit the spot for Brenlee with a book she knew she would love.
Bryce turned 13 this year. We have an official teenager!!! It's hard to believe that he's in 8th grade and about to go to high school. He really enjoys school and we're thankful he is getting better services. We had to do some fighting to get him a personal interpreter. He's a deaf blind student and many times the focus is only on the deaf aspect. He tried to ask questions to the interpreter but she was interpreting for the group and couldn't stop. So, now he has one that can stop and answer his questions. I love when he's encouraged to put on CC (closed captioning) on the tv but the size he needs literally fills the whole screen. Just about a week ago, he got a device that blows up print so he can read any book now. What a blessing!!! He's doing art at school and has come home with some cool projects.
Another big blessing this last year was getting an interpreter for him at church. It has made a huge difference for Bryce but also for Trisha and Matt. Bryce wanted his "parents" to interpret but we explained that we don't get as much out of church. He didn't and doesn't believe it. We compromised with an interpreter for the first hour and he wanted Matt for the second hour. Then Matt was out of town one Sunday so the interpreter went to Sunday School with him, and he decided he also wanted the interpreter for Sunday School weeks, because she catches all the comments. hahaha
Bryce did Special Olympics again this year and loved it. I've said it before but I'll say it again. It's a blessing for him to be able to play sports in a safe place. We've tried other places and everyone stares. We've met the nicest kids and families and consider it such a blessing. He did basketball and track but missed swim this year b/c of our Cali trip. He played volleyball this last fall. He also taught himself to ride a two wheel bike. I never thought that would happen b/c of his ataxia. He continues to amaze us. He rides like he walks....a little wobbly. A friend put together a special FSY (For Strength of Youth) and he was invited to participate. It was cool that both Brenlee and Brielle got to help as camp counselors. The church has not yet put together a special needs FSY but I'm hopeful they will because there is a need.
With RTD and ataxia comes clumsiness and Bryce has had a few urgent care visits this year. He carried in a case of water and put it down near the homeschool room but then tripped over it and hit his head on the table. It split open and he had to get some staples. Then he salvaged an electric scooter that our neighbor tossed. Somehow a charger made it into our Amazon cart and found its way to the house. It got charged up and he took it for a spin. Although he had a helmet on, the scooter went one direction and he went the other. When he stood up, his wrist didn't look right. He had two fractures and got to wear a cast.
He's growing and has passed up Trisha and he's catching Brielle. Everyone comments that he's getting tall. He's super thin (RTD will likely keep him that way) and so he looks even taller. We'll see if he can catch Matt. We did notice a little mustache shadow on him the other day. Trisha isn't too sure about that one. Bryce shaving? Not ready for that yet.
Brenlee turned double digits (10) and had a disco diva party. She's much like Brayden in that she loves people. She was in a play (Much Ado About Nothing) as a watchman ,with Brayden, the last school year. She gave a talk for the Primary program and did a wonderful job and didn't appear nervous at all. She likes to participate in the church choir.
After having a second concussion (freak accident at the ninja gym) last December, she pulled out of dance and gymnastics. We took the rest of the year relatively easy and went to the zoo, Art Start and camping. She got to stay with her cousin, Braxly, at Garner State Park camping in their RV, after the rest of us went home. She enjoyed doing art last Spring and especially loves art camp. She did some pottery classes with her gymnastics coach. She has one more year in Activity Days and really looks forward to it every other Tuesday. She did a basketball camp in the summer and played club volleyball with the Mavericks homeschool Christian Association. She loves volleyball and wants to continue. She was in a Fall homeschool play and was the squirrel. I do believe she has some talent with her projecting voice and expression.
She had some field trips to see Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and the Nutcracker. Now she wants to take ballet classes. She usually has her nose in a book or she's doing a puzzle. She is such a great helper and came to Trisha one day asking for help in finding a job. A few days later, a friend reached out asking if any of the kids would be interested in helping with some light housework. She felt prompted to ask. I think it's incredible how Heavenly Father connects us. What a tender mercy for Brenlee. She loves helping and earning some extra money. I wish we had more smaller kids at church b/c she's fantastic with kids. Bryndal LOVES her!!!
She went to a wedding reception with Trisha and she caught the bouquet. She became the official animal helper and lets the dogs in and out and moved Snowball to her room.
Bryndal turned 4 this October and has turned into a little sponge. She's soaking it all in and noticing details. She loves going to the homeschool co-op, playgroup and Art Start at the library. She loved Halloween and dressing up b/c she loves changing her outfits at least 10 times a day. She loves boots and loves getting them when her friend, Willow, outgrows them. She tends to be shy and seems to have some social anxiety. She did NOT want to say her part in the Primary Program. She told me she only wants to sing at home. She thinks she's a bigger kid than she is b/c everyone in the family is so much older than her.
She's a climber and scares us sometimes with her daredevil stunts. She really is a mini ninja and loves to ninja with Brayden, when she can. She learned to pump her legs on the swing so now she can swing "all by herself". She loves to help and is like a little shadow. She doesn't like to sleep by herself or go anywhere by herself. She loves having someone with her and she's a night owl.
She was in the Fall play with Brenlee as a little leaf. She got so caught up in playing with the fake leaves that she was the last one on stage by herself. She's a daddy's girl and loves to go to work with him (when she can). She also likes to pretend she's a puppy. hahaha and puts the dogs leash on her and wants us to walk her around the house. She likes to hide things under her pillow (she and the tooth fairy would make a great team) so if something goes missing, you know where to look.
