# prickett family adventures
> our life in pictures and words
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).
## Pages
### About the boat...
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/about_the_boat/
Last updated: 2023-10-25T03:17:17.000Z
This is going to be an epic posting, so if you want to read it, click on the "read more" link down at the bottom of the post. This is a detailed account of the boat from my perspective.

The owner had the boat pulled up to the dock when we arrived was getting it ready for going sailing. Erin and I went below and checked out the cabin while asking a few questions. The cabin was very surprising in two ways. One good way and one bad way.

The good surprise was that the amount of room below was quite significant. The ad said it would sleep four, and after seeing it, I would say 4 could sleep quite comfortably in the space below decks.

The forward cabin had a typical v-berth configuration where two berths (beds) were set alongside the forward part of the hull. The two berths touch in a point at the bow (front) of the boat and makes a V shape.

Just after the v-berth on the starboard (right) side of the boat was a small galley. There was a small hand pump sink and a small icebox. Underneath the countertop were drawers for storage. Opposite the galley on the port (left) side of the boat was a hanging locker (tall cabinet) for storing taller things.

From there back, on both sides of the boat were additional berths, one on each side. They also had back cushions which would make them comfortable places to sit. The port side berth was very wide and could uncomfortably sleep two small people. However, it would be quite comfortable for one person with room enough to stretch out. The starboard berth was more 'couch-like' and therefore narrower. It was wide enough to sleep one comfortably.

The great thing about both berths in the main cabin was the length. On both berths, there was not really an official 'end' to the berth, just where the cushion stopped. The reason was that both continued into the aft section of the boat under the cockpit. So, in essense, each one was probably 9 feet long. The portion far underneath the cockpit (the 3' of the berth without cushion) was perfect for storage of large items.

The only other parts of the belowdecks section worth mentioning were the nice old brass fixtures and location of 2 house batteries under the ladder.

So, that was the good. It sounds great just reading a factual account of what was where. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. The second piece to all of this was the condition.

I'll start with the worst and work down from there…the worst items were the cushions. In all, there are 4 berths and some have multiple cushions (backrests for seating). The cushions were all moldy, mildewed and would need to be replaced. They were not stained or torn up, just old and exposed to too much humidity and not enough care in washing.

Probably the second worst thing was the condition of the paint below…similar condition to the cushions. Just a bit old and mildewed. A thourogh scrubbing may work wonders for the paint and it may not need replacing, but it looked like it was about due for a paint job.

Next up was the carpet flooring. I generally think carpet is a bad idea on any boat, anywhere just because of the factors mentioned above (humid, mold, mildew) and the carpet was in about the same shape as the cushions. There is not much floor, so it would not be a significant job to replace…it just needs replacing.

And finally, the last item below was the varnished teak. It was in surprisingly good condition and only bad in a few spots. However, it really would all need to be sanded down and varnished to get it looking nice.

Wow…this is turning into a huge post, I will try and break it up a bit.
### 2016 FSU Football Schedule
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/2013-fsu-football-schedule/
Last updated: 2016-11-20T04:11:40.000Z
[![screen-shot-2016-11-19-at-10-10-21-pm](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2013/08/Screen-Shot-2016-11-19-at-10.10.21-PM.png)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2013/08/Screen-Shot-2016-11-19-at-10.10.21-PM.png)
### Videos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/videos/
Last updated: 2023-10-25T03:18:48.000Z
Emma talking to the butterfly on the changing table –

Emma talking to the baby in the mirror –

Emma laughing on the activity mat –
### July 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/
Last updated: 2015-08-02T23:27:05.000Z
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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3849-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3849/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3859-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3859/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3861-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3861/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_38621-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3862/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3863-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3863/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3865-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3865/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3867-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3867/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3870-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3870/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3876-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3876/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3883-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3883/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3884-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3884/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3886-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3886/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3905-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3905/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3912-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3912/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3936-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3936/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3944-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3944/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3946-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3946/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3958-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3958/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3959-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3959/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3964-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3964/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3975-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3975/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3987-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3987/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3990-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3990/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3993-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_3993/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4001-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4001/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4004-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4004/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4009-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4009/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4010-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4010/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_40181-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4018/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_40241-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4024/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_40311-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4031/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4034-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4034/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4037-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4037/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4043-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4043/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4045-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4045/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_40471-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4047/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4055-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4055/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4059-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4059/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4067-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4067/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4069-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4069/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4071-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4071/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_40771-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4077-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_40821-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4082/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4083-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4083/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4095-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4095/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4099-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4099/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_41021-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4102/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_41071-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4107/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_41081-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4108/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4120-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4120-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4123-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4123/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4127-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4127/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4128-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4128/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4129-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4129/)
### 2015 photos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/2015-photos/
Last updated: 2016-03-27T20:27:53.000Z
[![december](http://bradenanderin.com/content/images/20!%5Bnewborn%5D(/content/images/2015/07/newborn-1024x683.jpg)07/newborn-1024x683!%5Bfamily%5D(/content/images/2015/07/family-1-1024x683.jpg)7/family-1-1024x683.!%5Bnovember%5D(/content/images/2015/07/november-768x1024.jpg)7/november-768x1024.!%5Boctober%5D(/content/images/2015/07/october-680x1024.jpg)07/october-680x1024!%5Bseptember%5D(/content/images/2015/07/september-768x1024.jpg)/september-768x1024.j!%5Baugust%5D(/content/images/2015/07/august-768x1024.jpg)/07/august-768x102!%5Bjuly%5D(/content/images/2015/07/july-768x1024.jpg)15/07/july-768x1!%5Bjune%5D(/content/images/2015/07/june-768x1024.jpg)15/07/june-768x1!%5Bmay%5D(/content/images/2015/07/may-768x1024.jpg)015/07/may-768x!%5Bapril%5D(/content/images/2015/07/april-768x1024.jpg)5/07/april-768x10!%5Bmarch%5D(/content/images/2015/07/march.jpg)mages/2015/07/march.jpg)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/)ander![december](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2015/07/!%5Bdecember%5D(https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/20!%5Bnewborn%5D(/content/images/2015/07/newborn-1024x683.jpg)07/newborn-1024x683!%5Bfamily%5D(/content/images/2015/07/family-1-1024x683.jpg)7/family-1-1024x683.!%5Bnovember%5D(/content/images/2015/07/november-768x1024.jpg)7/november-768x1024.!%5Boctober%5D(/content/images/2015/07/october-680x1024.jpg)07/october-680x1024!%5Bseptember%5D(/content/images/2015/07/september-768x1024.jpg)/september-768x1024.j!%5Baugust%5D(/content/images/2015/07/august-768x1024.jpg)/07/august-768x102!%5Bjuly%5D(/content/images/2015/07/july-768x1024.jpg)15/07/july-768x1!%5Bjune%5D(/content/images/2015/07/june-768x1024.jpg)15/07/june-768x1!%5Bmay%5D(/content/images/2015/07/may-768x1024.jpg)015/07/may-768x!%5Bapril%5D(/content/images/2015/07/april-768x1024.jpg)5/07/april-768x10!%5Bmarch%5D(/content/images/2015/07/march.jpg)mages/2015/07/march.jpg)7/march.jpg)\](**GHOST\_URL**/march-2015/)ander!\[december\](/content/images/2015/07/december-1
### June 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/
Last updated: 2015-07-19T20:58:32.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_0266.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_0266-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2812-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2812/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2806-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2806/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2795-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2795/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2783-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2783/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2777-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2777/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2770-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2770/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2768-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2768/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2763-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2763/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2760-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2760/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2757-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2757/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2752-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2752/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2741-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2741/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2740-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2740/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2738-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2738/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2736-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2736/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2728-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2728/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2724-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2724/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2723-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2723/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2719.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2719/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2717-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2717/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2714-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2714/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2707-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2707/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2705-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2705/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2704-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2704/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2696-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2696/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2694-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2694/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2693-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2693/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2686-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2686/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2685-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2685/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2683-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2683/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2681-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2681/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2677-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2677/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2674-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2674/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2672-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2672/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2671-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2671/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2669-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2669/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2665-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2665/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2663-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2663/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2657-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2657/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2656-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2656/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2655-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2655/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2654-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2654/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2653-577x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2653/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2652-577x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2652/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2650-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2650/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2646-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2646/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_26381-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2638-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_26371-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2637-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2628-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2628/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2627-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2627/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2618-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2618/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2614-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2614/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2613-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2613/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2609-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2609/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2608-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2608/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2607-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2607/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2606-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2606/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2182-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2182/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2179-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2179/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2163-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2163/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2160-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2160/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2157-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2157/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2143-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2143/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_0267.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_0267/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2865-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2865/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2873-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2873/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2879-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2879/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2881-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2881/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2883-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2883/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2885-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2885/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2892-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2892/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2893-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2893/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2900-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2900/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2902-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2902/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2904-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2904/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2907-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2907/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2912-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2912/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2914-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2914/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2917-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2917/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2929-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2929/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2933-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2933/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2935-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2935/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2937-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2937/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2944-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2944/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2948-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2948/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2953-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2953/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2957-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2957/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2960-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2960/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2964-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2964/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2974-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2974/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2979-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2979/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2982-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2982/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2992-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_2992/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3034-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3034/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3042-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3042/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3047-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3047/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3053-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3053/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3064-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3064/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3065-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3065/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3067-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3067/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3073-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3073/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3074-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3074/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3075.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3075/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3077-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3077/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3079-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3079/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3084-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3084/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3087-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3087/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3094-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3094/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3095-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3095-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3099-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3099/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3137-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3137/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3141-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3141/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3151-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3151/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3157-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3157/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3159-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3159/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3210-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3210/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3215-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3215/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3217.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3217/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3242-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3242/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3252-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3252/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3256-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3256/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3259-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3259/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3264-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3264/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3272-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3272/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3283-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3283/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3287-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3287/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3299-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3299/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_3302-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3302/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_33041.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2015-2/img\_3304-2/)
### may 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/
Last updated: 2015-07-19T22:50:50.000Z
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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_21921-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2192-2/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2241-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2241/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_22511-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2251-2/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2271-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2271/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2275-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2275/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2278-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2278/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2285-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2285-2/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2309-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2309/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2312-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2312/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2381-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2381/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2484-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2484/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2494-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2494/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2501-576x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2501/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2509-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2509/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2511.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2511/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2548-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2548/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2559-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2559/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2562-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2562/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2566-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2566/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2571-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2571/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2573-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2573/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2594-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2594/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2601-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2015/img\_2601/)
### april 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/
Last updated: 2015-07-20T01:53:30.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0270-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/\_dsc0270/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0272-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/\_dsc0272/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0276-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/\_dsc0276/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0279-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/\_dsc0279/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0282-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/\_dsc0282/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0288-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/\_dsc0288/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0292-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/\_dsc0292/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1603-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1603/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1605-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1605/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1609-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1609/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1614-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1614-2/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1620-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1620/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1623-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1623/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1625-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1625/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1627-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1627/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1628-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1628/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1635-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1635/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1641-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1641/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1642-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1642/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1646-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1646/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1650-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1650/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1654-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1654/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1663-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1663/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1666-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1666/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1670-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1670/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1673-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1673/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1677-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1677/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1682-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1682/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1688-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1688/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1694-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1694/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1697-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1697-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1701-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1701-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1702-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1702/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1706-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1706-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1712-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1712-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1715-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1715/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1727-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1727/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1730-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1730/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1735-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1735-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1741-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1741/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1746-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1746-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1756-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1756/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1761-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1761/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1765-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1765/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1770-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1770/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1771-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1771-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1782-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1782/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1785-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1785/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1800-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1800/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1802-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1802/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1803-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1803/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1807-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1807/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1814-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1814-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1815-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1815-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1818-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1818/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1825-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1825/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1828-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1828/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1838-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1838/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1847-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1847/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1857-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1857/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1859-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1859/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1863-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1863/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1870-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1870/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1875-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1875/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1879-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1879/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1892-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1892/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1898-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1898/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1906-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1906/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1909-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1909/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1913-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1913/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1918-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1918/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1920-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1920/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1921-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1921/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1926-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1926/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1932-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1932/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1935-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1935/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1937-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1937/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1942-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1942/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1949-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1949/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1952-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1952/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1958-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1958/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1961-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1961/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1962-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1962/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1966-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1966/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1969-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1969/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1979-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1979/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1987-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1987/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1993-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1993/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1996-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_1996/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2001-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2001/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2003-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2003/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2006-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2006/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2016-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2016/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2035-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2035/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2044-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2044/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2047-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2047/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2051-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2051/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2052-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2052/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2055-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2055/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2058-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2058/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2062-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2062/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2068-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2068/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2072-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2072/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2073-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2073/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2080-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2080/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2086-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2086/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2101-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2101/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2104-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2104/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2109-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2109/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2115-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2115/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2119-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2119/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2121-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2121/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2125-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2125/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2130-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2130/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2137.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2137/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2142-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2142/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2146-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2146/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2149-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2149/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2151.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2151/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2153-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2153/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_21571-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2157-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2170-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2170/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2172-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2172/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_2174-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2015/img\_2174/)
### march 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/
Last updated: 2015-07-20T22:07:45.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0199-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/\_dsc0199/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0203-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/\_dsc0203/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0208-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/\_dsc0208/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0210-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/\_dsc0210/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/DSC0213-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/\_dsc0213/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1441-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1441/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1449-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1449/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1458-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1458/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1469-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1469/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1478-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1478/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1485-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1485/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1496-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1496/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1503-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1503-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1505-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1505/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1507.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1507/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1509-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1509/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1517-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1517/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1520-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1520/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1527-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1527/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1531-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1531/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1538-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1538/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1539-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1539/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1543-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1543-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1550-577x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1550/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1552-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1552/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1557-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1557/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1560-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1560/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1564-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1564/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1567-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1567-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1578-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1578/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1583-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1583/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1588-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1588/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1592-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1592-4/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1593-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1593/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_1597-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/march-2015/img\_1597/)
### august 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/
Last updated: 2015-09-01T13:50:24.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4134-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4134/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4138-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4138/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4144-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4144/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_41471-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4147/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_41541-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4154/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4162-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4162/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4163-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4163/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4169-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4169/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4170-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4170/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4172-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4172/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4179-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4179/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4184-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4184/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4186-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4186/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/07/IMG\_4009-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2015/img\_4009/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_42111-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4211/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4216-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4216/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4220-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4220/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4223-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4223/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4229-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4229/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4232-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4232/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4236-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4236/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4240-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4240/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4246-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4246/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4250-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4250/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4252-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4252/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4257-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4257/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_42691-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4269/)

 Free kids movie 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4272-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4272/)

 Free kids movie 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_42761-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4276/)

 Free kids movie 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_42781-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4278/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_42891-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4289/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4295-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4295/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_42961-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4296/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_43011-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4301/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_43111-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4311/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_43151-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4315/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4317-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4317/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_43211-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4321/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4326-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4326/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_43321-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4332/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_43131-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4313/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4335-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4335/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4336-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4336/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4333-688x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/dakota-county-fair-2/img\_4333-jpg/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4332-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/dakota-county-fair-2/img\_4332-jpg/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4337-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4337/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4338-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4338/)

 Dakota County Fair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/DSC0538-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/\_dsc0538/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/DSC0548-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/\_dsc0548/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/DSC0551-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/\_dsc0551/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4341-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4341/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4346-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4346/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4351-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4351/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4353-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4353/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4363-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4363/)

 Getting M&Ms 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4373-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4373/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4377-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4377/)

 Baking M&M cookies 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_43821-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4382/)

 Baking M&M cookies 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4384-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4384/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4390-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4390/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4400-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4400/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4404-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4404/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4408.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4408/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4426-1024x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4426/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4429.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4429/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4434-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4434/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4436.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4436/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4439-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4439/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4444-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4444/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4447-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4447/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4449-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4449/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4452-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4452/)

 At the dentist 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4453-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4453/)

 At the dentist 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4455-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4455/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_44571-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4457/)

 Emma trying to get me to buy her this $40 Mickey Mouse 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_44591-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4459/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4461-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4461/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4466-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4466/)

 Cutting my hair 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4469-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/minnesota-state-fair-day-1/img\_4469/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_00201-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_0020-3/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4476-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/minnesota-state-fair-day-1/img\_4476/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_0031-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/minnesota-state-fair-day-1/img\_0031/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4479-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4479/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4482-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4482/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_44871-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4487-2/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4488-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4488/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4489-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4489/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4493-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4493/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_0058-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/minnesota-state-fair-day-1/img\_0058/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_0057-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/minnesota-state-fair-day-1/img\_0057-2/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_0048-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/minnesota-state-fair-day-1/img\_0048-2/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4500-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4500/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4502-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4502/)

 MN State Fair – day 1 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4505.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4505/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4507-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4507/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4506-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4506/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4518-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4518/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4521-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4521/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4524-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4524/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_45291-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4529/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4543-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4543/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4548-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4548/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4551-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4551/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4552-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4552/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4556-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4556/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4562-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4562/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4594-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/minnesota-state-fair-day-2/img\_4594-jpg/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_45711-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4571/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4572-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4572/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_45731-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4573/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_45911.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4591/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4592-576x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4592/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4578-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4578/)

 MN State Fair – day 2 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/08/IMG\_4583-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2015/img\_4583/)

 MN State Fair – day 2
### videos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/videos-2/
Last updated: 2015-09-03T14:35:36.000Z
1. [boat_day_video](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2013/07/boat_day_video.wmv) 2. MVI_3296
### videos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/videos-3/
Last updated: 2015-10-25T15:03:25.000Z
1. [February 2015 - pizza vs. peanut butter](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/tibut1.m4v) 2. [February 2015 - oh no](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/oh-no.m4v) 3. [February 2015 - snow plow](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/snow-plow.m4v) 4. [February 2015 - humming](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/humming.m4v) 5. [March 2015 - Jupiter beach](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/Jupiter-beach.m4v) 6. [March 2015 - driving](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/driving.m4v) 7. [March 2015 - ABCs](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/ABCs.m4v) 8. [April 2015 - throwing leaves](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/throwing-leaves.m4v) 9. [May 2015 - moo baa lalala](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/moo-baa-lalala.m4v) 10. [June 2015 - interpretive dance](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/interpretive-dance.m4v) 11. [June 2015 - music in the park](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/music-in-the-park.m4v) 12. [July 2015 - wind chimes](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/wind-chimes.m4v) 13. [August 2015 - chasing wolverine](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/chasing-wolverine.m4v) 14. [August 2015 - up and down](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/up-and-down.m4v) 15. [August 2015 - tada](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/tada.m4v) 16. [August 2015 - Dancing at the MN Fair](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/MN-fair-music.m4v) 17. [August 2015 - Dancing at the MN Fair](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/MN-fair.m4v) 18. [September 2015 - giant slide](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/giant-slide.m4v) 19. [September 2015 - jumping on bed](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/jumping-on-bed.m4v) 20. [September 2015 - singing at kohls](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/singing-at-kohls.m4v) 21. [September 2015 - total eclipse of the heart](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/total-eclipse-of-the-heart.m4v) 22. [September 2015 - climbing out of crib](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/climbing-out-of-crib.m4v) 23. [October 2015 - enjoying live music](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/enjoying-live-music.m4v) 24. [October 2015 - eating raw onion](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/eating-raw-onion.m4v) 25. [October 2015 - making music at the zoo](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/making-music-at-the-zoo.m4v) 26. [October 2015 - name for the baby](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/name-for-the-baby.m4v)
### september 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/
Last updated: 2015-10-04T22:33:04.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_46341-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4634/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4644-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4644/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4654-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4654/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4656-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4656/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4659-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4659/)

 Two year doctor visit 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_46641-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4664/)

 Two year doctor visit 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4674-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4674/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_46791-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4679/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4680-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4680/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4690-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4690/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4692-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4692/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4697-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4697/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4701-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4701/)

 Carousel at Mall of America 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4704-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4704/)

 Carousel at Mall of America 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4710-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4710/)

 Singing in the microphone 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_47141-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4714/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_47161-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4716/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_47221-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4722/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4724-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4724/)

 Watching the roller coaster 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_47271-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4727/)

 Watching the roller coaster 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4734-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4734/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4740-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4740/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4742-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4742/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4744-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4744-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4810-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4810/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0617-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/apple-picking/\_dsc0617/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0594-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/apple-picking/\_dsc0594/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0589-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/apple-picking/\_dsc0589/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0576-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/apple-picking/\_dsc0576/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0574-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/apple-picking/\_dsc0574/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0579-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/\_dsc0579/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0582-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/\_dsc0582/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0585-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/\_dsc0585/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0601-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/\_dsc0601/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0608-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/\_dsc0608/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0613-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/\_dsc0613/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/DSC0624-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/\_dsc0624/)

 Apple picking 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4809-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4809/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4813-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4813/)

 Renaissance Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4814-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4814/)

 Renaissance Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4819-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4819/)

 Making apple squares 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4821-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4821/)

 Making apple squares 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4822-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4822/)

 Making apple squares 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4826-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4826/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4830-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4830/)

 Waving to the dog down the street 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4832-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4832/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_48371-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4837/)

 Picking “birdberries” 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4843-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4843/)

 Picking “birdberries” 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_48501-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4850/)

 Picking “birdberries” 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_48511-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4851/)

 Picking “birdberries” 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4855-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4855/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4857-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4857/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4862-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4862/)

 Big girl seat for daddy’s car 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4865-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4865/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4869-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4869/)

 Hiding from a diaper change 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4870-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4870/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_48881-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4888/)

 Chik-Fil-A nuggets with honey 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_48901-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4890/)

 Kohl’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4891-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4891/)

 Kohl’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4894-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4894/)

 Kohl’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4902-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4902/)

 Kohl’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4909-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4909/)

 Trying on a Halloween costume 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4918-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4918/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4922-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4922/)

 Singing 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4931-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4931/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_49361-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4936/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_49371-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4937/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_49521-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4952/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4965-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4965/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4966-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4966/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4970-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4970/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4971-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4971/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4974-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4974/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_49811-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4981-2/)

 First day of school 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4978-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4978/)

 First day of school 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4988-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4988/)

 First day of school 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4992-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4992/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4993-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4993/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_4996-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_4996/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5002-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5002/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5003-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5003/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5006-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5006/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5011-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5011/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5017-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5017/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5019-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5019/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5022-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5022/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_50341-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5034/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5044-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5044-2/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5047-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5047/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_50511-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5051/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_50561-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5056/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_50611-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5061/)

 Honey with her Chik-Fil-A 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5066-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5066/)

 Lollipop at Sam’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5071-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5071/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5073-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5073/)

 Reading her new books 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5078-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5078/)

 Reading her new books 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5092-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5092/)

 New snowsuit 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5101-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5101/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_51071-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5107/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5112-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5112/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/09/IMG\_5125-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2015/img\_5125/)

 Cleaning up after dinner
### october 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/
Last updated: 2015-11-03T18:49:10.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC08801-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0880-2/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0883-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0883/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0889-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0889/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0893-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0893/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0896-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0896/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC09001-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0900-2/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0909-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0909/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0910-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0910-2/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC09111-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0911-2/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC09121-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0912-2/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC09131-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0913-2/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC09141-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0914-2/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC09151-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0915-2/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0926-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0926/)

 Pahl’s Market Fall Festival 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5127-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5127/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5135-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5135/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5145-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5145/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5148-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5148/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_51511-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5151/)

 Second day of school 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5152-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5152-2/)

 Second day of school 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_51581-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5158/)

 Second day of school 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5154-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5154/)

 M&M face 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5160-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5160/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5163-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5163-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5166-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5166/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5167-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5167-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5233-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5233/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_51731-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5173-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5237-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5237/)

 Eagan Fire Department 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5269-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5269/)

 Eagan Fire Department 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5252-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/fire-safety-week/img\_5252/)

 Eagan Fire Department 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5266-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/fire-safety-week/img\_5266/)

 Eagan Fire Department 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5246-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/fire-safety-week/img\_5246/)

 Eagan Fire Department 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5267-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/fire-safety-week/img\_5267/)

 Eagan Fire Department 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5260-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/fire-safety-week/img\_5260/)

 Eagan Fire Department 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_52071-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5207/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5204-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5204/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5193-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5193/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5185-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5185/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5181-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5181/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5177-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5177/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5179-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5179/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5207-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/museum-2/img\_5207-jpg/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5221-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/museum-2/img\_5221-jpg/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5211-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/museum-2/img\_5211-jpg-2/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5215-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/museum-2/img\_5215-jpg-2/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5222-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5222/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5226-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/museum-2/img\_5226-jpg/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5197-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/museum-2/img\_5197-jpg/)

 Museum at MoA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0935-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0935/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0936-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0936/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0943-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0943/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0008-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0008/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0009-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0009/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0010-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0010/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0011-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0011/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0012-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0012/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0013-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0013/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0015-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0015/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0945-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0945/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0951-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0951/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0955-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0955/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0959-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0959/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0960-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0960/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0961-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0961/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0962-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0962/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0963-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0963/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0964-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0964/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0979-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0979/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0981-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0981/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0982-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0982/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0991-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0991/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0998-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0998/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC1004-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc1004/)

 Pahl’s Market 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5311-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5311/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5331-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5331/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5335-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5335/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5338-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5338/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5315-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5315/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5300-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/flu-shot/img\_5300-jpg/)

 Lollipops after her flu shot 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5316-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/big-girl-bed/img\_5316-jpg/)

 Big girl bed! 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5343-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/big-girl-bed-day-2/img\_5343-jpg/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5324-577x1024.png)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/big-girl-bed/img\_5324-png/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5322-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/big-girl-bed/img\_5322-jpg/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5410-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5410/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5349-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5349/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5354-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5354/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5376-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5376/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5377-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5377/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5380-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5380/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5403-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5403/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5386-576x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5386/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5389-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5389/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5395-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5395/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5417-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5417/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5413-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5413/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5383-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5383/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0028-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/sunday-drive/\_dsc0028/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5440-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/sunday-drive/img\_5440-jpg/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5436-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/sunday-drive/img\_5436-jpg/)

 Enjoying the St. Croix Scenic Byway 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5438-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/sunday-drive/img\_5438-jpg/)

 Enjoying the St. Croix Scenic Byway 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0032-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0032/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0034-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0034/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0035-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0035/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0038-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0038/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0039-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0039/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0049-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0049-2/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0050-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0050/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0052-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0052-2/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0056-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0056/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0061-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0061/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0064-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0064/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0072-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0072/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0073-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0073/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0077-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0077/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0079-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0079/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0082-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0082/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0101-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0101/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0106-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0106/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0108-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0108/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0110-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0110/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0114-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0114/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0116-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0116/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0117-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0117/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0124-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0124/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0125-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0125/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0129-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0129/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0130-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0130/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0138-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0138/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0150-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0150/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0161-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0161/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0169-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0169/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0170-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0170/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0171-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0171/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0172-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0172/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0190-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0190/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0193-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0193/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0194-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0194/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0195-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0195/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0196-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0196/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0208-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0208-2/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0229-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0229/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0234-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0234/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0235-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0235-2/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0242-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0242/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0247-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0247/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0253-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0253/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0257-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0257/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0263-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0263-2/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0267-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0267/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0277-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0277/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0289-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0289/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0297-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0297/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0311-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0311/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0312-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0312/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0313-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0313/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0321-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0321/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0327-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0327/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0332-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0332/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0339-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0339/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0343-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0343/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0347-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0347/)

 Franconia Sculpture Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0361-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0361/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0370-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0370/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0382-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0382/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0384-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0384/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0393-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0393/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0405-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0405/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0409-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0409/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0417-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0417/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0424-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0424/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0428-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0428/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0442-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0442/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0454-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0454/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0459-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0459/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0468-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0468/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0493-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0493-2/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0501-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0501/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0506-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0506/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0509-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0509/)

 Teddy Bear Park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0513-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0513/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0519-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0519/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0523-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0523/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0525-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0525-2/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0532-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0532/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0540-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0540/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0543-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0543/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0548-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0548-2/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0557-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0557/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0565-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0565/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0574-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0574-2/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0575-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0575/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0580-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0580/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0584-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0584/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0585-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0585-2/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0589-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0589-2/)

 Lake Elmo Park Reserve 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_0283-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_0283/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_0285-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_0285/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5422-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5422/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5453-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5453/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5458-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5458/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5459-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5459/)

 Blue tongue 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5466-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5466/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5469-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5469/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5471-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5471/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5472-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5472/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5474-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5474/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5477-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5477/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5484-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5484/)

 Dirty face from a fun time at the park 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_54881-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5488-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_54891-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5489-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5494-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5494/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5496-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5496/)

 Riding her “horse” 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5502-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5502/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5519-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5519/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5526-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5526/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_0292-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_0292/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5615.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/trick-or-treat/img\_5615-jpg/)

 Trick or treating at Kowalski’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_56061-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5606/)

 Trick or treating at Byerly’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_56142-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5614/)

 Happy with all her treats 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_20151031\_095226-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_20151031\_095226/)

 Pumpkin carving 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5660-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5660/)

 Pumpkin carving 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_56651-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5665-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0605-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0605/)

 Trick or treating 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0621-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0621/)

 Hiding from daddy 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0623-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0623/)

 Trick or treating 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0626-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0626/)

 Trick or treating 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5686-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5686/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0645-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0645/)

 Trick or treating 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/DSC0646-680x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/\_dsc0646-2/)

 Trick or treating 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_20151031\_182228-1024x616.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_20151031\_182228/)

 Trick or treating 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_20151031\_190603-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_20151031\_190603/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_20151031\_190610-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_20151031\_190610/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/Screen-Shot-2015-10-31-at-9.03.18-PM.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/screen-shot-2015-10-31-at-9-03-18-pm/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_0293-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_0293/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_0295-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_0295/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5542-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5542/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5543-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5543/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_20151025\_162044-766x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_20151025\_162044/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5548-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5548/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_20151025\_161534-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_20151025\_161534/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_55491-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5549/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_55801-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5580/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5557-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5557/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5579-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5579/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5565-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5565/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5572-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5572/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_20151025\_171338-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_20151025\_171338/)

 Eagan Halloween Hodgepodge 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5583-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5583/)

 Wearing her wings to IKEA 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5586-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5586/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5592-576x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5592/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5596-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5596/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5618-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5618/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5622-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5622/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5627-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5627/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5631-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5631/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5643-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5643/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5651-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5651/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/10/IMG\_5652-576x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2015/img\_5652/)
### november 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/
Last updated: 2015-11-12T14:18:41.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5690-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5690/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_56961-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5696/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5703-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5703/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5706-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5706/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5717-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5717/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5719-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5719/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5732-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5732/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5736-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5736/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5738-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5738/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5741-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5741/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5745-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5745/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5748-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5748/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5751-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5751/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5754-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5754/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5755-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5755/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5756-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5756/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5760-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5760/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5764-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5764/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5766-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5766/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5767-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5767/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5772-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5772/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5777-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5777/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5778-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5778/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5785-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5785/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5788-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5788/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5793-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5793/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5795-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5795/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5799-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5799/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_58021-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5802/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5804-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5804/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_58061-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5806/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5808-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5808/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5812-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5812/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5816-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5816/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5819-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5819/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5823-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5823/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5824-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5824/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5827-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5827/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5828-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5828/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5835-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5835/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5838-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5838/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5842-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5842/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5849-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5849/)

 Rocking her tutu at Sam’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5850-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5850/)

 Watching Yo Gabba Gabba in the “castle” with daddy 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5851-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5851/)

 Popcorn at the car wash 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5855-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5855/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2015/11/IMG\_5857-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2015/img\_5857/)
### photos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/photos-2/
Last updated: 2016-03-27T20:46:10.000Z
[![2016](http://bradenanderin.com/content/ima!%5B2015%5D(/content/images/2016/03/2015-683x1024.jpg)16/03/2015-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/2015-photos/)nderi![2016](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2016/03/2016!%5B2016%5D(https://www.bradenanderin.com/content/ima!%5B2015%5D(/content/images/2016/03/2015-683x1024.jpg)16/03/2015-683x1024.jpg)83x1024.jpg)\](**GHOST\_URL**/2015-photos/)nderi!\[2016\](/content/images/2016/03/2016-768x1024.
### newborn 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/
Last updated: 2016-03-27T18:50:53.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_002-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_002/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_003-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_003/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_004-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_004/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_005-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_005/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_006-683x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_006/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_007-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_007/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_008-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_008/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_009-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_009/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_010-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_010/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_011-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_011/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_012-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_012/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_013-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_013/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_014-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_014/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_015-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_015/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_017-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_017/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_021-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_021/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_022-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_022/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_023-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_023/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_024-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_024/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/Olivia\_025-1024x683.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/newborn-2015/olivia\_025/)
### december 2015
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/
Last updated: 2016-03-27T20:29:16.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0303-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0303-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0304-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0304-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0305-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0305-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0306-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0306-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0307-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0307-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0308-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0308-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0309-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0309-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0310-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0310-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0311-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_0311-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6122-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6122/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6129-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6129-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6136-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6136/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6140-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6140-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6144-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6144/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6145-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6145-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6167-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6167/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6171-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6171-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6181-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6181-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6187-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6187-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6191-765x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6191-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6198-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6198-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6204-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6204-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6210-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6210-2/)

 Trying out the new stroller 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6217.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6217-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6219.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6219-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151210\_091836-766x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151210\_091836/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151210\_120351-1024x766.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151210\_120351-2/)

 Labor and delivery room 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151210\_131533-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151210\_131533/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151210\_142449-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151210\_142449-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151210\_144313-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151210\_144313-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151211\_153942-766x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151211\_153942-2/)

 Olivia Ruth Prickett 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151210\_171824-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151210\_171824-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6229-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6229-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6230-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6230-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6231-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6231-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6234-577x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6234-2/)

 FaceTiming with her baby sister 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6240-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6240-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6242-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6242/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6247-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6247-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC0720-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/\_dsc0720/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC0722-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/\_dsc0722/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6248-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6248-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6250-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6250-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6260-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6260-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6273-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6273-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6274-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6274-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6275-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6275-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6281-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6281/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC0712-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/\_dsc0712-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6286-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6286-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6291-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6291-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6293-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6293-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6307-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6307-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6311-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6311/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6312-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6312-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6316-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6316/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6320.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6320-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6330-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6330-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6345-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6345-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6361-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6361-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6366-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6366-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6374-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6374/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6385-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6385/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6394-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6394-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6408-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6408/)

 Making sprinkle cookies 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6412-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6412/)

 Making sprinkle cookies 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6418-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6418-2/)

 Making sprinkle cookies 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6444-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6444/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6452-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6452-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6449-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6449-2/)

 Macy’s SantaLand 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151223\_120855-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151223\_120855-2/)

 Macy’s SantaLand 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6459-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6459-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6470-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6470/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6479-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6479/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6483-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6483/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6484-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6484-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6488-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6488/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6489-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6489-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6517-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6517-2/)

 Making sprinkle cookies again 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6519-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6519-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6533-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6533-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6537-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6537-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6538-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6538-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6619-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6619-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6637-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6637/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6646-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6646-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6652-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6652-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6655-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6655-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6661-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6661-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6670-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6670-2/)

 Where did all the soap go? 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6671-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6671-2/)

 Oh… there it is all in a row 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6689-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6689-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6697-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6697/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6710-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6710/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6717-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6717-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6530-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6530/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6723-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6723/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6726-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6726/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6750-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6750-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6751-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6751-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6336-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6336-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6323-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6323-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6369-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6369-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6371-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6371/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6544-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6544/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151224\_221623-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151224\_221623/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6540-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6540-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6548-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6548-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6549-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6549-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6550-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6550-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6588-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6588/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6598-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6598-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6608-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6608/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6571-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6571-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20151225\_103130-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_20151225\_103130/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6558-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6558/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6629-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6629/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6615-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6615-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6624-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6624-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6674-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6674-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6581-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6581-3/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/9055FBD1-DDAF-4E99-9E48-BEC8F5E066AB-765x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/9055fbd1-ddaf-4e99-9e48-bec8f5e066ab-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/FI9821EP-2015-12-25-12.26.19-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/fi9821ep-2015-12-25-12-26-19/)

 Hiding out in Olivia’s room 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6365-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/december-2015/img\_6365-2/)
### january 2016
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/
Last updated: 2016-03-27T20:45:16.000Z
\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC\_0287-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/dsc\_0287/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC\_0300-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/dsc\_0300/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC\_0308-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/dsc\_0308/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC\_0312-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/dsc\_0312/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC\_0325-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/dsc\_0325/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC\_0333-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/dsc\_0333/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC\_0350-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/dsc\_0350/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/DSC\_0357-1024x680.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/dsc\_0357/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0315-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_0315/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0318-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_0318/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_0319-1024x576.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_0319-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6757-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6757/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6779-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6779/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6788-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6788/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6811-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6811/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6812-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6812/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6817-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6817/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6820-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6820/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6825-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6825/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6837-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6837/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6838-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6838/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6845-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6845/)

 MN Zoo 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6863-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6863/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6864-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6864/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6867-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6867/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6872-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6872/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6876-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6876/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6893-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6893/)

 Mall of America 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6901-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6901/)

 Mall of America 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6908-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6908/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6911-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6911-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6915-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6915-2/)

 MN Children’s Museum 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6921-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6921/)

 MN Children’s Museum 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6924-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6924/)

 MN Children’s Museum 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6927-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6927/)

 MN Children’s Museum 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6934-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6934/)

 More sprinkle cookies 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6938-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6938/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6946-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6946/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6949-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6949/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6955-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6955/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6958-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6958/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6969-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6969/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6980-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6980/)

 Upset that her bun did not look like Belle’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6981-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6981/)

 Belle’s bun 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6987-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6987/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6993-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6993/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_6998-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_6998/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7005-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7005/)

 Elsa braid 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7017-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7017/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7018-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7018/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7034-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7034/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7038-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7038/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7057-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7057/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7070-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7070/)

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\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7088-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7088/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7095-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7095/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7100-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7100/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7106-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7106/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7114-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7114/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7123-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7123/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7126-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7126/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7134-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7134/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7147-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7147/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7155-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7155/)

 Time to move up a clothing size 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7168-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7168/)

 Mall of America 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7184-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7184/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7195-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7195/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7218-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7218/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7220-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7220/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7230-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7230/)

 New sled 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7255-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7255/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7268-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7268/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7277-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7277/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7280-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7280/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7288-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7288/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7296-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7296/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7298-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7298/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7308-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7308/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7324-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7324/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7328-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7328/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7348-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7348/)

 Using her freeze powers 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7364-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7364/)

 Making pancake people 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7376-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7376/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7386-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7386/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7392-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7392-2/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7395-1024x768.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7395/)

 Arranging all the Star Wars characters at Kohl’s 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7406-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7406/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7410-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7410/)

 Got your nose! 

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_7411-768x1024.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_7411/)

\[!\[\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/IMG\_20160102\_175655-1024x766.jpg)\](http://www.bradenanderin.com/january-2016/img\_20160102\_175655/)
### 2016 photos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/2016-photos/
Last updated: 2017-02-12T02:38:08.000Z
[![](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/dec2016-768x1024.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/dec2016.jpg) [![november](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/november-1-768x1024.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/november-2016/) [![october2016](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/october2016-768x1024.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/october-2016/) [![sept16](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/sept16-1024x768.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/september-2016/) [![august16](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/august16-1024x768.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/august-2016/) [![july2016](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/july2016-1024x768.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/july-2016/) [![june2016](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/june2016-1024x768.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/june-2016/) [![may2016](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/may2016-1024x768.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/may-2016/) [![april16](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/april16-683x1024.jpg)](http://www.bradenanderin.com/april-2016/) [![march16](http://www.bradenanderin.com/content/images/2016/03/march16-1024x768.jpg)](http://www.bradenan!%5Bfebruary%5D%28/content/images/2016/03/february-1024x768.jpg%293/february-1024x768.!%5Bjanuary%5D%28/content/images/2016/03/january-1024x768.jpg%2903/january-1024x768.jpg)\](/january-2016/)
## Posts
### busy summer
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/busy-summer/
Last updated: 2026-09-08T20:36:33.000Z
My calendar from November to May is completely empty. My calendar from June to October barely has an empty day on it. Since we're only home for a short time we make the most of it - festivals, sports, time with friends, swimming, kayaking, birthdays. The list goes on and on...

Emma probably had the busiest summer of all of us. We joined a gym and she went with me almost every single time (including to a cycle class which she said she would never do again). She also did two pottery classes, horseback riding lessons, two weeks of volleyball camp, our town's annual rib competition, plus a variety of other random activities.

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Olivia spent most of her summer roaming the neighborhood with the neighborhood kids. She also did a month of tennis, a pottery class and a volleyball camp.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/09/PXL_20260721_180613439.jpg)

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Emma celebrated a milestone birthday in August and we now officially have a teenager in the house.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/09/PXL_20260801_132558537.PORTRAIT.jpg)

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If you've talked to Braden at all in the last year you would know he had been planning to take a boat down the Mississippi River. He spent part of his summer purchasing, working on and boating down the Mississippi River. He's hoping to recruit some more boats for next year, so if you're looking for something completely ridiculous (my words, not his) to do in August 2027 join [The Great American River Race](https://tgarr.com/?ref=bradenanderin.com).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/09/PXL_20260729_190927353.jpg)

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Of course a summer in Minnesota isn't complete without spending at least one day at the MN State Fair. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/09/PXL_20260828_184139316.jpg)

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It's always better if you go twice though! Especially when you didn't get everything you wanted the first time around.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/09/PXL_20260906_193629460.jpg)

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For the first time in 4 years our summer had an official end. Olivia has been BEGGING to go to school for years. Since we're usually in Minnesota until the beginning of November we told both girls they could go to school until it was time for us to get back to the boat in Puerto Rico.

Olivia was beyond excited to get to do a couple months of 5th grade at her former elementary school. The last time she was in school she was 7 years old, so she barely remembered anything about going to school.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/09/Olivia-1st-1.jpeg)

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Emma claimed she was not excited at all about giving 8th grade a try, but I think deep down under all the nerves there was a tiny bit of excitement. She was in 4th grade the last time she went to school, so it is a whole new school with a whole new routine and a lot more kids. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/09/Emma-4th.jpeg)

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### sturgis, sd
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/sturgis-sd/
Last updated: 2026-07-11T21:51:32.000Z
After a week in South Dakota it was time to start heading toward home. We didn't use the bus at all last summer, and after all the work we did to get it cleaned and ready to go we've all been talking about some more (maybe shorter) trips this summer. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260705_152555620.jpg)

The highlight of our campground were the deer right next to our camp site. One of the guys that works at the campground would feed them every night around dusk. Olivia and I could sit there for hours and watch them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/07/PXL_20260630_003108213.jpg)

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Our campsite was at the very top of a hill, so we had the perfect spot to watch 4th of July fireworks. We could see them in all directions. 

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One last stop before home - The Badlands National Park. Olivia got us in for free with her Fourth Grade National Parks Pass. 

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We're back home again and now I feel like our summer can really begin. Pancake is home too!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/07/image.png)
### custer, sd
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/custer-sd/
Last updated: 2026-07-06T01:00:10.000Z
Custer State Park is an oldie, but a goodie. We can't come to South Dakota without spending at least a day here. Unfortunately it was an 1.5 hour drive from our campground, which made for a very long day.

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It has been a long time since Emma and I have gone horseback riding. It was one of the things she really wanted to do while we were in South Dakota. This trail ride was in Custer State Park and went along and through French Creek.

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While we were horseback riding Braden and Olivia went to the top of the Mount Coolidge Fire Tower. The fire tower was built in 1939 and is still an active fire tower used by park rangers. The fire tower sits at an elevation of 6,023 feet atop the highest point in the park. 

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Our next stop in the park was the Wildlife Loop. There is always lots of wildlife to see on this drive.

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There were so many fallen trees all over the park. Apparently in December there was a wind storm with 100+ mph winds that knocked tons of trees down.

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We had one final stop before heading back to the campground - Sylvan Lake. We brought the paddleboards with us with plans to go swimming and paddleboarding. By the time we made it to the lake it was already late in the afternoon and we were all tired and ready to get back to the bus. We've been in this exact same scenario every other time we've been to Sylvan Lake. Next time we visit we will stop here first! 

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On our way out of the park we took Needles Highway. It is such a pretty drive surrounded by needlelike granite mountains and through some narrow tunnels.

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### sprearfish, sd
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/sprearfish-sd/
Last updated: 2026-07-03T17:44:06.000Z
We've been to South Dakota several times. We usually stay in Rapid City where there is tons to do, but this time our campground is in Sturgis, SD. There really isn't much here except some downtown biker shops and Emma's Ice Cream.

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Since we've been to Rapid City a bunch I wanted to see someplace new. Spearfish, SD is only 15 minutes from Sturgis, so we planned a day of hiking, swimming and sightseeing. Our first stop was Spearfish Falls. There are three waterfalls in Spearfish and this was the best. It was a longer hike than the other two, but the waterfall was much cooler to see.

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Our second waterfall was Roughlock Falls. This was the worst of the three. It was a short hike for a small waterfall.

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Our last waterfall was Bridal Veil Falls. This one is right off the road, so you don't have to go very far. We hiked down the slippery rocks and through the creek to get a closer look.

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After all the hiking the girls wanted to go for a swim. A local we met at one of our stops told us to go to the creek by the fish hatchery where the girls could ride the current. The water was ice cold. They had fun, but they didn't last too long.

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0:00 

/0:06 

1× 

Our last stop was the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery. The hatchery raises three species of trout (rainbow, brown, and cutthroat) that they use to stock rivers and streams throughout the Black Hills. We weren't expecting much from this stop, but it was actually really good. The girls got to feed the trout and learn how they would transport fish by traincar.

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### pr > fl > mn
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/minnesota-2/
Last updated: 2026-07-02T03:54:26.000Z
I feel like in all our travels we've been pretty lucky with flights. But sometimes luck runs out. Our 1 PM direct flight from Puerto Rico to Florida kept getting delayed - 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM. Finally we were on our way at 5 PM after getting a new plane because of a maintenance issue they couldn't fix and getting new pilots since their time ran out.

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Our time in Florida was short. In less than a week we squeezed in visiting with family, seeing boat friends who were also in Florida, getting a new driver's license, stopping at a Buc-cees (IYKYK) and then we were on the road back to Minnesota.

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Not everyone can appreciate going online and having all this produce available. It always amazes me when we get back how easy it is to get anything you want and have it delivered right to your door.

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Our time in Minnesota was also short. In a week we squeezed in drinks with neighbors, time with friends, bowling, a date night, dentist appointments, a lemonade stand and a deep cleaning (inside and out) of the bus. A year ago we booked a 4th of July camping trip to South Dakota, so we would soon be on the road again.

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### boats out for summer
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/boats-out-for-summer/
Last updated: 2026-06-14T20:37:30.000Z
We always feel like we're on vacation when we visit the BVI. We ate. We drank. We danced. We had a blast with some of our closest boat friends. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/06/image-6.png)

But summer is coming and there are a lot of boat preparations that have to be done before we can leave the boat and head back to Minnesota. After almost a month in the BVI it was time to head towards Puerto Rico. 

