The Evolution of The Nelson’s

The Beginning
It was 1991 in a Minnesota town of around 20,000 people, Inver Grove Heights to be exact, where two teenagers started their unexpected life journey together. They met in high school study hall class where the girl tried to study as the boy just wanted to have fun. Somewhere along the way this seemingly opposite couple became friends. The friendship started with harmless phone conversations until that fateful night of the forever memorable Sadie Hawkins Dance. During the dance the boy came to the rescue of an innocent girl who was unfortunately detained. It seemed to only cost the girl a measly dance but little did she know that it would eventually cost her much more (a life sentence) and the dance has continued ever since.

Playing House

We had our first two babies, Bazil, our American Bulldog, and Taylor, our Boxer. Bazil was known for both his strength and intelligence. He was our boy for 12 good years. Taylor, for her playfulness and love. She was our girl for 9 years. They were our first kids and we loved them so.

 

In May 1999, we bought our first home in a small town just North of the cities with around 4500 people. Lindstrom, Minnesota is where we would reside for the next 15 years. Lindstrom is known as “America’s Little Sweden.” A beautiful small community surrounded by lakes.

A perfect community to begin our life together.  On August 12, 2000 we were happily married. It was a beautiful day! Humid, rainy, then the sun came out. The rain means luck, right? We’ve had some rough days in the past 15 years but we’ve also had a whole lot of luck on our side. And a lot of hard work.  The town of Lindstrom will always hold a special place in our hearts because it is the place where Madelyn, Maddox, and Clara began their journey in life.

 

The Children

Madelyn, Maddox, and Clara were all born just outside of Lindstrom in the small town of Wyoming, MN.

Madelyn

On May 7, 2005 we welcomed our first baby girl into the world. Tipping the scales at a whopping 5lb, 11oz, our hearts were bursting with love. Madelyn May, our teeny tiny baby, soon took on the nickname of Peanut because she was smaller then we ever expected. Madelyn is the kindest, sweetest child you could ever imagine. Eager to please. Truly a heart of gold. We don’t know where she got all these wonderful qualities but we do know that she has taught us more about love and kindness in the past 10 years then we ever could have thought possible. She loves to imagine and daydream. Her creative talents are unbelievable. She loves all forms of art but her favorites include music, drawing, writing and acting.

 

Her most favorite thing to do is make speed paints of puffed people on her youtube channel. Check it out by clicking on the YouTube icon at the top of the page and please subscribe if you like what you see.

Maddox

Maddox Robert, also known to most as Bobby, was born on March 23, 2009. Expecting another small baby, we were shocked to find out that he was 8lb 1oz (our largest baby). Our boy, shy but oh so sweet. Bobby is very intellectual. A critical thinker. Loves to play sports. All sports, but he especially loves Football. Hesitant at first in everything he does, taking a while to warm up but always holding his own. In the last few years he has slowly become more aggressive both on the field and in the court.

He is a teacher’s dream come true because he never misses an instruction when it comes to following the rules and doing exactly what’s expected. He has been self-taught in many crucial areas. He has taught himself to ride a bike, swim, and read. He doesn’t stop until he learns what he set out to do.

He especially loves nonfiction and has made a point to learn everything about sea life. He knows the name of almost every whale and is happy to teach others the facts. Definitely a Cliff Clavin, a know it all. Maddox always strives hard to do his best in everything.

Marley

Sometime between having Maddox and Clara we introduced a new pup to the family. We would call him Marley. And a Marley he is. Total and complete Golden Retriever. Marley truly believes he IS one of the kids. Not a mean bone in this dog’s body. He craves attention. So much so, that everyone who visits our home that gives him just a bit of love is sure that he loves them the best. He LOVES everyone! He’s not much of a protector but he is the best family dog.

 

Clara

Our third baby came along on December 21, 2012. Clara Eva, weighing 7lb 7oz, and continues to live up to her nickname of Bear. To say that Clara is our firecracker is putting it lightly. She has definitely tested our patience in the past 2 1/2 years.  She may be that of your typical toddler, but this behavour is new to us.  She is our first and only child to receive stitches. Bear is only just beginning to wake from naps with a happier disposition. As parents, we are still trying to navigate our way around parenting a not so “easy” child.

She feels deeper and stronger, and she makes sure we all know. I think the neighborhood may actually know by her daily temper tantrums and blood curdling screams. On the more pleasant side, Clara believes she is a ballerina and prances around the house in some old tap-shoes and dance costumes of Madelyn’s. She badly wants to go to school like the older two and calls all teachers Mrs. Harriet (from Daniel Tiger). Her daily goal is to make others laugh or CRY, no matter the consequences. We may possibly have a future class clown on our hands. She will even do naughty things and ask, “That funny Mom?”. The kids think she is quite hysterical and laugh at her when they most definitely should not.

We all agree that she is definitely funny, cute and always a handful, but she has captured our hearts like no other and we wouldn’t trade her wild personality for the world.

The Move
With 3 kiddios in tow, in August 2013, we decided to sell our little house in Lindstrom and make a 2000 mile trek to sunny California residing in the very large city of Riverside that has a population of 300,000. Yes that’s right, 300,000 people in just one CA city, but we’re so happy we did! California is a beautiful state and has many wonderful qualities. We’ve experienced many new opportunities in the past two years.

Our life together has never been short of boring. Two people that couldn’t be more opposite but yet work together so well. Three children who have enriched our lives and brought endless amounts of joy. We are ready and so patiently waiting for the next adventure!

Stay tuned for a fun and exciting announcement…

Please share in the comments below if you would like to take a wild guess at what this announcement might be.

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