But first - we had some very exciting packages waiting for us in the USVI!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/06/image-4.png)

[Paddle North](https://paddlenorth.com/?ref=bradenanderin.com) is a local Minnesota company that started in a garage in 2014\. Their first inflatable paddle board was made in 2016, and since then they've expanded their inflables to include kayaks, docks, chairs and more.

In 2022 we purchased one of their paddle boards that we use in Minnesota and take camping with us. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/06/image-2.png)

Oregon - 2023

Last year in the Bahamas we purchased one of their inflatable docks from another boater. It quickly became one of our most used water toys. As soon as the anchor goes in the water, so does the dock. The girls and their friends love it.

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Georgetown, Bahamas - 2025

We spend a lot of time in the water. After 3 years on the boat it was time to upgrade our paddle boards and expand our water toys, and since we love our Paddle North paddle board and dock we decided to get some more of their inflatables. We needed to get to Puerto Rico, but we also really wanted to test out our new toys so we squeezed in one more night at Christmas Cove. We can't wait to get back in November and put these back in the water!

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When we left Charlotte Amalie in April I thought that would be the last time we would stop here this season. I was wrong.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/06/PXL_20260609_152401202.jpg)

We spent one last night with drinks at Box Bar (IYKYK) and burgers at Tap & Still. 

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We've hauled out twice in Puerto Rico. Both times we hung out with these guys on our final night on the boat. Both times we said it would be an early night. Both times it was not an early night. We can't wait to see them again in the USVI when we get back to the boat! ❤️

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(left) Puerto Rico, 2024 | (right) St. Thomas, 2026

After our not so early night, we got up early the next morning and started the 8 hour trip to Puerto Rico.

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After many, many hours of work, the boat has been packed, cleaned and stored for the summer.

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This is one of the most stressful parts of boat life. Watching your floating home rocking side to side while driving a long distance in the slings never gets easy no matter how many times you do it.

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Leaving the boat in Puerto Rico during hurricane season is always risky. This summer feels even more risky with NOAA forcasting it will be a below normal hurricane season. Let's hope they are correct. I'd like to find the boat just how we left it when we get back.🤞🏼

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### british virgin islands
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/british-virgin-islands/
Last updated: 2026-06-03T13:05:38.000Z
After almost a month in the USVI we were ready for a little change of scenery. Our sailing season is coming to an end, and we've had a lot of plans up in the air these last couple months - but we knew for sure we wanted to at least visit the BVI before our summer boat break.

First stop - Norman Island for Willy T's. This floating restaurant and bar is one of the kids favorites because they can jump from the top deck into the water over and over again.

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Our friends have been talking about Little Harbor on Peter Island since we met them. We had been to a bunch of places in the BVI, but this wasn't one of them. After our stop here we totally get why they love it, and it is at the top of our list of favorite places. I could have stayed there for weeks.

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While we were there we hiked up to the ruins of an old mansion.

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To cool off we snorkeled in the afternoon.

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After the peace and quiet of Little Harbor it was time to visit the hustle and bustle of Virgin Gorda with stops at Saba Rock and Leverick Bay. We swam in the pool, hiked some abandoned resorts, saw the moko jumbie and fire dance show and drank some fruity drinks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/06/PXL_20260529_184642924.jpg)

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We have less than a week left in the BVI before we head back to the USVI and then back to Puerto Rico. With all the crazy weather this season we've run out of time to get all the way down to Grenada, so we've decided to leave the boat in Puerto Rico again. We're soaking up the last bit of fun before the hard work of preparing the boat for the summer begins.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/06/image-1.png)
### usvi
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/usvi/
Last updated: 2026-05-21T01:13:17.000Z
It's no secret that the US Virgin Islands is one of our favorite places. There is so much to do, so much to see and so many friends here to share it all with.

Over the last month we've bounced back and forth between St. Thomas and St. John. We've done tons of snorkeling.

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We've dealt with doctors visits and prescriptions for pink eye and impetigo.

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We've done quite a bit of hiking and lots of swimming.

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We've played bingo (twice), eaten pizza from the pizza boat (twice) and listened to live music (twice).

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Most importantly we've shared all our late nights, game nights and lazy days with some of our closest friends. ❤️ 

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### carnival, st. thomas, usvi
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/carnival-2/
Last updated: 2026-05-03T16:35:32.000Z
We were in St. Thomas for Carnival two years ago. It is a wild time - colorful costumes, loud music and a lot of fun. We started on Thursday night with an evening of rides.

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Friday we spent the day at the kids parade, and followed it up Saturday with the adult parade.

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0:00 

/0:34 

1× 

The double decker trailers playing steel drums are my favorite.

0:00 

/0:40 

1× 

0:00 

/1:02 

1× 

After a long, hot couple of days we ended Carnival by watching the fireworks from the back of our boat.

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### us virgin islands
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/us-virgin-islands/
Last updated: 2026-05-01T13:35:55.000Z
We planned to head from Boqueron, Puerto Rico straight to St. Thomas, USVI in one day. Of course a lot of times travel plans on the water don't stick. We ended up splitting our trip into three days with two quick overnight stops in Puerto Rico.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260422_101854701.jpg)

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Finally - St. Thomas, USVI! We only spent two days in St. Thomas to grab some groceries, have burgers at Tap & Still and drinks at Box Bar. 

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Then it was off to St. John!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/05/image.png)

We wasted no time getting all the water toys into the water. 

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To split up all the water time the girls and I hiked to Annaberg Plantation Ruins. We've visited here before, but this time we went on a day when they had a cultural program. Field trip!

It was a pretty decent hike through the mangroves, down a road and uphill. On the way we saw tons of crabs, a flamingo and a couple deer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260428_141437036.jpg)

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When we got there we met a gardener who told us about the plants growing in the garden on the property. We got samples of sugar cane, coconut, bananas and mangoes. After the gardener we went to the old cook house where we got to eat Johnny Cakes and drink coconut lemonade.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260428_151447300.jpg)

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The ruins are up at the top of the hill. From there you can see the British Virgin Islands.

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St. John still ranks at the very top as one of our favorite islands. We love it here.

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### boqueron, puerto rico
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/boqueron-puerto-rico/
Last updated: 2026-04-22T15:11:17.000Z
We've been to a bunch of places in Puerto Rico, but this was our first stop on the western coast. 

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We rented a car for a couple days to get some much needed shopping done. While we were in Turks & Caicos the wind blew two shoes off the back of the boat. One was mine. One was Emma's. Of course it was the same foot, so we couldn't combine the shoes. We've been down 2 pairs of shoes for a while, which was really inconvenient, so I was in search of a mall where we could get some new shoes. It didn't hurt there was also a Krispy Kreme, a Chick-fil-A, a Walmart and a Sam's Club all within an hour. 

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Sometimes we stop in a place because we've been there before and want to go back. Sometimes we stop in a place because we want to see something new. Sometimes we stop in a place because we have to for some reason, usually weather. 

Every once in a while one of those "have to" stops becomes an unexpected little gem. Boqueron is one of those places. We didn't expect much, but were surprised by the bright colors, the cute town and the lively night scene.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260420_173300415.jpg)

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While we enjoyed our time in Boqueron it was time to move on. We pulled up anchor with the sun and started our journey to our next stop - the US Virgin Islands. 🇻🇮

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260422_101849949.jpg)
### adios dominican republic
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/adios-dominican-republic/
Last updated: 2026-04-19T00:54:14.000Z
We celebrated Easter in the Dominican Republic with egg painting, an egg hunt, some great food and a visit from the Easter bunny.

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The marina in Samana definitely lives up to all the hype we've heard over the years. We had a great couple weeks enjoying happy hours, making new friends, hanging out with old friends and spending hours by the pool, but we were definitely ready to get going. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260407_140408697.jpg)

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You know you've been sitting too long when a bird has enough time to build a nest in your sail. She was very determined to lay her egg - with or without a nest. This is clearly a sign it is time to get moving.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260414_202906371.jpg)

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Finally - we're off! Next stop Puerto Rico! 🇵🇷

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/IMG-20260415-WA0018.jpg)

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The ocean between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico is called the Mona Passage. If the weather is rough, going between the two countries can be dangerous. Lots of sailors have some anxiety about making this trip, including us. Braden studied the weather for weeks and finally we decided it was forecast to be calm enough for us to make the 24+ hour trip to Puerto Rico. He was right.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260415_202909214.jpg)

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After an calm and uneventful night I was hoping to get a dolphin welcoming committee into Puerto Rico. Instead we got rain. Luckily no lightning or wind. Just lots and lots of rain. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260416_151748146.jpg)

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I can't tell you how happy we are to be in Puerto Rico. Getting from the US to Puerto Rico is tough. Really tough. It is a long distance with several difficult passages and squirelly weather. Now that is all behind us!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/image.png)

The last time we were on anchor was February 13th. This is by far the most time we've spent in marina's ever. We forgot how great it is being anchored vs. a marina. Being in a marina is so convenient, but being on anchor is so much more relaxing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/04/PXL_20260416_210724098.jpg)

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### samana, dominican republic
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/samana-dominican-republic/
Last updated: 2026-04-02T01:45:47.000Z
Once we got back from the Airbnb in the mountains we all decided we could use a bit more time off the boat. We found an Airbnb overlooking the marina and decided to spend a couple days there. We played games, swam in the pool and rescued a baby gecko. We ended up cutting our mini vacation a day short when the weather cleared up just long enough for us to get to our next destination which was about 24 hours away. 

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If we've learned anything this season it is don't wait for the next good weather window because you never know when that will come! We left the Airbnb at 10 AM and by 12 PM were out of the marina and on our way to our next stop.

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The water between Puerto Plata (where we were leaving) and Samana (where we were going) is littered with fishing buoys and FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices). We've heard horror stories of boats wrapping fishing nets in their propellers and either having to jump into the water to try to untangle them or get towed to a marina to fix their boat. They are hard enough to see during the day. Completely impossible to see at night. Running over one of these in the middle of the night, alone out in the open ocean, was one of my biggest fears. 

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I spent a lot of time on high alert looking for tiny, floating fishing buoys. Luckily we made it all the way without any issues. Whew.

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Boaters rave about the marina in Samana. Everyone we've met who has stopped here has nothing but good things to say, so of course we had to check it out for ourselves. Multiple pools, a couple restaurants, flamingos, a gym, a playground, friends, scheduled events - what's not to love here?

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Once we got settled and reconnected with some friends we spent an afternoon hiking the El Limon waterfall. It was a 1.5 mile hike up and down through the jungle. We've seen a lot of waterfalls, but this may be the prettiest one so far.

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Another very popular and highly talked about local activity is the drop in school for boat kids. It didn't take very long for the girls to hear how much fun all the kids were having at school. Unfortunately we got here right before spring break, so Olivia was only able to go one day. Of course she loved it, and begged to go back if we happen to be here after spring break.

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Samana is a popular whale watching location. Every year thousands of humpback whales migrate to Samana in the Dominican Republic to give birth. On our way here the only whales we saw were way off in the distance, so we decided to book a whale watching tour to hopefully see some up close.  
  
I tried to prepare the girls (and myself) that we might not see any whales since the season is coming to an end and they are starting to migrate north.  
  
It didn't take very long for us to find a mother with her baby and a male escort who was tagging along with them. We followed them around for over an hour watching them splash and swim around. The tour operator we went with was highly knowledgeable and provided so much information about these whales. It was definitely a highlight of our visit to the Dominican Republic. 

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0:00 

/0:39 

1× 

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Grocery shopping here has been quite the adventure. We tried the local grocery stores, but the options were very limited. We ended up driving an hour to a bigger store to restock our fridges and freezers. One thing you can always count on though - Pringles. I'm pretty sure every country we have been to has Pringles in their grocery store.

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### jarabacoa, dominican republic
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/jarabacoa-dominican-republic/
Last updated: 2026-03-19T17:25:56.000Z
We met a kid boat in the marina in Turks and Caicos that was also in the same marina in Dominican Republic. We only talked with them briefly a couple times, but they invited us to an Airbnb they rented up in the mountains for a couple days. We weren't sure if we were going to go, but then Emma gave us a talk about being more spontaneous. We decided it was only 2 days with a family we barely knew - so why not? We quickly got a rental car and were on our way. It was a 2.5 hour drive up into the mountains. This part of the Dominican Republic was beautiful, but it didn't change how I feel about the DR. Nice try though...

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Since it was a long drive we passed lots of interesting things. Including all these overloaded vehicles.

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The house was really cool. It had a pool, a chef and a big yard. The girls had fun swimming and catching lizards. We all had a great time and it was nice to get off the boat for a couple days. Glad Emma gave us that little nudge to convince us to go. Again - YOLO.

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On the way back Google Maps decided to take us on a really sketchy, really scenic route.

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The route was down a very bumpy dirt road completely surrounded by tobacco farms. Fun fact for Austin - the Dominican Republic has approximately 5,000 tobacco farms and is currently the largest producer of premium handmade cigars in the world.

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### puerto plata, dominican republic
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/puerto-plata-dominican-republic/
Last updated: 2026-03-18T23:57:08.000Z
We're hanging out in the Dominican Republic for the week. The marina where we are is right next to the adventure park. We went there last time we were here, and I wasn't sure we would go again this time. With the large crowds and the buffet lunch we've been pretty convinced this is where Olivia's virus came from - but YOLO. We just made sure to hand sanitize a lot. 🤞🏼

The girls favorite thing is still the birds. Last time we were here Olivia asked if we could get a pet bird. She asked again this time.

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This dolphin show is still the best I've ever seen.

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For some reason last time we missed the sea lion show, so we made sure to see it this time. 

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We finished off the day doing a little swimming.

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### Overweight baggage - A transmission story
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/overweight-baggage/
Last updated: 2026-03-15T03:01:59.000Z
Our starboard transmission had been slipping for a while. It wouldn't engage forward gear until the engine was fully warmed up — never a great sign. The ZF 15MA uses internal clutch packs and seals that wear over time, and ours had clearly reached the end of the line. Time for a new one.

The question wasn't *if* we'd replace it, but *how do you get a marine transmission to a boat in the Turks and Caicos?*

Shipping heavy parts into the Caribbean is its own special adventure — expensive freight, unpredictable customs, and timelines measured in "weeks, probably." I decided on a more hands-on approach: fly to Florida, grab the unit, and carry it back myself.

The original plan was simple — fly into Orlando, rent a car, drive to Jacksonville to pick up the transmission. One problem: I'd lost my driver's license a couple months earlier. No rental car. So I reworked the route and booked flights in and out of Jacksonville instead.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/trans_floor.jpg)

I picked up the new ZF 15MA in Jax. At roughly 30 lbs, it's technically within airline checked bag limits. It is not, however, luggage-shaped. I grabbed a Pelican 1620 case, padded the transmission inside, drained every drop of residual oil per FAA PackSafe rules, and tucked the original invoice and a friendly note inside for whoever at TSA decided to open it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/pelican.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/case_note.jpg)

Then my flight back got canceled. But here's where the trip did me a favor — while I was in Florida I'd managed to get a new driver's license. Plan A was suddenly back on the table. I rented a car, drove to Orlando, and flew direct to Providenciales with a Pelican case that earned me some looks at the terminal. It checked through without a problem.

Back at South Bank Marina, the real work started. On paper, swapping a ZF 15MA seems like a weekend job — a few bolts, a coupling, done. The Dean 441 engine room had other plans.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/trans_bolts.jpg)

To fully access the bell housing, you have to remove the rear motor mounts. That means supporting the weight of the engine while working in the cramped space of a catamaran hull. This is not a solo operation. We called in Caribbean Marine & Diesel at the marina, and with their help we were able to pull the rear mounts, disengage the Bullflex coupling (serious leverage and an offset wrench required), swap the old unit for the new one, and get everything re-aligned.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/trans_out.jpg)

After a fresh fill of ATF and a sea trial, Yoto is back to full strength. No more idling at the dock waiting for the engine to warm up before we can leave. It was a hectic week of flying, driving, improvising, and crawling around the engine room, but there's something satisfying about knowing exactly what's under the floorboards — and that it got there as checked luggage.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/trans_in.jpg)
### YoBatt - Bidirectional Battery Charging
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/yobatt-controller/
Last updated: 2026-03-15T01:37:24.000Z
Our boat Yoto has two battery banks — a 48V LiFePO4 bank that gets charged by solar, and a 12V AGM bank connected to the alternator. The problem is getting energy between them. When the sun's out, the 48V bank fills up but the 12V needs topping off. When the engine's running, the alternator is pumping into 12V — energy that could be going back to 48V storage instead.

There are off-the-shelf solutions for one-way DC-DC charging, but I wanted something bidirectional — automatically deciding which direction to transfer based on what each bank actually needs. And critically, it can never drain the 12V bank. Lose 12V on a boat and you lose engine start, bilge pumps, and navigation. That's a bad day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/calex.png)

The Hardware  
The heart of it is a Calex 48S12 DC-DC converter, which can move power in either direction — stepping 48V down to charge 12V (buck mode) or boosting 12V up to charge 48V (boost mode). It takes commands over CAN bus, which is where the Raspberry Pi comes in. I'm using a Pi 4 with a PICAN Duo CAN hat to talk to the converter and make all the charging decisions.

The Software  
Using AI to help, the controller is a Python asyncio application. It runs a state machine that evaluates both battery banks and decides what to do:

BUCK: Solar bank is full, 12V needs a charge — step down and top off the AGM  
BOOST: 12V is healthy and 48V could use more — harvest alternator energy up to 48V  
IDLE: Neither bank needs attention, or conditions aren't right for a transfer  
The charging follows proper multi-stage profiles for each chemistry. AGM gets bulk, absorption, and float. LiFePO4 gets bulk and absorption (no float needed). Rather than implementing complex current regulation in software, I just set voltage and current targets over CAN and let the Calex's built-in regulation handle it. The controller decides what to ask for and when to change stages.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-9.23.38---PM.png)

Keeping the 12V Safe  
This is where I got a little obsessive. Three independent layers prevent the system from ever draining the 12V bank:

The charge logic never even recommends boost mode if 12V is below 12.4V  
The state machine has its own guard that blocks boost entry  
A separate safety monitor runs every 100ms and will emergency-stop boost if 12V drops  
The safety monitor also watches for CAN communication timeouts, hardware faults from the converter, and high temperatures. It runs independently from the main controller — if the control logic has a bug, the safety task can still shut things down.

One detail I'm particularly happy with: the CAN heartbeat to the converter is sent by the Linux kernel's broadcast manager, not by Python. If the Python process stalls for any reason — garbage collection, a bug, whatever — the kernel keeps talking to the converter. No single point of failure.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-9.22.40---PM.png)

The Dashboard  
I built a web UI so I can monitor everything from my phone. It shows both battery banks with live voltage, current, and power readings, plus the converter's status and what mode it's in. There are charts for voltage trends, temperature, and energy transferred over time. I can also manually idle the system or hit an emergency stop from the browser. It pushes updates over WebSocket so the dashboard feels real-time without constant polling.
### dominican republic
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/dominican-republic-2/
Last updated: 2026-03-15T00:19:15.000Z
This season has been the most difficult one so far. We've had lots of things break on the boat since November - at least 17 things (yes, I've been keeping count). The weather has been making it very difficult to travel, especially south (the direction we want to go). There haven't been a whole lot of friends for the girls. 

It has been hard on all of us. We've had countless discussions on our plans and future with the boat. The main question being - what are we going to do? We thought we'd be a lot further south by now, but the weather made travel nearly impossible for us. When we got to Turks and Caicos we thought we'd be there a week, maybe two, and then continue towards Grenada. 

We ended up stuck in Turks and Caicos for almost a month fixing things and waiting for good weather. We were getting tired of waiting. We had two options (1) wait longer and hope the weather would clear up to give us a chance to get south, or (2) leave soon and head back to the Bahamas.

Finally, it was time to get moving! Of all the Caribbean countries we've been to Turks and Caicos has the nicest, friendliest people we've ever met. We were a little sad to leave, but it was definitely time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260312_113218845.jpg)

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In all our journeys (over 14 countries) there are only two that I said I never wanted to go back to - (1) St. Lucia and (2) Dominican Republic. I am 99% sure the Dominican Republic is where Olivia got a [virus](https://www.bradenanderin.com/dominican-republic/) that caused her to have an allergic reaction to cold (info in this [post](https://www.bradenanderin.com/yes-day/)). That is not something I wanted to go through again.

Alas, the Dominican Republic is where we were heading. There was just a slight break in the weather to get there. Not ideal weather, but it was the best we had seen in a long time. It was a rough ride. Definitely the most uncomfortable passage we've been on since we've been on the boat. Everything was soaked and salty.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260313_103156359.jpg)

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Braden and I barely got any sleep, but the girls didn't have that problem.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260313_120047365.jpg)

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This was such a beautiful sight after the night we had. We've been out the Eastern Caribbean for so long I forgot how mountainous all these countries are.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260313_120749981.jpg)
### Welcome to Emma’s Studio
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/emmas-art/emma-art-test1/
Last updated: 2026-03-15T00:09:55.000Z
### *Where imagination meets the canvas.*

We are so excited to share this corner of our family site with you. What started as simple doodles has grown into a vibrant collection of colors, textures, and big ideas. Whether she’s working with watercolors, acrylics, or a simple sketchbook and pencil, Emma’s art is a window into how she sees the world—full of wonder and bright possibilities.

---

> "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." — *Pablo Picasso*

### A Note from the Curators

As parents, watching Emma develop her "eye" for detail has been one of our favorite journeys. From the first messy finger paints to these more intentional works, we’ve loved every stroke. This gallery is our way of archiving her growth and sharing a bit of her joy with our friends and family.

**Thanks for stopping by to cheer her on!**
### still in turks and caicos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/still-in-turks-and-caicos/
Last updated: 2026-03-07T00:26:04.000Z
Well... half of us are. Braden and Emma took this long stretch of sitting and waiting to take a trip to Florida for a couple days. We had some much needed packages and mail to pick up, and now seemed like a good time since the boat isn't going anywhere.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260304_204606947.jpg)

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While they were away Olivia and I were busy - we walked a puppy, saw a coral feeding, checked out some new stores and restaurants, plus spent a morning getting all the laundry done.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260305_155546113.jpg)

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Jean Pierre (Claude's brother)

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I think everyone we know on a boat between the Bahamas and the USVI has been watching the weather very closely over the last couple days. It seems there may be weather coming up soon for everyone to get moving. We're ready, so we're keeping our fingers crossed that the weather cooperates and we can get out of here!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/03/PXL_20260303_144523368.jpg)
### turks and caicos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/turks-and-caicos/
Last updated: 2026-02-28T03:43:14.000Z
When we were the in the Bahamas we were moving around a lot. We usually like to spend days or weeks in one spot, but between the weather and trying to get south it felt like we were moving just about every day. At one point Braden said he just wanted to hang out in once place long enough to get tired of it. Mother Nature is making that wish come true and it looks like Turks and Caicos is going to be that place... for all of us. After being here for two weeks we're all ready to get going, but the weather has other plans for now.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260215_220645749.jpg)

Since we're not able to get moving yet we're making the best of it. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260214_222646382.PORTRAIT.jpg)

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Puppy walking might have been the highlight so far. The local rescue let's volunteers walk puppies for 2 hours every morning. The girls loved it and have already asked if we can go back.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260227_143537207.jpg)

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our puppy for the morning - Claude

We've also been using this waiting time to get a bunch of projects done - we fixed our fridge, changed the oil in both engines, replaced a pump on the engine, hung LED lights, replaced a fan, repaired a leaking paddleboard... and the list goes on and on.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260223_151639238.jpg)

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We're checking the weather every day. As soon as the wind and waves let up long enough for us to get to Dominican Republic (or beyond) we'll be out of here. But in the meantime we're thankful we're stuck here and not still in [George Town](https://www.bradenanderin.com/george-town-bahamas-2/).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/image-1.png)
### goodbye bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/goodbye-bahamas/
Last updated: 2026-02-14T20:01:54.000Z
We (mainly Braden) spent a lot of hours looking at weather. We went back and forth for days and days and days on whether we should go, or stay. The trip to either the Turks and Caicos or the Dominican Republic would take us multiple days out on the open ocean. We prefer to be out there when the wind is calm and the waves are flat. We aren't in a rush to get anywhere and we would prefer to have a comfortable trip, so it was a huge decision on when would be the best time to leave since weather can be unpredictable and changes all the time.

Finally we saw some nice weather and had to make a decision. Then... there were signs. The first sign - the dolphin visit we got the morning before we were thinking about leaving.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260211_143926205.jpg)

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0:00 

/0:03 

1× 

The second sign - Braden found his sunglasses that he thought he lost in the ocean a couple days ago. Apparently they had just been sitting on his laptop for days.

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Once we decided to leave, we decided Turks and Caicos would be our next stop. The trip to Turks and Caicos would take us three days. I am a terrible meal planner - at home and on the boat - but for this trip I spent a whole day making enough food that I could just toss in the oven while we were underway.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260210_163453048.jpg)

Chicken enchiladas, chicken pot pie and cheesy broccoli rice and chicken

We were about 6 hours out of George Town when one of our engines started having issues. We tried to troubleshoot it, but decided we needed to turn around and head back to George Town to try to fix it. After we turned back towards George Town we figured it out and decided to turn back around and continue on to Turks and Caicos. I'm sure anyone watching us was wondering what the heck we were doing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260212_213301754.jpg)

When we're on passage we let the girls skip school. Braden and I are always busy taking care of the boat or napping, so they find ways to entertain themselves. For this trip they did some self care, listened to music in the hammock and tended to my plants.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260212_183446744.jpg)

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Our last sunrise and sunset in the Bahamas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260213_105504479-1.jpg)

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The Bahamas sure tried hard to get us to stay one more night, but luckily the storm just missed us.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260213_223950649.jpg)

We arrived early, early morning to Turks and Caicos. A new country for all 4 of us! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/image.png)

putting up our quarantine flag until we check in with customs and immigration
### george town, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/george-town-bahamas-2/
Last updated: 2026-02-08T01:17:20.000Z
Ah... George Town - lots of boats, tons of kids, rules like an HOA. I have a love/hate relationship with George Town, but the girls love it here. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260123_200642720.PORTRAIT.jpg)

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It has been cold in the Bahamas! It got so cold that the temperature inside our boat got down to 68 degrees. We don't have enough warm clothes and blankets for this kind of weather. I did a lot of baking to keep warm. It was the first time since we've been on the boat that we fogged up the windows.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260202_035307351.jpg)

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We need good weather to get further south from here, so we've been watching the weather very, very closely. There have been a few times we thought the weather would be perfect, but then the forecast changed and we decide to stay put to wait for more comfortable conditions. Fingers crossed the weather gets it's act together soon so we can get going. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/02/PXL_20260131_015422763.jpg)
### emerald bay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/emerald-bay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2026-01-28T17:38:46.000Z
With more windy weather in the forecast we decided to wait it out in a marina for a couple days. When the weather is bad you can't really get off the boat when you're anchored, but when the weather is bad and you're in a marina you just step off the boat onto the dock with no problem. 

The marina itself wasn't anything fancy, but it had free laundry (which I've never seen before) and an awesome lounge that was open until midnight.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260119_154424481.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260119_154527934.jpg)

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It's always nice to have a change of scenery for school. The marina lounge was the perfect place to do school during the day, and have snacks and drinks with friends at night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260120_142550836.jpg)

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The marina was also a great place to cross off a boat project or two. We had a project that required someone to go up the mast (not a favorite thing of mine to do), but both girls were excited to go up there to help us cross a pretty big project off the list.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260122_195944326.jpg)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260122_205723497.jpg)

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### lee stocking island, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/lee-stocking-island-bahamas-2/
Last updated: 2026-01-28T01:02:33.000Z
Lee Stocking Island is private, but in the Bahamas all beaches are public up to the high tide line. The last time we were [here](https://www.bradenanderin.com/lee-stocking-island-bahamas/) the caretakers of the island were not happy we were on the beach - even though we were following the rules and staying below the high tide line. This time we avoided that beach and went around to the one we named Sea Glass Beach the last time we visited. Its a bit of a hike to get to the beach, but it is worth it for all the treasures you can find.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260118_185443293.jpg)

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Once you get to the ocean side there is a nice tide pool for the kids to swim in, and tons of shells and sea glass to be found on the beach.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260118_190834226.jpg)

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Some of our treasures. Sea glass is my favorite. ❤️

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260119_121240357.jpg)
### black point, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/black-point-bahamas-2/
Last updated: 2026-01-17T20:02:40.000Z
Black Point has a few must do's. One of them is lunch at Lorraine's Cafe. Another one is getting coconut bread made fresh daily by Lorraine's mom. We stopped in Black Point in March ([post here](https://www.bradenanderin.com/black-point-bahamas/)) hoping to get some bread, but the weather chased us out of there before we could get any. This trip through the Bahamas we decided to skip Black Point, but as we were passing by decided to stop real quick to see if we could score some coconut bread. 

Not only did we get coconut bread - we got three loaves and she threw in a fresh baked, still warm, banana bread as a special treat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260117_151855689.jpg)

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### staniel cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/staniel-cay-bahamas-2/
Last updated: 2026-01-17T14:37:55.000Z
You can't stop in Staniel Cay without lunch at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and a visit with the sharks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260116_173345435-1.jpg)

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### thomas cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/thomas-cay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2026-01-17T14:27:11.000Z
The Bahamas is beautiful, but the weather is annoying. About once a week a cold front comes though that makes us have to find shelter from the wind and waves. The downside is sometimes we have to leave places before we're ready. The upside is that we've found some cool places that we probably wouldn't have visited otherwise - like Thomas Cay. 

We anchored here a couple days early to get a good spot. We knew it was protected and that most likely more boats would be coming in looking for shelter. The extra days gave us time to explore around the island.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/P1131998.JPG)

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We also spent an afternoon a couple islands over at Rachel's Bubble Bath, which is a kid favorite from last season.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260113_201630628.jpg)

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We watched the storm we were waiting for roll in. It was a hours of on again off again wind and rain. The wind gusts got up to almost 50 mph a couple times.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260115_180315074.jpg)

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After the storm....

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### warderick wells, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/warderick-wells-bahamas-2/
Last updated: 2026-01-13T01:07:14.000Z
Warderick Wells is one of the most beautiful places in the Bahamas. When we were here back in April ([post here](https://www.bradenanderin.com/warderick-wells-bahamas/)) we only got to stay for one night. We had hoped we'd be able to come back again on our way up to Florida, but we didn't have time to stop then. It took us a while, but we finally made it back. This time we got to stay two nights and we were with friends which always makes everything more fun.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260111_162456716.jpg)

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The sign we left at the top of Boo Boo Hill in April was already gone. We found our piece of wood, but our shell lettering was gone. I had no idea that Olivia brought a paint kit with her to make a new one at the top of the hill.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260111_164605979-1.jpg)

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January 2026 on the left, April 2025 on the right

The highlight of this trip - the spotted eagle rays. I've heard about them swimming through this anchorage, but we've been here three times and never saw them. Until now. Fun fact for Austin - a group of eagle rays is called a fever of rays.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/8580023473239431392.jpg.jpeg)

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### shroud cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/shroud-cay-bahamas-2/
Last updated: 2026-01-13T00:11:27.000Z
The Bahamas has so many unique little islands to visit. This is one of them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot_20260112-190812.png)

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### nassau, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/nassau-bahamas-2/
Last updated: 2026-01-08T20:13:38.000Z
You know you've made it to a big island when there are lots of cruise ships. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260106_160336625.jpg)

After being in the Berry Islands for almost 2 weeks there were two things we really need to do - (1) buy some fresh food, and (2) get rid of trash. We stopped in a marina for two nights to have easy access to do both of those, plus laundry as a bonus.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260104_171316579.jpg)

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Our next stop for another two nights was Atlantis. When we came in April it was just us. This time we came with some friends. It is so much more fun with friends!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/IMG-20260108-WA0012.jpg)

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This was the girls favorite slide. I have no idea how many times they went down - but it was a lot. 

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The Rapid River is also a family favorite. This should not be confused with a lazy river. There is nothing lazy about it.

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Besides the water park, we also walked through the aquarium every day. They have some pretty cool sea life to see.

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On our last night there was a huge private party complete with a firework show that we watched from the boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260108_040038009.jpg)

Next stop - Exumas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20250416_221111032.PORTRAIT.jpg)
### the berry islands, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/the-berry-islands-bahamas/
Last updated: 2026-01-04T01:28:13.000Z
The Berry Islands are fairly remote despite being close to Freeport. There were no restaurants. No places to drop trash. No big cities. No houses. Just white sand beaches, a blue hole and lots of sea life.

Really the only attraction here is Hoffman's Blue Hole. We've only been to one other blue hole - Dean's Blue Hole in Long Island, Bahamas. That was where we discovered Olivia's allergy to cold and had to rush her to the hospital ([recap here](https://www.bradenanderin.com/long-island-bahamas/) in case you missed it). Since then any time a blue hole was mentioned in conversation Olivia would start crying. We all needed to overcome our fear of blue holes, so we agreed to just go and look at this one. Just looking at it turned into jumping off the cliff into it - and just like that fears were overcome.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/IMG-20251228-WA0022.jpg)

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The Berry Islands is home to over 130 small islands, so there was a beach around every corner. We quickly found our favorite beach with a swing for the kids and friendly turtles that would swim right up to you as soon as you got in the water.

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Right in front of our boat was a sandbar that was exposed during low tide. We took a walk around the island one day and saw tons of cool sea life.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/PXL_20260101_175711332.jpg)

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While we were here we celebrated both Christmas and New Year's Eve with old friends and new friends. ♥️

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Any guesses where our next stop is going to be....?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2026/01/image.png)

hint, hint
### freeport, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/freeport-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-12-24T21:13:36.000Z
We only spent one night in West End. The next day we headed over to Freeport for a couple days. Apparently Freeport is the hub for oil imports and exports. We passed a lot of huge oil tankers on our way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251220_172808334.jpg)

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The first time we had a Bahamian breakfast was sort of by accident in Nassau in 2011\. We had been awake over 24 hours sailing from Bimini to Nassau with a bunch of boat problems. We were stressed, exhausted and starving. Charlie's was the only place open for breakfast, and we didn't know until we sat down that there weren't any eggs and pancakes at this place. That meal was amazing. We asked about Charlie's when we were back in Nassau in April, but sadly the restaurant closed during the pandamic and never reopened. 

While we were in Freeport we asked some locals where the best place to get a traditional Bahamian breakfast was. Both of them recommended the same place, so we had to try it. It may not look the most appetizing, but trust me, it is delicious.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251222_145753534.jpg)

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Bahamian breakfast of stew fish and grits

We were undecided if we would stay in Freeport for 1 night or 3 nights. We were fairly easily persuaded to stay 3 nights once we got there - the pool, the restaurant, the super friendly marina staff, the pig that Olivia named Boaralina. We probably could have been talked into staying longer, but it was time to get moving while the weather was nice.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251221_163506691.jpg)

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It was a early Christmas Eve morning as we head off to the next chain of islands - The Berries.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251224_112856493-1.jpg)
### hello bahamas!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/hello-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-12-24T19:33:52.000Z
West Palm is a bit nostalgic for us since Braden and I lived in the area for so long and Emma was born there. We enjoyed being in a city that was so familiar to us while we waited for good weather to get over to the Bahamas. We saw a movie. Went to the farmer's market. Ate at some of our favorite restaurants. Shopped at CityPlace. Visited Santa, and even saw snow.

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For weeks we watched the weather. It felt like we would never get good enough weather to be able to cross over to the Bahamas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251212_181820198.jpg)

Finally it was go time! We made our last minute shopping trips (groceries in the Bahamas are expensive, so we wanted to stock up on as much as we could before we left the US), got all the laundry done (the laundromat in West Palm is by far my favorite of all time) and picked up some last minute Amazon packages. 

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None of this would have been possible without our friends letting us use their Jeep while we were in town (thank you!). You don't realize what a luxury it is to have a car until you don't have one for a while.

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Weather is unpredictable, so you never know if you made the right decision to leave or not. It's always a reassuring feeling to see so many other boats going the same way you are.

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It was a bit of a bumpy ride all the way to the Bahamas. But it was go now or wait until after Christmas... and we had been waiting long enough. Emma's poor gingerbread house didn't make the trip.

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Our first stop in the Bahamas - West End. Braden and I came here on our other boat for our honeymoon in 2010\. The marina is more run down than we remember, but we were excited to be in the Bahamas and had a fun first night dancing up a storm. 

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### happy birthday olivia
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-birthday-olivia-3/
Last updated: 2025-12-11T05:10:48.000Z
For the last two years we've been on the boat for Olivia's birthday. I'm not going to lie. I felt a lot of pressure for this one. She was so excited it was her golden birthday and I did not want to disappoint her. 

In 2023 we were in Martinique. I went to the local boulangerie and got a cake with chocolate and strawberry. She was not impressed.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20231210_225747395.jpg)

Last year (2024) I tried to redeem myself and special ordered a cake from a baker in St. Thomas. It was beautiful, but again, she was not a fan.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20241210_200501297.jpg)

There were two things she asked for this birthday (1) a good cake and (2) celebrating with friends.

(1) When I knew we were going to be in West Palm for her birthday - I knew just where to go. Publix cakes and Publix subs (aka Pub Subs) are some of the best around. She went with me to Publix and picked out this design.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251210_190945798.jpg)

(2) We're lucky to be in West Palm Beach with some friends who were all in to help us celebrate - bowling, cake, arcade, go karts and dinner.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251210_210129855.jpg)

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When we got back to the boat tonight she said it was the best birthday ever. Whew. ❤️ 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251210_210210277.jpg)
### until next time st. augustine
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/until-next-time-st-augustine/
Last updated: 2025-12-03T18:50:59.000Z
It was a busy couple weeks in St. Augustine. We had lots of boat projects, shopping, cleaning, organizing, family time (especially the girls who spent the last two weeks with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) and a little bit of sight seeing. As with any place we stop we could always stay longer. There is always so much to do and so much to see - never enough time. But we are all ready to get back on the ocean and get moving south.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251128_191113949.jpg)

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St. Augustine is a really cool city. If we ever decided to move somewhere else. I would 100% move there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251201_015932923.jpg)

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If you're ever in St. Augustine and you have 30 minutes to spare you should stop in at the [St. Augustine Distillery](https://www.staugustinedistillery.com/?ref=bradenanderin.com). $5 for a self guided tour and 4 drink samples, plus you get $5 off at the gift shop after your tour. It was our last hurrah before we picked up the girls from my parents.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251201_192430062.jpg)

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One thing I really wanted to do before we left was visit the fort. I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but the girls and I managed to squeeze it in on our last day in St. Augustine. Olivia got her [4th grade National Parks pass](https://everykidoutdoors.gov/?ref=bradenanderin.com) and got us and our friends in for free.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/12/PXL_20251202_235314992.PORTRAIT.jpg)

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Our next stop - West Palm. If you want to follow us along in the ocean...

[Where is Yoto?our life in pictures and words![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/icon/favicon.ico)prickett family adventuresbraden![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/thumbnail/PXL_20230404_215230969-EFFECTS.jpg)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/where-is-yoto/)
### tallahassee, fl
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/tallahasse-fl/
Last updated: 2025-12-03T14:49:02.000Z
We've been wanting to take the girls to an FSU football game for years. It doesn't really make sense living in Minnesota, but it does make sense when your family lives in Jacksonville, your boat is in St. Augustine and you have friends in Tallahassee. 

Our first stop in Tallahassee was my old dorm to see if our initials are still in the sidewalk. They are. 25 years later.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/11/PXL_20251112_213234524.jpg)

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A visit to Tallahassee isn't complete unless you stop at Momo's to eat a pizza slice as big as your head. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/11/PXL_20251115_232331784.jpg)

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After the season FSU has been having we almost didn't want to go. Luckily this game was a good one and we all had a great time. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/11/PXL_20251115_235203832.jpg)

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### st. augustine, fl
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-augustine-fl-2/
Last updated: 2025-11-28T00:14:49.000Z
Once we got to Florida we wasted no time getting to work on our endless list of boat projects. Since we're in the US where parts are easy to get, we wanted to get a lot of projects done that have been on the list for a long time. But as with all boat projects - they never go like you expect. We have been getting a lot done, giving up on some and finding new problems to add to the list along the way. Braden and I have been very, very busy.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/11/PXL_20251117_210011136.jpg)

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;

Meanwhile - the girls have been staying at the grandparents house spending lots of time with their cousins and avoiding all the boat projects. 

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Putting the boat back into the water always make me nervous. It's a long, slow drive through the boatyard with the boat swinging all over the place.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/11/PXL_20251120_182350476.jpg)

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It's always good when it still floats!

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### new orleans, la
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/new-orleans-la/
Last updated: 2025-11-15T03:13:20.000Z
Once we decided on a route down to Florida it was time to pack the car and get on the road. Our goal was to get to New Orleans in two days, spend a day exploring the city and then get to Florida on the fourth day. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/11/PXL_20251109_160913579.jpg)

Our first stop - World's Largest Truckstop in Iowa.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/11/PXL_20251109_173839932.jpg)

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We stopped for the night in St. Louis. We took a quick detour on our way to the hotel to see the arch.

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The first new state for all of us was Arkansas. We drove through miles and miles of cotton fields. 

Fun fact for Austin - Texas is the largest cotton producer in the US with 40% of the nations total production. Other top producing states include Georgia, Mississippi and Arkansas.

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We followed up Arkansas with a quick drive through both Tennessee and Mississippi.

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We spent a little over 24 hours in New Orleans. We tried to do as much as we could in the short visit - we ate great food, enjoyed the cool view from our hotel right in the French Quarter, had beignets, visited the WWII museum and spent a couple hours at the Audubon Aquarium. There was so much to see and do and eat. We definitely need to go back because we didn't get to spend nearly enough time here.

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We can't drive by a Bucc-ee's and not stop. Luckily it was in Mississippi, which was another state we had never been to.

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Alabama - our final stop before making it to Florida.

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Success! Made it to Florida AND filled in four new states on our map. Now the real work begins getting the boat ready for another season.

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### fall recap
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/fall-recap/
Last updated: 2025-11-10T01:08:38.000Z
Our fall was just as busy (or busier) than our summer.

This fall we - made lots more sourdough, saw the jack o lanterns at the zoo, rode rides at Mall of America, took Nana and Grandpa to Duluth, went to the RV museum in Indiana, took the girls to their first drive in movie (the girls watched the movie while Braden and I watched the FSU football game), spent lots of time with friends, went to the Annapolis boat show, started school, Erin played adult kickball (super fun, also slightly dangerous when you're in your 40s), celebrated Halloween, introduced the girls to Fazoli's (IYKYK), converted the playroom into a library, went the the reptile show and visited several museums and aquariums.

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Emma - lost more teeth, played volleyball (which I coached - long story) and did gymnastics.

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Olivia - played volleyball, spent lots of time with friends, went apple picking and played lots of chess on her beautiful birthday present from Grandpa.

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It's been getting colder, snow is in the forecast which means it's time for us to go. Since our boat is in Florida we decided to drive.

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After lots of discussion about what route to take and if we should do any sightseeing - should we stop in Chicago? What about a day in Nashville? I happened to throw out there what about New Orleans? We've never been AND we could fill out four states on my map. Win-win. New Orleans - here we come!

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### summer recap
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/summer-recap-2/
Last updated: 2025-10-20T03:04:30.000Z
After we got the boat ready to leave in Florida we spent some time with family before heading back to Minnesota for the summer. 

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As soon as we got back the girls did their yearly assessments so summer could officially begin!

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We've been going non-stop since we got back to Minnesota in June, which is why I haven't posted any updates in months. 

This summer we - ate lots of sourdough from my starters that I brought from the boat, fostered kittens, went to MN State Fair, took the girls to their first concert, went bowling, had sleepovers, picked strawberries, shopped, spent time at the barn, went to waterparks, swam, hatched butterflies, biked and jogged, went to a rodeo, went ice skating, celebrated 4th of July, went to the movies, got in all our doctor and dentist appointments, tried to visit all our favorite restaurants, got haircuts from a professional for the first time in years and spent lots of time with our friends.

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Lots of sourdough experimenting this summer - some turned out better than others

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Emma - turned 12, completed a babysitting class and a first aid class, competed with Braden in our towns annual rib competition (they came in 5th with the judges and 1st in People's Choice), played lots of volleyball and lost a couple teeth.

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Olivia - went to her friends dance recital, completed the Second Lady of the United States reading challenge, went to tennis camp and spent almost every day playing with her friends in the neighborhood.

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Whew! It was a busy summer, followed by a busy fall (recap coming soon).
### st. augustine, fl
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-augustine-fl/
Last updated: 2025-10-20T15:33:04.000Z
I have a lot of catching up to do...

After lots of discussion we decided we would leave our boat in West Palm Beach for hurricane season. We were already there. We know the area after living there for a long time. We were all ready to get a break from the boat and head back to Minnesota. It was an easy decision... until it wasn't.

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After several days of unreturned phone calls from local boatyards we decided maybe West Palm wasn't the best place to leave our boat. Our new plan was to go on one last overnight adventure and take our boat up to St. Augustine. Those boatyards were at least returning our calls.

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When we sail overnight we always have someone awake on watch. There can be a lot of traffic on the ocean at night - cruise ships, container ships, this Navy warship. You never know what you might see out there.

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our boat in red

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Every boat does their overnight watches differently since what works for some doesn't work for others. For us that means I stay up as late as I can while Braden sleeps, then he takes over (usually around 12 AM or 1 AM) while I sleep, then some time before sunrise I get up so Braden can get some more sleep. Bonus for me: I get to see both the sunset and sunrise.

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sunset

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sunrise

The girls always want to stay up all night with us, but they haven't made it yet.

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Hello St. Augustine!

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St. Augustine is such a cute city. I told Braden if we ever decided to sell our house in Minnesota I would definitely move here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/09/PXL_20250519_203032724.jpg)

Emma is always up for an adventure when we get to a new place

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After a few days exploring it was time to get to work getting the boat ready for summer. My parents live 45 minutes away, so grandma came to pick up the girls and take them to her house. They were beyond excited.

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Once they were gone Braden and I got to work - taking the sails down, cleaning, organizing, purging all the food, laundry, vacuum sealing, etc., etc., etc.

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In the end this is how we leave the boat. It may look like a mess, but it is a very organized mess.

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We did manage to squeeze in some date nights after a long (hot) days work.

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thermostat in our boat

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Mellow Mushroom

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Krispy Kreme - my favorite

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The Conch House

These dolphins would come by our boat every day for hours. Apparently our boat was right in front of their fishing hole. I know this because the local tour boats would also come by every day, which means I am in lots of peoples vacation videos.

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I could (and did) sit there for hours just watching them. Sometimes there would be 10+ at a time and they would bring their babies. It definitely didn't help us get the boat ready in a timely fashion, but it was worth it.

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Clearly our bottom needed some serious cleaning because this turtle would come by every so often for a snack.

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After some long, hard days it was time to take the boat out of the water. This was by far the smallest space we've ever squeezed the boat. It was a tight fit.

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Our plan is to come back in November, get a bunch of boat projects crossed off the list while we're in the US and can easily get boat parts, then go back out for another sailing season. Where will we go? We don't know. We have a couple options, so we'll just see where the wind and waves will take us.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/09/PXL_20250527_185513985.jpg)
### west palm beach, fl
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/west-palm-beach-fl/
Last updated: 2025-05-14T16:36:40.000Z
With hurricane season quickly approaching it was time for us to get out of the Bahamas and back to the US for the summer months. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/IMG_20250501_193512.jpg)

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Olivia's bed while we're sailing overnight

We always put out a fishing line on the long trips, but have only caught (and released) a couple barracuda. We finally caught something worth eating on this trip. It was on the smaller size, but the perfect size for the four of us.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250502_142611410.jpg)

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blackened mahi bites for lunch

Now the real work begins. It takes so much work to get the boat ready to leave for a couple months. Every year I say we're not going to do it again. Every year we do it again. 

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Where are we going? We don't know. We've tossed around a bunch of different options. The only thing we know for sure - we will leave the boat somewhere along the East Coast of the US and we will spend the summer in Minnesota. For now we're hanging out in West Palm Beach, FL. Braden and I lived here for 11 years and Emma was born here. It's familiar, but also strange being back here on our boat after living in Minnesota since 2014.

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Flagler bridge

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Downtown West Palm Beach

The perks of being in the big city - sidewalks for scootering and a grocery store within walking distance. We've done a lot of both of these since we've been here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250503_163225820.jpg)

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We also found an awesome library downtown. They even let us get a library card, so we've been checking out lots of books.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250506_210344361.jpg)

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In other news - Olivia hasn't had a Zyrtec in weeks. I did the ice cube test on her three times and she didn't have any reaction. She's also been swimming a couple times and was totally fine. We're being cautiously optimistic that her cold allergy may be behind us!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250505_171641677.jpg)
### paradise island, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/nassa/
Last updated: 2025-05-04T19:59:02.000Z
When we came to Nassau at the beginning of April Emma was bummed we didn't spend any time at Atlantis. To be honest, I was a little bummed too. Water parks are on my list of places I love to go.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250404_172605263.jpg)

Last week we stopped back in Nassau to wait for good weather to cross over to Florida, and it just so happened that the next good weather was about a week away. Plenty of time to squeeze in a surprise stay at Atlantis!

0:00 

/0:25 

1× 

Atlantis was built in the 90s, so I was a little worried it was going to be old and run down. It was not. We spent four glorious (and exhausting) days living like we were on vacation. Eating. Drinking. Shopping. Riding water slides until our bodies were sore. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_154404680-1.jpg)

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They have some really awesome slides - slides that end up in an underground pool that is surrounded by an aquarium.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250429_163333835.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_155006207-2.jpg)

Slides that go through a shark tank.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_152911532.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_152844368.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250429_164549638.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250429_164553170.jpg)

Racing slides.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250429_194406716.jpg)

Slides that end up in the river rapids. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_154449171.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_161434528.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_165521233-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_172000428-1.jpg)

The river rapids were a family favorite. Not to be confused with a lazy river. There was nothing lazy about this river.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250429_190124260-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250428_161948272.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250429_190111763.jpg)

Atlantis is huge. Much bigger than Braden and I remember it being. I'm pretty sure we only saw half of it, and we definitely didn't take advantage of all the events. I happened to stumble upon a tween night at the kids club on one of the last nights we were there. The girls spent four hours dancing, playing games and hanging out with other kids their age. This trip was definitely money well spent. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/05/PXL_20250430_003810098.jpg)
### warderick wells, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/warderick-wells-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-04-25T18:56:22.000Z
I have to rewind - somehow I totally forgot to post about one of our most favorite places in the Bahamas. We stopped at Warderick Wells for only a day on our way to Nassau. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_180220003.jpg)

Their favorite part were the kayaks that were available to use whenever they wanted.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_190549158-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_202011908.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_190515082.jpg)

The popular hike on Warderick Wells is the hike to Boo Boo Hill. The legend is the hill is haunted by souls of a ship that went missing in the reef during a stormy night. On moonlit nights people claim to hear them singing in the howling wind.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_183743464.jpg)

The tradition is to leave an offering to King Neptune and the sea gods at the top of hill to bring good sailing and safe passage. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_183859622.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_183933706.jpg)

April 2025 - Yoto

Braden and I left a sign in 2012\. We looked for it, but we're pretty certain it is completely buried after 13 years.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/DSC_0009--12-.JPG)

January 2012 - SV Database

Unfortunately we came back from a day at the beach to find our boat sitting on the bottom. Fortunately it is soft sand so we were able to get it floating without any issues.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/P4021937.JPG)

The girls thought it was cool that they could just step off the back of the boat into waist deep water. Braden and I did not find it very cool. I don't think the turtle did either.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_214103691-2-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_213828056.jpg)

After we left the girls said it was their favorite island and we really wanted to go back. Unfortunately we ran out of time, so we will have to save another visit for another time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_184443246-1-1.jpg)
### shroud cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/shroud-cay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-04-24T16:18:55.000Z
Over the last couple weeks we've been back and forth through a couple of the small islands in the Exumas. In the Eastern Caribbean to go between islands could take days, but in the Bahamas most of the islands are within a couple hours of each other.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250420_155916794.jpg)

We spent many hours at the beach in Highbourne Cay. The island is private, so there wasn't much to do here. Emma quickly found sand dollars which kept her busy searching for hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250416_220921442.PORTRAIT.jpg)

The majority of our time we spent at Shroud Cay. Braden and I wanted to visit here in 2012, but we never made it. It has turned out to be at the top of our list of favorite Bahamian islands. A lot of the island is mangroves and if you plan the tides just right you can dinghy up the river and then float down the lazy river back.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250421_191740155.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_201804891.MP.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_204118115.PORTRAIT-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_204630939.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_203112345.jpg)

Olivia steering the dinghy down the lazy river

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_211218561-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_211353401.jpg)

The sand on the beach is the softest we've ever seen, and the girls had a great time jumping off the rocks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250421_211417319.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250421_211513263.jpg)

Holidays on the boat always take a bit of planning. Last year for Easter we were in the USVI, so it was easy to get things for Easter baskets. There aren't really any huge stores in the remote Bahamian islands, so this year I started stashing small things away months in advance. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250420_120159359.PORTRAIT.jpg)

Unfortunately Olivia caught on this year after recognizing some things in her Easter basket. She was all smiles here, but all tears later.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250420_120309834.PORTRAIT-2.jpg)

This is a tricky time of year for us. The majority of people living on their boats are doing it full time. They don't have a house to go back to, so they don't take a break for months at a time. We still have our house in Minnesota, so for hurricane season we go home. We enjoy taking a break from he boat, but as the summer quickly approaches we start to get antsy with all the planning that is needed to be able to leave the boat while also dreaming of our huge beds, a dishwasher and unlimited electricity and water. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250417_000919808.jpg)

This is also a bittersweet time of year for us. We've been lucky enough to travel with three other boats through most of the Bahamas. This week we all went our separate ways. Sometimes it's goodbye. Sometimes it's see ya later. Most of the time we never know. 

The popular saying is "plans are written in the sand at low tide". Even if we plan to meet up somewhere at some point we never really know if it will happen because plans change so quickly. We don't know if we will see some of our friends again, or we may pull into an anchorage and be surprised to find them already there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_183655270-1.jpg)

meeting up with our friends for a trip down the lazy river
### nassau, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/nassau-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-04-15T17:28:57.000Z
Ah Nassau. Probably our least favorite place in the Bahamas. A lot times when we mention the Bahamas to people it is where they think we are going because it is a very popular, and easy stop for cruise ships.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250404_172610523-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250411_185358046-2.jpg)

We had planned to visit Nassau a little later, but we needed to take an unexpected trip to Miami. There were a few places we could fly from in the Bahamas, but Nassau made the most sense since we could get there in a few days and leave our boat at a marina while we were gone.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250404_204620899-1.jpg)

We have flown a lot in the last couple years. This by far was the shortest flight. The girls were very excited when they heard the pilot say we'd be in Ft. Lauderdale in 39 minutes.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250405_154709725.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250405_153612150.jpg)

We landed in Ft. Lauderdale and drove to Miami where we spent the next three days with family. We got to see a lot of family that we haven't seen in many years. Somehow I managed to take only a few photos during our visit.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250406_143004833-1.jpg)

Our flight back to Nassau was a little longer because we had to fly around some thunderstorms. It was still less than an hour flight.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250408_215336078.jpg)

We don't stay in marinas very often, so it was nice to take advantage of some of the marina conveniences. #1 on my list - laundry. I spent 3 days doing laundry. All the laundry. It is so nice to be able to get all the big stuff done that doesn't fit in our little washing machine on the boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250410_141952494.jpg)

While we were there the girls wanted us to go on a date night dinner. Our table overlooked our boat in the marina.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250404_214246831.jpg)

We also took advantage of the marina lounge. It is always nice to have a little change of scenery for school.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250411_140050486.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250411_160004245.jpg)

Olivia practicing her chess

This lounge cat tried very hard to distract Emma.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250411_133706172.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250411_130114183.jpg)

Another huge advantage of being in a marina is how easy it is to get groceries onto the boat. It is so much easier to load groceries from the dock instead of loading and unloading from the dinghy. Emma is always up for a grocery store excursion. We made several trips to the grocery store.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250409_173917271.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250409_174108179.jpg)

This was the most impressive grocery store we'd been in since November. It can be a little overwhelming when you haven't had access to this much stuff in months.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250404_195043917.jpg)

When we were in Miami it was crazy to compare the price differences. At Publix strawberries were 3 for $10\. The same container in the Bahamas - $12.99 each. That was actually the cheapeast I've seen them in the Bahamas. In the more remote islands they are at least $15.99 each.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250409_164019529.jpg)

This grocery store even had Ellsworth Cheese Curds all the way from Wisconsin. These are $6.99 back in Minnesota. In Nassau they were $16.99.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250410_215527394.jpg)

On one of our trips the very nice kid bagging our groceries offered to walk them back to the marina in the cart. When Braden told him we were in the further marina (not the one right across the street) he said it was no problem. It is almost a mile there and back on some very bumpy sidewalks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250410_221626092.jpg)

He even took the groceries right to our boat so all we had to do was unload them. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250410_222301804.jpg)

After a week in Nassau it was time to move back south to the Exumas. Hurricane season is coming so our time on the boat is running out. While the conveniences of being in a big city like Nassau are nice, we'd much rather be enjoying the sunsets, the friends and the water while we can.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250403_232117446.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250413_182314192.jpg)
### cambridge cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/cambridge-cay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-04-04T00:15:09.000Z
Our next stop on our journey north was Cambridge Cay. This island is part of the Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park, which is a protected area covering over 112 acres of land and sea in the Exumas. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250402_212432632.jpg)

About a week ago some friends told us about Rocky Dundas. We had never heard of these caves before, and since we were close by we decided to go check them out. You have to swim under a ledge to get inside. The bottom of the caves are rock and the water is shallow enough to stand.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/P4011799.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/P4011788.jpg)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/P4011802-3.jpg)

Our next snorkeling spot was the Sea Aquarium. This place we knew about, but had never been. There were so many fish that would swim right up to us and tons of coral. This was definitely the best place we've been snorkeling in the Bahamas, and maybe the second best snorkeling we've done since being on the boat (first is still [St. Croix](https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-croix/) in the US Virgin Islands).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250401_194450208-1.jpg)

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On our way back to the boat we heard about the wreckage of a drug smuggling plane, so we hopped in to take a quick look.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/P4011905.JPG)
### back to staniel cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/back-to-staniel-cay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-04-01T14:23:42.000Z
The one thing the girls and I did not do the last time we were in Staniel Cay was snorkel at Thunderball Grotto. We knew we were coming back here and knew the conditions would be better this time around, so we saved it for this trip. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250326_164251437-1-1.jpg)

This underwater cave was filmed in the James Bond movie Thunderball in 1965\. To get in you have to swim under the rocks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/P3261694.JPG)

Braden and I came here back in 2012, but I forgot how cool it was until I was in there again. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/P3261785.JPG)

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Olivia still gets a little nervous when she first gets in the cold water. She jumped in and promptly got back out. After she realized she was fine she got back in and disappeared into the cave. We went through once and before we could get back to the dinghy she asked if we could go in a second time. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/P3261766.JPG)

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Our plan is to continue heading north through the Bahamas, so we won't be back to Staniel Cay for a long time. We made sure to stop by one last time to feed the swimming pigs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250326_155306778.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/P3261689.JPG)

We also had one final lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/04/PXL_20250330_212302069.jpg)

Before we left Emma wanted to say one final farewell to the nurse sharks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250330_232628705.jpg)

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### pipe cay and compass cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/pipe-cay-and-compass-cay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-03-28T14:36:13.000Z
After spending a week in Staniel Cay we decided to take a little trip to the next island to explore for a few days. The morning we were leaving the water was so calm you could barely tell where the water ended and the sky started.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250323_125946296-1.jpg)

Our spot for the next couple days would be Pipe Cay. Pipe Cay is a private island surrounded by sandbars. We spent a couple days exploring the sandbars and hanging out with friends.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250324_173133529-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250324_173235554.jpg)

Emma has been waiting months for this stop. Compass Cay has a resort and marina where you can get in the water with the nurse sharks. Swimming with sharks has been the thing she was most excited about doing in the Bahamas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250324_184923779-1.jpg)

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That face (again)...❤️ 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250324_184425647.jpg)

Our next place to visit in Compass Cay was Rachel's Bubble Bath. The bubble bath is a lagoon that is separated from the ocean by a low rock wall. When the waves crash in they make bubbles in the lagoon. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/IMG_4408.jpg)

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We left Pipe Cay and headed back to Staniel Cay for a couple days to wait out some weather that was coming. We got back just in time for the lightning show. Not a great feeling when you're in a boat with a 60'+ mast in the water. All was good when it was finally over.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250326_030155860.jpg)
### staniel cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/staniel-cay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-04-04T00:17:28.000Z
Way back in 2012 (before kids) Braden and I made it down to Staniel Cay on our previous sailboat. Staniel Cay is a cool place with a lot to see - sharks, swimming pigs, and Thunderball Grotto (made famous by the James Bond Thunderball movie in 1965).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/425034_10150652522155832_756295831_11287897_739746127_n.jpg)

February 2012

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/DSC_0007--15--1.JPG)

S/V Database in the Bahamas

Not much has changed in 13 years, except the crowd. The secret is out about how cool this place is because it is a lot busier than we remember it. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250316_180236406.jpg)

March 2025

Ever since Emma was little her favorite thing at any zoo or aquarium is the touch pool. It doesn't matter what it is - sharks, starfish, jellyfish, fish - she wants to touch it all. The Eastern Caribbean doesn't have a lot of sharks, but they are everywhere in the Bahamas. When we first talked about visiting the Bahamas all Emma wanted to do was touch sharks. Mission accomplished.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250319_175501969.jpg)

Nurse sharks are fairly harmless and not usually agressive unless they feel threatened. These ones are used to people and they come right up on the step to get some attention and food.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250319_175308155-1.jpg)

That face... ♥

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250319_175522791.jpg)

The next day we had this visitor off the back of the boat. Emma splashed in the water to call him over.

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Not as fun to touch (and definitely not recommended because they bite) are the swimming pigs. We visited these guys back in 2012 too. It is crazy to see how busy it is now. When we came we were the only people here. Now there are lots of tour boats coming and going all day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250319_153257228.jpg)

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I made sure to save up all my food scraps for a couple days. They ate every bite.

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canteloupe and apples were their favorite

Sampson Cay is the island next door to Staniel. Braden and I spent weeks here in 2012\. Back then it was a marina, restaurant and resort. Right after we left they made the island private, so all that closed... but the sandbar is still fair game.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/IMG_0654.JPG)

Sampson Cay in 2012

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250320_213658707.jpg)

Sampson Cay in 2025
### black point, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/black-point-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-03-19T02:12:08.000Z
Black Point has a few things that we were looking forward to - (1) coconut bread and (2) an amazing laundromat. We had hoped to stay at least a few days so we could get some delicious bread and get some laundry done... but unfortunately the weather had other plans. 

During our short visit we unexpectantly had a front row seat to local sailboat races that were going on in the anchorage. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250315_171631122.jpg)

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It was really cool to see them come sailing right next to our boat. I have no idea how they managed to wind their way through all the boats that were anchored here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250315_171709087.jpg)

Our stop in Black Point was really short. Too short. We were in and out of there in 24 hours. Luckily we didn't go too far, which means we can always go back.
### little farmer's cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/little-farmers-cay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-03-18T11:00:53.000Z
I research each island we might stop at and make a list of places to eat, interesting things to see and unique shops to visit. Little Farmer's Cay doesn't have a whole lot to do or see, but I did find JR's woodcarving shop while I was researching the island. The girls and I love to collect unique souvenirs to remember our travels, so we headed into town to see if we could find JR's with fingers crossed he was open on a Sunday. 

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JR has been woodcarving for over 50 years. Each piece is carved from wood he finds on the island and is the natural color of the wood. He talked to the girls about the whole process - he collects the wood, he carves the wood, it sits in the sun for weeks to dry out (he let us pick up some that were drying and they were HEAVY), after the wood is dried he adds a couple clear coats sanding in between each one, then they are ready.

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I told him I wasn't sure he would be open, but he told us he is out woodcarving from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day. We all picked out our piece and then JR carved the date and his initials into each one.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250315_140252089.jpg)

Olivia ended up with the burrowing owl and Emma picked out the mahi mahi. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250315_141143069.jpg)

I got the juvenile osprey.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250317_172839650.jpg)

After our trip to town it was time to move on to the next island. It was also the perfect weather for some laundry.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250315_164150379.jpg)
### rudder cut cay, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/rudder-cut-cay-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-03-17T13:05:17.000Z
Our next stop was Rudder Cut Cay. There were a couple things we wanted to see here, and we managed to get them all done in one day. First - the cave. It isn't a huge cave, but it was cool to pull our dinghy up on the sand and walk around inside.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250313_173058405.jpg)

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Second - the musician mermaid. This full size statue of a mermaid and a baby grand piano was hidden underwater by David Copperfield in 2011.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/P3131574.JPG)

Third - the sandbars. It is impossible to capture how amazing the water is in pictures. At just about every island in the Exumas you can find an exposed sandbar at low tide. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250313_183332266.jpg)

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While my favorite beach treasure is sea glass, Emma's favorite is sand dollars. The sandbars had lots of them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250313_202131483.jpg)

We didn't see many sharks thoughout the Eastern Caribbean islands, but in the Bahamas we see at least one a day. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/P3131582.JPG)

Since we checked everything off he list in one day, the next morning we headed to the next island. On our way we passed Musha Cay. This is David Copperfield's private island that you can rent for a 5 day minimum at $57,000 a night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250314_142602540.jpg)
### lee stocking island, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/lee-stocking-island-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-03-16T23:50:44.000Z
Our next stop after George Town was Lee Stocking Island. We went from being around hundreds of boats on a busy island with grocery stores and restaurants to being around less than 20 boats on a quiet island with only beaches and sandbars. Luckily we were traveling with some boat friends, so there are kids to keep the girls entertained and other adults for us to hang out with.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250308_195904014.jpg)

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One of the highlights for the girls - the Bahamian rock iguanas. They are clearly used to humans and as soon as they saw the lettuce they came running.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250312_164034647.jpg)

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This was also the perfect place to get in some water sports. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250312_190954216.jpg)

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The Exumas in the Bahamas has over 365 islands and cays, which means there is a lot to see. All the islands are all fairly close together (within an hour or two), so after two days we pulled up the anchor and headed on our way to the next island.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250313_123835613.jpg)
### leaving george town, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/leaving-george-town-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-03-13T00:30:39.000Z
After almost 2 months in George Town it was time to move on (finally)! But there were some things we had to do first....

One of the last kid events in the regatta was the kids model boat race. Olivia built her boat on the very first day using a coconut husk, a couple wooden skewers and leaves. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250302_173143042-1.jpg)

Emma's boat was a little more involved and took a couple days of building, testing and re-building to get it just how she wanted it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250224_164336488.jpg)

Both girls boats were in the multihull race (that's Olivia's boat in the lead!). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250302_182113825.jpg)

Olivia's boat "Still Floating" won first place in the multihull race and she won an award for most ecological design.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250302_215047039.jpg)

Emma entered some photos in the Tweens and Teens photo contest. Turned out it was just her and one other kid who submitted any photos. They were shown at the kids movie night for everyone to see. Emma was a little embarassed, but she was excited about the cute bag and visor she got for participating.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250302_233627105.jpg)

There were two things I wanted to do - first, hiking to the monument. Our boat was anchored in front of this monument for weeks, so we had to hike to the top.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250220_162516513.jpg)

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Up next, Renaldo's conch salad. We aren't huge conch salad fans (it's kind of like a ceviche with a gigantic snail), but we had to try it after we walked by his conch stand for weeks. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250301_195617572.jpg)

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tropical conch salad with pineapple and mango

One of the best things to happen in our last week in George Town... Olivia went swimming! Braden and I had been trying to get her to try getting in the water ever since we got back from her doctor appointments. She was terrified, so we stopped talking about it. Finally one day she decided to test it out on her own.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250226_155449059.jpg)

It started with her foot. She was all good. No hives.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250226_161809572.jpg)

Then she ended up falling in trying to get on the paddleboard, panicked, realized she was totally fine. After that she was all in!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250226_164358391.jpg)

0:00 

/0:26 

1× 

Of course we had to celebrate by having some fruity drinks at the fancy beach bar! I'm happy to say that was two weeks ago and she has been swimming almost every day since. No hives. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250226_165118774.jpg)

Over the last couple days we enjoyed (and said goodbye) to the beach where we spent the majority of our time. We said goodbye to the orange cat that lives at Chat 'N' Chill beach, to the stingrays, to the beach volleyball Emma loved playing, to the rope swing (man... I'm glad to say goodbye to that rope swing) and to Emma's favorite frozen drinks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250302_204035843.jpg)

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Since we'd been here so long it was strange to see the anchorage behind us, but we were all so ready to start exploring the rest of the Bahamas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/03/PXL_20250308_140048928.jpg)
### around george town, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/around-george-town-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-02-25T14:35:35.000Z
Yep. We're still here. If it was up to Braden and I we would have moved on weeks ago, but the girls are loving it in George Town... so we'll stay a little longer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250217_191733786.jpg)

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The big event in George Town this time of year is the Annual Cruising Regatta. They have lots of events going on, and the girls want in on all the action. This weekend it was the sandcastle building contest. We didn't win anything, but we all had a good time. The girls came up with this idea all on their own. Braden and I just helped make it happen.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250222_145637610.jpg)

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kraken sinking a pirate ship

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There are hundreds of boats from all over the world in George Town, which means plenty of kids to play with and plenty of adults to hang out with. We spend every afternoon up at the beach so the girls can run around with all the other kids. There are also lots of people that come to spend their vacations here. Emma has been having fun pranking the tourists by drawing hearts on the backs of the stingrays.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250216_223139333.jpg)

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There have been several Starlink launches since we've been in the Bahamas. We've managed to miss every one of them... except for last week. This one happened to be the one that landed in the Bahamas, not too far from where we are.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250218_232038809.jpg)

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Landing in the Exumas, Bahamas
### yes day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/yes-day/
Last updated: 2025-02-09T01:34:06.000Z
After dealing with some strange allergic reactions for a couple weeks we decided it was time for a trip back to Minnesota for some doctor appointments. Just Olivia and I made the trip while Emma and Braden stayed on the boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250202_191911276-1.jpg)

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The Bahamas is so pretty.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250202_194850000.jpg)

We had a week filled with appointments, tests, medicine purchases and some answers. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250204_205435336.jpg)

appointment #1

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250205_160831424.jpg)

appointment #2

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250205_162249517.jpg)

ice cube test

This girl who was born and raised in Minnesota is all of a sudden having allergic reactions to cold... and we discovered it in the Bahamas of all places. Why? We don't really know. Will it go away? We also don't really know. In the meantime we have a treatment plan and we'll go from there. It's been a doozy. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250205_163058546.jpg)

hives from the ice cube

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250205_163104763.jpg)

blood work tears

Olivia hates needles. Ever since she was little I have had to hold her down for shots, so she was not happy when I told her I wanted her to get some blood work done to rule out anything serious. I wasn't sure if any of the doctors would do blood work, but I made her a deal that if she had to get blood drawn that she could have a yes day. Here we are...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250207_170212324.jpg)

movie (IF)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250207_195737581.jpg)

Starbucks and Target

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250207_205508010.jpg)

ice skating with a friend

Not pictured: hibachi steak dinner delivered to the house, candy after dinner and staying up until 1 AM

Honestly I thought there would be a lot more to the yes day. I made lots of suggestions, but this was all she wanted. 

Braden and I had gone back and forth for weeks trying to decide if someone should come back with Olivia. There are always things to take care of with the house and our business, but I was really trying to avoid it. Turns out it was a good thing I did because our furnace decided to quit. Of course it waited until Friday and 2 days before we're leaving and the night before a snowstorm to stop working. Put it on my tab.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250203_144406323.jpg)

Today it snowed. Tomorrow we fly back to the Bahamas. Next week it is going to be in the teens or below almost the entire week. Our trip back to the boat couldn't come at a better time... 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/02/PXL_20250208_144744653.jpg)

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### george town, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/george-town-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-01-31T22:53:16.000Z
Every year hundreds of boats come from all over to spend their days in George Town on the island of Great Exuma. Currently there are 300+ boats here, which means there are kids everywhere. It also means there was no way we wouldn't run into other families we knew. We reconnected with friends we met over a year ago all the way down in Grenada, to familes we met this fall at the Annapolis Boat Show - and everywhere in between.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250129_180413508-1.jpg)

It's been chilly in the Bahamas, so we've barely spent any time in the water. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250125_231656993.jpg)

The majority of our days have been spent here. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250122_201748181--1--1.jpg)

Every afternoon the families get together at the beach. The adults usually sit and talk while the kids are off doing what kids do including, but not limited to, playing volleyball, swinging, building things, feeding the stingrays and fishing. Since we arrived the girls haven't let a day go by without a trip to the beach. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250119_220449137--1-.jpg)

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Olivia re-living her St. Thomas Carnival Days

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250125_220213304.jpg)

Watching kids on this rope swing is not for the faint of heart. I have to look away, especially when Emma and Olivia are taking their turn. Of course... it is one of the the most popular activities on the beach. Luckily all the kids watch out for each other and help one another... still - it is terrifying to watch. 

Fun fact for Austin - the world's largest rope swing is located in Utah. The swing is over 130 feet high and swings out over a 400 foot cliff.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250120_185537587--1-.jpg)

0:00 

/0:12 

1× 

My favorite is the stingrays. These I could watch all day. They know they get the scraps from the conch shack where the guy makes conch salad.

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0:00 

/0:05 

1× 

0:00 

/0:18 

1× 

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When we're not at the beach we've been doing a lot of baking, crafting, relaxing and watching the bright orange sunsets.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250126_234034169--1-.jpg)

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### long island, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/long-island-bahamas/
Last updated: 2025-01-27T00:33:41.000Z
We've had a lot of 24+ hour trips this time around. The trip from Great Inagua to Long Island was no exception. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250112_091726256.NIGHT.jpg)

One of the stories we've always told the girls is in the Bahamas you can see starfish on the bottom right from the boat. Apparently Emma thought we were making that up until she saw it with her very own eyes. The water was so clear and shallow we could even see sand dollars on the bottom.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250112_155818433.jpg)

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We've been taking turns being sick. This time it was my turn, so I spent our first day in Long Island in bed with a fever and body aches while Braden and the girls went into town to scope it out. Luckily it only lasted 24 hours and by the next morning I felt great.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250113_234525612.jpg)

Long Island is... long - 80 miles from one end to the other. We rented a car for two days so we could check out more of the island. Our first stop was the famous Dean's Blue Hole. Dean's Blue Hole is the third deepest blue hole in world at 663 feet. The girls wasted no time getting in the water to check out a gigantic stingray.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250116_154143171.jpg)

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After that things took a turn. Olivia got out of the water and said she was itchy. She immediately broke out in hives all over her body and said she felt dizzy. Luckily we found a local lady who had us follow her to the ER on the island. Olivia HATES shots so her eyes got really big when the doctor said she recommended a shot of Benadryl. Her eyes got even bigger when the nurse said it was going to be in her butt. She took it like a champ and started to feel better pretty quickly.

A similar thing happened in Great Inagua after she went swimming. That time she only had hives that cleared up with Benadryl. We figured she got stung by something in the water, but after it happened this time we realized something else is going on.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250116_165816694.jpg)

The next day we stuck to no water activities until we could figure out what is going on with Olivia. Our first stop was the Long Island Museum. We learned a bunch and bought some really cool straw souvenirs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250117_155059763.jpg)

The lady at the museum gave us some suggestions that we hadn't found in our research. So we set off in search of the flamingos. She told us there is always one, but sometimes there is a flock of 80+. We kept our fingers crossed we could find them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250117_190640188.jpg)

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Every once in a while we stumble upon a place that we didn't expect. Long Island was one of those places. We really enjoyed our time here and we're glad we didn't just pass it by. The people are so friendly. There is surprisingly a lot to see on the island. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry. Plus a decent medical facility in case of emergency.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250118_215245636.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250118_215251962.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250115_175409079.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250117_182448380.jpg)

shark

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250118_194254158.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250118_173035573-1.jpg)

dolphin family that swam right next to our boat

Long Island also has some pretty spectacular sunsets, but it's time to move on. George Town here we come!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250114_230113483.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250118_222823431.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250118_223415457.jpg)
### great inagua, bahamas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/great-inagua/
Last updated: 2025-01-19T15:27:43.000Z
Our first island stop in the Bahamas was the southernmost island - Great Inagua. Fun fact for Austin - Great Inagua is the second largest island in the Bahamas at 596 square miles. We wasted no time hopping into the water. The water is crystal clear and the sand is so soft and white.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/P1101545.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/P1101550-1.JPG)

Emma was super excited to find her favorite beach treasure here - sand dollars.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250111_160918317-1.jpg)

The weather in the Bahamas has been chilly recently, but the sunsets have been pretty spectacular.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250110_222013638.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250111_223023493.jpg)

Great Inagua didn't have too much to do or see, so after two days it was time for us to move on to the next stop - Long Island. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250115_184017811.jpg)
### dominican republic
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/dominican-republic/
Last updated: 2025-01-10T00:03:13.000Z
We hadn't exactly planned to stop in the Dominican Republic, but it was nice to break up the long trip to the Bahamas. Plus we got to catch up with some friends that we hadn't seen in months. 

We knew we wouldn't be staying long, so we only were able to squeeze in a couple things during our visit - a beach day, a sleepover, a stomach virus and a day at the adventure park.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250103_191850762.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250103_195202748-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250105_071601409-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250107_134116737.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250107_181838742.jpg)

Olivia wants a pet bird now

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250107_153536591.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250107_140514913.jpg)

I didn't have high expectations for the adventure park, but I must say the dolphin show might have been the best one I've ever seen.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250107_180500127.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250107_181115450.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250107_180845855-1.jpg)

Finally the weather looked good to keep going to the Bahamas, so we did all our preparations and headed on our way. You can't be out on the ocean without seeing at least one cruise ship. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250108_201744091.jpg)

My favorite nights to be on watch are when the moon is bright... even through the clouds.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250109_052942799.jpg)

Ahh... the Bahamas. The water here is so amazing. We plan to spend the next couple months here island hopping. Fun fact for Austin - the Bahamas has 700 islands and 2,400 cays (small low lying islands) covering over 5,000 square miles.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250109_170558086.jpg)
### adios puerto rico
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/adios-puerto-rico/
Last updated: 2025-01-04T16:56:55.000Z
Our stay in Puerto Rico ended up being a little longer than we had planned, but we got a ton of projects done. The most important one: we took out our old generator and put in a new one. Not an easy task with just the two of us, but we got it done with a lot of creativity. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241224_145028636.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241224_145321437.MP.jpg)

Also pretty important and much easier: we replaced a light on the mast which requires sending someone up the mast. Emma loves any chance to be hoisted up the mast. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241230_191029054.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241230_191816962.jpg)

If she can't finish the job then I have to go up. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241230_193751819.jpg)

Olivia wanted to go up just for fun...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241230_195218788.jpg)

Last year we spent Christmas in Martinique. This year we would spend it in Puerto Rico. On Christmas Eve we baked cookies for Santa.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241224_210919371-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241225_014225132.jpg)

We had a quiet Christmas morning opening presents and spending the rest of the day at the pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241225_112823776.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241225_112909376.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241225_112839444.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241225_171439706.jpg)

This was the only photo with Santa we got this year.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241223_212225118.jpg)

One last thing we had to do before leaving was a trip to Costco. There are thousands of islands in the Bahamas. Some don't have grocery stores and the ones that do are very expensive. We planned to stock up with as much food and drinks as we could to last us as long as possible. This was probably our largest grocery receipt every... and the girls were pretty impressed.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241222_220854077.jpg)

It took us days to label things, enter everything into my inventory app so I know where to find them later and find a place to put things. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241223_000532048.jpg)

my can labeling helper

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241223_040433831.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241223_040438517.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241223_040442195.jpg)

Finally the weather looked decent to start heading towards the Bahamas. We decided we would leave on the afternoon of New Year's Eve and try to be passing by San Juan at midnight for fireworks. I heard San Juan puts on a pretty large show, but I did not expect what we saw. The whole island was lit up with fireworks. We have never seen anything like it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250101_040159234.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241231_201906294.jpg)

On New Year's Day a huge pod of dolphins came to tell us adios just as we were officially leaving Puerto Rico.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250101_112650630.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250101_112332777.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250101_112456793.jpg)

The trip to the Bahamas would take us at least 4 full days. This would be our longest trip on the boat. The Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos are in between Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, so we figured if we needed a break we would stop at one of those countries for a little while. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250101_221510821.jpg)

Someone has to be on watch 24 hours a day. Since I am the one that stays up late at night I stay on watch until I get tired (usually some time between 1 AM and 2 AM), then Braden gets up and will go as long as he can while I sleep, then I'll get up so he can go back to bed. That usually means I get to see both the sunset and the sunrise.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250102_103420526.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20241231_215414213.jpg)

Cruise season is definitely here. All the blue triangles are cruise ships.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot_20250101-015402.png)

Our boat is tiny compared to them, so we have to keep an eye on them and make sure they see us. Luckily they are so bright that we can see them from miles away. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250101_021531004.jpg)

After 2 nights and 3 days out on the ocean we decided to stop for a break. New year. New country. Hello Dominican Republic.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2025/01/PXL_20250102_174441249.jpg)
### birthday celebration
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/birthday-celebration/
Last updated: 2024-12-19T01:11:06.000Z
Olivia only had a couple special requests for her birthday. Unfortunately she was sick on her actual birthday, so we had to postpone all but one until this week. We ended up stretching her birthday celebration out to four days and finally today we completed her list. ✅

#1: (and the most important) a good cake (I mentioned this in my [previous post](https://www.bradenanderin.com/hola-puerto-rico/)) ✅

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241210_200501297-1.jpg)

#2: Wicked ✅

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241218_203738950.jpg)

#3: fajitas ✅

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241217_214253761.jpg)

#4: last, but not least - seeing Tim and Oralia while they were in Puerto Rico ✅

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/IMG_20241214_160204.jpg)
### hola puerto rico
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/hola-puerto-rico/
Last updated: 2024-12-17T00:42:53.000Z
It was only a matter of time until one of us got whatever Emma had. Unfortunately it was Olivia... and just in time for her birthday.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241212_050426952.NIGHT-2.jpg)

She didn't let it ruin her day though. Last year we were in Martinique for her birthday. The French may know how to make delicious baguettes and croissants, but they fall short in the cake department.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20231210_225747395.jpg)

2023 in Martinique

The only thing she asked for this year was a good cake. Success! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241210_200501297.jpg)

2024 in St. Thomas, USVI

Olivia didn't want to be traveling on her birthday, so we spent her birthday in St. Thomas before leaving for Puerto Rico. Our first stop in Puerto Rico was the island of Vieques, which is part of the Spanish Virgin Islands. Vieques is home to Mosquito Bay - the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241212_143708785.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241212_210131078.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241212_230925013.NIGHT.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241212_233514531.NIGHT.jpg)

After our one night stop in Vieques we headed to mainland Puerto Rico.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241213_155534682.jpg)

We have a long list of boat projects we need to get done before heading to the Bahamas where we won't have great access to stores and parts, so we booked a spot in a marina for two weeks to make knocking out our list a little easier. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241213_163046123.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241213_172943930.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241213_174433203.jpg)

Puerto Rico has easy access to just about everything - including Chick-fil-A.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241213_224333626.PORTRAIT.jpg)

We wasted no time getting to work. The sooner we finish our list the sooner we can get to the Bahamas. This project (replacing our generator) has been a long time coming.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241216_155809778.jpg)

We rewarded ourselves with some pool time to cool off afterward a succesful morning - a bonus of being in a marina with a pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241216_190728031.jpg)

We took a much needed break from our projects to spend an afternoon with our friends who were in Puerto Rico for a work conference. We haven't had much adult only time since we got back to the boat, so it was nice to have the girls entertained by the massive pool while we got to spend time catching up with our friends. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/IMG_20241214_160208.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241214_192531292.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/IMG_20241214_144548-3.jpg)
### st. john
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/untitled-45/
Last updated: 2024-12-10T23:42:13.000Z
After our [vacation](https://www.bradenanderin.com/vacationing-in-the-bvi/) in the British Virgin Islands we headed back to the US Virgin Islands. St. John is still at the top of my list of favorite islands (so far). We spent a couple days snorkeling and shopping. There are so many fish here...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081489.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081464.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081513.JPG)

sea urchin with his lobster friend

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081462.JPG)

cuttlefish

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081530.JPG)

fire worm

0:00 

/0:03 

1× 

Christmas tree worms

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081499.JPG)

eel

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081474.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081526-1.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081457.JPG)

cuttlefish

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081465.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081479.JPG)

Olivia pointing to an octopus (it hid in the hole)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081531.JPG)

These blurs are not a splotch on the camera lense. They are jellyfish. We swam through huge clouds of them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081448.JPG)

Luckily they aren't the stinging kind and Olivia had fun trying to catch them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081436.JPG)

My favorite part of St. John. There are turtles everywhere. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081440-1.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081443-1.JPG)

This trip to St. John was a little bittersweet. Soon we're heading north to Puerto Rico and then the Bahamas and then probably the East coast of the US. We're not sure when we'll be back to the USVI, but we sure loved the time we spent here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PC081451.JPG)
### vacationing in the bvi
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/vacationing-in-the-bvi/
Last updated: 2024-12-08T01:49:21.000Z
We have a couple things we're waiting on (mainly all the girls Christmas presents), so we have a little more time to kill before we can start moving north. After spending a couple days in St. John we decided why not go to the British Virgin Islands for a couple days? We came up with a list of places we wanted to go - some we've been to, some we haven't.

Probably 99% of the people on boats in the BVI are on vacation, so it is easy to feel like we are on vacation too. I mean... nothing says vacation like a guy and his dog delivering frozen drinks right to your boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241203_171848918.jpg)

Our first stop was Willy T's. It is a floating bar and restaurant where you can jump from the top deck (trust me - just ignore the sign). The girls were super excited about spending an afternoon here since we have never been.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241202_205704928.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241202_184055150.jpg)

0:00 

/0:10 

1× 

They jumped... and jumped... and jumped... for hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241202_192110015.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241202_191338034.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241202_191224891.jpg)

0:00 

/0:05 

1× 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241202_190256802.jpg)

0:00 

/0:09 

1× 

Our next stop (and probably our favorite spot in the BVI) was Saba Rock. We all love it here - the food, the drinks, the huge Jenga.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241203_175020726-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241203_174439103.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241203_152908329-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241203_212705526.jpg)

Next to Saba Rock is the girls favorite place to do school - Bitter End Yacht Club.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241204_174243626.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241204_134754480-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241204_134745556.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241204_153908850.jpg)

Our last stop in the BVI was Soggy Dollar. We tried to come once before and it was a little too crazy trying to get the boat here, so we never made it. This time we did! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241205_203907401.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241205_182713428.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241205_204513244.jpg)
### thanksgiving week
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/thanksgiving-week/
Last updated: 2024-12-03T01:22:19.000Z
Thanksgiving did not go at all how I thought it would. It started on Saturday night with Emma getting a high fever.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241124_042809306.jpg)

That fever would just not go away. She has always been pretty tough, but the constant fever took a lot out of her. She napped a lot.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241130_003645238.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241128_175401229.jpg)

Every night I would put cold towels on her throughout the night and every night it seemed like it was getting better. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241126_060803716.NIGHT-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241125_023408051.jpg)

We had planned to go to a restaurant for Thanksgiving, but ended up getting take out and eating on the boat instead. It was delicious and even came with two bottles of wine and an apple pie. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241128_154539430.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241128_154555726.jpg)

We decided it was time for a change of scenery, so we moved to St. John. We all love St. John.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241201_201412293.jpg)

Maho Bay

Finally after almost a week of a constant fever we did a telehealth appointment and Emma got prescribed antibiotics for a respiratory infection. It was amazing. Her fever was gone after just one dose. By the next morning she was feeling so much better.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241130_105140651.jpg)

I told her she needed to take it easy, but that was pretty much impossible once she was feeling better. Also impossible... keeping her out of the sun. She was not happy about the less than fashionable hat I made her wear.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241130_160049068.jpg)

she was trying to take the hat of for the picture

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241201_195229164.jpg)

The day after Thanksgiving was the day Olivia had been waiting all week for. Before we left St. Thomas we went to Kmart. 

Yes, Kmart. It still exists in the US Virgin Islands. Fun fact for Austin - the US Virgin Islands has 3 out of the 300 Kmart stores in the world. 

While we were there Olivia talked me into a 4 ft Christmas tree.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241125_144026654.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241125_164644122.jpg)

She was dying to put up the tree. But it feels wrong to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving, so I told her she had to wait. She's so proud of this little tree.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/12/PXL_20241201_212523896.jpg)
### hello again st. thomas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/hello-again-st-thomas/
Last updated: 2024-11-24T12:44:38.000Z
Taking the boat out of the water is always so much [work](https://www.bradenanderin.com/catch-up/), but putting the boat back in the water is just as much work. Days and days un-vacuum sealing all our clothes/sheets/towels/pillows with fingers crossed nothing is moldy or smelly, cleaning, trying to remember where we put things, putting the sails back on, restocking, testing everything to see if it still works, etc. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241111_160638167.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241114_143515500.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241111_155942065.jpg)

A bonus of being in Puerto Rico: Walmart, Costco, IKEA and a West Marine. This was the first time since we've had the boat that we started from a place with all these stores. I lost count of how many times we visited them, but it made the restocking part of moving back on to the boat a whole lot easier.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241113_195543257.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241113_200600281.jpg)

Being close to the stores was great, but we weren't really loving the area we were in (plus we had some friends in St. Thomas)... so we decided to head back to the US Virgin Islands for a little while. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241114_150804611.jpg)

We wasted no time visiting some of our usual places, and it kind of felt like we never left.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241114_222450661.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241118_172348515.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241120_202345761.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241120_231951196.jpg)

The girls wasted no time getting the hammock out (after we found where we stored it for the summer). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241117_200714634.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241117_200830209.jpg)

We're all getting to that point where we are ready to get to moving, but first we need fridge parts. Our fridge decided it wanted to extend it's summer vacation and won't turn on. We're trying to fix it before we get too far from a place where we can easily get parts. Hopefully that is soon (very soon)... 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241123_211602658.jpg)
### family time
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/family-time/
Last updated: 2024-11-15T14:01:36.000Z
The girls and I took a detour on our way to Puerto Rico and stopped in Florida to visit my family while Braden headed to the boat a couple days before us to try to knock some projects out.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241101_153332191-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241101_121758440.jpg)

The last time we were in Jacksonville was in March 2023\. It was right before we moved onto the boat for the very first time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20230331_025638913.jpg)

March 2023

The girls love all the pets my parents have at their house. This is their cat Angel. She likes to hide, but Emma always finds her and wants to hold her... ever since 2015.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241103_175624206.jpg)

2024

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/IMG_0977.JPG)

2015

Of course we can't stop in Jacksonville without a visit to the Jacksonville Zoo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_163321052.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_170718882.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_161936959.jpg)

Recently Olivia switched her favorite animal from the panda to the giraffe. Lucky for her the zoo has giraffes, and you can feed them! It wasn't very busy so they could feed them over and over. She loved it!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_155038291.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_191539504.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_155320437.jpg)

We also got to feed the lorikeets, touch the stingrays and ride the carousel (over and over).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_171319223.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_193847205.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241104_173237300.jpg)

Also on the Jacksonville agenda - Publix for Pub Subs and Blue Bell, an afternoon at the playground and school.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241102_153730379.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241102_161538231.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241103_155721601.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241105_172713961.jpg)

Finally it was time for us to head to Puerto Rico to get the boat back in the water and start our adventures. Where are we going...? Nobody knows (including us).

The only thing we know for sure is we will be heading to the Bahamas this winter, and we can't wait!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241107_133005222.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241107_133810949.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/11/PXL_20241107_150131313.jpg)
### the long days
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/the-long-days/
Last updated: 2024-11-12T01:40:03.000Z
Putting the boat back in the water is always a mountain to climb. I always underestimate my capacity - so I add time to my estimates and start with the intention to knock everything out in a shorter time frame that I estimated. Since I overestimated, it should be pretty easy.

And you may have guessed where this is going, but I *still* can't get anything done in any reasonable amount of time. There are reasons of course, but man - these kinda days are tough.

Quick recap of the plan for today, we're moving aboard tomorrow: Wake up, make some breakfast and help the girls get started on school, head to boat, change oil on both engines, do some work on the electrical system (battery related), build a stand for the newly working a/c unit and if there is time and weather is good - put some or all of the sails on.

Quick recap of the actual day: Wake up, eat a microwave breakfast sandwich, remember that the oil filters I have on the boat have a bit of rust showing, go to store to pick up new filters. Our engines are Vetus brand engines that hard to get parts for - but oil filters are mostly available. 4 stores later, I have two oil filters. In the process, I have also scheduled a technician to head out to boat to check on our generator that has never worked properly. Then, stop back by Airbnb to pick up girls and head to boat. Start oil change on starboard engine. I use a manual pump to extract oil from the dipstick tube - and all is going well. Now, to take off the oil filter. Can't get it off. Nothing I do - awkward location - and have Emma on a hunt for a filter wrench, maybe the previous owner left one on the boat. No luck. Give up and hammer a screwdriver through the filter to get it off. Oil of course is now everywhere. Spin on new filters and fill oil. First task complete.

Generator technicians show up to boat and girls leave to go for lunch while I deal with technicians. They get to work and actually seem to be making progress - these are the 5th set of eyes to look at and work on the generator. To be fair, I spent quite a bit of time on it last and got it running pretty reliably, but it won't make power. The techs diagnose a failed capacitor and actually have the correct one on hand. 

The girls come back with a burger and the weather is good, so Erin decides to put up stack pack in prep for putting up mainsail. She needs help - the lazy jacks need to be rigged and each side of the stack pack has a 20ft batten running the length. Most definitely a 2 person job. We get it mostly together in time for the techs to be finished with the generator and claim a good bill of health. Fingers crossed, but not holding my breath.

Mid-afternoon and I've got one oil change complete. 

I start to get irritable realizing my day's plan is now out of reach. But at least I have an unexpected working generator? I have a mini meltdown because we're moving aboard tomorrow and everything on the boat is torn apart. Mostly my fault, but I feel like we've lost momentum and won't be ready for tomorrow. Erin, to her credit, jumps into action and starts putting the boat together. 

After a bit of a break to regroup, I move to task two - oil change #2\. I have to empty the pump of used oil into an empty oil jug and try not to spill too much oil all over everything. I mostly accomplish the task with some help from Emma.

Now, into the engine room. Run the engine for a bit to warm up the oil, and start pumping the old oil out. After 20 or so minutes, it's time to get the oil filter off. I try hand spinning it off, but this time I go straight to the hammer and screwdriver. Get the filter off and oil is everywhere. Get the new filter on and start filling the engine. Run the engine for a few minutes and check the oil to make sure we've got the level good. 

Now, it's late afternoon and starting to get dark. Hunger for dinner isn't too far away and we've got to check out of the Airbnb in the morning that we've lived in for a week. Tonight is not stopping yet. 

End of day summary: 

Success: two oil changes complete, techs fixed (maybe?) generator, sail bag is mostly up (10% of "getting sails up job).

Fail: Electrical work (battery), stand for new a/c, sails up. 

Next steps: Overestimate tomorrow and fail to deliver again. If it wasn't required to live this life, a person could eventually feel defeated. But the only way is forward.
### wrapping up
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/wrapping-up/
Last updated: 2024-10-30T17:13:41.000Z
The leaves are changing. The weather is getting colder. That means our time in Minnesota is coming to an end and it is time to get back to the boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241026_230846714.jpg)

I mean... just look at this weeks forecast. 80 on Tuesday to snow on Thursday.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot_20241029-210635.png)

Before we can get back to warmer weather there were some things we needed to wrap up... first was gymnastics. Getting back into gymnastics was one thing both girls really wanted to do this summer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241023_012200024.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241023_012204529.jpg)

Next was volleyball. It was Olivia's first year of volleyball and she said it has taken the top spot from tennis as her new favorite sport.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241026_154512433.jpg)

Next... packages. We had a lot of stuff we wanted to get to the boat - Christmas presents, new towels, school books and anything else we thought we might need. Shipping all that stuff is much easier than bringing it along with us. Plus it will all be there waiting for us by the time we get there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241029_143944716.jpg)

Something the girls have been asking about since we got back was going to visit their elementary school, so we got up early and went to visit some of the very special teachers and staff before their school day started.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241030_135709878.jpg)

Last, and by far the most difficult one - saying goodbye to Pancake. Emma gets really emotional about this one. Luckily last year we found a very special family to look after her while we're away. We know she is in really good hands, so it makes it a little easier to leave her knowing we won't have to worry about her while we're gone.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241022_205603961.PORTRAIT.jpg)
### washington, dc
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/washington-dc/
Last updated: 2024-11-12T00:53:59.000Z
A day and a half is nowhere near enough time to see DC, but we tried our best. On Saturday we took a break from the boat show and took the girls to the children's museum.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241012_164945253.jpg)

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On Monday we hit the ground running early to try to squeeze in as many sights as we could. The girls had never been to DC, so we had a long list of places we wanted to take them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241014_134821504.jpg)

Union Station

First up was the Museum of Natural History (probably my favorite). We were only able to get through a couple of the rooms before we had to move on to the next museum.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241014_152707441.jpg)

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Olivia's favorite animal

Next we made a quick stop in the Museum of American History because Olivia wanted to see Lincoln's top hat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241014_154115821.jpg)

After that it was the National Air and Space Museum, which (not surprisingly) both girls said was their favorite.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241014_182142181.jpg)

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Emma really wanted to try astronaut food, so the girls chose a neapolitan ice cream sandwich from the gift shop.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241014_200820256.jpg)

After three museums it was time for a break, so we went to the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.

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Last but not least was the National Archives to see the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It was our last stop at the end of the day. We got in a very, very long line and barely got in the door before they stopped letting people in. We only had 10 minutes before the museum closed, but we hightailed it upstairs and saw the important stuff.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241014_212828469.jpg)

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Bonus to getting in at the very end of the day - the museum was empty, so we got to see all the documents up close without the crowds.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241014_212844862.jpg)

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There is so much to see in DC. Some of it we got to on this trip. Some of it we saw from afar. Some of it we will visit on another trip. All I know is we're all pretty tired and looking forward to a couple chill days as we start to make our way back home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241014_204548631-2-1.jpg)

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### annapolis
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/annapolis/
Last updated: 2024-10-14T03:29:30.000Z
Every year there is a huge boat show in Annapolis, MD. Braden has been talking about going for months, but Emma was the only other person that wanted to go. In the end we decided last minute to pair it with a trip to DC and a visit to see family in Pittsburgh, so we all made the trip. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241010_193109184.jpg)

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Since it was last minute we opted for a traditional road trip in my van instead of the bus. That meant a lot more stops and hotel stays.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241009_183421727.jpg)

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for some reason Emma was really excited to stop at a 7Eleven

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241010_120406219.jpg)

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Of course it's not a road trip unless we're playing the license plate game. We were all very excited to see a Delaware license plate! If you followed our trip last summer and read our [recap](https://www.bradenanderin.com/recap/) you may remember we spent 2 months driving 6,000+ miles through 13 states and never saw a Delaware license plate.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241012_154539253.jpg)

It has been a busy couple days with lots of walking and lots of talking. We checked out a bunch of boats for ideas, we bought some new stuff for the boat, we ran into people we know from our time on the boat and we met some famous YouTubers.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241011_162247546.jpg)

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In just about every place we stopped on the boat the boat families would gather at a nearby park every afternoon so the kids could all hang out. So... in true boat family fashion we also made time to meet a bunch of other boating families at the local park in the afternoon. It was fun to see the girls make new friends and hang out with old ones we met along the way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241011_184305703.jpg)
### honey
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/honey/
Last updated: 2024-10-04T22:47:19.000Z
When we left for the boat the first time Braden left three bee hives. After that winter only one of them survived. Last summer he didn't do very much with them and we didn't get any honey.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-5.10.13-PM.png)

This summer that one hive is still kicking. We had been out of honey for a long time, so when we got back in June he put in a bunch of frames so we could get some.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20240729_164023943.jpg)

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By July they had filled just about every inch of all ten frames. It was so much honey it almost filled my 5 gallon honey bucket to the top.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20240729_174900220.jpg)

When we were all done we had a little over 40 lbs of honey.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20240801_183712663.jpg)

Now that cooler weather is coming it was time to get one last batch of honey from the bees before winter.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241003_164744950.jpg)

This is the first time ever that we had bees come to eat the honey as we were getting it off the frames. It all started out with this one bee.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241003_165249750.jpg)

Clearly she told her friends because about 30 minutes later there were probably thousands of bees.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241003_204845765.jpg)

By the time we finished our driveway was covered in bees that had way too much honey to eat. When it got dark and they took off back to their hive for the night we cleaned up, but this morning they were back looking for more.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241003_204858709.jpg)

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This time we got 35 lbs of honey.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241003_224304664-1.jpg)

I love seeing how different the honey is depending on when you get it. Both of these bottles are from the same hive, in the same location. The one on the left is the honey we got in July. It is a lot darker and a lot thicker. The one on the right is the honey we just got in October. It is a lot sweeter. 

Fun fact for Austin - the color of the honey is determined by the type of flower that the bees use to collect nectar, so the honey will be different colors in different seasons depending on what flowers are in bloom.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/10/PXL_20241003_205819080.jpg)
### we heart duluth
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/we-heart-duluth/
Last updated: 2024-09-24T23:34:26.000Z
Duluth is probably my all time favorite city in Minnesota. We've visited at least once a year since the girls were really little, and most of those trips were over Memorial Day weekend in the bus. Since we've been on the boat we haven't been up here since 2022\. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/09/PXL_20240919_000821144.jpg)

We didn't use the bus all summer and we were all feeling like it was time to take a little trip... so we packed up the bus and headed north.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/09/PXL_20240916_160859828.jpg)

This is our favorite campground in Duluth - the marina parking lot. We were lucky enough to be able to get our favorite spot on the end with views of the lift bridge and plenty of room to hang out in the evening.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/09/PXL_20240917_000729370.jpg)

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We came with a list of all the things we wanted to do. We only had a couple days, so even though we tried to fit it all in we had to leave some things for the next trip. First up was a drive farther north to Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls. The last time we were here was in 2019, so the girls didn't remember either one.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/09/PXL_20240917_181053920.jpg)

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On the girls list was swimming in the lake. In May we're lucky if the air temperature is in the 50s. In September it was still in the upper 70s. The girls were excited to swim in Lake Superior where the water temperature was a whopping 65 degrees. 

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Emma certainly got her love of beach combing from me. We took a couple trips to look for lake glass. It isn't always super easy to find, but that's all part of the fun.

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She got her love of walking and climbing rocks from Braden.

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This year we tried something new and took a boat tour. Highly recommend if you're ever in Duluth. We went under the bridge into Lake Superior and then down the St. Louis River to check out the loading docks. 

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As a special bonus we got to pass right next to the largest ship on the Great Lakes as it was coming in to pick up a load of coal. Fun fact for Austin - the Queen of the Lakes title is given to the longest ship currently on the Great Lakes - a title the 1,013 foot long Paul R. Tregurtha has held for 40 years.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/09/PXL_20240918_183056217.jpg)

On our way back we even got to see our 40 foot bus.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/09/PXL_20240918_183439664.jpg)

Of course a visit to Duluth isn't complete without spending a day at the aquarium.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/09/PXL_20240919_155118393.jpg)

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Last but not least... we squeezed in some of our favorite restaurants and shopping before heading back home. The girls have already asked if we can go back again next week, so apparently they love Duluth too.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/09/PXL_20240918_192459777.jpg)

Vitta Pizza

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Castle Danger Brewery
### do over
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/do-over/
Last updated: 2024-08-30T03:08:47.000Z
The MN State Fair is one of my favorite summer activities. Last year we missed it because we were road tripping in the bus. This year our visit was cut short because of the rain. I really wanted to go back, but I was pretty sure no one else would want to. Turns out everyone wanted to go another time....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_174030051.jpg)

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This time we were able to get all our favorite foods....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_182224809.jpg)

pickle pizza from Rick's Pizza

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_183716039.jpg)

strawberries and cream 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_190010258.jpg)

garlic fries from Ball Park Cafe

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_190900126.jpg)

cheese curds from The Mouth Trap Cheese Curds

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_190018106.jpg)

mini donut beer from Ball Park Cafe

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_213605764.jpg)

chococolate chip cookies

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_222258646.jpg)

fried olives 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_232718941.jpg)

fried ranch with hot honey dipping sauce (new this year)

The one thing I really wanted was a picture with the mascots. We have one of these almost every year going back to 2014.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_205746439.jpg)

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2024

They've grown a bit since this one...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/IMG_5052.JPG)

2017

We also did the giant slide, the sky glider (more than once) and the giant sing along.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240828_204044910.jpg)

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It was a great day - we all had fun, ate all our favorite foods, took lots of photos and stayed completely dry this time!
### cousin-palooza
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/cousin-palooza/
Last updated: 2024-08-25T21:23:37.000Z
Ten days of cousin time was not enough, so when the girls flew home their cousins came too! They all arrived with a list of all the things they wanted to do in Minnesota, and we wasted no time crossing off the list.

We made our first stop the Mall of America. It's funny because this didn't even cross my mind until one of the kids mentioned how excited they were to go to the Mall of America. To us it's just a mall that we've been to a hundred times, so I forget that it is pretty unique. Fun fact for Austin - MOA opened in 1992\. It is the largest mall in the United States, the largest mall in the Western Hemisphere, and the 12th largest mall in the world.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240816_181344875.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240816_181816079.jpg)

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We introduced them to Juicy Lucys.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240823_204722286.jpg)

We bought candy (lots of candy) at Minnesota's Largest Candy Store.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240820_222232056.jpg)

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We ate hot dogs and roasted marshmallows on the deck. 

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We spent a morning at the ninja warrior course.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240820_200255364.jpg)

We checked out an arcade with the largest collection of classic arcade games in Minnesota. If it wasn't for the kids getting hungry I'm pretty sure Braden and I could have stayed there all day. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240823_181705486.jpg)

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We spent a day at the waterpark.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240819_185950545.jpg)

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We spent almost every evening watching movies or playing Super Smash Bros.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240821_222203359.jpg)

We took them to the barn where they helped with the family BBQ business, and afterward they got to drive the little tractor around.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240817_164917261.jpg)

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We took them to Rita's (one of Emma's favorite places).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240819_002649090-1.jpg)

We spent an afternoon at the Minnesota Zoo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240821_180906545.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240821_192543866.jpg)

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Of course a visit to Minnesota in August would not be complete without a visit to the MN State Fair! It ended up pouring down rain, so we didn't stay long... but long enough to get most of our favorite foods.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240822_172343339.jpg)

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These five have been together for 20 days straight, and yesterday their cousins flew home. Apparently they all had a good time because they all asked if we could do it again next year. ❤️

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240824_181549288.jpg)
### flying solo
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/flying-solo-3/
Last updated: 2024-08-22T01:10:04.000Z
We planned to take one big road trip in the RV this summer. We loved Utah last summer and didn't get to spend enough time there. We wanted to go back this summer and were going to meet Braden's sister and her family there. 

When it came time to work out the details of the trip none of the adults really wanted to go. We've been enjoying being in one place for a while and the thought of all the planning that goes into a 1,200+ roadtrip just didn't sound fun at all.

The cousins really wanted to see each other, so I asked Braden what he thought about having our nieces and nephew fly by themselves to our house. Emma overheard that conversation and was jealous she wasn't going to get to fly on an airplane by herself.

After a couple phone calls and lots of texts it was decided that Emma and Olivia would fly to Oregon, and then they would fly back to Minnesota with their cousins.

Not going to lie... I know they have traveled more than some adults, but man it was hard putting them on an airplane by themselves. I had lots of tears in the days before their flight, but I kept it together at the airport until the gate agent took them to get on the plane. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240806_034230956.jpg)

It didn't help that the weather in Minnesota was terrible that night and their flight was delayed over an hour.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240806_041043812.jpg)

I watched their flight the entire way.... even though it was after 2 AM in Minnesota by the time they landed in Oregon.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot_20240806-015958-1.png)

Of course they had an amazing time - they got to see their cousins, and they got to surprise their Nana and Grandpa who didn't know they were in Oregon. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/IMG_0952.jpg)

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Emma lost a tooth... and then lost the tooth

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/IMG_0382.jpg)

It took a couple days to adjust to having an empty house. While they were gone Braden and I went to a movie just the two of us for the first time in years, and we had lots of dinners out.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240807_181427367.NIGHT.jpg)

Finally it was time for them to come home! I thought they might be homesick at some point (they weren't), and I'm pretty sure they weren't ready to come home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/IMG_20240815_144630.jpg)

Of course I watched their flight the entire way...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot_20240815-183221-1-1.png)

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back in Minnesota!
### catch up
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/catch-up/
Last updated: 2024-08-10T22:31:14.000Z
It has been a while since we've posted what we've been up to, so we'll have to rewind all the way back to June....

Last year we left our boat in Grenada for hurricane season. There is soooo much work that goes into leaving a boat in the caribbean for the hottest, most humid, months of the year. Days and days of laundry, vacuum sealing, cleaning, purging, removing and storing the sails, packing, etc. After last summer I said I didn't want to ever do that again, but here we were. On the plus side it will be so nice going back to a very clean, very organized boat. It is amazing how much stuff you can accumulate in less than a year.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240602_140510487.jpg)

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After days of blood, sweat and very sore muscles getting the boat ready for the summer we flew from Puerto Rico to Minnesota to start our summer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240609_012251234.jpg)

Back in Minnesota we wasted no time... we brought Pancake home for the summer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240613_164049105.jpg)

We did some house projects because after cleaning and purging the boat it was time to do some of that in the house too. We got rid of so much stuff... and it felt so good.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240627_203528271.jpg)

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Olivia's new Lego display

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240629_165919846.jpg)

The one thing the girls really wanted to do this summer was get back into some activities - gymnastics for both, tennis for Olivia and volleyball for Emma.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240627_161318546.jpg)

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We all are enjoying being in the land of plenty, with grocery stores full of just about anything you could want and homes with a bathtub.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240610_160910072.jpg)

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We enjoyed some Minnesota summer activities with more to come - strawberry picking, fires on the deck and local festivals.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240626_171531468.jpg)

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We celebrated three birthdays - Braden got Dairy Queen for the first time in a long time, Emma turned 11 and Olivia turned 8 1/2\. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240611_223300433.jpg)

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We got out on the water and did some kayaking and paddleboarding.

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We got lots of honey from our bees for the first time in over a year. Fun fact for Austin - a worker honeybee produces 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime, which means it takes about 12 bees to produce 1 teaspoon of honey. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240729_164023294.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240729_171626467.jpg)

This was about 3,840 teaspoons of honey, which would take over 46,000 bees to produce.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240801_183712663.jpg)

We also tried some new things this summer... Braden and Emma entered a local rib competetion with our friend and came in 2nd place! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240720_183151577.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240720_202119724.jpg)

The girls tried out shooting and Olivia discovered she really likes archery.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240803_173502975.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/PXL_20240803_180545329.jpg)

Not pictured is all the time we've spent with friends, dentist and doctor appointments, a visit from my mom, pool time, trips to the zoo, bowling and so much more... with lots more to come before we head back to the boat in November.
### Anchor Light Automation
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/anchor-light-automation/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T13:46:29.000Z
There are very easy, simple solutions for automating an anchor light. 

Mostly, those solutions involve either a new anchor light housing or a new anchor light bulb with a photo cell. Both require going up the mast and can be decently pricey. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-27-at-11.19.12-PM.png)

I decided to pursue a path less traveled. 

Back on land, our house has been "smart" for many years. As an early adopter of both home automation tech, I've been through most of the protocols (z-wave, zigbee, bluetooth low energy, lorawan, etc) and I've been through several controller hubs (smartthings, wink, crestron, openHAB, home assistant). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-27-at-11.20.32-PM.png)

My original plan for Yoto was to use very expensive and proprietary CZone devices for automation. In fact, I purchased a number of devices used on ebay and shipped them to Grenada for installation as a lower priority project on the list. After spending a couple hours using the Mastervolt/CZone hardware/software to connect to the devices and getting a good understanding of how they worked, I realized it would be quite a large effort to do something as simple as automating our anchor light circuit. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-27-at-11.23.28-PM.png)

For example, it would involve re-wiring quite a lot of our electrical distribution panel, make our physical switch in-operable (without even more re-wiring) and required a czone device that had an internal clock. The simple switching czone component I had planned on using did not have an internal clock. Luckily, I realized this before re-wiring everything and although I did have a fancier czone device with an internal clock, my decision to pause and evaluate my choices ended up being worthwhile.

One of the backup plans for navigation had been to ship a raspberry pi loaded with openCPN to the boat. I've never been a big fan of openCPN and ended up purchasing TimeZero and with that and the built in Raymarine equipment - the pi had sat unused. After looking into what it might take to use my "home automation" knowledge and Home Assistant to solve my anchor light problem, I purchased two items from Amazon and had them shipped to St. Thomas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-27-at-11.24.31-PM.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-27-at-11.26.09-PM.png)

I only needed one of the two - but the items were a Nortek Zigbee/Z-Wave usb adapter and a Shelly switch that was rated for DC loads. It turns out the Shelly device uses wi-fi, so the adapter was unnecessary for now.

After 5 mins of wiring a bypass "switch" in addition to the physical anchor light switch, I could control the anchor light via wi-fi with the Shelly app. However, I wanted the full functionality of Home Assistant (HA), so I installed that on the rpi and added the new Shelly switch to HA.

From there, it was a very familiar and easy path to creating an automation to turn the anchor light on sunset and off at sunrise. Connecting HA to Nabu Casa enabled remote access and there was quite a bit of joy being ashore and checking that the anchor light was, in fact, on.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot_20240827-233313.png)

But the most satisfying action was hopping the dinghy at the dock, at night, and toggling the anchor light on and off remotely to see which towering mast was ours in the inky darkness of a crowed harbor in Charlotte Amalie.

The anchor light was a nice victory, but the real promise of HA is quite extensive on the boat. The screenshot was a very early iteration and we already had a Ruvi temperature tag and a local weather on the app. NMEA2K data is on the list to add along with many more automations.

During the course of this project I did some googling and found really only one person who had posted anything in depth on doing this type of thing and he's much farther along with some good ideas/guides: [https://boathackers.com/](https://boathackers.com/?ref=bradenanderin.com)
### Hot Water Heater on Battery Power?
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/hot-water-heater-on-battery-power/
Last updated: 2026-06-18T13:46:31.000Z
Although the boat is in the tropics and we don't have a/c - we still enjoy a hot/warmish shower at night for some reason.

There are several ways to get hot water on Yoto:

1. Plug into shore power
2. Run the generator
3. Run the engine for 20min or so (coolant loop runs through hot water heater)
4. Power hot water heater from inverter (boats general wired to keep heavy loads like HWH off when on battery power)

We did not visit a dock from November 2023 through the end of May 2024\. So, option 1 was never available. 

Our generator has never worked properly since we've purchased the boat. So, option 2 was never available.

Our inverter was wired (correctly) to not run heavy loads while on battery power. And we were on battery power 100% of the time. So, option 4 was never available.

We did have a working engine with the hot water coolant loop. So, option 3 was technically our only option.

However, the engine that heats the water is directly under Olivia's bed. And, running the engine just to make hot water never felt good. Which means, hot water was very hit or miss for the beginning of our cruise.

Then one day, the clouds parted in my mind and after realizing we had quite a bit of excess solar power many days - I started working on plan to install some kind of switch so I could turn the hot water heater on/off manually from the inverter. Meaning, we'd use the battery power to get hot water on days when we had excess solar energy.

Great, now how to do this?

My idea was pretty simple: 

1. Move the hot water heater load wiring on the inverter to behave like all the other AC powered equipment on board.
2. Then add a switch in-line so I could manually turn on the heater when there was excess power.

As I was reading through the Victron user manual, I came across section that described "programmable switches" using VEConfigure Assistants. Curious, I read more and then got online and started researching what might be possible.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-28-at-12.31.11-AM.png)

The functionality provides several triggers for different actions. My new plan started to materialize as:

1. Create a program/rule on the inverter that would turn on/off the hot water heater load
2. Trigger that on/off switch based on battery state of charge

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-28-at-12.32.16-AM.png)

I didn't have any physical cable or dongle to connect to the Victron inverter, so I incorrectly thought I'd have to order one and wait.

However, I found that changing configuration can be accomplished via the VRM online portal by downloading and then subsequently uploading a configuration file. I had many apprehensions about using that method as our inverter/charger is a key component of our boat's electrical system.

After downloading the configuration file and making the changes, I held my breath and uploaded. The whole boat shutdown. After a minute or so, things started to come back online. All seemed good.

My battery SOC strategy was to turn the heater on when the SOC was 93% or above. The heater would turn off if the SOC dropped below 90%. My logic was that even if the sun disappeared right when the SOC hit 93%, I was willing to sacrifice 3% of the battery charge to get some warm water.

We all waited and watched the SOC rise throughout the first day. When it hit 93%....nothing happened.

Now what? I logged in via the VRM portal and saw that the resolution on SOC was different than on the physical display in the boat. On the cerbo gx screen - the SOC was rounded to 93% but the actual SOC was something like 92.7%. 

After waiting a bit more, the VRM SOC hit 93% and within seconds, the AC load was up almost 1800watts. A sure sign that the hot water heater was now on and heating up our shower water!

It has continued working perfectly and there have been very few days where we've taken cold showers ever since.
### san juan
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/san-juan/
Last updated: 2024-06-01T12:52:41.000Z
For the last I don't know how many years we've taken our bus to Duluth, MN with our friends for Memorial Day weekend. This year we changed it up and took a ferry from our boat in Culebra to mainland Puerto Rico with some friends and spent the weekend in San Juan. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240524_150953221.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240524_132435984.jpg)

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The girls kept saying we were on vacation because the airbnb place we stayed had ice cold air conditioning (something we do not have on the boat). It's been a while since they could get all bundled up in blankets to sleep.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/06/PXL_20240525_114403728.jpg)

The fort is a must see in San Juan. The kids (and adults) spent hours exploring the six levels. Fun fact for Austin - construction of the fort began in 1539 and ended in 1790 (250+ years!).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240525_135051461.jpg)

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After the fort we walked through Old San Juan, had lunch and stumbled upon the Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240525_154616187.jpg)

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I don't mind birds, but pigeons just seem gross. The girls didn't mind at all and could have spent the whole afternoon there holding the pigeons.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240525_172347580.jpg)

Olivia's favorite pigeon that she named Autumn

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240525_171705159.jpg)

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We had a fun weekend "on vacation" exploring, shopping, eating and enjoying cold AC. After a ferry ride back to Culebra we were back on the boat and back to keeping cool our way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/06/PXL_20240528_001021789.jpg)
### culebra
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/culebra/
Last updated: 2024-05-28T16:36:38.000Z
Our next stop in the Spanish Virgin Islands took us to the island of Culebra. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240521_171310259.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240522_174459097.jpg)

One of the sites to see on my list - Hector El Protector. He was originally built in 2014 using old pallets from the junkyard, but had to be rebuilt in 2019 after Hurricane Maria destroyed him in 2017\. He sits at the entrance to the canal to keep the island safe.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240522_170932432.jpg)

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Hector El Protector

We've been enjoying eating and drinking our way around the island with our friends. Including our first donuts in a very long time...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240523_132101565.jpg)

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### culebrita
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/culebrita/
Last updated: 2024-05-19T20:26:11.000Z
After three months in the US Virgin Islands it was time to move on. Goodbye USVI... 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240518_120117066.PANO.jpg)

St. Thomas

Hello Puerto Rico...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240518_134250842.jpg)

Culebrita

On the way in two dolphins came to greet us. They came and went very quickly, but it was still exciting to see them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240518_134850167.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240518_135730040.jpg)

Our first stop was Culebrita which is part of the Spanish Virgin Islands. We heard this beach is the party place on the weekends... and it is true. Surprisingly though it wasn't as wild and crazy as I thought it would be. There were lots of boats and lots of people, but not as much partying as I was expecting.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240518_201528218.PANO.jpg)

After we got settled we hiked to check out the old lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1886 and closed in 1975\. It has been through several hurricanes that destroyed a lot of it, but still left plenty for exploring.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240518_162230055.jpg)

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After the hike it was time to cool off. We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out in the water.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240518_161149694-1.jpg)

The next morning we went on a very rocky hike to the other side of the island in search of the jacuzzi/baths/bubbly pool where waves from the ocean crash in between the rocks to make a tidal pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240519_142827369.jpg)

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We went to a similar place in the BVI, but this was way better. No big waves crashing in which made it perfect for swimming, cooling off and looking at all the little fish and crabs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240519_143920592.jpg)

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### goodbye for now st. john
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/goodbye-for-now-st-john/
Last updated: 2024-05-16T00:37:03.000Z
Probably the most common question we get asked is what is your favorite place. It is a tough question to answer because they are all so different - some have great snorkeling, some have great beaches, some have great access to groceries/trash/restaurants, some have great food, etc.

If I had to pick an overall favorite - St. John is mine. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240511_180237373-1.jpg)

We thought we were done with St. John, but we managed to squeeze in one more trip. We spent lots of time at the beach, Braden caught dinner, watched Olivia's BFFs dance competition, did watersports, went out for Mother's Day brunch, did a little shopping and most importantly hung out with friends (I know I've mentioned it a bunch of times already, but friends make all the difference - especially when the parents are fun to hang out with too. We've gotten really lucky and met some really cool people in the last year out here on the water.).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240510_202902590.jpg)

Emma at the beach with her paddleboard

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taking a break from breakfast to watch her BFF dance

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240511_180353827.jpg)

Now it is time for us to move on. Lately we've wrestled with what to do with the boat for hurricane season. When we started out in October we thought we would be in the US for hurricane season. But somewhere along the way we decided we weren't going to and didn't want to make it all the way to the US just yet. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240210_221210585.jpg)

A lot of people take their boats to Grenada for hurricane season because it is usually safe from hurricanes, so we decided we would go back and leave the boat for the summer. We want to spend the majority of next fall/winter/spring in the Bahamas, so our plan was to fast track it through all the islands we did this season to get to the Bahamas for next season.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20231113_193614087.jpg)

there were so many rainbows in Grenada

Then... as plans often do out here... our plans changed... again. Now we're 95% sure we're going to leave our boat in Puerto Rico for the summer. It is more risky than Grenada, but way more convenient. We're enjoying our last couple days in the USVI, then heading to the Spanish Virgin Islands!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240515_170603006.jpg)

By going to Puerto Rico we could visit St. John one last time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240511_180237373.jpg)

(I know I've mentioned it a bunch of times already, but friends make all the difference - especially when the parents are cool too.)
### carnival
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/carnival/
Last updated: 2024-05-07T20:22:48.000Z
St. Thomas USVI Carnival - food, drinks, rides, parades, music, fireworks, treasures and great friends. It's been a fun (and exhausting) week, and I have an impressive sunglass tan to prove it. 😎❤️🇻🇮

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240426_232058438.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240504_184608156.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240504_175510982.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240504_193758222.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/IMG-20240504-WA0008.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240504_215531787.jpg)

where are we going to store these on the boat?!?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/05/PXL_20240505_012502628.jpg)
### back in the bvi
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/back-in-the-bvi/
Last updated: 2024-04-26T18:04:51.000Z
We took a short trip back to the BVI for a couple days. We hit all our favorite spots with some friends and Braden's dad who came to stay with us for a week.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240418_185750163.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240418_173503878.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240418_185157357.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240417_213932340.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240418_011251383.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240417_233657871-1-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240418_135027130.jpg)

We also added a new place to the list. We heard good things about Scrub Island, but skipped it on our last visit. This time we stopped for two days and had a great time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240420_145437497.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240420_154230618.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240420_150520398.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240420_151514103.jpg)
### one year
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/one-year/
Last updated: 2024-04-17T01:01:33.000Z
It is pretty crazy that it has already been one year since we pulled the girls out of school and moved onto our boat in the Caribbean. In the last 12 months we've been to 9 countries and 15 states. We've lived in a house, a boat and an RV. We've travelled 6,000+ miles in the RV and 500+ nautical miles in the boat. We've made new friends, spent time with family and hosted visitors. We've had highs and lows. We've laughed and we've cried. We're excited to keep going and can't wait to see where the next year takes us!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20230329_011245208.jpg)

March 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20230404_144442739.jpg)

April 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20230504_203423261.jpg)

May 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/IMG_20230623_132044333.jpg)

June 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20230716_145951496.jpg)

July 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20230818_225218942.jpg)

August 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20230906_183142008.jpg)

September 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20231031_192848436.jpg)

October 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20231115_192928872.jpg)

November 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20231203_160414374.jpg)

December 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240129_173645578-2.jpg)

January 2024

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240216_140447058.jpg)

February 2024

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240324_191924942-1.jpg)

March 2024
### back in the usvi
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/back-in-the-usvi/
Last updated: 2024-04-14T22:34:21.000Z
It has been a very busy two weeks for us - long flights, the eclipse, a quick overnight stop at a waterpark, lots of time with friends, date nights, dinners and reading glasses for Emma. Whew!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240414_125717147.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240409_145000174.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240410_154512667.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240410_004410131-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240410_152914609.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240413_213927962.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240411_133255989.jpg)

Today we flew back to a very rainy USVI to start planning for the next couple months on the boat!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240414_180517171-1.jpg)
### solar eclipse
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/solar-eclipse/
Last updated: 2024-04-09T00:51:19.000Z
On Easter we traded in our swim suits for sweatshirts and pants and flew back to Minnesota. Crazy... I know.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240331_184805480.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240402_135051750.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240402_135045676.jpg)

A bit of backstory - in 2017 we took our bus to Casper, WY. It was the first big trip on our bus and we were going to a rally with 100 other people who owned buses like ours to see the solar eclipse. We were mainly going to meet the people, so we didn't care too much about the eclipse. Casper, WY was in the path of totality. 

I read something the other day that said if you haven't seen it then it isn't a big deal, but once you see it you want to see it again. That is 100% right. In 2020 the same group of people made arrangements with a campground in Kerrville, TX for the 2024 eclipse. We reserved a spot right away even though it was crazy to make camping plans almost five years in advance.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/DSC_2454.JPG)

2017 - Casper, WY

Fast forward to 2024 - we're living on the boat in the US Virgin Islands and had a decision to make. Do we stay or do we go? In the end we decided the eclipse was worth the trip and all the work that would be involved to leave the boat and get the bus ready for travel after the winter storage.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240331_162530396-1.jpg)

Usually this time of year Texas has clear skies which obviously you need to see the eclipse. Luckily we thought to look at the weather before we left Minnesota. Turns out the forecast for the whole state of Texas was cloudy on the day of the eclipse. We decided to delay the start of our multi-day road trip and watch the weather to see if it improved. We ended up bailing on Texas and went to Indiana instead. The weather forecast was better and it is a 9 hour drive vs. 20 hour drive. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240407_130358085.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240407_225451765-1.jpg)

We picked Terre Haute, IN. Not a cloud in the sky. The girls were basically seeing the eclipse for the first time since they were 4 and 2 in 2017.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240408_194051439.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240408_183719101-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240408_194104568.jpg)

Totally worth it for this right here. It is impossible to capture it in photos.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/PXL_20240408_190624808.jpg)

2024 - Terre Haute, IN

We're already talking about Alaska 2033\. Who's coming with us?!?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/04/Screenshot_20240408-160625.png)
### happy easter
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-easter-8/
Last updated: 2024-03-31T05:01:40.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240330_192654920.jpg)
### st. john (again)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-john-again/
Last updated: 2024-03-31T03:03:56.000Z
We're not done with the USVI just yet- this time it was back to St. John. We had quite the group of friend boats along for this trip around the island. I love when the girls can jump off the back of the boat and swim over to their friends boats.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240320_195922139.jpg)

We saw a variety of land animals on this trip. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240324_191916110-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240324_184820785.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240324_194108576-1.jpg)

This may be my #1 place to stop in St. John. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240325_133530982.jpg)

The snorkeling here is some of the coolest we've done. There are so many fans. We've never seen so many in one place and there are turtles everywhere. Fun fact for Austin - sea fans look like plants, but they are actually animals with tentacles that they use to catch plankton. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3271280.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3281407.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3281359.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3261224-1-1.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3281394.JPG)

can you spot the peacock flounder?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3271330-1.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3281378.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3271326.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3271340.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3281356.JPG)

Olivia current science lesson is learning about sharks, so she was pretty excited when she got to see a real nurse shark swimming by while we were snorkeling.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3271299-1.JPG)
### back to st. thomas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/back-to-st-thomas/
Last updated: 2024-03-23T15:43:49.000Z
We have mixed feelings about St. Thomas. 

The anchorage isn't always the most comfortable, it gets noisy being close to the city and you can't swim in the water... but then there are the almost nightly get togethers at the outdoor bar where the adults have drinks and the kids climb the tree, to the chick rescuing and lizard catching and the fun afternoons with lunch on the beach that make us want to keep coming back.

It isn't our favorite place to stop for more than a couple days, but we have made quite the group of friends there which makes it very hard to leave. ❤️

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240313_202355077.jpg)

our usual spot

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240315_220925124.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240317_171733318.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240317_175820465.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240317_180509856.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240313_202026168-1.jpg)

crashing yoga with the moms
### st. croix
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-croix/
Last updated: 2024-03-11T15:56:46.000Z
We went back and forth at least 100 times - should we stay or should we go? St. Croix is the largest of the three main islands in the USVI. Not many people we talked to had been there, but the snorkeling was supposed to be pretty cool. In the end we decided to go... and if it wasn't for the upcoming weather we would have stayed longer. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240309_204122319.jpg)

We could only stay a couple days because the weather this week will make it unpleasant to get back to St. Thomas if we want to go back any time soon. We try to avoid unpleasant if we can, so we made the most of the days we had to explore. We snorkled every day and every day we saw something different - turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, octopus, fish, eels. The amount of coral was the most impressive we've seen. All right on the pillars of the cruise ship pier. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3111205.JPG)

sea urchin

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3090997.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3111184.JPG)

spotted moray eel

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3091004.JPG)

sea turtle

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3111209.JPG)

sergeant majors

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3111158.JPG)

spotted eagle ray

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3101078.JPG)

octopus

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3101099.JPG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3101091.JPG)

barrel sponge

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3101122.JPG)

sea turtle

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3111219.JPG)

sergeant majors and peacock flounder

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3101101.JPG)

purple tube sponge

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3111198.JPG)

Christmas tree worms

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3091025.JPG)

sea turtle

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stingray

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3111190.JPG)

yellow tube sponge

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Christmas tree worms

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P3101057-1.JPG)

octopus

Add St. Croix to the list of places we want to visit again. Fun fact for Austin - St. Croix has flown seven different flags since it was first colonized in 1643 - Spain, Great Britian, the Netherlands, France, the Knights of Malta, Denmark and finally the United States.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240309_222245553.jpg)
### st. thomas (again)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-thomas-again/
Last updated: 2024-03-09T19:57:54.000Z
Our island hopping through the USVI continues. It was back to St. Thomas for laundry, beach time, hiking, a birthday celebration, date night and lots and lots of friend time (for both kids and adults).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240302_145317622.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240303_193112049.jpg)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240305_202800181-1.jpg)

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birthday date night

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240303_223943227.jpg)

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### st. john
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-john/
Last updated: 2024-03-01T23:01:56.000Z
While we enjoyed being in St. Thomas with easy access to trash, groceries, mail and restaurants it wasn't a place where we could just jump off the boat and swim. We were all looking forward to getting back to somewhere a little more remote where we could spend our days in the water. First order of business once we got there was to try out the new board Emma and I picked up to pull behind the dinghy.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240223_190822683.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240223_190108693.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240223_191903132.jpg)

Second - more snorkeling.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P2260909.JPG)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/P2290975.JPG)

Fun fact for Austin - 60% of St. John is a National Park. That means there are lots of cool things to see on land. High on my list was a photo of the window in Cinnamon Bay. ✅ Up until 2017 this 1860 Danish Warehouse was an archaeology museum and the oldest standing building on St. John. Sadly Hurricane Irma completely destroyed it and only left a partial wall with a couple windows still standing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240224_165916274-1.jpg)

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Emma was not very smiley in the photo because somehow she loosened a tooth (thankfully a baby tooth!) boogie boarding and it was sticking way out. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240224_170042416-1.jpg)

She's a worrier, so she couldn't really enjoy the rest of the afternoon worrying about that tooth... but it was nothing a root beer float couldn't fix.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240224_175603021.jpg)

Two days later and the tooth was out.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240227_213956069.jpg)

The next of our land adventures - the ruins of the Reef Bay Sugar Planation.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240227_184232317.jpg)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240227_184045986.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240227_183914879.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240227_183800017.jpg)

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After the ruins we hiked to some petroglyphs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240227_175523159.jpg)

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There is also a waterfall at the petroglyphs that wasn't much of a waterfall. The girls weren't very impressed with either one - the waterfall or the petroglyphs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240227_180736028-1.jpg)

We saw a bunch of deer on the hike which the girls said was cooler than both the waterfall and the petroglyphs, so at least the hike wasn't a total bust.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240227_182230954-1.jpg)

It was an amazing week hanging with friends, meeting new friends, handstands on the beach, hunting for lobster and playing dominoes.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/03/PXL_20240224_181705738-1.jpg)

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### st. thomas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-thomas/
Last updated: 2024-02-23T17:41:22.000Z
We've spent the last week hanging out in St. Thomas. We took advantage of being near the city and got a lot done, including eating at a couple restaurants that have been on our list for a while.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240221_215845279.jpg)

Tap & Still

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240220_180220706.jpg)

Being near the city meant we were able to get some much needed packages delivered, and since we're in a US territory it doesn't take that long to get them. Fun fact for Austin - the USVI is the only place under US jurisdiction where cars drive on the left side of the road.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240220_144718495.jpg)

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Emma and I went on a rainy day adventure to a watersports store to buy a new toy for the boat. She is anxiously awaiting getting to a place where we can use it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240222_150150744.jpg)

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We shopped at a Kmart. Who knew these even still exist?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240219_164301154.jpg)

We watched lots of cruise ships come and go. My favorite was the one with the slides off both sides of the ship.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240217_155615102.jpg)

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We enjoyed a beach day with some friends. It was the perfect beach for some relaxation and people watching. A bunch of booze cruises drop off the cruise ship people at this beach, so it was quite entertaining.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240221_183439959.jpg)

In addition to the cruise ships [Jeff Bezos boat](https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/the-superyacht-directory/koru--98581?ref=bradenanderin.com) was in the marina. The girls sang the PG version of the Jeffery Bezos song every time we passed by, and now that is permanently stuck in my head even though the boat left a couple of days ago.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240218_210717061.jpg)

Today we headed back over to St. John for a little while so we can enjoy some hiking, swimming and snorkeling.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240223_173705324.jpg)
### around usvi
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/around-usvi/
Last updated: 2024-02-18T19:09:18.000Z
We had our very first (and very special) overnight guest on the boat. Braden's sister (Aunt Jenn) flew from Oregon to the US Virgin Islands (USVI) to spend time with us.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240214_192112059.jpg)

I have to say Aunt Jenn is a badass (I will owe Olivia $1 for that). She left Oregon on Tuesday night, flew all night, got to St. Thomas on Wednesday afternoon, took a taxi from the airport to the ferry, took the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John, took a dinghy ride from the ferry to the boat, sailed with us for 30 minutes while we moved the boat, then hopped in the water to snorkel with Olivia and paddleboard with Emma. I'm tired just typing all that out...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240214_211427518.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/P2150699.JPG)

We spent the next couple days exploring St. John. We hiked to the Annaberg Plantation ruins.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240215_145858583.jpg)

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We snorkeled with turtles, a shark and so many fish.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/P2160762.JPG)

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We ate pizza at a floating pizza boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240216_212608111.jpg)

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We visited a shipwreck and pirate museum.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240217_184020230.jpg)

We also visited the Virgin Islands National Park visitor center, did some shopping, moved the boat to some different beaches, introduced her to some of our cruising friends, fixed a broken toilet and watched the sun set from a couple different anchorages. She really got it all - the good, the bad and the dirty.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240216_140956006.jpg)

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Today we dropped Aunt Jenn at the airport. It doesn't matter if it is 5 days or 5 weeks... a family visit is never long enough. We're already looking forward to the next time we're together again. We love you Aunt Jenn!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240218_155256785.jpg)
### jost van dyke
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/jost-van-dyke/
Last updated: 2024-02-13T01:11:34.000Z
Our final stop in the BVIs took us to the island of Jost Van Dyke. Fun fact for Austin - Kenny Chesney's music video for "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" was filmed on and around Jost Van Dyke.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240211_161540466.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240211_160234847-2.jpg)

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always climbing the rocks

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watching the remoras

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Our last sunset in the British Virgin Islands. Tomorrow - US Virgin Islands!

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### norman island
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/norman-island/
Last updated: 2024-02-11T22:07:18.000Z
We're island hopping our way through the BVIs on the way to the USVIs. Our first stop after Virgin Gorda was Norman Island.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240209_214843946.jpg)

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There isn't anything on Norman Island except for a restaurant and a floating bar. We had dinner, drinks and the girls enjoyed some giant Jenga on the beach.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240209_223216226.jpg)
### the indians
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/the-indians/
Last updated: 2024-02-10T21:07:28.000Z
We started our morning with a 30 minute snorkel at one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the BVIs - the Indians. No anchoring is allowed here, so you have to pick up a mooring ball that is only available for day use. There are only 10, so if they are all taken you have to wait until someone leaves. Emma and I sat on deck counting masts to see if there were any open balls. Luckily there was one left!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240210_134920880.jpg)

This may be some of the coolest snorkeling we've ever done... 

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Fun fact for Austin - these four rocks rise up above the ocean about 50' and were named the Indians because they resemble a Native American headdress. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240210_145923043-1.jpg)
### virgin gorda
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/virgin-gorda/
Last updated: 2024-02-10T02:37:26.000Z
We had some things on our Virgin Gorda must do list: The Baths, a pirate show and a visit to two cool hang out spots.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240203_151216385.jpg)

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We figured that would take us a couple days and then we would be on our way. On our first day we met some new friends with girls Emma and Olivia's ages... so we extended our stay a bit longer to hang out with them. We're so glad we did. We got to check out some beaches, find fun places for school, drink fruity drinks, play plenty of giant Jenga (Olivia's favorite), see a tarpon feeding and watch fireworks from our boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240202_204124244.jpg)

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Plus lots of fun time in the water.

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At night, the girls would spend hours with the underwater light catching all sorts of creatures. It was all fun until a crab they caught ate one of the tiny fish.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240131_235500087.jpg)

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We had a couple of really rainy and windy days, so we had to stay put a little longer. But as soon as the weather cleared up it was time for us to head to the next island.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240208_220811649-2.jpg)
### the baths
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/the-baths/
Last updated: 2024-02-04T11:44:45.000Z
When we knew we were coming to the BVIs, The Baths was at the very top of my list of places to take the girls. Braden and I had been here way back in 2006\. Before there were fancy waterproof cameras and smart phones.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/Us-in-Virgin-Gorda-2.JPEG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/Caves-in-Virgin-Gorda-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/Virgin-Gorda---Braden-on-rocks.JPEG)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/Us-in-Virgin-Gorda.JPEG)

I couldn't remember too many details other than thinking this place was cool. Turns out it is way cooler than I remember it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/02/PXL_20240203_155826920.jpg)

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Emma of course wanted to climb every.single.rock.

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I'm pretty sure the girls came close to exploring every single inch of the caves. They would squeeze through the smallest openings to see what was on the other side.

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### sea horses
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/beach-ride/
Last updated: 2024-01-28T03:02:40.000Z
Emma and I love going on trail rides. When I saw there is one in Sint Maarten where you take the horses in the ocean we just had to go. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240127_153035445.jpg)

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The other people scheduled for our ride didn't show up, so Emma and I got our own private guide.

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We rode up to an overlook where we could see some of the other islands - Saba, St. Barts and St. Eustatius. On the way back down we could see the anchorage where our boat is.

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The trail ride ended with a swim in the ocean! 

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### sint maarten/saint martin
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/sint-maarten-saint-martin/
Last updated: 2024-01-24T20:12:53.000Z
Our current island is an interesting one - Sint Maarten or Saint Martin depending where you are. 

Fun fact for Austin - the southern part of the island is part of the Netherlands (Sint Maarten). The northern part of the island is part of France (Saint Martin). Even though they are governed by different countries there is no border patrol between the two, so you can go back and forth between the French side and the Dutch side. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/saint-martin-map-shutterstock_267872012.jpg)

This would be our longest sail (24+ hours). We left Guadeloupe just before 12:00 PM. 

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Going overnight means someone always has to be awake to keep an eye on things - the weather, the wind, other boats, etc. The girls were very excited about staying up and helping with the night watch. Neither one made it to midnight, and both slept through the entire night.

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Olivia in the salon on a dinette cushion

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Emma in the cockpit on the bean bag chair

Cruise ships are crazy looking at night. You can see them coming from miles and miles away because of all the lights. We passed this one near St. Kitts at 4:00 AM. 

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As we got close to land the brown boobies began circling the boat. They like to dive and grab the fish that jump out of the water when the boat goes by. We've seen them a bunch as we've sailed between islands, but they've never landed on our boat. These two hitched a ride for quite a while.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240121_143217482.jpg)

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Unfortunately that meant once we stopped the deck needed a good scrub.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240121_134846827.jpg)

In the end the trip took us 25 hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot_20240121-120951-1.png)

The French islands are all in the Caribbean, but they don't really feel like Caribbean islands. Sint Maarten definitely has a more Caribbean vibe. It's also been a very long time since we've been in a country where they speak English and use the US dollar. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240122_182840438.jpg)

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We were the only boat in our last anchorage in Guadeloupe for days. 

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Guadeloupe

Here we're surrounded by boats, mega yachts and nightlife. It's been a nice change from our last few months and we could certainly see hanging out here for a while.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240121_223037767.jpg)

Sint Maarten
### guadeloupe
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/guadeloupe/
Last updated: 2024-01-20T01:25:46.000Z
This weeks adventures - a hot spring, a beautiful beach, DIY hair cuts, provisioning and delicious food.

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I've been begging Emma for a year to cut her hair this short...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240118_175534387.jpg)

stocking up on some French foods before we leave

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if you know... you know

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240118_175834878.jpg)

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sometimes you just need a little McDonald's

Fun fact for Austin - There are 40,275McDonald's located in 120 countries.

Less than a year ago I don't think we'd ever heard of Guadeloupe. When we were in Grenada so many people talked about how much they loved it. Now that we've been here we totally understand. This week Braden and I have had to talk ourselves out of staying longer, but the weather forecast is nice and it is time to move north to the next country.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240115_151325248.jpg)

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### zoo de guadeloupe
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/zoo-de-guadeloupe/
Last updated: 2024-01-15T23:04:29.000Z
For the first time in a very, very long time we don't have any friends around... or really anyone around. We already miss the company, the impromptu dinners together and the happy hours - but there is something nice about just being us for a little while.

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We got a rental car for a couple days so we can explore more on land. Today's adventure was Zoo de Guadeloupe. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240115_150013693.jpg)

This might be the coolest zoo we've ever been to. The whole zoo was a huge boardwalk in the rainforest.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240115_145347028.jpg)

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There was also a section of 14 different suspension bridges that go up 65 feet in the air. Some of them were a little wobblier than others, but it doesn't even phase the girls.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240115_155816406.jpg)

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There were so many different animals to see - 85 different species of mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

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By far our unanimous family favorite... the lemurs!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240115_152546941.jpg)

Their exhibit was a walkthrough exhibit, so you are in with the lemurs. We could have spent all day in there watching them jump all around. 

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Their faces after one jumped right over their heads...

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### ilet caret
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/ilet-caret/
Last updated: 2024-01-10T02:15:33.000Z
After spending a couple days in Les Saints ( Îles des Saintes) we headed a little further north to Bouillante. 

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It was only a 2 hour trip and the weather was calm. Calm enough for 2 loads of laundry, a loaf of banana bread and relaxing on deck.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240105_151414306.jpg)

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We spent two days here where we swam to the beach with friends every afternoon, stocked up on groceries and visited the laundromat to get sheets and towels washed.

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Our next stop a couple hours more north and not a calm trip - Ilet Caret. We heard not many boats stop here because the water getting in is pretty shallow and you have to watch out so you don't hit the reefs. They weren't wrong - the water was shallow and there was no one anchored here except us and our friends. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/Screenshot_20240109-202657-1.png)

During the day all the tour boats stop at the island for an hour or two to hang out in the shallow water. 

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They're usually gone by the afternoon and then we would have the island all to ourselves.

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Not far from where out boat was anchored is a shipwreck. The wreck is only a foot or two below the surface, so it was easy to snorkel around and see.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/P1090508.JPG)

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Emma

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We've enjoyed the sunsets and the clear, blue water, but there is still a lot more of Guadeloupe to see. Tomorrow it is time to move on to the next place.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240108_213836036.jpg)
### les saintes
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/les-saintes/
Last updated: 2024-01-04T02:47:49.000Z
Tuesday morning we were up before the sun (3:36 AM to be exact). We pulled up our anchor and were on our way out of Martinique before 4:00 AM.

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We had hoped the girls would sleep later, but they were too excited about our middle of the night travel start.

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We've seen a lot of sunsets, but this was our first sunrise on the boat.

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Emma ended up taking a nap, but Olivia would not.

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It is 70 miles from Martinique to Guadeloupe (about 12 to 14 hours by boat depending how fast you go). Some people stop in Dominica, which is in between the two islands, but we decided to pass it by.

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Dominica

About an hour before we arrived in Guadeloupe we were greeted by the most amazing welcoming committee - a pod of 7 dolphins. I've always wanted to see dolphins. In all the years we sailed around Florida (and trips back and forth to the Bahamas) we never saw dolphins. The girls may have been a little more excited than me watching them swim along with the boat for a couple minutes before disappearing.

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We're spending a few days in Les Saints ( Îles des Saintes), which is a small group of islands that are part of Guadeloupe. We spent our first day snorkeling, shopping, climbing trees, playing at the playground and scootering.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240103_202051976.jpg)

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octopus

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school of smallmouth grunt

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lobster

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longspine squirrelfish

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bluestriped angelfish

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anemone

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2024/01/PXL_20240103_181922642.jpg)
### saint pierre
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/saint-pierre/
Last updated: 2023-12-30T23:59:59.000Z
Yesterday we pulled up our anchor and headed to the northern end of Martinique.

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Diamond Rock

Fun fact for Austin - In 1804 the British left cannons and 100+ men on Diamond Rock so they could use it as a "warship" to attack the French.

There weren't any wind or waves, so it was a calm, motoring kind of day.

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There were fish traps all over the place. Emma and I sat on the bow pointing them out so Braden could steer around them.

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one of many fish traps in the water

We arrived in St. Pierre late in the afternoon and of course the first thing the girls have to do at a new place... 

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Club Med cruise ship in the background

From our boat we have a great view of Mount Pelée, which is an active volcano. Fun (but not really fun) fact for Austin - In 1902 Mount Pelée erupted destroying the entire town of St. Pierre and killing 30,000 people. 

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There were two things we wanted to do before leaving Martinique - (1) sea glass because you know we love sea glass, and (2) visit the zoo because everyone recommends it. Today we accomplished both.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231230_210147472.jpg)

so many pretty blue ones here

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The zoo is built on an old plantation that was destroyed in 1902 when the volcano erupted. 

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The ruins have been preserved so while you're walking through the zoo you also get some history on the old plantation, which had it's own hospital. 

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hospital

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### merry christmas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/merry-christmas-8/
Last updated: 2023-12-27T00:50:23.000Z
Last week Olivia and I took a very last minute trip back to Minnesota. There were some things that were easier to take care of from Minnesota and since Martinique is fairly easy to fly in and out of it was good timing for a trip.

We gave both girls the option - Olivia wanted to go to Minnesota, Emma wanted to stay in Martinique. Emma was excited about some daddy/daughter time and made a daily itinerary for her and Braden.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231212_020228761.jpg)

About an hour before we left Olivia pulled out her last wiggly tooth.

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We had a very long travel day. We left Martinque at 4:15 PM, stopped in Miami for 2 hours (an hour of that we spent in the customs and immigration line) and got to Minnesota at 12 AM (which was 2 AM in Martinique).

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a little nap on the plane

While we were in Minnesota Olivia had a list of things she wanted to do (1) see her friends, and (2) eat at all her favorite restaurants. We were able to see just about all her friends and checked off all her restaurants.

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Chick-fil-a

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Hibachi

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Rainforest Cafe

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231219_195844649.jpg)

Noodles & Company

We even had time to squeeze in some last minute shopping at Mall of America.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231218_203917297.jpg)

On the way back we had to spend a day in Miami. That morning we had to get up at 3:30 AM for our flight.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/IMG_20231220_045729_01.jpg)

Since we were exhausted we decided to spend our day in Miami relaxing in the hotel room. Olivia was very excited about getting room service.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231220_203143949.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231220_234017734.jpg)

On the way to Minnesota we watched the sunset. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231212_220955522.jpg)

On the way back to Martinique we watched the sunrise.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231220_124040576.jpg)

Olivia and I got back to Martinique a couple days before Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve morning at the waterpark, and in the afternoon we had some friends over to decorate Christmas cookies.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231224_151753911-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231224_182859438.jpg)

On Christmas morning the girls were up at 6:30 AM. Olivia was a little worried Santa wouldn't be able to get into the boat, but clearly he did just fine.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231225_103721228.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231225_103734918.jpg)

We got invited over to a boat for Christmas dinner by a family we had never met before. Not many people on their boats have family around for the holidays so every one out here kind of becomes like family. In the end there were over 25 people invited - some we knew, some we didn't. We had good conversations, food and drink and the kids had fun hanging out with all the other kids.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231225_214210111.jpg)
### martinique
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/martinique/
Last updated: 2023-12-17T04:59:59.000Z
Ah Martinique. When we were stuck without engines this was the island we dreamed of getting to... and we're here! Our first morning in Martinique and we got a special delivery from our neighbor friends. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231208_124234577.jpg)

These baguettes didn't make it past lunchtime

We've been spending our days exploring, shopping, catching up with boat friends and swimming. Fun fact for Austin - [Mount Pelée](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount%5FPel%C3%A9e?ref=bradenanderin.com) is an active volcano on the island.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231210_170216368.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-16-at-10.44.57-PM.png)

We thought we saw a lot of rainbows in Grenada, but we've probably seen almost as many in Martinique.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231209_130751174.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231210_201953187.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/IMG_20231213_072111516.jpg)

Lots of boats stay in Martinique for a while. I can see why. There are malls. Real malls with sporting goods stores and aisles full of Legos! If there is anything you need you can probably get it in Martinique.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231209_230216525.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/IMG_20231212_152042081.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/IMG_20231215_171024703.jpg)

One of the other reasons to stay - the food (Nicole - this part is for you ❤️). Martinique is a French island, so of course there are boulangeries with baguettes and croissants. There are also foods we've never heard of. Probably our favorite new food - the bokit. These sandwiches are made with a fried bun and come with all different kinds of fillings. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231207_174039952-1.jpg)

After one visit this little restaurant became our favorite place for lunch. Emma even cried real tears one day when she found out Braden went with some friends and didn't take her. It is that good.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231207_175629363.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231209_150755663-1.jpg)

Our favorite - Le Boubou (veggies, steak, egg and bacon with pepper sauce)

There are grocery stores, and then there is this grocery store which Braden claimed to be the most amazing grocery store he's ever seen. We definitely are eating very well in Martinique.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/IMG_20231215_122435867.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/IMG_20231215_122616670.jpg)
### eight is great
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/eight-is-great/
Last updated: 2023-12-11T01:31:09.000Z
Olivia had a little bit of a different birthday celebration this year - stayed up until midnight, chocolate chip pancakes, balloons, gifts, McDonald's, time with boat friends and cake from a French boulangerie. She rated this birthday a 9.5 out of 10.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231210_123757913.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231210_160119724.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231210_225747395.jpg)
### st. lucia
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/st-lucia/
Last updated: 2023-12-07T23:28:18.000Z
St. Lucia wasn't on our list of islands to stop at because parts of the island have a bad reputation for crime. But the sail from Bequia to Martinique is over 15 hours, so St. Lucia is a good stopping point to break up the long distance. Some people stop overnight and keep going the next day, but the weather wasn't favorable for us to sail two days in a row. So... a two day stop in St. Lucia it was.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231204_173542415.jpg)

St. Lucia has a bunch of mega yachts and a bunch of all inclusive resorts.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231204_172959286-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231204_153806870.jpg)

We decided after overcoming all our engine woes we deserved to treat ourselves to a day pass at one of the resorts. Our day included drinks, lunch, use of their pools, a massage and access to the waterpark. It was just what we needed and worth every penny!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231205_173823086.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231205_180541036.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231205_164452127-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231205_172815576-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231205_173704121-1.jpg)

The girls spent almost their entire day at the inflatable waterpark while Braden and I watched them from our beach chairs in the shade. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231205_160313261.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231205_161917319.jpg)

Emma getting launched into the air by the lifeguard

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231205_194405138-2.jpg)

Our second day in St. Lucia... not so great. I can understand why people say to skip it. We went into town, did some shopping, had lunch and got hassled by multiple people wanting money. One guy even made it clear he wasn't afraid to use a knife (luckily the girls and I were shopping and missed that interaction). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231206_183908757.jpg)

Olivia's new dress

As planned, first thing this morning we pulled up anchor and were out of there. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231207_112654253.jpg)

Hello Martinique! We've been wanting to get here for so long that it feels like such an accomplishment.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231207_152006628.jpg)
### busy in bequia
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/busy-in-bequia/
Last updated: 2023-12-03T01:56:21.000Z
Our week started with taking the engines apart to get them ready for the new parts we were waiting on to come from the US. That is not a quick process, but luckily FedEx came through for us and we had the parts in 4 days (even with the Thanksgiving holiday!).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231128_155620752.jpg)

This is the face of pure happiness with boat parts in hand. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231130_130913910.jpg)

While Braden was busy helping the mechanic with the engines, the girls and I kept busy too. We baked two loaves of bread (on the same day because we ate the first one before it was even cool). It was so good. We would have baked a third, but we ran out of eggs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231130_172608867.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231130_153107815.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231130_133545735.jpg)

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Emma did a lot of paddle boarding, hiking and swimming with her friends.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231201_113717276.jpg)

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We decorated for Christmas and surprised Olivia with a Lego Advent Calendar.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231203_010659743.jpg)

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Two days, lots of hours, lots of sweat and lots of oil all over the place... but both engines are running! The only way we make hot water is by running one of the engines. That means we've been taking cold showers, so for the first time in 10 days we had hot showers. I may have cried happy tears. I hate cold showers!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/Screenshot_20231202-213934.png)

We celebrated with rum punches, handstands and the sunset on the beach.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231201_191205286.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231201_214500030.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231201_214721148.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231201_213349614.jpg)

We didn't realize until we got our departure papers that we've been in the same spot for 14 days (13 days longer than we planned). It's time to go! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/12/PXL_20231202_215451983-1.jpg)
### throwback thursday (november 30, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-30-2022/
Last updated: 2023-11-30T06:01:11.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/FB_IMG_1669859253893-1.jpg)

The day I found Pancake (FKA Peanut Butter)
### bequia heritage museum
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/bequia-heritage-museum/
Last updated: 2023-11-28T01:41:09.000Z
History is my absolute least favorite subject, but the heritage museum turned out to be my new favorite field trip. Bequia might be a small island (7 square miles, population 5,000), but there is so much interesting history here.

The trip to the museum was a fairly steep 2 mile walk to the other side of the island. There were a lot of signs along the way making us think we were getting closer than we really were.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_151351877-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_144237773.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_151127868.jpg)

Half of the museum is dedicated to the history of whaling in Bequia, which is still done today. Some interesting [whaling facts](https://iwc.int/management-and-conservation/whaling/aboriginal/bequia?ref=bradenanderin.com) (plus a link to more information for those who enjoy history):

- whaling season is February to April
- they are allowed 4 humpback whales per season
- they still use traditional wooden row boats for hunting (6 men per boat)
- every part of the whale is used so nothing is wasted

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_151632538.jpg)

whaling boat

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_153208001.jpg)

the girls could barely lift the oars

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_152128478.jpg)

whale bone art

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_154459999.jpg)

boat used to keep sharks away

The other half of the museum is all about the history of the island. Museums usually have too much reading and the girls get bored quickly. Not this museum. The lady was very excited to see the girls that she ended up spending an hour with us. It was pretty cool and she was great at keeping the girls engaged the whole time. Emma was bummed when another group finally came in and we had to leave.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_155112284.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_155243180.jpg)

Fun fact for Austin - in 1717, Blackbeard attacked a French ship off the coast of St. Vincent. He brought the ship to Bequia, repaired it, added more cannons and renamed it Queen Anne's Revenge.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_162104617.jpg)

Admiralty Bay is where we are currently anchored

Olivia's favorite ending to any long walking trip - skipping the walk back and grabbing a taxi.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231127_170125032.jpg)
### happy thanksgiving
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-thanksgiving-7/
Last updated: 2023-11-24T13:59:58.000Z
We may not be in the US for Thanksgiving, but we are surrounded by lots of Americans where we are in the Caribbean. One of the local restaurants hosted a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We got it all (except for the family photo) - happy hour, turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, dessert, plus we got to share it with some new friends we met this week.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231123_212941257.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231123_214724218.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231123_214732184.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231123_221639461.jpg)

There was so much food, and it was all delicious. At the end of the night the girls were talking with the owner and she offered us a bunch of leftovers!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231124_013721898.jpg)

The only good photo I got...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231123_205006994.jpg)
### throwback thursday (november 23, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-23-2022/
Last updated: 2023-11-23T06:01:24.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20221124_012742006.jpg)
### firefly estate
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/firefly-plantation/
Last updated: 2023-11-22T02:47:17.000Z
Yesterday we got invited by our neighbors to go to an old sugar cane plantation. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_144809403.jpg)

We got a tour of the old sugar mill property that started back in 1789\. We tried a bunch of different fruits, sugar cane, coconut, almonds and learned how they used to press the sugar cane. Fun fact for Austin - banana plants are constantly sprouting new plants because each plant only produces fruit once.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_145858331.jpg)

star fruit

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_150217881.jpg)

golden apple

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_150553520.jpg)

green papaya

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_150729131.jpg)

sugar cane

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_150813262.jpg)

sugar cane

Another fun fact for Austin - the yellow ball in this coconut is a coconut apple. After a coconut falls from the tree the coconut milk starts thickening forming this ball which is where the new palm tree will sprout from.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_151608886.jpg)

coconut

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_152105608.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_152735042.jpg)

frangipani caterpillar

After the tour we had lunch and the kids got to use the pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_160113915.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_173150807.jpg)

coconut ice cream

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_185845033.jpg)

The property was about a 30 minute walk from where we docked the dinghy. Olivia is not a fan of walking unless it is an interesting hike, so she was very excited when a taxi stopped on our way back and asked if we wanted a ride.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231121_195617303.jpg)
### change of plans
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/change-of-plans/
Last updated: 2023-11-20T02:49:58.000Z
When we bought our boat it had been sitting in a boatyard for 8 years. It needed a lot of work, including rebuilding both engines. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/DSC_5848--1-.JPG)

As we were pulling into Bequia yesterday one of our engines overheated and is pretty much unusable. Our other engine has had issues for a while and now we're not confident it isn't going to break any second. Long story short... we weren't comfortable starting a 90 mile/16 hour trip with basically half an engine. Yes, it's a sailboat and we could just sail. But there are times we need to use the engines, and if the weather were to get dicey we might need the engines to help us along.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231119_105548912.jpg)

Since it was the weekend there wasn't much we could do to try to fix anything. Monday we have phone calls to make and parts to purchase to hopefully at least get the engines working enough to get us to a place where we can get some real work done. 

Instead of wallowing in our sadness, anger and disappointment... we decided to make the most of our time here with swimming, paddleboarding, exploring and coconuts on the beach. There are worse places to be stuck...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231119_141159013.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231119_210733482-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231119_193352664.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231119_205236000.jpg)
### bequia
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/bequia/
Last updated: 2023-11-19T03:05:25.000Z
New island for us today - Bequia - an island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines in May, but not any of the islands this far north.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_121216520.jpg)

Our goal for this week is to island hop our way up to Martinique, so we only plan to stay one night in Bequia, one night in St. Lucia and then on to Martinique. We made the most of our one afternoon - walked around town, shopped in the local boutiques, walked the boardwalk and had dinner. Emma really wanted to get to the beach before dark, so her and Braden skipped most of the boardwalk and took the dinghy straight to the beach. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_205927581.jpg)

Olivia and I walked the whole thing. There were some pretty cool views, and a set of really steep stairs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_210209059.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_210223975.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_210951177.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_211002787.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_211018781.jpg)

the really steep stairs

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_211310944.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231118_214915161.jpg)

Fun fact for Austin - Bequia (pronounced Beck-Way) comes from the Carib word that means "Island of the Clouds".
### heading north
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/heading-north-2/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T20:40:37.000Z
Yesterday we said goodbye to the main island of Grenada, but first we had to wait for the cruise ship to come in.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231115_110352634.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231115_114359576.jpg)

We have't quite left the country of Grenada yet. Our first stop on our journey north is Carriacou.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231115_172420216.jpg)

We debated skipping it since we've already been here twice, but we really wanted to come back and see the [boat sign](https://www.bradenanderin.com/back-to-carriacou/) that we made back in May hanging on the wall. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231115_192928872.jpg)

Olivia was very excited for the water taxi ride to and from the restaurant.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231115_192554103.jpg)

Of course we couldn't pass up some fruity drinks and dinner with our friends that are also here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/Screenshot_20231116-075223.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231115_213545691.jpg)

The girls and I were excited about a beach day today, but the weather had other plans. Luckily we were able to get a couple hours in with only a few, very short rain showers. The girls divided their time between snorkeling and making crab homes.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231116_155809323.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231116_151209273.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231116_162948138.jpg)

There were so many crabs. This isn't even close to all the ones they caught.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231116_150644321-COLLAGE.jpg)

Despite the rain it was a perfect day for crab races.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231116_161123504.jpg)
### throwback thursday (november 16, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-16-2022/
Last updated: 2023-11-16T06:01:30.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20221117_221419838.jpg)
### grenada adventures
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/grenada-adventures/
Last updated: 2023-11-14T03:28:20.000Z
Our time in Grenada is coming to an end. We've loved it here, but it is time to move on as soon as the weather cooperates and we get a few more things done. Yesterday we pulled up anchor and moved a little farther north, closer to town and a little closer to the next island we are visiting.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231112_191834201.jpg)

This morning we woke up with a cruise ship out our bedroom window.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_120932879.jpg)

After the girls finished school we dinghied into the nearby marina to have breakfast, drop off laundry and pick up some packages that we've been waiting a long time for.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_155641368.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_133902375.jpg)

Apparently a lot of people were getting packages today!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_141842621.jpg)

After all the non-fun stuff was taken care of we headed into town with some new friends, visited the chocolate museum, walked through the vegetable market, had lunch and ate ice cream.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_165933918.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_162551574.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_181531358.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_181630837.jpg)

On the way back we walked through the tunnel. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_181850766.jpg)

See the wet tire tracks? It's a tight fit. Fun fact for Austin - the Sendall Tunnel was built for horse carriages in 1894, which is why it is so narrow. Today it is used by both cars and pedestrians. Cars only drive one way (into downtown). Pedestrians walk both ways, but only on the left side of the road.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_181924407.jpg)

We ended the day with another rainbow on our dinghy ride back to the boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_193408229.jpg)

After dark we sat on deck and watched the cruise ship take off to their next destination (Trinidad).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231113_221450361.jpg)

Want to see where we are? [Subscribe](https://www.bradenanderin.com/where-is-yoto/) on our website to access our location on a map.
### superstitions
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/superstitions/
Last updated: 2023-11-10T23:27:56.000Z
I don't consider myself a very superstitious person. I don't worry about breaking mirrors or black cats or walking under ladders. But there are some things we just don't do because they are bad luck.

A lot of people have asked about our boat name. This is our third boat and we've always kept the name the same as when we bought it. Mostly because we're terrible at coming up with creative names, but also because it's bad luck to change the name without going through a proper ceremony.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/celtic_lady.JPG)

Celtic Lady (boat #1)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/DSC_0121.JPG)

Database (boat #2)

Everyone asks what Yoto means. If you Google it the answers are all over the place. Honestly, we have no idea... but we weren't changing it. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231110_181714512.jpg)

Yoto (boat #3)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231108_200144303.jpg)

I've mentioned this before.... we are itching to get on the move north. We've loved our time in Grenada, but it is time to go. There are a couple factors that decide when we will go - (1) weather, (2) Friday. Have we ever left on a Friday? Yep. Will we ever do it again? Absolutely not.

Today (Friday) we planned to pull up anchor and move to another location. Since we are spending a couple days there technically we aren't starting a voyage, so we are all good. 

Last night Emma had her final sailing lesson, we said goodbye to all our favorite servers at the restaurant and had one last rum punch by the pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231109_214649778.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231109_214829077-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231109_221429576.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/IMG_20231109_164152540.jpg)

Turns out the weather had different plans for us today, so we ended up staying put.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231110_225338435.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-10-5.11.49-PM.png)

A non-boat superstition - game day. So far FSU is undefeated (9-0) this season which means every Saturday gets the same outfit, same jewelry and same FSU nails. The one week I left my nails bare we were losing pretty good. I fixed that during halftime and we ended up coming back and winning. Coincidence? Not at all. Tomorrow is a big rivalry game, and I'm all ready to go!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231110_175038502.jpg)
### throwback thursday (november 9, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-9-2022/
Last updated: 2023-11-09T06:01:13.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20221111_214829297.jpg)
### so close
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/so-close/
Last updated: 2023-11-06T00:07:26.000Z
This morning we lifted the dinghy, secured items on the deck and got things put away in preparation for finally leaving the dock! Braden and Emma took a morning drive to scope out the anchorage to see how crowded it was.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/IMG_20231105_081547836.jpg)

We fired up the engines only to discover unexpected power problems. Womp womp. So... we lowered the dinghy and headed to nearby Hog Island for the day. Some burgers. A couple beers. Swimming. Playing in the sand. Tomorrow is another day....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231105_165308133.jpg)

1:00 PM

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231105_171059632.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231105_175111967.jpg)

The girls must have spent hours playing with the crabs. They even collected a whole crab family.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231105_183809425.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231105_190000433.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231105_212115349.jpg)

We got there at 1 PM, but most people start showing up around 3 PM or 4 PM. By the time we left at 5:30 PM the beach was packed. Fun fact for Austin - Grenada has never used Daylight Savings Time, so we didn't have to change our clocks this weekend.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231105_212728158.jpg)

5:30 PM
### in a funk
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/in-a-funk/
Last updated: 2023-11-03T01:56:58.000Z
Before we left the boat in June there was a lot of work to get it ready to sit for months in the sweltering summer heat - vacuum sealing clothes, storing cushions, taking down sails, getting rid of food and the list goes on and on.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20230610_133719196.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20230610_133644092.jpg)

Now that we're back we've had an endless list of things to do to put the boat back together - unpack clothes (and wash some that didn't come out smelling so fresh), put the sails back up, wipe everything down, restock food and cleaning supplies and this list also goes on and on. It took days to just get Olivia's room from looking like this...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20230610_133616304.jpg)

June 2023

To looking like this...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231031_165129701.jpg)

October 2023

As quickly as we cross items off the list we find new issues to fix. Plus we had some work done while we were gone (like installing an AC) that all has to be tested to make sure it's working. Emma was especially excited about the new AC... until it broke the first day we ran it. Now we're waiting on parts to hopefully fix it for good.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231031_171746620-1.jpg)

Our plan to spend two days at the dock has turned into five going on seven... and being on the dock is no fun. We've been trying to mix in some fun while still trying to get all the high priority items checked off the list as quickly as possible so we can get out of here!

We got our dinghy out of storage and took it for a quick test run.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231031_163146767.jpg)

We celebrated Halloween with the most amazing trick-or-treating ever.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231031_192255735.jpg)

Emma the explorer

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231031_192258427.jpg)

Olivia the mermaid

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231031_192659618-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/FB_IMG_1698767878376.jpg)

How cool is this!?!

Emma got back into sailing lessons.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231028_153817732-1.jpg)

Lots of hanging out at our favorite place which also included making some new friends. Some who we will hopefully see along our journies, and some who are going the other direction that we may meet again someday.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231102_202214113-2-2.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231030_190153519.jpg)

Today we took a full day break from boat projects and spent hours at a waterfall. The girls must have jumped in at least 100 times.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231102_163305774.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231102_163355767-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231102_163342458.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231102_161853802.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231102_161626568-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/PXL_20231102_161315499.jpg)

Tomorrow we will be back at it. We're hoping to get out of the marina and at anchor somewhere by Saturday, and then once the weather looks good we will be leaving Grenada and heading on our way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-02-9.02.32-PM-2.jpg)

Our plan... island hopping along the way
### throwback thursday (november 2, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-2/
Last updated: 2023-11-02T05:01:21.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20221104_001503940.jpg)
### around grenada
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/around-grenada/
Last updated: 2023-10-27T00:19:36.000Z
Our boat doesn't go back into the water until Sunday. In the meantime we've been checking off some boat projects, visiting some of our favorite places and doing lots of swimming.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231025_212948886.jpg)

Rainbow with the moon

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231022_212633081-1.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231023_162609764.jpg)

Barbour's tropical racer

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231023_170830489.jpg)

Rain every day... most days two or three times

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231024_144156385.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231024_163609041.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231024_144330173.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231024_173511322.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231023_171003331.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231024_174526318.jpg)

This is where we'll be anchored next week 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231025_135013061.jpg)

Sitting area in our rental

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231025_165638080.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231025_170749899.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231025_210007864.jpg)

Emma caught a baby toad

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231026_215343968.jpg)

Olivia said... look at this one! 🤣

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231024_193257978.jpg)

Octopus
### throwback thursday (october 26, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-26-2022/
Last updated: 2023-10-26T05:01:16.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-134.png)
### we're back
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/were-back-3/
Last updated: 2023-10-24T01:47:06.000Z
After months away we are finally back in Grenada!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231023_141943971.jpg)

These last couple months have been full of lots of highs and lows. We had fun catching up with our friends, the girls learned some tough lessons about relationships and we visited a lot of really amazing places. After two very long travel days we headed to one of our favorite places for dinner, got to catch up with some people we met before we left and the girls got to swim for the first time in a long time. It didn't take long, but it almost feels like we never left. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231022_203215734.jpg)

Three things we learned this summer: (1) we really love that snake, 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231016_202709810.jpg)

(2) Utah is amazing,

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20230903_193700627-2.jpg)

and (3) we need to see family more often even if it means sharing a stomach virus together. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20230812_011820600.jpg)

I love how unaware we were in this photo of what was coming later that night...
### throwback thursday (october 19, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-19-2022/
Last updated: 2023-10-19T05:01:29.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-132.png)
### another field trip
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/another-field-trip/
Last updated: 2023-10-18T16:22:19.000Z
The girls have been learning about vertebrates vs. invertebrates as part of their science lessons, so it made sense to take a field trip to the local reptile zoo (plus we needed more mice for Pancake and this is where we buy them).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231011_172228350.jpg)

Olivia always heads straight to this puzzle. She won't leave until she solves it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231011_173108476.jpg)

Emma loves checking out all the reptiles. They do have some pretty cool ones and they were all very active while we were there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231011_172623379.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231011_172830122.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231011_172940454.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231011_173240225.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231011_173354106.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231011_174434531.jpg)
### sushi
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/sushi/
Last updated: 2023-10-17T21:40:50.000Z
Emma is the only one in our family who like sushi, so I wasn't sure how it was going to go when she found a new sushi restaurant and wanted us all to go for lunch.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231010_212101746.jpg)

It is one of the places that the sushi comes by on a conveyor belt, which is the reason she really wanted to go.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231010_202839541.jpg)

Luckily they had more than just sushi, and it all came on the conveyor belt (which lets be honest... was the whole reason we were there).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231010_205032555.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231010_205039891.jpg)

Even the pickiest eater in the family loved it!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231010_205903439.jpg)

The second reason we went here... to see the robot that delivers the drinks to your table. I have to admit this place was pretty cool even for 3 of us non-sushi eaters.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/10/PXL_20231010_203027316.jpg)
### throwback thursday (october 12, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-12-2022/
Last updated: 2023-10-16T16:51:48.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-131.png)
### throwback thursday (october 5, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october/
Last updated: 2023-10-05T05:01:09.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-130.png)
### field trips
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/field-trips/
Last updated: 2023-09-30T03:50:12.000Z
If we weren't traveling full time our girls would be in school, but since they're not we're taking advantage of visiting all the busy places during the week. It's one of the perks of homeschooling. This week we did two field trips. Thursday we went apple picking (one of my favorite fall activities).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-135.png)

We tried a new place that Emma found on Instagram. At first we thought it was just ok. It has a lot to do - corn pit, peddle cars, slides, cow train, hay bale pyramid, plus a bunch of other things.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-154.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-136.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-137.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-138.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-139.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-140.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-141.png)

Then we took the wagon ride out to the apple orchard, which totally changed our opinion of this place. We had to pre-purchase a bag and could fill it with as many apples that would fit. When we got dropped off we were told we could taste as many apples as we wanted and could fill our bag with all different varieties. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-142.png)

Fun fact for Austin - the US grows approximately 200 different apple varieties. This orchard grows 14 varieties (some of them we'd never even heard of).... and they all taste totally different, which we learned by tasting as many as we could.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-143.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-144.png)

We've gone apple picking every year for probably the last 7 or 8 years and this turned out to be our favorite apple picking experience. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-145.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-146.png)

Next up... homeschool day at the MN Renaissance Festival. Yep, that's a thing. We got discounted tickets because our kids are homeschooled and we got to go during the week when it wasn't very busy. Win win.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-149.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-153.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-152.png)

Last year I think Emma waited in line for an hour and a half for the trampoline. Not today...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-150.png)

It always cracks me up that she loves a big ol' turkey leg.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-151.png)
### throwback thursday (september 28, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-28-2022/
Last updated: 2023-09-28T05:01:19.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-2.png)
### throwback thursday (september 14, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-14-2022/
Last updated: 2023-09-14T05:01:25.000Z
_No content available._
### photo map update
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/photo-map-update/
Last updated: 2023-09-13T22:14:55.000Z
Our map got an update today. Some states were filled in. Some states got updated pictures.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-128.png)

Before

Oh... New Mexico. You are going to drive me crazy. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-129.png)

After
### first day of school
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/first-day-of-school-6/
Last updated: 2023-09-12T21:30:21.000Z
We are a little late getting started, but today is officially the girls first day of (home)school. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-124.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-125.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-126.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-127.png)
### recap
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/recap/
Last updated: 2023-09-11T02:30:32.000Z
Our summer roadtrip took us through 13 states: South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa. Whew!

Emma and Olivia visited 7 states for the first time: Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

Braden and I visited 4 states for the first time: Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Utah.

We visited 9 National Parks: [Arches (UT)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/arches/), [Badlands (SD)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/south-dakota-day-1/), [Canyonlands (UT)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/canyonlands/), [Glacier (MT)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/glacier/), [Grand Canyon (AZ)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/grand-canyon/), [Wind Cave (SD)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/south-dakota-day-3/), [Yellowstone (MT and WY)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/yellowstone/), [Yosemite (CA)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/yosemite/) and [Zion (UT)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/zion-day-2/).

We visited 1 National Memorial: [Mount Rushmore (SD)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/south-dakota-day-2/).

We visited 4 National Monuments: [Devils Tower (WY)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/passing-through/), [Little Bighorn Battlefield (MT)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/almost-to-yellowstone/), [Muir Woods (CA)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/redwoods/), Pipe Spring (AZ).

We visited 1 National Recreation Area: [Golden Gate Bridge (CA)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/san-francisco/).

We visited 1 National Wildlife Refuge: [Haystack Rock (OR)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/oregon/).

We visited 1 National Scenic Area: [Multnomah Falls (OR)](https://www.bradenanderin.com/oregon/).

The girls became Junior Rangers 14 times.

Mixed in with all that we [visited friends](https://www.bradenanderin.com/friends-in-montana/), [went horseback riding, went to a rodeo,](https://www.bradenanderin.com/bears-horses-and-a-rodeo/) [went whitewater rafting](https://www.bradenanderin.com/whitewater-rafting/), [went to an art festival](https://www.bradenanderin.com/idaho/), [visited family, got a stomach virus, went to a county fair, went to another rodeo](https://www.bradenanderin.com/oregon/), [experienced our first mudslide evacuation warning](https://www.bradenanderin.com/california/), visited more family, [went to a slot canyon](https://www.bradenanderin.com/slot-canyon/), [went to sand caves](https://www.bradenanderin.com/grand-canyon/), [went UTVing](https://www.bradenanderin.com/sand-flats/), and much, much more.  

**KEY TAKEAWAYS:**

(1) Almost 2 months is entirely too long for a summer roadtrip. It was inevitable that we would get on each others nerves after living on a 40 foot bus and sharing 1 bathroom for this long. We're all a little bit excited to sleep in bigger beds and see our friends.

(2) Our family unanimously picked Utah as our favorite state on this trip. Montana is a very, very, very close second. Sorry to all the other states.

(3) Hotdogs. If you know... you know. 🌭

(4) We wish would have spent less time in Yellowstone and more time in Glacier and Utah. We could have easily spent weeks in Utah if it was at the beginning of our trip and not the end (see takeaway #1).

(5) Las Vegas is HOT in August. We do not recommend visiting then.

(6) It is really confusing when a state doesn't follow daylight savings time, but all the states around it does.... especially when you're staying near the border of two states and going back and forth every day. We're talking about you Arizona! 

(7) Most of the national parks have lots of signs about bears. You would think with how many signs there are that bears are walking around everywhere. Lies. We didn't see a single bear, and it was the one animal the girls and I wanted to see. 

(8) Emma needs more biker shorts.

(9) All the national parks are so different, even ones that are in the same state and 30 minutes apart. We all ranked our top 3 from this trip:

 Olivia: (1) Arches, (2) Zion, (3) Glacier

 Emma: (1) Arches, (2) Glacier, (3) Zion

 Erin: (1) Glacier, (2) Zion, (3) Arches

 Braden: (1) Glacier, (2) Yosemite, (3) Yellowstone

(10) Know before you go. Some national parks have special entry requirements and you have to do some research to find out which ones require a timed entry reservation.

(11) Where are all the Delawarians?, Delawarans? When we left home in July we started a license plate game and crossed off each state we saw a license plate from. Less than a month into our trip and we saw 49 out of 50\. Almost 2 months into our trip and we saw 49 out of 50\. Yep even Hawaii and Alaska! We saw multiple license plates from both those states. A big fat goose egg for Delaware. Apparently people from Delaware don't travel out west much. Fun fact for Austin - People who live in Delaware are called Delawareans.
### canyonlands
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/canyonlands/
Last updated: 2023-09-09T05:13:27.000Z
This is probably our last (and 15th) National Park/Monument/Recreation Area on our summer roadtrip.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-110.png)

We are all pretty exhausted at this point, so our visit was a short hike, a couple overlooks, Junior Ranger badges and we called it done.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-111.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-112.png)

Grand View Point Overlook

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-113.png)

Mesa Arch

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-114.png)

Mesa Arch from the other side

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-118.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-119.png)

Green River Overlook

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-115.png)

Afterward we had lunch at a diner with banana splits, a milkshake and a sundae for dessert.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-116.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-117.png)
### sand flats
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/sand-flats/
Last updated: 2023-09-08T05:15:17.000Z
There are two things I am not a super fan of (1) jet skis (2) UTVs. UTVing through the Sand Flats in Moab was something Braden really wanted to do on this trip.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-86.png)

Three of the four of us loved it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-87.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-89.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-90.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-91.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-92.png)

I gladly took on the role of photographer/videographer and made sure to get out at the right time to get the perfect shots. 😂

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-93.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-94.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-95.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-97.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-96.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-98.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-101.png)

Braden and the girls trying to decide which of the four paths to take. They all looked terrible to me.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-99.png)

Of course they chose the one that was straight down. No brainer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-109.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-100.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-108.png)

Despite the danger lurking around every corner, the view was pretty (when I had my eyes open).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-103.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-104.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-105.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-106.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-107.png)
### throwback thursday (september  7, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/t/
Last updated: 2023-09-07T05:01:34.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image.png)
### arches
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/arches/
Last updated: 2023-09-07T03:20:27.000Z
We almost skipped Arches National Park. I figured once you've seen one arch you've seen them all. It seemed pretty boring. We're staying in Moab for a couple days because Emma and I want to go to Canyonlands National Park and Braden and Olivia want to go UTVing. Since we're so close we figured we'd just do a drive through Arches.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-70.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-71.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-73.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-81.png)

A drive through turned into getting out to take some photos at Balanced Rock.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-72.png)

Which turned into lets do this short hike over to those arches.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-74.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-75.png)

Which turned into lets climb around all over these rocks for over an hour.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-76.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-77.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-78.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-79.png)

Turns out both girls said it was their favorite park of the trip. Guess it's a good thing we didn't skip it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-80.png)

Another National Park means another Junior Ranger badge. This makes 12.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-85.png)
### slot canyon
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/slot-canyon/
Last updated: 2023-09-05T01:13:43.000Z
Tomorrow we leave Southern Utah, but before we go we took an ATV tour to a slot canyon. They are as cool in person as they look in photos.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-61.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-62.png)

Fun fact for Austin - the height of a slot canyon is at least 10 times more than the width.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-65.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-67.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-69.png)

Because of all the rain lately part of the canyon was full of water. Olivia didn't want to go. I got my feet wet and decided it was too cold. Braden and Emma went all the way. It was up to Emma's waist in some spots.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-68.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-64.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-63.png)
### zion - day 2
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/zion-day-2/
Last updated: 2023-09-04T00:31:57.000Z
Most of the parks have different ways they try to minimize crowds and traffic, except Yellowstone. Yellowstone was just a free for all. Glacier required reservations to enter the park that you had to purchase two days in advance. Zion only lets you drive on one road in the park. To get to the main area where all the popular hikes are you have to ride the shuttle. The line for the shuttle was Disney style. When I got in line the rumor was it was a 3 hour wait.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-46.png)

Luckily the wait was really an hour and twenty minutes and then we were on our way!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-48.png)

The one bonus of having to ride the shuttle - you get a narrated tour through the park.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-60.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-59.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-49.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-50.png)

A 40 minute shuttle ride later and we were on the trail. This was the hike we wanted to do yesterday, but it started raining before we got there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-51.png)

Riverside Walk

This is the second part of the hike that was closed yesterday. The hike goes through through (yep... through) the Virgin River. In some spots the water is chest deep, but we only went up to our knees and then turned back.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-52.png)

The Narrows

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-56.png)

This hike is a strong contender for the girls favorite hike. It was pretty cool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-53.png)

Don't let the pictures fool you. There were tons of people, but magic eraser is amazing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-55.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-54.png)

After our hike we went to the Visitor's Center. While we were in line to get the girls another Junior Ranger Badge the park closed the trail. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-58.png)

We made it out of the park just in time for the rain.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-57.png)
### zion
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/zion/
Last updated: 2023-09-03T02:55:45.000Z
Our drive into Zion was not looking promising this morning despite the weather forecast saying low to no chance of rain today.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-34.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-35.png)

We didn't get to do much before the rain started coming down. One of the hikes we wanted to do was partially closed because potential flash flooding (plus who really wants to hike in the rain?), so we decided to call it a day, grab some lunch and head back to the bus. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-41.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-44.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-43.png)

They aren't kidding about even a little bit of rain causing flash flooding. These two pictures were taken in the same spot an hour apart. One before the rain. One after the rain.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-38.png)

before the rain

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-37.png)

after the rain

Water was rushing down the rocks everywhere. We made the right call to come back another day. Fingers crossed for tomorrow!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-40.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-39.png)

We ended the evening with a rainbow at the campground. It was the brightest rainbow I've ever seen.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-36.png)
### grand canyon
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/grand-canyon/
Last updated: 2023-09-02T06:49:46.000Z
Today we made it to the Grand Canyon.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-18.png)

I was actually ok skipping this National Park, but I'm glad we didn't. There is a reason it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-25.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-22.png)

Our next adventure of the day (and it was quite the adventure) were the Sand Caves in Kanab, UT. Fun fact for Austin - these man-made caves were mined in the 1970s to collect sand to make glass.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-23.png)

Emma rated this hike a 10\. Olivia originally rated it a 10 until she got scared getting back down and lowered it to a 9.9.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-26.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-28.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-33.png)

I have to agree with her. There were parts getting up and down that were a little dicey, but it was totally worth it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-29.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-30.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-31.png)
### farewell las vegas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/farewell-las-vegas/
Last updated: 2023-09-01T03:24:57.000Z
Our last day in Vegas was filled with laundry, pool, dinner and a show.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-4.png)

We ate dinner at a Japanese steakhouse in the Bellagio. The girls were excited to get dressed up.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-5.png)

They were also excited about the sushi, steak and soup.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-7.png)

After dinner we took the girls to their first Cirque du Soleil show. "O" is definitely my favorite Cirque du Soleil show... and may be my favorite live show of all time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-8.png)

This morning it was time to pack up and leave the Las Vegas heat. But first... one last swim in the pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-9.png)

Our campground for the next five nights is in Arizona close to the Utah border. Our drive from Nevada to Arizona to Utah and back into Arizona might have been the coolest yet.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-10.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-11.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-12.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-17.png)

We were pretty excited to see the sight of rain tonight. Our 33 year old bus air conditioners had a hard time keeping up in 100+ degree weather, so we are ready for some cooler temperatures.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/09/image-15.png)

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### throwback thursday (august 31, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-31-2022/
Last updated: 2023-08-31T05:01:08.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-88.png)
### las vegas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/las-vegas/
Last updated: 2023-08-30T08:38:08.000Z
We had a bit of a dilemma this week. Do we stay in California and spend a day in Los Angeles, or do we start heading towards Minnesota? After discussing it in length we decided to skip Los Angeles and head to Las Vegas. For the first time in over a month we were heading north. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-166.png)

Late August is not a time I would recommend to visit Vegas. It is HOT. How hot is it...? It is melt-crayons-that-were-left-in-the-car hot. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-167.png)

I love Las Vegas - the hotels, the shows, the shopping, the food. I could easily spend a week doing it all. Braden is not a fan. It is the girls first time in Vegas... and they love it. We're trying to squeeze a whole lot into two days, so we walked through a lot of hotels - from The Venetian all the way down to The Luxor.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-168.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-178.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-172.png)

We also walked through a lot of fancy stores that the girls have only heard about in songs or shows.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-169.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-170.png)

We got tickets for a couple shows while we're in town. First up was Blue Man Group.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-173.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-176.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-177.png)

After the show Emma and Braden went to the Titanic Exhibit, while Olivia and I went to the arcade.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-181.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-182.png)

We ended our very long day watching the Bellagio fountains.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-174.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-175.png)
### yosemite
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/yosemite/
Last updated: 2023-08-28T07:06:32.000Z
We're squeezing in as many National Parks as we can before Emma's 4th grade pass expires. This one was on Braden's list to visit this summer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-153.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-154.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-155.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-156.png)

El Capitan

We took our craziest hike yet to get to the base of El Capitan.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-160.png)

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On the way back we stumbled upon a group of five deer near the path.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-162.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-163.png)

Another Junior Ranger badge for the girls. This was the first time our schedule worked out for them to attend a Park Ranger talk, and I'm so glad we did. The ranger told a fascinating story of how they got the peregrine falcon off the endanged species list in the 1970s. Fun fact for Austin - Yosemite used climbers to remove eggs from the nest so they could be incubated. Once the eggs hatched climbers put the baby birds back in the nest. True story. You can watch the video [here](https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/ss-bird-species.htm?ref=bradenanderin.com) (scroll down to the video).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-165.png)
### redwoods
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/redwoods/
Last updated: 2023-08-25T06:38:49.000Z
Redwoods were on our list of things to see before we leave California. Unfortunately our route from Oregon to California wasn't anywhere near Redwood National Park. Fortunately there are a couple places in California where you can see the redwoods and this one was just over an hour from San Francisco, plus it is a National Monument.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-145.png)

Pictures don't come close to capturing how tall these trees are. Fun facts for Austin - redwood trees are the tallest trees in the world, can grow over 300 feet and can live more than 2,000 years.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-147.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-152.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-148.png)

This redwood tree was 1,021 years old when it fell in 1930\. I want to know who counted all those rings to figure that out. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-146.png)

Another National Monument, another Junior Ranger badge.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-151.png)
### san francisco
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/san-francisco/
Last updated: 2023-08-24T07:34:30.000Z
Our legs are tired after a full day of sightseeing in San Francisco. We did it all - Golden Gate Bridge, sea lions, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, a cable car ride and hot fudge sundaes at Ghiradelli.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-137.png)

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I think the highlight for both girls was getting to ride on the outside of the cable car.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-142.png)
### throwback thursday (august 24 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-24-2022/
Last updated: 2023-08-24T05:01:05.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-87.png)
### california
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/california/
Last updated: 2023-08-23T07:20:25.000Z
Our first night in California was an interesting one. At 9:00 PM I got a call from the campground to let us know that we were under a mudslide evacuation warning. Um... what? Luckily we were only staying there for one night on our way down to San Francisco and the mudslide was far enough away that we didn't have to evacuate. Whew.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-135.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-136.png)

Yesterday during a quick rest stop visit Olivia found a brochure for the Jelly Belly Factory, which turned out to be right on our route for today. It was a pretty cool stop for a couple hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-132.png)

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There are two places Emma wanted to go in California - (1) Los Angeles, and (2) In-N-Out Burger. We're not sure if we're going to make it to Los Angeles, but tonight we checked In-N-Out Burger off her list.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-133.png)
### oregon
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/oregon/
Last updated: 2023-08-20T17:19:13.000Z
After traveling 2,225 miles over the last month, we finally made it to Oregon! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-93.png)

Our first day in Oregon ended with Olivia losing a tooth.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-89.png)

Our second day in Oregon ended with Olivia losing another tooth. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-90.png)

The girls were super excited about getting to Oregon to see their cousins. The last time these cousins saw each other was in 2018 when we went on a cruise together. It has been a long time.... and clearly Olivia hasn't changed much. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-115.png)

2018

It may have been five years, but it didn't seem like it once they all got together. Our first couple days were filled with a ton of fun. The kids paddle boarded.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-94.png)

They raced Plasma Cars down the hill.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-120.png)

They rode rides at the county fair.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-97.png)

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They watched the rodeo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-103.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-102.png)

Most of the kids ended up going home from the rodeo early, but the four of us stayed until the very end. We had no idea at the time, but this would turn out to be our last outing for a while. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-100.png)

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Right before we got home from the rodeo Olivia got sick. She mentioned a couple hours earlier that her belly hurt, but I just figured it was the corn dog and churro she ate. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-101.png)

One of her cousins got sick on the same night. The optimist in me was hoping it was the churro and elephant ear they ate at the fair from the same food truck. By the next day they seemed to be feeling better and I was hopeful my theory was correct since no one else was sick.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-106.png)

Apparently "night time is the right time"... because in the middle of the next night it was Emma's turn. My apologies to the churro and elephant ear food truck. They did not give anyone food poisoning because Emma had ice cream at the rodeo. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-107.png)

The family that has a stomach virus together, stays together. Literally... there were eleven of us staying in the house just waiting for the morning to find out who got sick in the middle of the night. One by one, every one got something. Some worse than others.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-122.png)

It took what felt like forever (it was really only five days), but finally everyone was feeling better and we could get out and have some fun!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-109.png)

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Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-111.png)

Our main reason for coming to Oregon was to see family, but we also squeezed in some sightseeing along the way too.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-91.png)

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Yesterday morning we said a teary goodbye and headed south down the Oregon coast towards California and onto the next half of our adventure.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-126.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-127.png)

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### throwback thursday (august 17, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-17-2022/
Last updated: 2023-08-19T20:46:43.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-86.png)
### throwback thursday (august 10, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-10-2022/
Last updated: 2023-08-19T20:44:42.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-85.png)
### washington
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/washington/
Last updated: 2023-08-07T06:44:33.000Z
Another day. Another new state. We had only planned a quick stop in Washington during our drive from Idaho to Oregon to visit the Riverfront Park in Spokane. Since we ended up spending a couple extra days in Idaho we decided to take a day trip to Spokane (only a 20 minute drive from our campground) instead of visiting while we were passing through. It is a good thing we did because we ended up spending a whole day here. There is so much to do and the girls could have stayed longer. First was the playground.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-67.png)

We followed it up with the roller skating track. This might have been Olivia's favorite thing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-69.png)

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After roller skating we took a ride on the skyride. This was pretty cool and goes down along the Spokane River and Spokane Falls.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-71.png)

Fun fact for Austin - this hydroelectric dam in downtown Spokane was built in 1890, and has been generating power ever since.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-73.png)

After the skyride we had lunch at PF Changs. The girls had never been here since we don't have one in Minnesota. They loved it and want to go to back.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-74.png)

We followed up lunch with unlimited carousel rides. I lost count how many times they went.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-75.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-76.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-77.png)

It was a pretty hot day, so we let them run through the crazy fountain. They were soaked.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-83.png)

Did I mention there was a lot to do here? This is the gigantic wagon with a slide.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-82.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-80.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-81.png)

 After 6 hours we were finally on our way back to the bus... but first we had to stop at the garbage goat that eats small pieces of trash. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-79.png)
### idaho
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/idaho/
Last updated: 2023-08-06T06:21:52.000Z
A new state for all four of us - Idaho!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-53.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-65.png)

Our last monarch butterfly emerged two days ago. Fun fact for Austin - the official state insect of Idaho is the monarch butterfly. So it made sense to release our last butterfly here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-54.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-55.png)

When we left Montana the fires were picking up. They even staged a fire camp right next to our campground. Luckily the fires were far enough away that they didn't impact our time at Glacier too much.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-59.png)

I thought when we got to Idaho we would be done with the fires... but no. As we pulled up to our campground we saw a small fire in the distance. By the time we got all settled in the fire was huge and fire fighting planes were flying right over the campground. We watched them drop water and fire retardant on the fire for hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-56.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-57.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-60.png)

Idaho was supposed to just be an overnight stop, but today we decided to stay another two days. When we planned this trip months ago we thought we would spend a couple days in Coeur d'Alene. We ended up going to Glacier instead, so we were going to bypass Idaho completely and head straight to Washington. We couldn't find any decent campgrounds near Spokane, but we ended up finding a campground about 20 minutes from Coeur d'Alene. Today we decided to go check it out when we found out there was a food and art festival going on downtown.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-61.png)

Lake Coeur d'Alene

I somehow didn't take many pictures except to pictures of food. Olivia loves cotton candy and waited all day for some. She really wanted it on a stick because she's never had it that way. It was bigger than her head and she ate every bite.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-62.png)

We got garlic fries from a booth claiming they had the best garlic fries.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-63.png)

Lies. The Ball Park Cafe at the MN State Fair has the best garlic fries. We confirmed it. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-64.png)

MN State Fair 2022

We're spending two more nights in Idaho and then heading through Washington to Oregon. Two more new states for all of us.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-58.png)
### something old, something new
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/something-old-something-new/
Last updated: 2023-08-05T05:02:24.000Z
Our second trip to Glacier we did some things that we did back in 2018, sprinkled in with some new things.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-40.png)

Running Eagle Falls

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-35.png)

Hike to Hidden Lake

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-36.png)

Hike to Hidden Lake

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-38.png)

Hidden Lake

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-41.png)

Staircase Falls (outside the park)

Plus we saw a bunch of cool animals...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-33.png)

Bighorn Sheep

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-34.png)

Ground Squirrel

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-37.png)

Bighorn Sheep

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-39.png)

Chipmunk

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-45.png)

Mule Deer

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-49.png)

Marmot

On our way back to the bus last night we asked the girls which they liked better - Glacier or Yellowstone. Both girls said Glacier, so we're glad we made the decision to spend a couple days there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-46.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-43.png)

Lake McDonald

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-42.png)

Lake McDonald

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-51.png)

Lake McDonald

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-47.png)

Wild Goose Island

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-50.png)
### glacier
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/glacier/
Last updated: 2023-08-05T04:59:32.000Z
Glacier National Park was not one of our stops when we were planning our roadtrip this summer. We visited in 2018, but during our trip the west part of the park was closed because 11,000+ acres were on fire.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/logan-pass-2018.png)

Logan Pass - 2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/running-eagle-falls-2018.png)

Running Eagle Falls - 2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/hike-to-hidden-lake-2018.png)

Hike to Hidden Lake - 2018

Last week our plans changed a little bit and we spent two days trying to decide if it was worth the extra driving to make a trip to Glacier for a couple days, or if we should kill time in Idaho and Washington. We decided it was worth the drive... and we were right.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-5.png)

St. Mary Lake

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-7.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-8.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-9.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-10.png)

Going to the Sun Road

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/2nd-11.png)

One of the things that helped make our decison was the campground we were really excited about staying in back in 2018 had an opening. The fire in 2018 was very close the campground and even though it was open they suggested we find another place to stay since the smoke was so thick you couldn't even see a foot in front of you. We were bummed, but we're here now... and it is just as awesome as we thought it would be.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/3rd-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/3rd-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/3rd-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/3rd-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/3rd-5.png)

As a bonus... on the way to the campground we got to stop at two of our favorite spots from the 2018 trip - Flathead River and The Miracle of America Museum.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-2.png)

Flathead River 2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/th-3.png)

Flathead River 2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-6.png)

2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-7.png)

2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-8.png)

2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-9.png)

2023

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-10.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-11.png)

2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/4th-12.png)

2023
### throwback thursday (august 3, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-3-2022/
Last updated: 2023-08-19T20:40:33.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/08/image-84.png)
### friends in montana
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/friends-in-montana/
Last updated: 2023-07-31T22:32:39.000Z
We've been going non-stop since we left home, so it was nice to visit our friends for a couple days with no plans except to hang out and relax. Olivia swapped out her hiking shoes for her fancy shoes for the occasion.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-213.png)

Our home for the next couple days was right in their driveway with a pretty amazing view. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-214.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-232.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-231.png)

The girls learned how to find sapphires. Kind of like panning for gold. Kind of like searching for seaglass. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-215.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-216.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-218.png)

When the girls got tired of looking for gems the adults took over.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-217.png)

Remember my fun facts for Austin when we were in Grenada? This is Austin. The girls had the absolute best time with him the last couple days.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-223.png)

This epic homemade slip 'n slide in their backyard provided hours and hours of fun. Fun fact for Austin - the slip 'n slide was invented in 1961.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-219.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-220.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-221.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-222.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-226.png)

We had a fun night out with carousel rides, dinner and ice cream. Fun fact for Austin - the first known carousel in the US was operated in 1799 and was called a "wooden horse circus ride".

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-224.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-225.png)

The sign doesn't lie. It is fun for all ages!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-228.png)

Our final night at our friends house watching the sunset. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-233.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-227.png)

Plus this crazy red moon.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-235.png)
### last day in yellowstone
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/last-day-in-yellowstone/
Last updated: 2023-07-28T05:00:11.000Z
Today was our final day in Yellowstone. Top thing on our list was to take the short hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook. We checked out the spring on our first day, but never made it up to the overlook. It's way cooler from up high.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-205.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-206.png)

The girls also got sworn in as Junior Rangers. It is funny how each place is different when it comes to giving out the badges. Some (like Yellowstone and Little Bighorn Battlefield) take it very seriously and they have to complete the booklet before a park ranger will give them a badge. Some (like Devils Tower) just have the badges sitting out and the kids just grab one. Some (like Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore) give me the badges and I give them to the girls after they finish the booklet. The more serious ones even have an official swearing in the girls have to do.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-207.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-208.png)

After the girls were officially sworn in we took a little drive to the Continental Divide and Yellowstone Lake.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-209.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-210.png)

We saw some other cool things along the way like a nesting osprey and Firehole Falls.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-212.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-211.png)

Tomorrow we head up north to visit some friends before heading west towards Idaho, Washing and Oregon (all new states for us).
### whitewater rafting
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/whitewater-rafting/
Last updated: 2023-07-27T06:54:22.000Z
There were two things I really wanted to do on our summer road trip - (1) horseback riding and (2) whitewater rafting. We checked horseback riding off the list on [Monday](https://www.bradenanderin.com/bears-horses-and-a-rodeo/). Today we checked off whitewater rafting.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-202.png)

The girls didn't know what whitewater rafting was, so about a month ago we watched some videos. Emma was on board immediately. Olivia said absolutely not.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-200.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-201.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-203.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-204.png)

If you couldn't tell by her smile in every photo... she loved it. Now she wants to know when we can do it again.
### throwback thursday (july 27, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-july-27-2022/
Last updated: 2023-07-27T05:01:51.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-38.png)
### long day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/long-day/
Last updated: 2023-07-26T05:54:18.000Z
We started the morning off by releasing one of our monarch butterflies.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-181.png)

After that we did a lot of driving through the upper loop of Yellowstone. Our first stop... Mammoth Hot Springs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-182.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-186.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-183.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-184.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-185.png)

Our next stop was the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Lower and Upper Falls. Those waterfalls were huge, and so cool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-188.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-187.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-189.png)

Lower Falls

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-190.png)

Lower Falls

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-191.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-192.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-194.png)

Upper Falls

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-193.png)

Upper Falls (only Emma and I got out to see this one)

To finish off the evening we drove through the Lamar Valley looking for wildlife.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-195.png)

Elk

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-196.png)

Bison

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-198.png)

More bison

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-199.png)

Bison everywhere
### bears, horses and a rodeo
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/bears-horses-and-a-rodeo/
Last updated: 2023-07-25T06:04:20.000Z
We started our day with a visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-166.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-170.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-167.png)

Olivia really wanted a picture with the otters, but they swim so fast!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-169.png)

Emma got a little luckier. This one came right up behind her. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-168.png)

Later this afternoon Emma and I went on a trail ride. Our ride was supposed to go through the Custer Gallatin National Forest. If you've been reading the news a hiker was just killed by a grizzly bear on one of the trails about a mile from where we were, so the forest is closed until August while they search for the bear. Luckily the ranch right down the road offered the use of their private trails until the forest is back open.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-172.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-171.png)

Emma's smile. She has been so excited to do this during our trip. Her horse's name was Rio, which was the name of my childhood horse. 💕

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-173.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-174.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-175.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-176.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-177.png)

Right down the street (and at the ranch that let us use their private trails) is the West Yellowstone Rodeo. The only time the girls have been to a rodeo was in Wyoming in 2017\. Since we were so close and the timing worked out perfectly, we decided to go. Emma really liked it, but the bull riding made Olivia nervous.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-178.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-179.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-180.png)
### yellowstone
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/yellowstone/
Last updated: 2023-07-24T06:05:40.000Z
Today we saw a lot of different types of water - boiling water, shooting water, bubbling water, falling water and flowing water. It was all amazing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-144.png)

Excelsior Geyser Crater

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-147.png)

Grand Prismatic Spring

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-146.png)

Grand Prismatic Spring

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-150.png)

Silver Globe Cave Geyser

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-163.png)

Sapphire Pool

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-148.png)

Old Faithful

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-149.png)

West Mustard Spring

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-154.png)

Jewel Geyser

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-152.png)

Mystic Falls

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-153.png)

Mystic Falls

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-165.png)

Little Firehole River

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-151.png)

Little Firehole River

We're saving our wildlife searching day for Tuesday, but as a bonus we saw two bison as we were leaving the park.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-155.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-162.png)

The girls have been doing the Junior Ranger program at all the National Parks and Monuments we have been stopping. They learn all about history, nature, wildlife and safety. Emma saw this bison right next to the boardwalk and turned right around.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-159.png)

This lady made me extremely nervous... 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-158.png)

Fun fact - you're supposed to stay 25 yards away from bison. Pretty sure that is a little closer than 25 yards.
### west yellowstone
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/west-yellowstone/
Last updated: 2023-07-23T06:09:44.000Z
Today's drive took us through the mountains and along the Gallatin River to West Yellowstone. We'll be staying here for most of the week to visit Yellowstone National Park. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-143.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-140.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-141.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-142.png)

On the way we took a 2 hour break to check out the Museum of the Rockies. We looked at soooo many fossils that were found in Montana.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-136.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-138.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-137.png)

Olivia has been really interested in space, so we did the planetarium show too before getting back on the road.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-139.png)

We've been wanting to come here for years, but it is really difficult to find a campground unless you book at least a year in advance. A couple months ago I somehow found a campground that had an opening... and here we are!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/PXL_20230722_220937004-1.jpg)
### almost to yellowstone
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/almost-to-yellowstone/
Last updated: 2023-07-22T04:20:15.000Z
Our campground last night was right down the road from the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. We stopped this morning on our way to the next campground and spent almost 2 hours learning all about the battle of Little Bighorn.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-134.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-133.png)

Our reservation at our campground near Yellowstone isn't until Saturday, so we had to find another place for the night. Last night I stumbled upon this creamery/market/coffee shop place where you can boondock for free. Unfortunately it was full, but I told Braden I would call in the morning because you never know and we could get lucky. First thing this morning Braden said how bummed he was this place wasn't available... so I called to ask. Must have been our lucky day because the guy said he had a spot for us!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-120.png)

It has a greenhouse, a leather and fabric shop where the lady showed the girls how to use a loom, a little coffee shop that sells sandwiches, bagels, pastries and milk shakes and a market that sells meats, cheeses and snacks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-121.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-123.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-124.png)

It also had some swings, a sand volleyball court, a covered gazebo where we could play some tennis and the cutest cows.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-125.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-126.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-132.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-127.png)

Emma and I also found a trail and hiked to the top of the rocks to look around.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-135.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-128.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-129.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-130.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-131.png)

This place was worth the stop. Tomorrow... Yellowstone!
### passing through
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/passing-through/
Last updated: 2023-07-21T03:46:35.000Z
We left Rapid City this morning and headed west toward Yellowstone. On our way through Wyoming we stopped at Devil's Tower, did a little hike and checked off another National Monument.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-115.png)

We crossed over into Montana and stopped for the night at a cute little campground that gave us free ice cream when we checked in (first time that has ever happened!). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-116.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-119.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-117.png)

Also today... for the first time ever we were spotted by some friends as we were driving through Wyoming. This was totally unexpected and so cool to get this photo!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-118.png)
### throwback thursday (july 20, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-july-20-2022/
Last updated: 2023-07-20T05:01:45.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-37.png)
### south dakota - day 3
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/south-dakota-day-3/
Last updated: 2023-07-20T04:32:59.000Z
There are two things I love going to see - (1) caves and (2) waterfalls. Every time we've been to South Dakota we've seen ads for Wind Cave National Park, but never been. Since part of the goal of this trip is to go to a bunch of National Parks stopping here was on my list. You don't really hear many people talk about it, but it was pretty cool and worth seeing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-96.png)

We didn't expect to see any wildlife at this park, so we were really excited when we saw a huge herd of bison at the entrance to the park.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-94.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-95.png)

They recommend you buy cave tour tickets online, but since I wasn't sure what day we would go (or if we'd even make it) I was too late to book the tickets online. We read that tours sell out so we were a little nervous we would drive an hour and not be able to even see a cave. We left the bus this morning with fingers crossed. We got there at 10:30 AM and the next available tour was the "strenuous" tour at 11 AM. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-114.png)

Not exactly my first choice. Our other option was to wait until 1 PM to do the "moderate" tour. We decided to take our chances with the "strenous" tour. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-93.png)

Turns out it really wasn't strenuous at all, so I'm glad we chose that one.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-99.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-98.png)

boxwork

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-97.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-100.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-102.png)

popcorn

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-101.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-103.png)

boxwork

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-104.png)

On our way back to the campground we stopped at Rush Mountain Adventure Park. This was another place that has been on my list for years, but we've never been.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-105.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-106.png)

The girls spent over an hour on the two story ropes course. Their favorite part were the two ziplines.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-109.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-110.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-108.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-111.png)

We also did the zipline and the alpine coaster.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-112.png)

This may be my favorite picture from our trip so far. 💜

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-107.png)

Today was our last day in South Dakota. Tomorrow we're leaving South Dakota and heading toward Yellowstone!
### south dakota - day 2
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/south-dakota-day-2/
Last updated: 2023-07-19T05:47:24.000Z
Reptile Gardens is probably our family's favorite stop in Rapid City. There is so much to do - gator show, snake show, giant tortoises, a playground, prairie dogs, birds and soooo many snakes (and other reptiles).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-73.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-82.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-74.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-75.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-81.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-83.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-84.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-85.png)

I knew Emma knew a lot about snakes, but man... she really knows a lot about snakes. We've been here twice before, but this time was a little different now that she's into snakes. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-76.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-77.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-78.png)

One thing I didn't meal plan for was sweets. I brought stuff for s'mores, but that was it. We've been missing sweets, so when we passed by this huge candy store we had to stop.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-80.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-79.png)

We took a sightseeing break this afternoon and visited the pool and game room at the campground instead. Tonight we headed to Mount Rushmore for the nightly lighting ceremony.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-87.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-88.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-89.png)

This was a first for us and might be the only way we see Mount Rushmore from now on. A park ranger spoke for 10 minutes followed by a 20 minute video about the United States, the presidents and how it was built. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-90.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-91.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-92.png)
### south dakota - day 1
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/south-dakota-day-1/
Last updated: 2023-07-18T03:38:22.000Z
Before heading to Rapid City we spent the day at Wall Drug and the Badlands National Park.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-58.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-60.png)

This is our third road trip to South Dakota. The last time we visited Wall Drug was in 2017.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-61.png)

2017

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-59.png)

2023

I've been a little worried we would show up at a national park and they would have no idea about the free pass. As soon as the park ranger at the gate saw Emma's pass he said "oh... you have a 4th grader!". He switched out her printed out pass for an official card that gets us [free access to all federal parks, lands and waters](https://www.everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm?ref=bradenanderin.com). Thanks Emma! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-62.png)

My favorite part of the Badlands.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-63.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-64.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-65.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-72.png)

The scenery isn't bad either...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-68.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-70.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-71.png)
### south dakota
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/south-dakota/
Last updated: 2023-07-17T02:09:28.000Z
We were a day late leaving, but we made it out the door this morning. It is road construction season in Minnesota, so we had to go a different way to get on the highway. Apparently our back up route was also technically closed until tomorrow, but someone moved the barriers out of the way and traffic was driving through. We cut it a little close, but made it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-53.png)

Our first stop - South Dakota. We love Rapid City, so we planned a couple days to visit all our favorite places. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-54.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-55.png)

Rapid City is a little far for us to go in one day unless we get an early start (which we did not). We stopped in a little town about 3 hours away for the night. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-56.png)

The girls were happy to get some time in the pool after dinner. Can you tell?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-57.png)

It's not just the 4 of us. It wouldn't be a Prickett family bus trip if we didn't bring monarch caterpillars along for the ride.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-52.png)
### a week of camps
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/a-week-of-camps/
Last updated: 2023-07-16T02:17:53.000Z
Last week was busy! Emma was in horse camp all week. The week leading up to camp she kept saying she didn't want to go, but of course she ended up having a great time (like I knew she would). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-51.png)

Martha and Emma

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-42.png)

Olivia was at cheerleading camp all week.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-45.png)

On the last day they did a bunch of cheers and dance routines for parents. She loved it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-46.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-47.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-48.png)

You would think with them both in camp all week we would have gotten so much done. We did a lot, but it turns out we had more to do than we thought. We needed one extra day to get everything ready to go, so we're leaving a day later (tomorrow) than we had planned. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-49.png)

I'm a terrible meal planner except when it comes to road trips. One month road trip. Six months of meals all planned out. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-50.png)
### lemonade stand
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/lemonade-stand/
Last updated: 2023-07-14T22:00:29.000Z
At the very top of Olivia's summer bucket list... lemonade stand with her BFF. ✅

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-39.png)

[This stand has been around for a very long time.](https://www.bradenanderin.com/fresh-cold-lemonade/) Best $5 purchase at Michael's I've ever made.

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-40.png)](https://bradenanderin.com/fresh-cold-lemonade/?ref=bradenanderin.com)

2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-41.png)

2019
### throwback thursday (july 13, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-july-13-2022/
Last updated: 2023-07-13T05:01:48.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-36.png)
### throwback thursday (july 6, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-july-6-2022/
Last updated: 2023-07-13T03:48:17.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-35.png)
### kayaking
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/kayaking-2/
Last updated: 2023-07-10T03:24:26.000Z
Summer bucket list item #3... kayaking down the Cannon River. ✅

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-24.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-25.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-26.png)

Braden discovered this kayak spot back in 2019, and we've gone every summer since. We started out with all 4 of us in 1 kayak.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-29.png)

August 2019

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-33.png)

June 2020

As the girls got bigger it got way too difficult for all four of us to fit in one kayak, so we slowly began expanding our fleet. We started out small by adding a tube tied to the back of the kayak.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-30.png)

June 2021

Last summer we added a second kayak. We were worried the girls wouldn't be able to paddle the whole way, so they were tied to our kayak.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-31.png)

June 2022

Last year we sometimes brought Emma's paddleboard instead of the second kayak.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-32.png)

September 2022

This summer we swapped out the yellow kayak for an orange one. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-34.png)

July 2023

The girls are pretty impressive paddling a kayak, so we no longer tie them to ours. Sometimes we like to switch things up and Emma and I swap places. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-28.png)
### staying busy
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/staying-busy/
Last updated: 2023-07-07T00:09:56.000Z
The last couple weeks have been very busy around our house... 

Braden went salmon fishing in Alaska.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image.png)

We made ice cream.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-19.png)

Spent lots of time at the pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-3.png)

Played outside.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-4.png)

Visited Pancake. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-18.png)

Repaired a mailbox.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-5.png)

Visited the doctor for a lingering illness (she's all good now).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-7.png)

Celebrated 4th of July with our friends and neighbors and smoked meat. (Afterward our front yard looked like a scene from The Hangover.)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-8.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-23.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-9.png)

Did fireworks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-10.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-11.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-12.png)

Watched fireworks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-15.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-13.png)

Had fun at another week of tennis lessons.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-16.png)

Started getting the bus ready!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-17.png)

If you guessed we're going out west... you were correct! 

Right now our itinerary includes South Dakota, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California. 

Fourth Graders can get a [free annual pass](https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm?ref=bradenanderin.com) for their families to all the national parks (plus 2,000+ federal recreation areas), so we want to take advantage and go to as many as we can along the way. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/07/image-22.png)

Depending how that part of the trip goes we're also considering Nevada, Utah, Grand Canyon and New Mexico. If we can get to all of those the girls will have visited every state west of Minnesota (minus Hawaii and Alaska)!
### throwback thursday (june 29, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june-29-2022/
Last updated: 2023-06-29T05:01:15.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-215.png)
### water park
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/water-park-2/
Last updated: 2023-06-27T01:08:39.000Z
We started the morning with Olivia's first tennis lesson. She's been asking to play tennis since last summer, so she has been counting down the days for weeks. It has been raining a lot lately so they had to have it in the gym since the courts were wet. She was pretty disappointed there weren't any nets, but tomorrow it will be outside on the tennis courts. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-80.png)

Next on our Minnesota summer bucket list... waterpark. ✅ We weren't planning to go today, but we drove by while running errands and the place was empty! We hurried home, grabbed swim suits and they spent a couple hours sliding and swimming without having to wait in any lines.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-87.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-82.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-81.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-84.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-85.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-86.png)
### strawberry picking
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/strawberry-picking-8/
Last updated: 2023-06-25T17:12:03.000Z
While we're home we have a bucket list of things we want to do this summer - amusement park, water park, strawberry picking, blueberry picking, etc. This weekend we checked the first one off our list - strawberry picking. ✅

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-76.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-77.png)

The place where we pick also has a small petting zoo. The llama is always a favorite.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-78.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-73.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-79.png)

After picking we always stop for treats. Olivia really wanted a strawberry donut, but they were all sold out. She chose the strawberry shortcase instead. She was more interested in eating than smiling for a picture, which is why she has that annoyed smile on her face. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-74.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-75.png)
### around the house
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/around-the-house/
Last updated: 2023-06-23T21:57:21.000Z
Sadly, the bird nest is no more. Braden texted me this photo of a female cowbird in the nest. Fun fact - female cowbirds lay their eggs in other bird's nests. First they knock one of the eggs out, then they damage one or more of the other eggs, then they lay their own egg in the nest. How do I know these things? Olivia told me. Not only does she know a lot about nutmeg... she also knows a lot about birds in Minnesota.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-68.png)

The last thing I wanted was another egg in an abandoned nest, so we took it down. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-67.png)

The one thing Olivia didn't know was how to ride her bike. Actually, she knew how to. She just refused to try. It would be so nice this summer to all bike ride when we're camping, so our summer goal was to get Olivia riding her bike. It only took a day and she was riding around the block no problem.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-70.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-71.png)

Speaking of camping... road tripping plans are in full swing! Any guesses where we might be going....?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-66.png)
### throwback thursday (june 22, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june-22-2022/
Last updated: 2023-06-22T05:01:41.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-214.png)
### we're back
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/were-back-2/
Last updated: 2023-06-16T00:21:19.000Z
You know when you go on vacation and come back to your house that has been empty for a while? Multiply that times three months. It was very, very strange walking into the house. But by the first night we were all settled back in. I walked into Emma's room to find her like this. Apparently she missed being pampered while we were away. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-56.png)

For the most part everything was how we left it, except for the bird nest above our back door. I guess with the house empty the mama robin didn't have any issues building her nest there, but as soon as she saw us moving around in the house she left. We haven't seen her in a couple days, so I think she abandoned it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-58.png)

I tried to cover it up hoping she would come back to her eggs, but so far no luck.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-63.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-57.png)

Summer is the best in Minnesota. The temperature is warm, but not too hot. There is no humidity, so you're not sweating like crazy. It is the perfect time to be outside, so Emma and I went on a little bike ride/run. We haven't done either one of these since March, and it felt great to get back to it. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-59.png)

I forgot about this bridge. Great going down, not so great going up.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-60.png)

Emma didn't think it was that difficult and was cheering me on the whole time. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-61.png)

It was a good thing we went in the morning because by the afternoon the Canadian wildfire smoke had moved in.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-64.png)

Looking ahead to the rest of the summer we're excited to break the bus out of hibernation. We have some things to take care of in Minnesota, but then we're hoping to hit the road for the rest of the summer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-65.png)
### throwback thursday (june 15, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june-15-2022/
Last updated: 2023-06-15T05:01:56.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-213.png)
### we made it!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/we-made-it-2/
Last updated: 2023-06-12T01:23:27.000Z
We were so excited when we boarded the plane! Soon after they made an announcement that we were waiting on the pilot and they weren't even sure if he was legal to fly since he was coming off another flight. Luckily everything was all good and we were on our way!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-53.png)

Apparently Emma was tired. She slept most of the flight.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-54.png)

We hadn't been home 5 minutes and friends started showing up to greet us! It was so great seeing all of them. Even though it was chilly (66 degrees) the girls managed to get a swim in with their friends before calling it a night. I have a feeling they are going to sleep great tonight.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-55.png)
### farewell grenada
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/farewell-grenada/
Last updated: 2023-06-11T15:07:01.000Z
Lots of work goes into leaving a boat for an extended amount of time - filling tanks, flushing toilets, washing and vacuum sealing clothes/sheets/towels, propping up mattresses. The check list goes on and on. It took us several days, but I think we got it all done. We're keeping our fingers crossed when we return the boat is in as good of shape as when we left it. It looks like a complete disaster, but there is a method to all this mess.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-44.png)

Emma's room

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-45.png)

Our room

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-46.png)

Olivia's room

The Grenada airport is really small. The girls think it is really cool we get to board the plane from outside. We were at the back of the plane which meant we even got to use the rear stairs!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-48.png)

Leaving Grenada has been bittersweet. We're excited to get home and see our friends, but we're also sad to be leaving the new friends we've made. Some of them are in this photo Braden took from the plane. ❤ 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-52.png)

There are only a few flight options to get from Grenada to Minnesota. We tried a new one which was to fly through Charlotte instead of Miami or New York. It was the only flight that would get us home on the same day - until it didn't. Our late night flight got rescheduled for this afternoon. Not much we could do except get Chick-fil-a for dinner and book a last minute hotel room. Oh Chick-fil-a... we've missed you.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-49.png)

This morning we had fingers crossed as we got on the hotel shuttle back to the airport... in the same clothes we were wearing yesterday. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-51.png)

We have about an hour until our flight boards and it is currently on time. To be continued....
### thowback thursday (june 8, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/thowback-thursday-june-8-2022/
Last updated: 2023-06-08T05:01:03.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-211.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-212.png)
### yesterday was a long day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/yesterday-was-a-long-day/
Last updated: 2023-06-08T01:56:45.000Z
Yesterday was Emma's turn... she got to see her 4th grade class! She was so excited and couldn't stop talking about seeing her teacher and her class. One of the hardest things for the girls has been leaving their friends. I'm so, so happy that both their amazing teachers were able to have them talk to their class one last time before school was out for summer. It was so special to both of them. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-33.png)

There is a beach in Grenada where leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs between March and July. Fun fact - leatherback turtles are endangered and are the largest species of sea turtle. Because of this the beach where they lay their eggs is restricted unless you sign up to go with a research tour. The beach is at the very northeast corner of Grenada, which is about a 1.5 hour drive from where we are. There is a very popular, local taxi driver who will arrange the tour and drive you there in his very old, beat up red minibus. It is quite the experience. One that I am not a fan of, but it made for some good stories to tell. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-34.png)

To break up the drive we made a quick stop to stretch our legs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-35.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-36.png)

For dinner we stopped at a roadside BBQ stand. These stands are everywhere in Grenada and we always talk about stopping, but haven't until now. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-37.png)

Once we got to the welcome center we did a short orientation before heading to the beach to wait (a very long time) for a turtle sighting.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-38.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-39.png)

Timeline of events - got in the van at 4:30 PM, stopped for dinner at 7:00 PM, the official tour started at 7:30 PM, Olivia fell asleep at 10:40 PM, first (and only) turtle sighting at 11:30 PM. The tour ends at 12:00 AM, so we were cutting it very close! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-40.png)

Um... they tell you these turtles are 6+ feet, but you have no idea how huge they are until you see them in person. She was huge! We got to watch her lay her eggs, feel her shell and flippers, watch her bury her eggs and see her go back into the water.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-41.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-42.png)

It was a long night... it was 3 AM when we finally got back to our cottage, but the girls both said it was a really cool experience even though we were all totally exhausted.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-43.png)
### haul out day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/haul-out-day/
Last updated: 2023-06-06T01:16:06.000Z
Today was a big day... Olivia started the morning as a surprise special guest for her 1st grade class! She got all dressed up with a headband, lip gloss and a dress she got here in Grenada. Braden and I joked this morning was the most she's brushed her hair in the last two months... and we didn't even have to ask her to! She was so, so excited to see her friends and her teacher and answer all their questions. She even got to show them some of the special things she's collected along the way. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-28.png)

In the afternoon we had a short drive to the boatyard dock. Our boat is back out of the water, and back in almost the same spot as before. Tomorrow starts a very long list of things to clean, pack, store and work to schedule before we head back to Minnesota.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-30.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-31.png)
### hog island
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/hog-island/
Last updated: 2023-06-05T01:06:47.000Z
Our first [visit to Hog Island](https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-easter-7/) was on Easter. We haven't been back since, but we're anchored nearby so this weekend we took a dinghy ride over to the island. We met up with some boating friends, and the local kids we met over Easter were also there. The girls were having such a great time we ended up spending the entire day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-16.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-15.png)

Fun fact - you can only get to Hog Island by boat (either your own or a water taxi) or footbridge. Because of that the island has a cool vibe of mainly locals and boaters with a couple small stands selling food and drinks. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-27.png)

This morning there was a regatta in the bay where we're anchored. It just so happened that the start and finish line was right in front of our boat! We had a front row seat. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-18.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-17.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-23.png)

It was pretty fun to watch and we actually knew people on two of the boats!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-26.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-25.png)

After the top three boats came in, we decided to head back to Hog Island for the afternoon. The girls and their friends spent hours on the beach building this massive pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-21.png)
### island life
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/island-life/
Last updated: 2023-06-02T18:41:27.000Z
We haven't been up to very much lately, which is why there haven't been any posts in a while. We've spent a lot of time at the beach, swimming, hanging out with new friends, sailing lessons and checking out the wildlife.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-9.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-1.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-4.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-8.png)

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We're heading back to Minnesota soon, so we've been staying put trying to get things lined up for our boat while we're gone. Now that we've been living on the boat for months we have a list of more work we want to get done. Plus it's hurricane season and since we don't know how long we will be gone it makes the most sense to take the boat out of the water.

We were getting a little stir crazy sitting in the marina, so this morning we left the marina and moved to an anchorage for a couple days.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-7.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/06/image-12.png)
### throwback thursday (june 1, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june-2/
Last updated: 2023-06-01T05:01:09.000Z
_No content available._
### seven sisters
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/untitled-44/
Last updated: 2023-05-27T22:50:46.000Z
Today was the day to cross another waterfall off our list. We saved this for last because it is the hardest to get to. There are actually seven waterfalls (hence the name Seven Sisters), but three through seven are more difficult to get to. The path was pretty muddy and all downhill on the way there. When we pulled up there was a tour group leaving and they offered us their walking sticks. They definitely came in handy.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-194.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-195.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-198.png)

It was unanimous... this was our favorite waterfall in Grenada. I guess technically our favorite two waterfalls since it is a double decker.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-196.png)

When we showed up there were at least 20 other people there. Within 10 minutes everyone else had left, and we had it all to ourselves for almost an hour.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-197.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-199.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-200.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-201.png)

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Since it was downhill on the way there... the walk back was all uphill. Our legs are going to be sore tomorrow.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-203.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-204.png)

The waterfalls are right on the edge of the Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve. We had to drive through the park to get to the waterfalls. As we were heading back to the boat we saw a bunch of people gathered to watch the monkeys in the trees. We almost didn't stop, but I'm so glad we did. There were so many monkeys! Fun fact - the [Mona Monkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona%5Fmonkey?ref=bradenanderin.com) is native to western Africa and a protected species in Grenada. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-206.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-207.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-208.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-209.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-210.png)

We ended our day with a double rainbow on the drive home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-205.png)
### throwback thursday (may 25, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-may-25-2022/
Last updated: 2023-05-25T05:01:49.000Z
Perks of volunteering at the girls school... presents from the other kids. 💗

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-137.png)
### beach and bingo
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/beach-and-bingo/
Last updated: 2023-05-25T04:05:44.000Z
It was a beautiful day for a beach day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-187.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-188.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-189.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-190.png)

Last night we went to one of the other marina restaurants for dinner. Turns out Tuesday is trivia night. The girls really wanted to play... and surprisingly they are pretty good at it. Fun fact - Olivia named our trivia team "Diamonds Never Shine Their Shoes". We actually didn't do that bad even though all the other teams had way more adults than ours. Since our team was the only one with kids the guy gave us a prize too - two free bingo tickets to tonight's bingo at the same restaurant.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-191.png)

There was no way we could pass that up! Emma played every game with her fingers crossed. She did end up with a bingo and won a free pizza!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-192.png)

This was not your every day bingo. The games were slightly different and the prizes were definitely unique. The locals came out in full force to win live pigs, live goats and the grand prize... a live cow. I was a in a slight panic when Olivia only had N35 left to win a pig! She did not win, but for fun the guy called out the next number and it was N35! Whew.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-193.png)
### can't stand the rain
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/cant-stand-the-rain/
Last updated: 2023-05-23T18:10:36.000Z
Fun fact - Grenada has two seasons: dry season (January to May) and wet season (June to December). It's not quite June yet, but the rain has started. We were cooped up for two days on the boat while it rained pretty much all day. As a bonus... the boat got nice, clean and organized.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-174.png)

Finally this morning the sky was clear! The girls and I were ready to stretch our legs, so we took a walk all the way to the city. I love how colorful it is.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-175.png)

We've only passed by here in the car, so I didn't realize the water is actually really clear. I expected the water to be pretty filthy with how many boats there are in here. We saw so many fish.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-177.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-176.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-185.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-186.png)

We took a little break to watch the huge container ship come in.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-181.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-178.png)

There are only three American restaurants on the island - (1) Subway, (2) KFC and (3) Pizza Hut. We've been to Subway and KFC. Pizza Hut was on our list, and the girls insisted today was the day since we were so close.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-179.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-182.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-183.png)

We probably walked 2 miles. We would have walked back, but Braden offered to pick us up at Pizza Hut. The girls couldn't wait for him to get there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-184.png)
### chocolate fest
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/chocolate-fest/
Last updated: 2023-05-22T16:46:52.000Z
This week was the Grenada Chocolate Festival. Saturday was family day. There was a make your own chocolate ball station, painting, face painting and kids yoga. We ran into a couple other families we know, so the girls had a great time with some friends. Fun fact - Grenada is home to five chocolate factories.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-164.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-165.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-166.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-167.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-170.png)

Sunday was the final day. We weren't sure it was going to happen because it rained the entire day, but the rain stopped just in time and the sky was the most beautiful colors.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-171.png)

To end the festival there was a bonfire with s'mores.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-172.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-173.png)
### errands, fruit and hiking
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/errands-fruit-and-hiking/
Last updated: 2023-05-20T04:52:52.000Z
We've spent enough time in Grenada to have a list of our favorite places to go. Now that we're back we're visiting them one by one. First stop this morning... the fruit stand across the street from the marina. The couple that runs the stand literally stops traffic for us to cross the street. Our haul this morning were bananas and mangoes.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-151.png)

Our second stop... our favorite lady selling fruits, vegetables and juice out of the back of her van. Our haul from her - juice, cucumbers, water lemons and a mammee apple. We've been on the hunt for [water lemons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora%5Flaurifolia?ref=bradenanderin.com) for over a week. This might be the strangest fruit we've tried, and even though it looks questionable it is delicious. To eat it you bite the end off and squeeze the seeds out. They're kind of like pomegranite seeds with pulp around them. You eat the pulpy seeds that are crunchy with a lemony flavor.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-152.png)

I forgot to get a photo of the [mammea apple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammea%5Famericana?ref=bradenanderin.com). There was hardly any fruit once you got through the peel and around the weird shaped pit. The flavor was a mix between a mango and a canteloupe. We were not impressed.

In addition to visiting two fruit stands we picked up a package, did laundry, had lunch, grabbed a couple things at the grocery store and researched how to keep snorkeling masks from fogging up. Fun fact - did you know you can use toothpaste to make masks fog resistant? We weren't believers until we tried it on two masks... and it worked! Our snorkeling just got a whole lot clearer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-153.png)

A week ago Emma asked if we could start going on daily hikes. We did for a day or two, and then we left. Now that we're back we started our hiking up again. There is a path that goes up the hill from the back of the marina parking lot. We've been wanting to check it out, and it was awesome. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-154.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-155.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-156.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-157.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-158.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-159.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-161.png)

Our boat from the top of the hill

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-162.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-163.png)
### return to grenada
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/grenada-sweet-grenada/
Last updated: 2023-05-19T03:48:29.000Z
Do we stay, or do we go? That was the question this morning when we got up. We decided we were ready to head back to Grenada for the next couple weeks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-144.png)

It was a beautiful 6 hour sail. We've been pretty impressed with how well the girls handle sailing, even in fairly rough waves. Nothing seems to phase them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-143.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-150.png)

On our way we passed this rock that Emma and I thought looked like a gorilla. Do you see it? It took Braden a while to see it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-147.png)

It's crazy how you can clearly see where the rainforest is from the water. Fun fact - the 3,088 acre Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve is the largest and oldest protected area in Grenada.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-148.png)

St. Georges (the capital of Grenada) looks so pretty passing by. We've driven through here a couple times, so we know how crazy busy it is even though it doesn't look like it from here. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-145.png)

There was only one place to go for dinner and pool time... and Olivia was stylish.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-146.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-149.png)
### throwback thursday (may 18, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-may-18-2022/
Last updated: 2023-05-18T05:01:26.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-136.png)
### back to carriacou
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/back-to-carriacou/
Last updated: 2023-05-18T02:07:10.000Z
We woke up this morning with no real plans. We decided the water was too rough to try to swim with the turtles again, so we dropped the mooring ball and headed on our way. 

Braden has had a fishing trip in Alaska planned for a long time. We knew he would be going back to Minnesota at the end of June, but we weren't sure what the girls and I would do while he was in Alaska. This week we decided it makes the most sense for us all to go home in June. We have doctor and dentist appointments we need to do, the girls wants to see their friends and there are some things we need to purchase for the boat that are tough to get here. Plus after living on the boat for over a month there is more work we really need to get done, which is easier to do when we're not living on the boat.

Our plan has always been to take the boat back to Grenada for hurricane season, so we started making our way back south. We thought that we would spend another night in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, so we pulled in to a different anchorage, hooked up to a mooring ball, sat there for 10 minutes and decided the weather was so nice we should just go all the way back to Carriacou. Fun fact - Carriacou means Isle of Reefs. We all agreed that we definitely want to come back here, so it is on our quickly growing list of places to visit again.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-128.png)

Before we could go back to Grenada we had to check out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A quick trip to customs and immigration and we were cleared to leave the country and on our way again.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-129.png)

A couple hours later and we were back in Carriacou. This might be one of Olivia's favorite things... the taxi ride from our boat to the beachside restaurant. The boat goes so fast, and she loves it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-130.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-131.png)

Before we could have lunch at the restaurant we had to check back in to Grenada. This time we all went. Customs and immigration was fairly fast and we were back at the restaurant.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-132.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-133.png)

One of the other deciding factors for coming back here today... sip and paint at the restaurant this afternoon. I have been wanting to do this, but it is only every other Wednesday. They provide the wood and the paint for cruisers to paint their boat name on. The waitress told us they have over 700 hanging up on their walls. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-139.png)

The girls came up with a design and we got to work.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-135.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-136.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-137.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-138.png)

I can't wait to go back and look for it hanging up!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-140.png)

Sunset tonight from our boat...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-141.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-142.png)
### swimming with turtles
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/swimming-with-turtles/
Last updated: 2023-05-17T01:35:31.000Z
We did end up staying in Mayreau another day... and this trip to the beach we had the camera!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-111.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-113.png)

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Two things that have gotten a ton of use in the last month... (1) the paddleboard, and (2) masks and snorkels. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-110.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-116.png)

So far all the islands we've been to have had so many stray dogs. They aren't usually friendly, but these ones were super friendly. This was Olivia trying to convince me we needed to bring this one back with us to be a boat dog.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-117.png)

After two days it was time to move on. We pulled up anchor this morning and headed on a 45 minute sail to the Tobago Cays. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-118.png)

The Tobago Cays is a protected marine park where you can swim with sea turtles! There were turtles everywhere. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-121.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-119.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-120.png)

The water was really rough, so we didn't snorkel for too long. I have my fingers crossed for a calmer day tomorrow, but I don't think it is going to happen. We've already added this to our list of places we need to come back to.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-122.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-124.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-125.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-126.png)

From our boat we can see the island of Petit Tabac. Fun fact - this island was used in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-127.png)
### much better
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/much-better/
Last updated: 2023-05-17T00:42:11.000Z
Last night was not the best. Poor Emma got sick right after dinner. Not sure if it was the food or all the rolling the boat was doing or a combination of both. She got some fresh air, water and fell asleep outside in the cockpit. Luckily this morning she was all good!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-95.png)

We were up and at it early this morning. We dropped the mooring ball by 7:00 AM and were out of there!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-96.png)

Olivia made me a delicious Mother's Day breakfast, which is also her favorite - waffles with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-98.png)

By 8:30 AM we had dropped anchor at a new island - Mayreau. Fun fact - [Mayreau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayreau?ref=bradenanderin.com) is the smallest inhabited island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with less than 300 people. This anchorage was so much better, and we were all super happy to be in calm water again with a beach directly in front of us.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-100.png)

Once we all had breakfast we headed right to the beach. At first we weren't too impressed... then we got in the water. It was crystal clear and the best snorkeling so far! I know I just said that [two days ago](https://www.bradenanderin.com/on-to-a-new-island/), but this doesn't even compare. I'm bummed I forgot the waterproof camera, but I already said tomorrow we have to go back with the camera.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-102.png)

Emma has had two goals since we got on the boat... (1) finding a conch shell, and (2) finding a sand dollar. A couple days ago she found a conch shell. Today she found four sand dollars! We had only planned to stay here one night, but now both girls want to stay another day. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-103.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-104.png)

Tonight Braden booked us a dinner reservation. We were the only people there... and the food was delicious. We're three for three on little beachside restaurants having delicious food.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-105.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-106.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-107.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-109.png)

You know Olivia was dressed to impress for dinner. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-108.png)
### on to the next one
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/on-to-the-next-one/
Last updated: 2023-05-14T02:51:31.000Z
This morning Braden and Emma headed into town to clear out of Grenada. We've been here since April 1st and were ready to visit another country for a little while.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-81.png)

What we thought would be a fairly quick trip to customs and immigration turned out to be a 2 hour trip because the customs and immigration person was gone for "30 minutes" (which really ended up being an hour). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-80.png)

Apparently the wait wasn't all that bad...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-82.png)

Once that was all done we headed on an hour sail to Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-79.png)

Our luck so far has not been that great because it was another pretty rough trip. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-83.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-84.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-86.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-85.png)

Our quarantine flag went up once we got all hooked up to the mooring ball. Fun fact - boats must fly the [quarantine flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow%5FJack%5F%28flag%29?ref=bradenanderin.com) (or the Q flag) when entering a new country. The flag is a plain yellow, rectangular flag. This lets the country know you are requesting clearance from customs and immigration to enter the country.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-90.png)

Since we left Grenada way later than we had planned we didn't get to St. Vincent and the Grenadines until late in the afternoon. We weren't sure if customs and immigration was open for us to check in, but Braden decided to give it a try. Luckily they were and it was pretty quick. Once a boat has checked into a country it must fly that country's flag to let them know you have cleared customs and immigration. Our boat is offically flying the St. Vincent and the Grenadines flag!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-94.png)

While Braden was getting us all checked in, Olivia and I watched her BFFs dance competition back in Minnesota. Not as good as being there in person, but she was so, so excited to be able to watch it live.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-91.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-88.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-89.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-92.png)

We're only staying in this spot for one night and then we are out of here! The anchorage is very rough and we are rolling all around which is pretty uncomfortable. We would have left right away, but we had to come here to check in and got here too late to go anywhere else. Tomorrow we will move on to a (hopefully) way calmer anchorage and get out and explore. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-93.png)
### on to a new island
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/on-to-a-new-island/
Last updated: 2023-05-13T02:34:16.000Z
Good weather was forecast for Thursday, so we decided it was time to move on to the next island in Grenada.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-48.png)

But first we had to get around the active volcano in the ocean. That is not a joke. Fun fact - there is actually an [active volcano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kick%5F'em%5FJenny?ref=bradenanderin.com) in the Caribbean Sea that last erupted in 2001\. There is a 1 mile exclusion zone (circled in red) that every boat has to stay outside of. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-49.png)

Kick 'em Jenny

Despite the good weather forecast it was pretty rough sailing almost the entire way. The girls didn't seem to mind at all.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-50.png)

Despite the rough sailing we made really good time and dropped anchor after our 6 hour journey to Carriacou. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-51.png)

We took the dinghy to shore to check out the town and grab some dinner. We've been in Grenada over a month and been to many restaurants. By far this little beachside restaurant had the best food and service of any place we've been. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-58.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-57.png)

This morning we pulled up our anchor and headed over to a small island that was supposed to have a beautiful beach and great snorkeling.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-59.png)

Look at this water! The girls were super happy to spend a couple hours at the beach snorkeling and looking for shells.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-60.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-61.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-62.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-63.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-64.png)

There were so many fish. Emma agreed this was our best snorkeling yet. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-68.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-71.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-73.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-74.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-75.png)

They followed up the snorkeling and looking for shells with jumping off the front of the boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-77.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-76.png)

Right on the other side of the island is St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This is where we will be heading next!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-65.png)

Dinner at another beachside restaurant. They even had pick up and drop off service so we didn't have to take the dinghy to shore.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-67.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-78.png)
### throwback thursday (may 11, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-may-11-2022/
Last updated: 2023-05-11T05:01:03.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-135.png)
### full day tour
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/full-day-tour/
Last updated: 2023-05-08T22:09:32.000Z
Today we decided to be tourists and signed up for a full day tour. We started at a waterfall, followed by a chocolate factory, rum distillery and ended at a national park. The tour pretty much took us around the entire island and to places we haven't been before.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/Screenshot-2023-05-08-6.02.09-PM.png)

First stop... our third waterfall in Grenada. We only had 20 minutes there, so we told the girls they had to make their swim a quick one.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-33.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-34.png)

Before getting back in the van we got a nutmeg lesson. This tour used to go to the nutmeg processing facility for a tour, but after the pandemic they shut down to tours and didn't restart. So the tour guide just gives his own lesson. I was pretty impressed with how much Olivia knew about nutmeg. I think the tour guide was impressed too. 

Fun facts: nutmeg is Grenada's #1 export and referred to as "black gold". It is even on the Grenadian flag. 🇬🇩

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-35.png)

Our second stop was one of four chocolate factories in Grenada. We learned about the three different types of cocoa beans, how they process it and how they make the chocolate. At the end we got to taste the different types of chocolate they make. All their chocolate is dark chocolate - from 100% to 60%. They don't add any milk, so even in the heat the chocolate doesn't melt. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-37.png)

Next up was lunchtime. We stopped at a restaurant to enjoy a buffet of local foods with a view of the beach from the balcony.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-39.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-38.png)

After lunch it was the rum distillery tour. This distillery does not have any heavy machinery so the entire process is done manually - from the processing of the sugar cane to bottling.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-40.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-41.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-44.png)

Our last stop was the national park that is up in the rainforest. The park is known for the monkeys and the lake that is in the crater of an extinct volcano.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-47.png)
### waterfall promise
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/dont-go-chasing-waterfalls/
Last updated: 2023-05-07T15:11:27.000Z
Saturday we made good on a deal we had with Emma and went back to the waterfall she couldn't swim in when she hurt her foot. She was one very happy girl.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-22.png)

They spent hours jumping and swimming, we had lunch and then they spent more hours jumping and swimming.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-23.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-24.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-25.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-26.png)
### farmers markets
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/farmers-market/
Last updated: 2023-05-07T15:03:17.000Z
We probably went to 1 (maybe 2) farmer's markets before coming to Grenada. Here we know the farmer's market schedules, who has the best stuff, when the lady sells the juice out of her van and have been to many roadside stands for fresh produce. We're regulars, and most of the ladies recognize us when we walk up.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-29.png)

Saturday mornings the farmers market is at our current marina. I was bummed this morning that the meat lady wasn't there. She imports meat from the US and sells delicious meatballs that I was hoping to buy more of this morning. Instead we bought a mango ginger smoothie and seamoss from May. She sells spices, jams, smoothies and fruits. The seamoss is new for us, but we see it everywhere. May said to keep it in the freezer, then mix with milk and spices to make a smoothie. We'll let you know what we think when we try it.

May also gave us a free papaya. It's part of the perks of being a regular and bringing the girls along to shop. Most of the time the ladies throw in something free for them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-27.png)

In Grenada mangoes are everywhere. At farmer's markets, at roadside stands, in rivers and all over the road. 

Fun fact for Austin: 18 varieties of mangoes grow in Grenada.

This bowl of mangoes has 3 different varieties, and they all taste completely different. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-15.png)

There is an older couple that runs a fruit and vegetable stand across the street from our marina. Last week when we were leaving the bakery the guy ran over and asked if we wanted any fruit. We were heading back to the boat, so I told him we would come back later. We did end up going back later and he remembered us. We bought a bag of mangoes (the bigger, yellow ones) and bananas. He also gave the girls the bigger, reddish mango that he said was a hybrid variety. 

Yesterday we went to the marine store because there is a lady that sells juice out of her van in the parking lot. The girls beg to go every week, so she knows us and knows the kind of juice the girls get (passionfruit for Emma, guava for Olivia). After we bought our 2 canteloupes, a pineapple and 3 different juices she gave the girls 3 mangoes (the small yellow ones) just because.

The same lady that sells the juice out of her van also tried to sell us cashew apples. We had never heard of them, so she gave us one to try. I didn't get any pictures, but after we got back to the boat we learned all about cashew apples (which is a whole fascinating fun fact lesson for Austin). Who knew cashew nuts grow out of the bottom of a cashew apple?!? Clearly not us! The cashew apple is actually a fruit that you can eat raw - kind of like an apple, but a little more mild taste and less crunchy texture. Each cashew apple makes one cashew nut, which means you need a lot of cashew apples for a container of cashews.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-31.png)

Not a farmers market, but one of the roadside stands we've stopped at more than once - the corn on the cob lady. Every day she is out on the side of the road with her little grill roasting corn on the cob.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-18.png)
### throwback thursday ( may 4, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-may-4-2022/
Last updated: 2023-05-04T05:01:25.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-134.png)
### great day for sail
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/great-day-for-sail/
Last updated: 2023-05-03T02:10:43.000Z
Our friends leave tomorrow, so we decided for their final day in Grenada it was only appropriate to take them out on a day sail. We sailed for a couple hours, then grabbed a mooring ball near the beach so we could swim for a while before heading back to the dock.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-13.png)

It also gave us a chance to test out our brand new sail.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-14.png)

It is so nice when other people are on the boat to help Braden. Thanks Loyd! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-3.png)

We were pretty far from land and there was a flock of Brown Boobies diving for fish. 

Fun fact for Austin: the Grenada dove is the national bird of Grenada and is critically endangered.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-7.png)

After a couple hours sailing it was time to swim and paddleboard.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-8.png)

I'm pretty impressed with Emma. She paddleboarded a long way to and from the beach... and of course came back with sea glass.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-9.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-10.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-11.png)

Our last dinner together...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image-12.png)
### beach day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/untitled-43/
Last updated: 2023-05-01T01:18:27.000Z
It was a beautiful day to relax at the beach and pool. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-196.png)

Fun facts for Austin: Grenada has over 45 beaches, and by law all beaches in Grenada are public.

Give Olivia some sand and a bucket and she can play all day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-202.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-197.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-198.png)

Well... we tried and failed miserably at keeping Emma out of the water today. Kinda knew that was going to happen when she came out dressed like this.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-199.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-201.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-200.png)

Braden isn't much of a let's-just-sit-at-the-beach-all-day person. He can make it an hour, maybe two and he's ready go to... but get these two together and we spend 6 hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/05/image.png)
### chocolate and a waterfall
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/chocolate-and-a-waterfall/
Last updated: 2023-04-30T02:52:56.000Z
Our first stop this morning took us to the House of Chocolate. Emma has been wanting to go here for weeks. It is a boutique, cafe and mini-museum all about the history of chocolate. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-182.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-184.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-183.png)

Fun fact for Austin: Cacao trees were first introduced in Grenada in 1714 by the French.

After learning about chocolate we headed to check out one of the waterfalls we haven't been to yet.

Another fun fact for Austin: Grenada has 18 waterfalls (we have been to 2 so far).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-179.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-185.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-192.png)

Emma was a great sport and kept her foot out of the water. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-180.png)

Meanwhile Olivia has become quite the little daredevil.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-191.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-181.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-188.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-189.png)

There is a guy that will jump from the top (30 feet) for a tip. We watched him jump at least 3 times. Nope... not for me.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-186.png)

Afterward we checked out a new part of town that surprisingly we hadn't been to yet and got refreshments. It is near the university and the entire complex was made out of shipping containers. It was pretty cool and had a bunch of different food options.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-194.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-193.png)
### what a day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/what-a-day-2/
Last updated: 2023-04-29T01:37:06.000Z
I would use an expletive there... but we are trying to keep this site family friendly. It all started out like any other day. We dropped our mooring ball and headed into a marina for the next week while our friends are visiting. We loved being on the mooring ball (and last night slept the best we've slept since we got to Grenada), but (1) being in a marina makes it much easier to go places since you can just step off the boat instead of take a dinghy to shore, and (2) the final part we were waiting for (our main sail) was ready to get installed today. This is a much nicer, and bigger, marina than the one we were at before. It has 2 restaurants, a little souvenir store, laundry and a pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-170.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-172.png)

It has been rainy and overcast the last two days, but today made up for it. Today was HOT. To cool off the girls and I headed to the pool for a little while.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-173.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-169.png)

Everything was going great until we were leaving and Emma scraped her foot on the wooden pool deck and started screaming. She cut the bottom of her foot pretty good. She hobbled back to the boat, we rinsed and bandaged it up. After an hour she kept saying it was stinging a lot, so we took the bandage off to discover she had what looked to be a large splinter in her foot. She tried (unsuccesfully) to get it out. At this point the only option was to go to a doctor to have it looked at. It took a bunch of shots of lidocaine and a lot of digging around to finally get that thing out... and it was huge.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-174.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-175.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-178.png)

Usually I handle these things, but I don't have a driver's license in Grenada so Braden had to take the lead on this one. He came back to the boat looking like this....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-177.png)

Bad news: she's on antibiotics for 7 days, no sun for 7 days and no swimming for 5 days. Oof. She is really bummed... but we're going to make the best of it - go to the chocolate museum, see a waterfall and have a great time with our friends while they are here!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-176.png)
### oops
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/oops-2/
Last updated: 2023-04-28T00:17:10.000Z
This is what the girls have been waiting for...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-158.png)

A lot of fun was had today. Unfortunately I made a rookie mistake and let them spend a couple hours playing in the water without sunscreen because it was overcast. They will pay the price for the next couple days. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-160.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-161.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-162.png)

While they were in the water we also put them to work scrubbing the side of the boat. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-159.png)

This afternoon we headed to our favorite place (where everyone knows my name) for Emma's sailing lesson.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-163.png)

Today they practiced flipping the boat, getting it rightside up and getting back in it. Emma did it easily, hopped in and left her instructor in the water swimming after the boat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-165.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-164.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-166.png)

As we were driving back we could see the sun setting, but missed seeing it from our boat by just a couple of minutes. Tomorrow we're pulling into a marina for a couple of days while our first visitors come to town (which we are very excited about!), so the sunset will have to wait for another day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-167.png)

On our way back to the boat we could see a huge cruise ship that pulled in while we were gone for the afternoon.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-168.png)
### throwback thursday (april 27, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-april-27-2022/
Last updated: 2023-04-27T05:01:26.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-33.png)
### we're off the dock
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/were-off-the-dock/
Last updated: 2023-04-27T01:06:57.000Z
Wednesday mornings is the market at the marina. There are people selling homemade crocheted goodies, fruits, vegetables, eggs, homemade pesto, homemade jams, fresh juice, meat and baked goods. It gets busy with all the cruisers, so you have to get there early or they run out of the good stuff like eggs and baked goods.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-138.png)

We got there right at 10 AM for the bakery guy. Last week we heard from the meat lady about Frankie Dogs, which they were out of by the time we got there. They are hot dogs that they cut in half, add a squirt of mustard, then they're baked in a cheesy roll. Apparently they are a huge hit and sell out fast! Today we were at the front of the line and got our hands on some. They were delicious!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-140.png)

Of course we also came home with cheese rolls, ham and cheese rolls, meat patties, cheesy garlic bread and chocolate cake. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-139.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-141.png)

We're still waiting on one huge part (our new main sail). The other part we were waiting on came yesterday so technically we could leave the marina and grab a mooring ball off the beach somewhere while we wait. There was quite a bit of debate this morning about going today or going tomorrow. Olivia and I were team tomorrow. Braden and Emma were ready to go!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-143.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-142.png)

We had 11 nautical miles to go, which should take us about 2.5 hours. It took us a little bit longer, but it was smooth sailing...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-145.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-152.png)

Until it wasn't...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-144.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-153.png)

In the 26 days we've been here there have only been two days when it rained. Of course today turned out to be one of them... and it poured. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-154.png)

Unfortunately it decided to really, really pour right when we arrived at our destination. The rain made it pretty difficult to grab a mooring ball, but after what felt like 200 tries and getting completely drenched we were successful.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-146.png)

The rain stopped in time for us to see the sunset. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-147.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-148.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-150.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-151.png)

Our view of Grenada for the next 2 nights. While we were on our way we got a call that our sail is finally here and they are ready to install it. Perfect timing since we just left the marina. Luckily we're here for 2 nights and then pulling into a different marina, so the sail guy said he would meet us there to install it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-149.png)

During dinner another big rainstorm moved in. This one was lead by a dragon cloud.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-156.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-157.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/PXL_20230426_223619767.PANO.jpg)

Tomorrow Emma has huge dreams to blow up the paddle board and go to the beach. Let's just hope we're done with the rain for a while so we can make those dreams come true!
### brunch, scrubbing and wings
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/brunch-scrubbing-and-wings/
Last updated: 2023-04-25T02:52:18.000Z
The girls and I had a bit of a slow morning while Braden was searching for more toilet parts. We were out of eggs, milk and waffles, so we decided to treat ourselves to a girls brunch.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-126.png)

Afterward it was back to work. Today was deck scrubbing and cushion cleaning day. The outside was really filthy, so it took us most of the day to get it sparkly clean. The girls didn't want to help at first, but once they realized a hose was involved they were all in.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-132.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-127.png)

As a bonus, we found the cockpit enclosure in our stuff that was in storage, so we decided to try it out. It worked out perfectly that it was deck cleaning day because it got a good scrub too. It made the cockpit shady and cool and will be awesome on rainy days.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-133.png)

We also got a couple boxes we shipped before we left Minnesota. Olivia packed a bunch of Legos, so she was super happy to get to work rebuilding them. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-128.png)

After all our hard work we treated ourselves to dinner at our favorite place (where all the waitresses know my name) and pool time (you can use the pool for free if you eat at the restaurant). A month ago Olivia would have never touched a chicken wing. Now that's all she'll eat when we go here. As we were leaving I told the waitress we would see her on Thursday when Emma is there for her sailing lesson. She said "Ok Erin. See you tomorrow!". We have no plans to go there tomorrow, but you never know... it has happened before.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-129.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-130.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-131.png)
### wednesday was rough
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/wednesday-was-rough/
Last updated: 2023-04-22T02:14:04.000Z
If you read Braden's post you know that Wednesday was our toughest day yet. We've done this sailing thing before, so we knew there would be bad days along with the good ones. Thursday we took it a little easy to regroup. Braden found the parts to fix the leaky watermaker and toilet. On his way back he took Emma to get sushi from a place she's been begging to go to every day since we got here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-115.png)

In the afternoon we headed to Emma's sailing lesson, had dinner and did some swimming.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-116.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-117.png)

Friday we were back at it. Leaky toilet was fixed! Water maker leak was fixed! We even made enough water to fill one of our water tanks so we could take showers on the boat instead of at the marina showers.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-118.png)

We celebrated these big wins with a dinghy ride, drinks, more swimming and a fancy dinner with fancy drinks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-119.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-120.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-124.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-121.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-122.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-123.png)

We're looking forward to the weekend and some beach time, or maybe a waterfall.
### throwback thursday (april 20, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-april-20-2022/
Last updated: 2023-04-20T05:01:05.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-32.png)
### A bit of an own goal...
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/a-bit-of-an-own-goal/
Last updated: 2024-10-22T14:14:17.000Z
We've shared many of the beautiful beaches, the swimming pools, waterfalls, and the wonderful spots that we've experienced since being in Grenada.

This post is a bit different - have to balance the good and the bad.

How about changing the gasket on a leaky toilet? (spoiler alert, it still leaks)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/toilet-gasket.jpg)

Moving on from the toilet, how about the generator? It's been a heap of problems since we've arrived. Maybe it heard the toilet was leaking, so it decided that the head gasket wanted in on the action - for those non-mechanically inclined - green antifreeze dripping out of anywhere on the engine block itself is a bad sign:

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/IMG_20230415_135508144.jpg)

Okay, so the toilet(s) and generator have sprung a few leaks - but not to be deterred, let's move to the next project. The marvel of modern technology - the water maker. All seemed to be in working order - but the smell of "fresh" water coming out the end was horrific. First try was to run some sterilizing chemicals through it...which I knew was a fools errand, but off we went. After utter failure, it was time for the real work of changing out the membranes that actually make the fresh water. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/bilge.jpg)

The membranes are secured inside tubes that have pressed on end caps. I had read that a vice was required to separate the end cap from the tube - so luckily, Yoto came equipped with just such a thing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/IMG_20230418_091756374.jpg)

Perfect - let's get them apart, change the insides and re-assembly. No issue right?

Well, the water maker had heard about the toilet(s) and the generator and decided to join the party:

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/IMG_20230419_142619436.jpg)

That's high pressure salt water spraying in a fine mist all over everything in the general area. 

Time to come apart again and hunt for spare parts.

Meanwhile, Erin has had some adventures - how about removing an old TV that doesn't work? 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/IMG_20230419_075234971.jpg)

The new TV looks a little big, but it'll work eventually.

But, back to the water maker. It's now coming apart again - let's keep our spirits up and see if we can fix the problem with our tools and ingenuity.

Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of what lead to the next picture - but I'll try to sum it up quickly. Each tube has an end cap - some of the end caps are harder than others to get off. To get the end caps off - you hold in a vice and turn/pull the end caps off. 

After all the leaks, I was a bit frustrated and pulled quite hard on the tube to separate the end cap - unfortunately the tube continued it's velocity upward and into my chin. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/PXL_20230419_221130194.jpg)

We went to $1EC wing night tonight and met a fellow who asked about my cut. I explained the whole story to him - and he said, "sure the parts and breakdowns are pretty normal - but hitting yourself in the face over it? That's a bit of an own goal isn't it." And you know what, he's right - painful as it is - it's all part of the required entry fee to do what we're doing - and we're paying the fee. But limiting the mistakes can go a long way to lessen the impact.
### beach day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/beach-day-6/
Last updated: 2023-04-18T02:15:30.000Z
We're trying to mix in fun days with the work days. Moving day was a pretty big work day, so it was time for a beach day. First... lunch with fancy drinks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-107.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-108.png)

This beach was high on my list because it is supposed to have calm water and great snorkeling. Unfortunately the water wasn't calm the day we were there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-110.png)

We still managed to snorkel, but we all want to go back when it is calmer and when we remember the waterproof camera. The water was so clear and there were lots of fish. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-111.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-112.png)

This beach also had tons of shells, and so much sea glass (my favorite!).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-113.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-114.png)
### moving day!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/moving-day-2/
Last updated: 2023-04-16T14:13:55.000Z
After 2 weeks in Grenada the boat was finally in good enough shape for us to move aboard. But first... one last breakfast at the cute little pastry shop at our resort.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-103.png)

Braden had to make two trips to the boat because our rental car couldn't hold all our stuff. This was the second trip...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-102.png)

After the car was unloaded and some stuff put away we had to make a trip to the store to grab some groceries and a bunch of other stuff. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-105.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-104.png)

Meanwhile back in Minnesota... it went from 80 degrees to more snow.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-106.png)
### throwback thursday (april 13, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-april-16-2022/
Last updated: 2023-04-13T05:01:23.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-31.png)
### coming together
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/coming-together-2/
Last updated: 2023-04-13T01:35:32.000Z
We've spent lots of hours working to get the boat ready to go. Finally I feel like it is all coming together. Yesterday we checked off a bunch of tasks, and today we celebrated with a beach day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-89.png)

Emma's room

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-95.png)

Our room

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-96.png)

Olivia's room

This was our medicine cabinet. I mentioned before that the guy who owned the boat left expecting to come back. There was so much stuff left on the boat. We've already filled 5 huge garbage bags, and there is still a lot to go. Everything in this cabinet either expired in 2015, or had completely disinegrated.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-92.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-93.png)

Everything was in French. One thing that is apparently universal... Imodium. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-94.png)

Beach day!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-97.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-98.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-99.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-100.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-101.png)
### easter at hog island
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-easter-7/
Last updated: 2023-04-10T14:51:21.000Z
We took a short dinghy ride over to Hog Island for Easter. There was food, drinks, lots of people and live music.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-81.png)

Not long after we got there a family showed up with a couple of kids. They came right over and asked Olivia if she wanted to play. Turns out they live right by the marina where our boat is, and Emma made plans with the girl her age to meet up for a play date on Tuesday. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-82.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-85.png)

During Emma's sailing lesson the day before there were a bunch of kids collecting sea eggs. They are a type of sea urchin with small, white spikes that you can actually pick up. We've only seen the ones with black spikes that you definitely can't touch. I asked them what they were going to do with them, and they said eat them. Apparently you can eat the insides raw or cook them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-84.png)

It just so happened the shady spot we picked to sit in at Hog Island was right next to a place where guys were cooking them. I could hear them chopping the shells, so I walked over to ask if they would show me what they do with them. It was pretty fascinating. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-88.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-87.png)

The process was extremely long. It took them all day just to make 2o which they sold for $15.00 EC each ($5.55 USD).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-86.png)

We didn't see the Easter bunny yesterday, but we happened to be at the mall a couple days before we left and got a quick photo!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-59.png)
### best day ever
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/best-day-ever/
Last updated: 2023-04-09T01:51:40.000Z
Olivia officially declared today the best day ever. It started off with a sailing lesson for Emma. I heard that a guy did sailing lessons right at the resort we are staying. I texted him yesterday and he told me just to come on down today. Lessons were free on Saturday morning.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-60.png)

Emma was a little nervous about it at first when she thought she'd be going out by herself. She ended up in a boat with another kid and the instructor. She loved it and can't wait to do it again.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-61.png)

After the lesson we were walking down the beach and Emma spotted this really cool eel. Just happy we were on the beach and not in the water with that thing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-63.png)

She also picked up a bunch of crabs along the way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-62.png)

After a quick lunch we headed on a 40 minute drive to Mount Carmel waterfall. It is the highest waterfall in Grenada at over 70 feet tall. Grenada has a bunch of waterfalls. Some of them are easier to get to than the others. I wasn't sure about this one, but it turned out to be pretty easy to get to.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-64.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-65.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-68.png)

The girls were excited to get in the water and swim.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-69.png)

After a bit of swimming at the waterfall we headed back down the path to a smaller waterfall that makes a rock slide.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-71.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-70.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-75.png)

I was not too sure about the girls doing this. Looks pretty dangerous with rocks you can smack your head on before falling into the water below, but there was a super nice local who offered to show them how to do it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-73.png)

After their first time down they were hooked and didn't want to leave.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-76.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-74.png)

On Monday afternoon we went to a brewery in town. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-79.png)

Olivia noticed that Saturday is steak night. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-80.png)

She loves steak. It might be her favorite food right behind buttered noodles and waffles. We talked all week about going back for steak. She made sure to dress her best... and she ate every last piece of that steak.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-78.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-77.png)
### slow going
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/island-time/
Last updated: 2023-04-08T02:26:34.000Z
We knew when we left there was still a lot of work to be done on the boat. There were some unfinished projects by the guys working on our boat. some boxes that still hadn't arrived and lots and lots of cleaning and organizing. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-49.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-50.png)

We booked a cottage for a week because we figured that was enough time to get everything finished. We didn't realize that Easter here is a pretty big holiday. Kids are out of school for a two week Easter break and lots of places close for a four day weekend. This delayed our plans a little bit. We extended our stay at the cottage and are making the most of it with a drive through Grenada's waterfront harbor and daily pool time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-55.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-58.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-56.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-51.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-54.png)

Apparently the big thing all the locals do for Easter is go to the beach. While our boat isn't ready to go anywhere our dinghy is. Braden and the girls took it for a test run to make sure it is good to go to the nearby island for weekend festivities.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-57.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-53.png)

Today we took a break from boat work. Before we left Olivia saw a trailer for the Super Mario movie. She loves playing the Super Mario games, so she was pretty bummed when she realized we would be in Grenada when it came out. Turns out there is one movie theater on the island. That one movie theater happened to have the Super Mario movie... in 3D! Her smile says it all. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-46.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-47.png)
### throwback thursday (april 6, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-april/
Last updated: 2023-04-06T05:01:50.000Z
A true sign it is spring in Minnesota...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-29.png)
### treasures
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/rest-day/
Last updated: 2023-04-05T20:29:36.000Z
The previous owner of our boat was from France. He sailed the boat all over the world. When he brought the boat to Grenada in 2016 he planned to return and sail some more, so he left pretty much everything on the boat. Most of it was cleaned out before we got here, but as we've been going through every drawer, cabinet and locker we've found a couple treasures.

First... this dead praying mantis that was in a cup in the kitchen cabinet. I'm still holding onto it and thinking of something creative we can do with it. Shadow box? Paper weight?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-42.png)

Second... this cool painting. I googled the artist and he is from Cuba, so the guy must have purchased it when he sailed in Cuba. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-41.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-45.png)

Old Havana Cathedral

We've also been collecting our own treasures from Grenada. This one I found on the beach... a piece of coral shaped like a mermaid tail. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-43.png)

Our resort has coconuts everywhere. On our first day here Emma worked for a long time to crack one open, eat the coconut meat and make a bowl. A treasure to hold her other treasures.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-44.png)
### big day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/big-day/
Last updated: 2023-04-05T00:14:12.000Z
Today was a big day. After over 8 years sitting on the hard our boat is finally in the water! There is still some work to be done before we can go anywhere, but we're celebrating this as a pretty big victory.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-34.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-39.png)

Our future YouTubers checking their videos.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-28.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-40.png)

Celebration lunch with ice cream. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-35.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-36.png)

In other news... yesterday we introduced the girls to Ting. They are big fans.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-38.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-37.png)

Meanwhile back at the resort we're staying at this week the girls have named all the stray cats (Not pictured (yet): Jet).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-30.png)

Pumpkin: super friendly, seems to know her name already, comes running when you whistle

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-31.png)

Midnight: also super friendly, might have mange, wash your hands after petting

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-29.png)

Karen: her picture (and name) says it all
### grenada
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/grenada/
Last updated: 2023-04-03T01:01:15.000Z
On Saturday morning we boarded a one way flight to Grenada!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-16.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-17.png)

Meanwhile back in Minnesota we got 8"+ of snow.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-24.png)

We're renting a cottage for the week while we clean, organize, finish projects and unpack at the boat. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-18.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-25.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-26.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-27.png)

Our boat sat unused for 8 years... so there is a lot of cleaning to be done. The girls jumped right in and got to work.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-20.png)

We're trying to balance all the work with some fun, so we took a break from all the cleaning to have lunch on the beach and spend a couple hours swimming and playing in the sand.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-22.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-23.png)

Tomorrow we'll be back at it all over again.
### almost there
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/almost-there/
Last updated: 2023-04-01T04:36:31.000Z
On Tuesday we packed up a lot of suitcases and headed to Florida for a couple days to visit with family we haven't seen in a long time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-1.png)

While we were at the gate the girls got a special invite from the pilot to come to the cockpit before the flight. All thanks to the Flat Stanley Emma brought along on our travels.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-15.png)

They've never really seen inside the cockpit, and they've definitely never sat in the pilots seat and held the flight controls! I'm pretty sure this was the highlight of their day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-3.png)

The flight was empty, so we had a whole row to ourselves with empty middle seats. I'm pretty sure this was the highlight of mine and Braden's day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-4.png)

For the next two days the girls spent time with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, got new books, rescued a butterfly, ate Krispy Kreme (my favorite!), picked flowers and had lots of fun.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-7.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-8.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-9.png)

On Friday it was time to head south for our flight to Grenada on Saturday. But first... Buc-ee's for lunch, snacks and souvenirs. We can't pass a Buc-ee's and not stop!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-10.png)

On our way we took a quick detour to Jupiter to visit where Emma was born. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-12.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/04/image-14.png)

Tomorrow is the big day! It will be an early morning and a long travel day, but we're all excited to finally get there.
### throwback thursday (march 30, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-march-30-2022/
Last updated: 2023-03-30T05:01:24.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-52.png)
### flashback friday to 2011
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/flashback-friday-to-2011/
Last updated: 2023-03-24T20:32:48.000Z
Braden and I have done a big boat trip before. In December 2011 we took a 3 month leave from work and sailed our boat to the Bahamas. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-53.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-54.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--16-.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--17-.jpeg)

Back then we didn't have the girls, but we took our cat Ethel.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--15-.jpeg)

During our trip we made 3 stops in the USA and visited 7 Bahamian islands. We travelled 259 nautical miles for 67 days.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple.jpeg)

Palm Beach Gardens, FL

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--1-.jpeg)

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--2-.jpeg)

Miami, FL

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--8-.jpeg)

Bimini, Bahamas

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--9-.jpeg)

Nassau, Bahamas

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--10-.jpeg)

Norman's Cay, Exumas, Bahamas

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--11-.jpeg)

Warderick Wells, Exumas, Bahamas

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--12-.jpeg)

Sampson Cay, Exumas, Bahamas

We swam with pigs, snorkeled at the famous Thunderball Grotto, saw Tommy Lee Jones and made friends who we are still in touch with today.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-56.png)

Big Majors, Exumas, Bahamas

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/procsimple--14-.jpeg)

Thunderball Grotto

We absolutely love the Bahamas and hope to get back their one day with the girls. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-57.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-58.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-60.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-61.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-62.png)
### throwback thursday (march 23, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-march-23-2022/
Last updated: 2023-03-23T05:01:46.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-50.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-51.png)
### we bought a boat!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/we-bought-a-boat/
Last updated: 2024-10-22T14:11:53.000Z
This may not be the biggest surprise in the world for those of you who have known us for awhile. However, it's been a long time coming and after a lot of time refitting her to support our family for an extended cruise - we're almost ready to go!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/DSC_5849.jpg)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/DSC_6616.JPG)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/PXL_20230120_171118662.jpg)

Next week is spring break for the girls, so it seemed like a logical time to go. This will be their last week at school for this school year. Boxes (lots and lots of boxes) of our stuff has been shipped. Packing has begun. Plane tickets have been purchased. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-34.png)

Very soon we will be going from this...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-38.png)

Minnesota

to this...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-36.png)

Grenada

Answers to our most asked questions...

(1) Braden quit the job he's been at since we moved to Minnesota 9 year ago. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-39.png)

Emma - 7 months old on the day we moved from FL to MN

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-42.png)

Emma - 7 months old on the day we moved from FL to MN

(2) Our boat is a 44' catamaran currently in Grenada.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-43.png)

(3) We are keeping our house.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-51.png)

(4) We are not sure how long we will be gone - could be 3 months, 6 months or more. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-46.png)

(5) Our high school neighbor is watching Pancake while we are away.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-45.png)

(6) The girls are excited about the adventure, but are sad to leave their friends and their pets. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-48.png)

(7) I'm still working on rehoming our 2 betta fish. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-47.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-52.png)

(8) The bees survived the winter! and are being looked after while we are away.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-49.png)
### happy st. patrick's day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-st-patricks-day-3/
Last updated: 2023-03-18T02:48:30.000Z
Today was St. Patricks' Day, and also spirit day at school. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-25.png)

Last night the girls set out some goodies for the leprechaun.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-27.png)

The leprechaun left some treats for them, and he was also a bit naughty. Emma was very excited she got to help with this...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-28.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-26.png)
### throwback thursday (march 16, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-march-16-2022/
Last updated: 2023-03-16T05:01:55.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-49.png)
### tea party
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/tea-party-4/
Last updated: 2023-03-10T21:54:46.000Z
It has been a looooong time since I've done one of these. This time it was Olivia's turn. I did plenty of tea parties for Emma, but Olivia has never had one of her own... until today.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-14.png)

I pulled out all the tea party decorations!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-15.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-16.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-17.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-18.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-20.png)

Throwback tea party photos. Look at how little they were! 😭

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-21.png)

2017

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-22.png)

2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-23.png)

2019

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-24.png)

2020
### throwback thursday (march 9, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-march-9-2022/
Last updated: 2023-03-09T06:01:34.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-48.png)
### tooth fairy?
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/tooth-fairy-3/
Last updated: 2023-03-06T21:16:11.000Z
Every one of Emma's adult bottom teeth have come in behind her baby tooth. This one was no different. Usually it doesn't take long for her tooth to get loose once the new tooth starts coming in, but this one is all the way in and her tooth still wasn't very loose. She's been working on this one since November.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-11.png)

November 8, 2022

Yesterday she went to Subway for lunch with Braden and came home very excited that her tooth fell out while she was eating.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-12.png)

Look at that tiny little thing. It is a miracle she made it all the way home from Subway without losing it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-10.png)

At Christmas she told me she knew the tooth fairy (and Santa) aren't real, but she knows she's not allowed to say a word to Olivia. She went up to her room and came down a few minutes later with this note. Turns out it was her lucky day because all the tooth fairy had was a $5 bill.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-13.png)
### byyyyeeee
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/byyyyeeee/
Last updated: 2023-03-06T21:05:58.000Z
Friday we said goodbye to the biggest trouble maker foster kitten we've ever had. Fingers crossed he is better behaved in his new home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-8.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-9.png)
### one gone, one to go
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/one-gone-one-to-go/
Last updated: 2023-03-03T03:16:35.000Z
I feel bad saying it... but man... I have never wanted foster kittens to get adopted as badly as I wanted these two to find a home. Even the girls are over their shenanigans. I already told Braden if for some reason either one of them gets returned (which does happen) I am not offering to take them back. They were exhausting....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-2.png)

A couple days after a couple decided to adopt Oreo a guy came to meet Hershey. I wasn't sure about this guy. He is younger, seemed a bit high maintenance and very indecisive. I didn't think he was going to end up wanting Hershey, but he surprised me and decided to adopt him. Today we said goodbye.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-4.png)

I've been a little worried about separating the two brothers since they are always together, but tonight I got a text saying Hershey was already very comfy in his new home. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-5.png)

Oreo is still with us. He goes to his new home on Saturday!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/03/image-7.png)
### throwback thursday (march 2, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-march-1-2022/
Last updated: 2023-03-02T06:01:04.000Z
_No content available._
### throwback thursday (february 23, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-february-23-2022/
Last updated: 2023-02-23T06:01:41.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-67.png)
### rides rides rides
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/rides-rides-rides-3/
Last updated: 2023-02-22T04:36:15.000Z
We spent President's Day at the Mall of America riding rides with our friends. Lots of rides. 6 hours of rides. It was a long day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-46.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-47.png)

Olivia is just at 48", which meant she can finally do every ride. That includes the Sponge Bob ride that goes upside down. This was her first time. She went 13 more times in the 7 hours we spent at the mall.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-44.png)
### 100 days of school
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/100-days-of-school/
Last updated: 2023-02-17T23:52:58.000Z
Well... almost. It isn't quite 100 days of school yet, but the girls school was celebrating with spirit day today. Unfortuntely Olivia couldn't go to school. Fortunately she seems to almost be back to normal. Yesterday was rough.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-43.png)
### happy valentines day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-valentines-day-4/
Last updated: 2023-02-17T00:45:14.000Z
Braden and I celebrated Valentine's Day a day early with a fancy wine dinner with some friends.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-37.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-27.png)

Some of these dishes sounded kind of gross, but everything was delicious. Our favorites were the 3rd and 4th courses.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-30.png)

Amuse

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-31.png)

1st Course

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-32.png)

2nd Course

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-33.png)

3rd Course

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-34.png)

4th Course

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-35.png)

5th Course

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-36.png)

6th Course

It was a good thing we did because after that everything went downhill. If you know me you know my biggest fear when it comes to illness is the stomach virus. I consider myself pretty tough when it comes to illness, blood or bodily fluids... except with that one. Nope nope nope. Emma had been sick over the weekend, Braden's stomach wasn't feeling that great either and Wednesday I couldn't get off the couch. It was all miserable, but Wednesday night was BAD. Poor Olivia. She always gets it the worst.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-38.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-39.png)

After being up since 2 AM we had to go to the doctor to get her something. Look at those sad eyes. She couldn't even keep a single sip of water down. Her appointment was this morning and the doctor told us she wasn't the first person they had seen today with the stomach virus.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-42.png)

We got a prescription for Zofran and she slept pretty much the entire day with her ginger ale, gatorade, water and bucket by her side. Fingers crossed for a better Friday!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-40.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-41.png)
### throwback thursday (february 16, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-february-16-2022/
Last updated: 2023-02-16T06:01:18.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-65.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-66.png)
### good news
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/good-news/
Last updated: 2023-02-13T03:28:16.000Z
Hershey and Oreo are ringworm free! Whew. I love these cats, but man... I am ready for them to get adopted. They have been by far the most mischevious kittens we've had. They are into EVERYTHING - the toilet, the trash, the fridge, Olivia's Legos. It is time for them to go!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-21.png)

I can't leave the fridge or freezer open because Oreo will hop in there as soon as he sees the door open.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-22.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-23.png)

No food can be left on the counter. I thought this brand new, sealed loaf of bread was safe. Nope. Hershey got into that.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-26.png)

The trash was left open just a crack. Oreo climbed in and grabbed a rib bone. When he gets a hold of people food he gets a death grip on it and growls if you try to take it from him.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-24.png)

They are cute, so I knew as soon as their bios went up on the website they would have applications. Sure enough the day after they were posted I had interested people. Today a couple came to meet Oreo. He charmed them with his cuteness and they want to adopt him. Unfortunately they are going out of town and we're going to have to keep him a couple more weeks. I will be counting down the days! Byeeeeee.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-25.png)
### tubing
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/tubing-6/
Last updated: 2023-02-12T00:52:19.000Z
Remember when I said Olivia has become fearless? Last year she wouldn't tube at all. Today she went the full 2 hours... and didn't want to leave when our time was up.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-15.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-16.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-17.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-18.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-19.png)
### great wolf lodge
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/great-wolf-lodge-2/
Last updated: 2023-02-11T03:36:25.000Z
The girls didn't have school Thursday and Friday, so when our friends asked if we wanted to spend a night at Great Wolf Lodge we figured why not. This is one of those places that every time we go we say we're never going again... but after a couple years we forget that we said that and we go back. This time I actually thought it wasn't bad. The girls are old enough that they can wander the water park with a couple of rules - #1 being they have to stay together. Plus Olivia is finally tall enough that she can do everything without me having to go with her. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-8.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-9.png)

That meant the adults could actually sit and relax.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-7.png)

Olivia has also become quite fearless. She would have never done this last year.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-10.png)

Apparently Emma is too old for these things...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-11.png)

Luckily she's not too old for water parks yet.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-12.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-14.png)
### throwback thursday (february 9, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-february-9-2022/
Last updated: 2023-02-09T06:01:40.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-64.png)
### daddy daughter dance
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/daddy-daughter-dance-7/
Last updated: 2023-02-04T04:11:31.000Z
Olivia has been looking forward to tonight for weeks. The daddy daughter dance!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-1.png)

The dance was fairy themed, so she wore her wings... and a crown, of course.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image.png)

Braden said Olivia usually does a little dancing, but she really just likes to do the crafts.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/02/image-2.png)
### throwback thursday (february 2, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-february-2-2022/
Last updated: 2023-02-02T06:01:07.000Z
_No content available._
### reptile show
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/reptile-show/
Last updated: 2023-01-30T20:52:44.000Z
Who knew we would be the people attending a reptile show? But here we are...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-75.png)

I was expecting this to be like any other expo. We'd walk around, look at stuff and that was it. I didn't realize just about every vendor booth would be offering to let the girls hold whatever they wanted! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-76.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-78.png)

Emma said she wants her next reptile to be a Fat Tailed Gecko or a Leopard Gecko. I am not a fan, especially not these ugly looking albino ones.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-79.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-80.png)

I want one of these! A Crested Gecko. These are cool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-81.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-77.png)

Look at his cute little face and feet!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-82.png)

They even come in all sorts of different colors.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-83.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-84.png)
### chinese new year
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/chinese-new-year/
Last updated: 2023-01-28T01:39:02.000Z
In 1st grade the kids learn about Chinese New Year. They end their lesson by making a dragon for the Chinese New Year parade through the school. They all got to pick 3 jobs they would like to do for the parade - head, body, dragon tamer, banner holder (Emma was a banner holder), puppet or instruments. Olivia chose the head, banner or body, but she REALLY wanted was the head. It probably didn't hurt that her mom painted that head when I was volunteering for her teacher a couple weeks ago....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-70.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-73.png)

Braden has been out of town and Olivia has been pretty sad about it the last couple days. She didn't know that he would be back in time for the parade, so she was pretty excited to see him. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-71.png)

Throwback to when Emma was in 1st grade.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-74.png)
### proud of this girl
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/proud-of-this-girl/
Last updated: 2023-01-26T16:52:24.000Z
The girls school gives out character awards each month. The teachers nominat kids for demonstrating whatever the theme is that month - gratitude, empathy, acceptance, etc. Yesterday when Emma got off the bus she said she had to tell me about something that happened at school. When we got home she whipped this out of her backpack. ❤️

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-68.png)
### throwback thursday (january 26, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-january-26-2022/
Last updated: 2023-01-26T06:01:44.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-81.png)
### hershey and oreo
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/hershey-and-oreo/
Last updated: 2023-01-25T00:39:17.000Z
Have I mentioned we have foster kittens....? We got them right after Thanksgiving. These were pictures of them when we got them in November. They were 8 weeks old and tiny.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-50.png)

Hershey (named by Emma)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-51.png)

Oreo (named by Olivia)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-53.png)

I was pretty positive as soon as I saw them that they both had ringworm. My worst nightmare with foster kittens! Ringworm takes forrrrever to get rid of, plus it spreads super easily if you're not careful. The vetting people gave me the run around for days telling me just to wait and see. I didn't need to wait and see. I already knew. In the meantime they got quarantined in the kitten room. I went in once a day to clean the litter box and fill their food and water. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-54.png)

Olivia did my makeup

Two weeks later they finally let me take them to the vet and they both tested positive for ringworm. Shocker. That meant 5 weeks of ringworm treatment and being locked in a room 24 hours a day. After the 5 weeks was up both kittens fur had all grown back in and they were finished with their treatment. They had to go in for a follow up culture and now we have to wait 3 weeks for the results. We all felt bad for the kittens being locked up for so long, so the girls convinced me to let them out since they looked to be ringworm free. Fingers crossed their cultures come back negative!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-55.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-56.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-58.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-59.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-60.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-62.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-63.png)
### lots of snakes
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/lots-of-snakes/
Last updated: 2023-01-21T23:38:23.000Z
The girls didn't have school on Friday. A few days ago I saw that the place with the YouTube channel where Emma got her snake was going to be doing a program at our library. So... of course we had to be there!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-49.png)

He brought a lot of animals we already knew about from YouTube, but they got to hold 2 of them... which was pretty cool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-44.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-46.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-47.png)
### throwback thursday (january 19, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-january-19-2022/
Last updated: 2023-01-19T06:01:18.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-80.png)
### jersey day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/jersey-day/
Last updated: 2023-01-14T02:18:05.000Z
The girls had jersey day at school today. Luckily I have 2 jerseys because I lost one for a couple years and ended up buying a new one... and then found the one I lost.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-43.png)
### throwback thursday (january 12, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-january-12-2022/
Last updated: 2023-01-12T06:01:59.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-79.png)
### e-learning day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/e-learning-day/
Last updated: 2023-01-12T03:21:58.000Z
I knew that there was freezing rain forecast last night. What I didn't know was that I would get a text at 5:00 AM saying school was delayed 2 hours followed by a text at 7:00 AM saying school was cancelled.

After the school district invested all this money into distance learning during covid they decided that kids would only be given 2 free snow days. After that if school is cancelled it becomes an e-learning day. Dumb. I miss the good old days when a snow day was just a snow day. I think when Emma was in 1st grade she had 6 or 7 in a row. Alas... today was an e-learning day. The girls put up a little bit of a fight in the beginning, but ended up doing all their assignments first thing this morning. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-40.png)

After school work was done Emma spent most of the day with Pancake.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-39.png)

For Christmas Emma got a bunch of bracelets that she could use to make snake shed jewelry. Last night she took Pancakes first shed and made a bunch with Olivia. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-42.png)

Today they checked they were all glued and cleaned up. They made some for us and the rest for friends, teachers and family. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-41.png)
### out and about
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/out-and-about-5/
Last updated: 2023-01-09T04:35:19.000Z
We've been spending a lot of time at home with Emma not feeling well. Now that she's feeling better (not 100% yet... but way better than she was) I was itching to get out of the house this weekend. On Saturday we ended up at REI. We have a huge one and we've never been. The girls weren't very excited about going... until we got there and they both found things they wanted to buy. 

On Sunday we went to Snake Discovery. Braden has never been, but he's been watching all their YouTube videos with us... plus we needed more mice. We haven't seen smiles like these in a long time. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-33.png)

Olivia wanted to do the tour while Emma and Braden shopped for some new things for Pancake's cage. She got to touch a lot of cool things. Some of them we've even seen featured on their YouTube channel.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-34.png)

Cuban False Chameleon

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-35.png)

Salamander

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-36.png)

Brazilian Rainbow Boa (born without eyes)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-37.png)

Tegu

Before the tour Olivia started working on this puzzle. During the tour some other kids tried to solve it and messed up the work she had done. Man... she was mad! She ended up skipping the last animal on the tour so she could run back and solve the puzzle before all the kids got done with the tour.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-38.png)
### sledding
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/sledding-6/
Last updated: 2023-01-06T03:16:42.000Z
We got a lot of snow yesterday, but at least it was warm enough for us to get outside and enjoy it... and by warm I mean over 30 degrees! It was perfect sledding weather. Our neighbor friends have the neighborhood sledding hill in their backyard, so we headed over there in the afternoon for some sledding.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-25.png)

I was pretty surprised by Olivia. Last year she refused to sled. Yesterday she sled for 2 hours and I had to drag her out of there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-23.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-29.png)

Even Braden had some fun.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-28.png)

Emma still wasn't feeling well and said she didn't want to sled, but she needed to get out of the house so I dragged her with us. We went to the doctor today and he figured out right away what was going on with her. We have a plan and by tonight she was already feeling better and looking forward to going to school tomorrow!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-22.png)

You can't have sledding without hot chocolate! I brought a thermos with us to share with the girls friends.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-24.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-26.png)

When Olivia and I got home the cinnamon roll bread was ready. She was pretty proud of it and it was delicious.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-30.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-31.png)
### throwback thursday (january 5, 2022)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-january-2/
Last updated: 2023-01-05T06:01:30.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-78.png)
### snow day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/snow-day-4/
Last updated: 2023-01-04T19:57:36.000Z
The girls were finally back to school on Tuesday! Emma ended up coming home early because she threw up a school. Good times. I've researched everything from acid reflux to thyroid issues to celiacs disease trying to figure out what could be going on with her. We were supposed to have a doctor appointment today, but it was rescheduled because of the snow. About that snow... got the text at 5 AM that school was cancelled today.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-15.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-16.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-21.png)

Olivia and I are trying out a cinnamon roll bread recipe since we aren't going anywhere today.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-18.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-19.png)
### winter break: day 12
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-12/
Last updated: 2023-01-03T17:08:47.000Z
Clean up day. It was time for Olivia's birthday decorations to come down. They were winter themed and she begged to keep them up until the New Years party, but after almost a month of being up it was time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-13.png)

Christmas decorations also came down.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-03-at-11.07.33-AM.png)
### happy new year! (winter break: day 11)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-new-year-winter-break-day-11/
Last updated: 2023-01-03T17:05:58.000Z
Happy New Year! The girls made it waaaaay past midnight. 3:30 AM to be exact.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-10.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-11.png)

This is what you look like the day after (or I guess technically the same day)... same clothes, messy hair.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-12.png)
### winter break: day 10
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-10/
Last updated: 2023-01-03T17:02:41.000Z
New Years Eve! Last year we had two other families over to ring in 2022\. The girls had the best time staying up until 2 AM, so they've been begging for us to do it again. We made arrangements with our friends a month ago, but with the way our winter break was going I wasn't sure it was going to happen. Olivia was determined to make it happen. She spent all day helping in the kitchen and cleaning the house.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-5.png)

Emma took another nap....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-4.png)

We pulled it off! Olivia and I opted for formal attire, while Braden and Emma took the comfy route.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-6.png)

We had lots of food to eat.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-7.png)

We've been cleaning up the basement and Braden found our boat flares from 2012\. They expired in 2013 so the company recommended they be disposed of. Done!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-8.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image-9.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-03-at-11.01.07-AM.png)
### winter break: day 9
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-9/
Last updated: 2023-01-03T16:50:28.000Z
I can't remember the last time Emma took a nap. She's taken at least one a day since the day after Christmas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/image.png)

Since we're still just hanging around the house I decided today was the day to take the lint catcher off the dryer. I've been wanting to clean that thing out for a very long time. 

You know when you lose something and you always wonder what happened to it...? Well today I found out where my debit card went that I lost 2 years ago. It went into the lint catcher. I must have had it in my coat pocket when I washed it. I just have no idea how it squeezed through the little crack and made it down in there.... but after years the mystery is solved.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2023/01/PXL_20221231_022457696.png)
### winter break: day 8
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-8/
Last updated: 2022-12-31T02:34:22.000Z
We've been taking it easy, but really needed to get out of the house. No one had any stomach issues for over 24 hours, so we thought the grocery store would be a safe outing. Turns out we weren't in the clear yet. Emma ended up getting sick in the middle of the store. Luckily I had plastic bags with me and after 9 years I'm really good at catching anything projectile. Fun times.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-106.png)

Braden and Olivia managed to get everything on my list while Emma and I spent the rest of the time in the bathroom. By the time we got home it was time for a little drink... or really a whole bottle.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-107.png)
### throwback thursday (december 29, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-december-29-2021/
Last updated: 2022-12-29T06:01:34.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-6.png)
### winter break: day 7
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-7/
Last updated: 2022-12-28T22:56:42.000Z
Fingers crossed we're on the other side of this fun stomach virus. Emma and Olivia were the only ones to actually get sick, but both Braden and I weren't feeling all that great yesterday. That meant today was a rest day. Olivia built Legos all day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-105.png)

Emma binge watched her favorite YouTube channel Snake Discovery (where she got her snake) while holding Pancake.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-104.png)
### winter break: day 6
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-6/
Last updated: 2022-12-28T22:50:45.000Z
Sometimes plans don't go the way you want... Monday night I think I got maybe 3 hours of sleep. Emma didn't sleep at all and was up all night running to the bathroom. Olivia slept through everything, but Braden and I did not. We tried to make the most of the day. Went to a delicious breakfast. Did a little shopping. Watched some glass blowing.... but this trip was doomed.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-100.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-101.png)

We did a quick stop at Walgreens to pick up some snacks and medicine to hopefully salvage our trip. For some reason Olivia always wants to buy dumbbells.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-102.png)

Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. We packed up and headed home a day early. It was a good thing we did because last night Olivia ended up throwing up. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-103.png)
### winter break: day 5
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-5/
Last updated: 2022-12-28T16:32:11.000Z
We always take the bus to Duluth over Memorial Day weekend. Last year we decided we wanted to check it out during the winter. Braden ended up taking this week off, so we decided to take a 3 day trip up to Duluth again during the girls winter break.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-86.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-97.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-98.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-99.png)

This time we stayed at a hotel with an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, views of the bridge and Bentleyville (the huge Christmas light display in Duluth).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-87.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-88.png)

The view from our room...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-89.png)

Last year we were miserable walking through the lights. This year we decided we would wait to see how the weather was before making a decision about going again. Once we got to the room and could see pretty much the whole thing we decided that was way better than braving the cold and wind to walk around outside.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-90.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-91.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-92.png)

Instead Olivia and I went to the pool. She got to try out her new swimsuit, flippers and mermaid tail she got for Christmas (thanks Grandma!). Emma wasn't feeling great and fell asleep, so Braden stayed in the room with her while she took a little nap.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-93.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-94.png)

And the outdoor hot tub. The outside temperature was 2 degrees!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-95.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-96.png)
### merry christmas (winter break: day 4)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/merry-christmas-winter-break-day-3/
Last updated: 2022-12-28T16:09:01.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-83.png)

Last night before bed Emma told me she was getting me up at 7:30 AM. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-82.png)

Sure enough... both girls came running into our room right at 7:30 AM ready to start the day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-84.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-85.png)
### winter break: day 3
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-3/
Last updated: 2022-12-25T01:37:06.000Z
Today was a lay around the house holding a snake kind of day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-75.png)

Emma put a climbing branch on her Christmas list. When Olivia was helping me wrap gifts she said it really should go to Pancake... not Emma.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-76.png)

On Christmas Eve we each open one gift. The girls felt it was only fair that Pancake got to open hers.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-77.png)
### winter break: day 2
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-2/
Last updated: 2022-12-24T00:11:39.000Z
I can't remember the last time we've been to the zoo (I feel like I say that every time we visit). With the girls in school and so many fun no school day places to go we really don't get to the zoo that often anymore. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-71.png)

Before we moved to Minnesota the zoo had dolphins. After the dolphins left they got monk seals, which really don't do much and are pretty boring to watch. A month or two ago one of the zoos in Chicago needed a place to house their dolpins while they renovate their zoo, so the dolphins are at our zoo temporarily. The dolphins are so much cooler than the seals!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-73.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-74.png)
### winter break: day 1
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break-day-1/
Last updated: 2022-12-23T02:27:18.000Z
Yesterday we got lots of snow. The pretty, powdery, sparkly stuff. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-62.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-63.png)

But today... no blizzard. It was a very, very cold, sunny day. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-64.png)

How cold...? It was make icicles on your eyebrow cold.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-65.png)

Since I thought there was a blizzard coming we had play dates and baking planned for today. It was a full day of friends, cookies and chocolate pie (my favorite).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-67.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-68.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-70.png)
### throwback thursday (december 22, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-december-22-2021/
Last updated: 2022-12-22T06:01:58.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-4.png)
### winter break!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-break/
Last updated: 2022-12-21T22:53:38.000Z
Schools out a day early for winter break! Winter break was supposed to start on Friday, but with blizzard weather and very low negative temperatures forecast tomorrow they decided to give them an extra day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-61.png)

Looks like it's going to be the perfect day for making cookies and pie! 😋
### splish splash
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/splish-splash-3/
Last updated: 2022-12-20T04:58:43.000Z
Last week Pancake (formerly Peanut Butter) shed.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-57.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-58.png)

Our resident snake expert (Emma) has been keeping an eye on her because sometimes snakes need a little help getting all the shed off if it doesn't come off on its own, especially on its tail (who knew?). The way to get it all off... a little snake bath.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-59.png)

I thought it was crazy, but what do I know? Turns out I think Pancake actually liked it and Emma was able to easily get all the remaining shed off of her.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-60.png)
### spa day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/spa-day-2/
Last updated: 2022-12-19T04:43:10.000Z
What do you do after the crazy day we had yesterday? You have a spa day. The Snowtopia Spa treatments included manicures, pedicures, make up, massages and tattoos.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-51.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-55.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-56.png)

Even Braden got some spa time with the girls...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-53.png)
### what a day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/what-a-day/
Last updated: 2022-12-18T20:10:55.000Z
I've been mentally preparing for this day for weeks. It started with Olivia's last basketball game of the season. I'm so glad she tried basketball. She really had fun doing it... and she's pretty good.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-39.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-40.png)

We had to leave the basketball game at halftime to get to our next event. Winter dance recitals. Olivia's best friend and her mom even came to watch her dance. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-41.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-44.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-45.png)

That wasn't the end to our day. The girls had three recitals, but we could only stay for two because we had to get to our final event of the day. Emma's school choir was singing at the Holiday Music Festival at the Mall of America.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-47.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-50.png)

Emma had a solo... in Spanish!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-49.png)

Whew. We made it through the day. Next we had planned to grab dinner and do some shopping to wind down from a crazy day... plus Braden and I really needed a margarita or two. Right after we got our food (and margaritas) Emma got sick at the restaurant and we had to pack up and go home. That was not something I had planned for... 😭
### let it snow
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/let-it-snow-2/
Last updated: 2022-12-16T17:01:11.000Z
Found this cute little snowman at Walmart on Wednesday, so I hung it on our front door.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-32.png)

Thursday we woke up to this...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-34.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-35.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-38.png)

We also really slacked this year on Christmas lights and missed all the nice weather days to hang them. I started laughing when I saw this at Walmart and thought it would be perfect for a lightless house.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-37.png)
### throwback thursday (december 15, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-december-15-2021/
Last updated: 2022-12-15T06:01:23.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-3.png)
### happy 7th birthday
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/early-celebration/
Last updated: 2022-12-11T20:17:19.000Z
Olivia's birthday celebrations started at school on Friday. Her teacher sent me this photo - 7 things for 7 year olds! This is what the birthday girl's classmates love about her. ❤

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-23.png)

She also had a surprise lunch date at school!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-24.png)

Olivia has only had one birthday party, and it was at the gymnastics place when she turned 4\. This year she wanted a winter themed party at home with all her friends from school. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-25.png)

A couple months ago she asked if we could have the animal lady that came for Emma's 6th birthday come to her party. I have no idea how she remembered that, but she did.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-28.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-29.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-30.png)

Happy birthday Olivia!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-31.png)
### throwback thursday (december 8, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-december-8-2021/
Last updated: 2022-12-08T06:01:55.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-2.png)
### laundry room makeover
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/laundry-room-makeover/
Last updated: 2022-12-04T20:32:24.000Z
A long time ago I decided I really wanted to spruce up our laundry room. It started by removing the drawers under the washer and dryer so I could use them for folding clothes. I also purchased peel and stick wallpaper for the back wall. It's taken me over a year to get started. I of course forgot to get a real before photo, but at least I remembered to get a couple before I started painting.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-15.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-16.png)

 The painting part was easy. Hanging wallpaper is not my favorite, but it is so pretty.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-17.png)

It's not perfect, but it will do.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-18.png)

I need to get one more laundry hamper and I want Braden to hang a fun, sparkly chandelier... but for the most part the laundry room is done!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-21.png)
### peanut butter
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/peanut-butter/
Last updated: 2022-12-02T22:37:35.000Z
Emma started following this local place's YouTube channel over a year ago, and since then has been asking for a snake. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-7.png)

Surprisingly she knows a lot about them - all the different kinds, what they eat, how to set up their habitat. I've been against it. Mostly because I don't want to store dead mice in my freezer 🤢, and I remember when my brother's snake bit my mom 😬. 

She has been pretty set on getting an albino checkered garter snake, which I haven't seen available anywhere. It just so happens that the place got a bunch of babies in last week. I talked it over with Braden and he thought we should let her get one as a Christmas present. The girls didn't have school today, so we made a trip there to go see them.

After getting there she changed her mind when she saw how small they were. She held a 1 year old corn snake that was pretty small and tried to hide in her pocket. Then the lady took out a 1 month old corn snake which was even smaller, but the lady told her it was too squirmy for Emma to hold. I asked if the 2 year old corn snake I saw posted on their Facebook page was still available because I thought that one actually sounded perfect.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-11.png)

After Emma held her she decided this was the one. So here we are...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-10.png)

When we got home she got right to work setting up the enclosure.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-9.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-8.png)

Welcome to the family Peanut Butter.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-12.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-13.png)
### throwback thursday (december 1, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-december-1-2021/
Last updated: 2022-12-01T06:01:24.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/12/image-1.png)
### happy thanksgiving
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-thanksgiving-6/
Last updated: 2022-11-27T20:40:58.000Z
We loved spending Thanksgiving in Wisconsin Dells last year, so why not do it again? This time we surprised the girls with the trip... and we brought some friends along.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-29.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-30.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-31.png)

The last time we came the girls really wanted to drive the go carts, but Emma isn't old enough and Olivia isn't tall enough. Since the last time we were here they started a little kid hour which both girls could do... so we did... every day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-33.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-34.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-40.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-41.png)

Of course we spent a good amount of time in the arcade. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-35.png)

Plus the ropes course, climbing walls, mini golf and laser tag.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-44.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-49.png)

My favorite part... the Thanksgiving buffet. No cooking. No cleaning. Lots of eating.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-37.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-38.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-39.png)

You know its been a good trip when you walk up to your lounge chair and find Emma asleep in the middle of the day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-32.png)

We've been to this resort three times, and we've stayed in a different part every time. This time we got a cabin, and it was worth every penny to not hear the hotel noise 24/7.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-46.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-47.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-48.png)
### throwback thursday (november 24, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-24-2021/
Last updated: 2022-11-24T06:01:16.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-44.png)
### 11 baskets
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/11-baskets/
Last updated: 2022-11-21T02:56:57.000Z
Another weekend... another basketball game. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-26.png)

This was her fifth game. In the first 4 games she maybe scored 1 or 2 baskets. This game I stopped counting at 8\. Emma said she made 11.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-28.png)
### state semi-finals
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/state-semi-finals/
Last updated: 2022-11-19T19:04:48.000Z
Our town's high school football team played in the state semi-finals last night at US Bank Stadium (where the MN Vikings play). We had decided earlier in the week we would wait to go see them in the championship game, but just about everyone we know was going to the semi-final game. Then the girls came home from school begging to go. 

Minnesota might not be big into college football, but our town is big into supporting the high school football team like crazy. Apparently most of the girls school wore their Rosemount Irish gear and they made some special announcements during the day, including playing the high school song. So... we spent our Friday night watching our high school team win and go to the state championship game!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-23.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-22.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-25.png)

It was a very late night. We didn't get home until almost midnight.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-24.png)
### throwback thursday (november 17, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-17-2021/
Last updated: 2022-11-17T06:01:37.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-43.png)
### snow
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/snow-2/
Last updated: 2022-11-16T02:14:23.000Z
It's not even Thanksgiving yet and we already have a good amount of snow on the ground. Emma keeps singing "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...." and Olivia will only go outside with her umbrella.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-20.png)
### throwback thursday (november 10, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-10-2021/
Last updated: 2022-11-10T06:01:53.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-42.png)
### moa
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/moa/
Last updated: 2022-11-05T22:49:39.000Z
Olivia is pretty terrified of shots. I told her if I didn't have to pin her down for her annual flu shot this time she could pick what we did for the rest of the day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-12.png)

Of course she picked Mall of America. Usually when the girls don't have school the mall is packed. Not this time. Every time we've been to the mall the line for this roller coaster is so long that you can only ride it once, and only if you show up before they open and get in line... otherwise you stand in line for a very long time. We rode this roller coaster 4 times. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-15.png)

Emma rode the upside down Sponge Bob rollercoaster 4 times too.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-16.png)

You can't go to Mall of America without having lunch at Rainforest Cafe. I'm not really sure why, but this is the girls favorite restaurant in the mall.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-14.png)

She also wanted Dippin' Dots.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-17.png)

Plus we did a little shopping.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-18.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-19.png)
### candle fail
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/candle-fail/
Last updated: 2022-11-04T00:37:23.000Z
Well... that was a big fat fail. Emma and I missed a critical step in the candle making process. Ope. We were able to redo that step and still get half a candle out of it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-10.png)

She's pretty happy with the candle she did get, and can't wait to do it all over again.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-11.png)
### beeswax candles
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/beeswax-candles/
Last updated: 2022-11-03T15:38:27.000Z
Last weekend Braden brought home 10 frames of honey, so this week I got all the honey into bottles. There is always so much honeycomb and beeswax left over that we've talked about making candles with it for a long time. I just never wanted to deal with the mess. Getting the honey into bottles is messy enough. Today the girls didn't have school and Emma was determined to finally make candles. She watched a couple YouTube videos and got right to work.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image.png)

First you have to melt the beeswax.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-3.png)

Next you have to strain the wax.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-5.png)

Then pour the wax into molds or containers. She did a mix of glass jars and silicone molds.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-7.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-8.png)

Now... we wait. Stay tuned for the final result! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/11/image-9.png)
### throwback thursday (november 3, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-3-2021/
Last updated: 2022-11-03T05:01:56.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-41.png)
### severs
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/severs-4/
Last updated: 2022-10-30T21:30:37.000Z
Sever's is one of my favorite fall traditions. Corn pits, corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin blaster, mini donuts... plus so much more. I love all of it. I've been wanting to go here just about every nice weekend for months, but we've been so busy we decided we'd just skip it this year. The girls hadn't mentioned it, so we figured they just forgot about it. Then this morning Olivia asked when we were going to the corn pit with the rope swings and monkey bars. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-61.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-62.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-63.png)

I was bummed to see they got rid of a bunch of their animals. They used the have the best petting zoo ever.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-64.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-65.png)

They still have all the other fun stuff though, and they added in a train.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-71.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-67.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-68.png)

Probably their favorite part was the random farm that showed up with llamas and let them just walk them around. That made up for the lack of animals at the petting zoo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-70.png)
### family photos
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/family-photos-6/
Last updated: 2022-10-29T22:12:48.000Z
I always dread family photos. Figuring out the outfits is the worst part, but it is the only way we get some amazing family photos every year.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-50.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-55.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-56.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-57.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-58.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-59.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-60.png)
### busy saturday
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/busy-saturday/
Last updated: 2022-10-29T22:04:00.000Z
I've been preparing for this Saturday morning all week...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-45.png)

Turns out it wasn't as bad as I thought. Olivia and I got to her photos at the elementary school 15 minutes early and they were able to take them right away. Then we met up with Braden and Emma next door at the middle school for Emma's final volleyball game. They won and were undefeated this season.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-46.png)

After the volleyball game Emma headed to a team end of season lunch with a friend, while Braden, Olivia and I walked back next door to the elementary school for Olivia's basketball double header. Whew.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-47.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-49.png)
### throwback thursday (october 27, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-27-2021/
Last updated: 2022-10-27T05:01:39.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-41.png)
### throwback thursday (october 20, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-20-2021/
Last updated: 2022-10-20T05:01:14.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-40.png)
### pine mountain
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/pine-mountain-2/
Last updated: 2022-10-16T14:16:53.000Z
After our mini vacation in Nashville we drove down to Georgia for the rally. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-34.png)

We saw old friends, made new friends, won at bingo (twice!) and had a great time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-35.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-36.png)

While we were away the girls tried on their Halloween costumes. Emma is going to be an 80s girl and Olivia is Dorothy.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-39.png)

Olivia played in the leaves and lost her 2nd tooth!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-40.png)

They also had the first snow fall and had to dig out their winter coats to go to school!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-38.png)
### nashville
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/nashville-2/
Last updated: 2022-10-16T14:07:04.000Z
It's October, which means it is the month of the annual Blue Bird rally down in Georgia. Last year Braden and I spent a couple days in Kentucky before heading down south. This year we changed it up and went to Nashville while Braden's mom watched the girls again (thanks Nana!).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-11.png)

We planned three days in Nashville. We visited the County Music Hall of Fame.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-12.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-15.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-29.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-30.png)

We spent a day bar hopping and listening to live music.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-16.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-17.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-20.png)

We ate BBQ.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-22.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-23.png)

We saw a show at the Grand Ole Opry.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-24.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-25.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-26.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-28.png)
### throwback thursday (october 13, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-13-2021/
Last updated: 2022-10-13T05:01:37.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-39.png)
### throwback thursday (october 6, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-6-2021/
Last updated: 2022-10-06T05:01:10.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-38.png)
### book character day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/book-character-day-5/
Last updated: 2022-10-01T01:26:18.000Z
It was book character day at school today. Emma went as Julie from Julie and the Phantoms.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-9.png)

Olivia was Bad Kitty.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-10.png)
### jack-o-lanterns
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/jack-o-lanterns/
Last updated: 2022-10-01T01:23:43.000Z
Our annual visit to the jack-o-lantern display at the zoo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/10/image-1.png)

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### throwback thursday (september 29, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-29-2021/
Last updated: 2022-09-29T05:01:27.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-132.png)
### twins game
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/twins-game/
Last updated: 2022-09-28T17:04:51.000Z
We've lived here almost nine years and never been to a MN Twins game until this year... and we've been to two in less than 6 months. Our first game was in May when Emma sang the National Anthem. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-44.png)

Last night we got invited by one of our neighbors to a work event in a box with free food and drinks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-43.png)
### mn ren fest
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/mn-ren-fest/
Last updated: 2022-09-25T02:35:38.000Z
We've been talking about going to the Renaissance Festival for weeks. It is one of the things we've done that the girls don't remember doing. We thought today would be the perfect day to go. The whole state of Minnesota also thought today would be the perfect day to go. The line just to exit the highway was over 4 miles long... and it was completely stopped. We decided to rethink our plan with a pit stop at Minnesota's Largest Candy Store since that was right up the road. Another place the girls didn't really remember.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-30.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-31.png)

After some candy shopping we headed back towards the Renaissance Festival. The line was much shorter, so we decided to give it a go. I don't think we've ever seen the Renaissance Festival so packed. It looked like Minnesota State Fair crowds. Even with all the people we still managed to do everything we wanted to... except Emma didn't get a turkey leg. She wanted a turkey leg so bad, but the lines for a turkey leg were INSANE! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-33.png)

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Emma really wanted to do these trampoline things. Some lady heard us talking about them and said the wait was an hour and a half! No thank you. After walking around for a while Emma still really wanted to do it... even with the long wait. The rest of us watched the jousting while she waited for her turn.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-35.png)

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### throwback thursday (september 22, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-22-2021/
Last updated: 2022-09-22T05:01:55.000Z
_No content available._
### apple picking
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/apple-picking-6/
Last updated: 2022-09-20T01:40:07.000Z
Of all the fruit picking we do apples takes the least amount of time and we come home with more fruit than we know what to do with. In 10 minutes we had picked almost 20 lbs of apples. Now its time for apple cookies, apple muffins, apple squares, apple pie... and whatever other recipe I can find that uses apples.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-25.png)

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### throwback thursday (september 15, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-15-2021/
Last updated: 2022-09-15T05:01:46.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-131.png)
### throwback thursday (september 8, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-8-2021/
Last updated: 2022-09-08T05:01:55.000Z
_No content available._
### bye bye butterflies
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/bye-bye-butterfly-2/
Last updated: 2022-09-08T01:48:11.000Z
We let three more butterflies go this week. All hatched on the same day. We have only 1 caterpillar and 1 chrysalis left. I've been out looking for more, but haven't had any luck.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-22.png)

I love when you can see their wings through the chrysalis.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-21.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-24.png)
### first day of school
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/first-day-of-school-5/
Last updated: 2022-09-07T01:40:00.000Z
I have no idea where the summer (or the years) have gone.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-20.png)
### twas the night before school...
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/twas-the-night-before-school/
Last updated: 2022-09-06T02:08:59.000Z
... and Olivia lost her first tooth!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-18.png)

She really wanted to hang onto it until she showed her teacher her very first loose tooth, but I think she was too excited to actually lose it that she decided it had to come out tonight.
### end of summer
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/end-of-summer/
Last updated: 2022-09-05T16:37:12.000Z
The girls start school tomorrow (which I am not ready for at all). We did one final hurrah down the river. This time Emma rode her paddle board. She said she's never going back to the kayak again.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-10.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-17.png)

It was perfect weather for a little swimming, rope swinging and sunbathing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-12.png)

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### throwback thursday (september 1, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-1-2021/
Last updated: 2022-09-01T05:01:31.000Z
_No content available._
### mn state fair
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/mn-state-fair-2/
Last updated: 2022-09-01T03:45:51.000Z
Man... I forgot how much I love the state fair until we were on the bus ride from the parking lot to the gates.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-1.png)

We got a late start this afternoon, so we didn't get to do everything... but I think we hit our biggest favorites. Garlic fries, mini donut beer, cheese curds, butterflies, cookies, rides and games.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-3.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-7.png)

Oh... and of course the giant slide!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/09/image-8.png)
### monarchs
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/monarchs-2/
Last updated: 2022-08-29T18:53:30.000Z
Our monarch caterpillar finding got off to slow start this summer. Our first one hatched this week.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-125.png)

I tried to get a picture of Olivia releasing it, but it took off before I could get the photo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-130.png)

We have 6 chrysalis, and 2 caterpillars left.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-126.png)

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### snake discovery
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/snake-discovery/
Last updated: 2022-08-29T03:00:44.000Z
Emma has been very interested in snakes lately. A couple weeks ago I was Googling places you could hold or touch snakes and came across a place called Snake Discovery 30 minutes from our house. She saw me looking at their page and told me they have a YouTube channel that she had been watching it for a long time. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-111.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-112.png)

While I was on their page I saw they had an event to make jewelry with snake skin, but it was sold out. I have been checking every couple days hoping there would be an opening. Last night at 10:30 PM they posted on their Facebook page that they had 2 cancellations, so I hurried up and got us tickets!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-114.png)

While we were waiting for a necklaces to dry they brought in 2 snakes for everyone to hold.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-122.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-123.png)

We also got admission to the zoo where they have all sorts of cool reptiles, amphibians and bugs. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-120.png)

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Emma was super excited when she saw Emily who is in their YouTube videos.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-113.png)

This turned out to be a lot more fun that I thought it would and I was pretty impressed with our finished snake skin necklaces.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-121.png)
### summer finale
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/summer-finale/
Last updated: 2022-08-28T03:52:17.000Z
I can't believe how fast this summer went by. Monday the girls have open house and get to meet their teachers. Next Tuesday they start school. We certainly packed a whole lot of fun into our last camping trip of the summer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-92.png)

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I love this waterpark campground, but the weekends are insane. It gets so crowded and the lines get super long. To avoid the crowds we stayed there Sunday to Friday... which made it a girls camping trip since Braden had to work. To round out my fun week Braden and I squeezed in a date night on Friday night and went to the new brewery they opened in town.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-110.png)
### summer days
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/untitled-42/
Last updated: 2022-08-28T03:35:23.000Z
There won't be much to post the next couple days because this is all we will be doing. Plus some time at the petting zoo, ice cream, arcade, candy bar bingo and maybe even a little paddle boarding.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-88.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-89.png)

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### throwback thursday (august 25, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-25-2021/
Last updated: 2022-08-25T05:01:15.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-114.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-115.png)
### waterpark camping
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/waterpark-camping-2/
Last updated: 2022-08-22T03:55:57.000Z
Our last camping trip of the summer is at one of the girls favorite campgrounds. I'm pretty sure it is Braden's least favorite of all time, but I agree with the girls... I love it here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-87.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-83.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-84.png)

The donkeys next to the goats started making a ton of noise when the saw Emma feeding the goats and not them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-82.png)

Olivia saved this grasshopper from impending death in the pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-85.png)
### r.i.p spots
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/rip-spots/
Last updated: 2022-08-19T18:18:51.000Z
Before we left for Texas both Emma's fish and Olivia's fish got a vacation feeder. The feeders said they were only good for 7 days, so on day 6 my friend came over to check on the fish and drop another feeder in there. That was Thursday. All was good. When we got home on Monday only one fish remained - Olivia's fish Blueberry.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-74.png)

We had to break the news to Emma that her fish didn't make it. There were some tears, then she scooped him out, flushed him, and that was that. The next day we cleaned everything in the tank and she rearranged it all.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-75.png)

Once it was all put back together we headed back to PetSmart for a new fish. It took her forever to decide. We lined up all the ones she liked and she started eliminating them one by one. She considered a couple female bettas, but in the end picked a red male one.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-76.png)

Here is Toasty. He is a lot more active than Spots (which could have been a sign he wasn't going to make it long).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-77.png)

He also loves to hide in this clam shell, which she thinks is hilarious.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-78.png)
### throwback thursday (august 18, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-18-2021/
Last updated: 2022-08-18T05:01:33.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-113.png)
### heading north
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/heading-north/
Last updated: 2022-08-15T03:04:37.000Z
We snuck in an extra day in Texas and started heading home this morning. This time we took a different route through Dallas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-68.png)

We had a lot of places we wanted to visit on this trip. Usually we can't get to all the places on our list, but somehow we managed to go everywhere we wanted to. Our list included restaurants (Mexican, BBQ and Whataburger). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-70.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-71.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-69.png)

We put in a solid 9 hours today through Texas and Oklahoma and stopped for the night in Missouri. Tomorrow we have another long day to get back home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-73.png)
### monarchs
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/monarchs/
Last updated: 2022-08-13T21:36:16.000Z
It wouldn't really be a summer roadtrip if we weren't traveling with monarch caterpillars. I looked all summer and couldn't find a single one. The night before we were leaving for Texas Olivia and I found three at the barn. Turns out the three were really six plus two eggs. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-64.png)

All the eggs have hatched and two of the caterpillars are almost ready for their chrysalis. Our milkweed is looking a little rough, so we will be picking some up on our way back home tomorrow... also a normal stop for us on a roadtrip home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-65.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-67.png)
### schlitterbahn
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/schlitterbahn/
Last updated: 2022-08-13T04:14:35.000Z
We got there right after it opened. Stayed all day in a cabana. We left after it closed. We were all too busy riding waterslides to get very many photos. Grabbed dinner at Buc-ees on the way back. Both girls fell asleep for most of the 2 hour car ride. I'd say it was a good day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-60.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-61.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-62.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-63.png)
### throwback thursday (august 11, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-11-2021/
Last updated: 2022-08-11T05:01:37.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-112.png)
### austin
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/austin/
Last updated: 2022-08-11T04:13:33.000Z
Today's adventures took us to Austin. We visited family, ate Mexican food, swam at Barton Springs, played video games and watched the bats. It was a solid day. We checked off everything we wanted to do on our one day in Austin. Tomorrow we rest.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-49.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-56.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-57.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-59.png)
### blue bell
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/blue-bell/
Last updated: 2022-08-10T02:39:53.000Z
Blue Bell Creamery. One of my favorite places to visit while we're in Texas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-40.png)

The last time we were here was 2018.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-42.png)

2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-43.png)

2022

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-44.png)

2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-45.png)

2022

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-46.png)

2018

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-47.png)

2022
### welcome to texas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/welcome-to-texas/
Last updated: 2022-08-10T02:30:11.000Z
The last time we were in Texas in 2019 I really wanted to go to Waco to visit the Magnolia Market at the Silos. We didn't make it during that trip, so this time I was hoping we could finally make it there. Eh. Turns out it wasn't really that great, plus it was 1,000 degrees. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-29.png)

We did score some amazing cupcakes, cookies and pastries from the bakery though. We also had lunch at Magnolia Table.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-30.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-31.png)

While we were driving this morning Emma did her own research and found the Dr. Pepper Museum right around the corner from the Silos. When you're that close to the Dr. Pepper Museum you make time for the Dr. Pepper Museum.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-33.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-34.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-35.png)

After some back roads driving over bridges we may have been too heavy for and roads that were a little sketchy... we made it to Braden's dad's where we will be staying for the week.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-37.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-38.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-39.png)
### we're not in kansas anymore
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/were-not-in-kansas-anymore/
Last updated: 2022-08-08T02:58:49.000Z
This morning we got an early start. It didn't take us long to get through the rest of Iowa and into Missouri.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-22.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-23.png)

After Missouri it was on to Kansas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-24.png)

I try to find fun places to stop along the way. Sometimes they're great, and sometimes they're not... but you never know until you visit. Today was the Kansas Aviation Museum. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-13.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-17.png)

The museum used to be an airport, so you could even go into the old air traffic control tower.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-18.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-19.png)

I think everyone would agree this was a good one. We could have spent a little more time here, but it was just a quick hour stop to stretch our legs and then it was back on the road to Oklahoma.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-25.png)

We were hoping to make it to Texas today, but it was a long, very hot day so we decided to stop for the night in Oklahoma City.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-26.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-28.png)

Tomorrow... Texas!
### away we go
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/away-we-go/
Last updated: 2022-08-07T03:02:41.000Z
This week was our big road trip week. We've been wanting to go to Yellowstone for the last two years, but it is difficult to get in at any of the campgrounds near the park. This year I scored a site at a campground right outside the park!

All summer we've been debating if we would even go. We had a pretty busy summer, so it would be nice just to stay home since school is right around the corner. We also talked about renting a sailboat in the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin like we did last year. We even talked about a trip to somewhere in the Caribbean. In the end we decided on a roadtrip down to Texas. We haven't seen that side of Braden's family since 2019... so it was time. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-5.png)

We weren't super well prepared for this trip since we were starting on Saturday and didn't decide this plan until Thursday. We made it all happen, but got a later start that usual. That means we only made it 4 hours out of 18\. We stopped for the night in Des Moines, Iowa.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-7.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-6.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-10.png)

Man... it is hot in Iowa. When we parked the bus it was 99 degrees, but felt like 112\. Good thing we stopped at a KOA with a pool!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-11.png)
### throwback thursday (august 4, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-august-4-2021/
Last updated: 2022-08-04T05:01:41.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-111.png)
### emma is 9!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/emma-is-9/
Last updated: 2022-08-02T01:17:21.000Z
We celebrated today with a trip to PetSmart to purchase a betta fish.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-4.png)

Dinner at a hibachi restaurant.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image.png)

Opening her new paddleboard.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-1.png)

Cake with friends.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/08/image-2.png)
### leprechaun days
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/leprechaun-days-2/
Last updated: 2022-07-30T18:50:20.000Z
Our city does Leprechaun Days the last week of July every year. There are tons of activities all week. We were supposed to be camping part of the week, but ended up cancelling so we were able to do all our favorite activities this week.

First up... Blarney Stone Hunt. Kids are given a cup and have to find rocks and coins in the field. They exchange them for money. Olivia made $1.56.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-127.png)

They also love Wet N Wild Day. They are put into groups and spend two hours rotating to different stations. Their favorite one is always the slip n slide.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-130.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-128.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-132.png)

Dippin Dots Social was a new one we tried this year. It was kind of hard to pass up free Dippin Dots.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-133.png)

We ended up going to the Midsummer Faire both Thursday and Friday nights. Live music, games, rides and lots of food.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-135.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-136.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-137.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-138.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-139.png)

Clearly Olivia as been having a good time. This is how she woke up Friday morning.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-134.png)
### throwback thursday (july 28, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-july-28-2021/
Last updated: 2022-07-28T05:01:03.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-13.png)
### zoo day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/zoo-day-4/
Last updated: 2022-07-27T20:50:54.000Z
I can't remember the last time the kids and I have been to the zoo. Emma had a full day planned with her friend, so Olivia and I went to see if there was anything new.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-116.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-126.png)

The beavers recently had five babies. We got lucky to catch two of them swimming around.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-118.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-119.png)

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### cabin weekend
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/cabin-weekend-2/
Last updated: 2022-07-26T20:15:53.000Z
Our friends invited us to their cabin in Wisconsin for the weekend. We did a lot of boating, eating, drinking, swimming and ice cream eating. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-93.png)

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Emma also did a ton of paddleboarding. She loved it so much that we're getting her one for her birthday.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-101.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-102.png)

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I was pretty surprised by how adventurous Olivia was. She loved being towed in the tube behind the boat and jumping off the dock. She is usually never a fan of either one of these things, but loved doing both of them.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-103.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-104.png)
### blueberry picking
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/cabin-weekend/
Last updated: 2022-07-26T19:55:23.000Z
Another fun summer activity.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-90.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-91.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-92.png)
### throwback thursday (july 21, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-july-21-2021/
Last updated: 2022-07-21T05:01:01.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-11.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-12.png)
### last day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/last-day-4/
Last updated: 2022-07-21T02:15:07.000Z
Braden had to head back home for work on Tuesday night, but we weren't checking out until Wednesday. The girls and I spent the day at the one waterpark we hadn't been to yet.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-81.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-85.png)

The minimum height for this slide was 48". Olivia really wanted to do it, but she isn't 48" yet. Emma had been dying all week to sneak her on a slide that she wasn't tall enough for. She was very excited that I told her she could go ahead and try to get Olivia on this one. As soon as Olivia got out of the water she said very loudly... "THE LADY DIDN'T EVEN MEAUSRE ME!". 🤣

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-82.png)

This waterpark had a tie dye booth. Perfect souvenir.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-86.png)

Last activity of the day before our 3 1/2 hour drive home... ropes course and rock wall. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-87.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-88.png)

One of the indoor waterparks was closed for renovation. Think I can convince Braden to take us back to see the new one for Thanksgiving again this year?!? 🤔

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-89.png)
### more than waterparks
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/more-than-waterparks/
Last updated: 2022-07-21T01:58:27.000Z
Wisconsin Dells has a ton to do besides just waterparks. Emma gave us a list of four non-waterpark things she really wanted to do for her birthday (1) Escape Room, (2) zip line, (3) Take Flight and (4) horse drawn carriage. Luckily all of these things are right at our hotel. First up was the Escape Room. It was a family Mars themed one. Both girls really enjoyed solving the puzzles before our 30 minutes ran out.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-59.png)

Next... the zip line. This was a five zip line course with the longest one being 907 feet long. Emma was flying solo on this one. I love that she has no problem just joining a group of strangers when none of us can or want to go on something like this.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-70.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-64.png)

Next... Take Flight... a family favorite. We tried the new Hawaii themed one.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-66.png)

Last up, right before we headed home from our trip... the horse drawn carriage.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-67.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-69.png)

We also did some things not on the list. The girls fed ducks. Olivia saw them on the way into the waterpark so she saved some of her hotdog bun for them on our way back to the room.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-71.png)

One day we randomly drove by a hands on science museum. It sounded like fun, so we spent part of an afternoon checking it out.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-72.png)

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### celebrating emma
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/celebrating-emma/
Last updated: 2022-07-20T03:05:25.000Z
In November when we went to Wisconsin Dells (aka the waterpark capital of the world) to celebrate Olivia's birthday Emma asked if we could do the same for hers. We gave Emma the option of celebrating her birthday early at the same waterpark hotel, or having a birthday party with her friends. She chose waterpark hotel... so here we are.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-53.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-57.png)
### horse camp
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/horse-camp-2/
Last updated: 2022-07-16T15:24:29.000Z
This week Emma had horse camp all day every day. Olivia and I were busy too doing all her favorite things. First up... Crayola. We haven't been here in forever.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-33.png)

On Tuesday we got our nails done.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-34.png)

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They love getting the jelly pedicure treatment.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-36.png)

Wednesday we visited the cat store. We haven't had kittens in a long time, so she was happy to play with the three they had up for adoption there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-37.png)

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Thursday she had a friend over and we spent some time at the pool

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-41.png)

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Friday it was back to the mall. When we went on Monday Olivia really wanted to have lunch at Rainforest Cafe. I will never understand their love for this place, or how it is always crazy packed. On Monday they didn't have any seating until almost 3 PM, so I booked a reservation for lunch on Friday. We got to the mall a little early and squeezed in a couple rides before lunch.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-42.png)

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Emma had the best time at camp. She was there with four of her friends. She did crafts, activities and riding every day. She loved this little horse Octavia.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-50.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-48.png)
### throwback thursday (july 14, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-july-14-2021/
Last updated: 2022-07-14T05:01:09.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-10.png)
### niagra cave
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/niagra-cave/
Last updated: 2022-07-10T21:56:33.000Z
There are two things I really love checking out... (1) caves, and (2) waterfalls. When I was looking for things to do while we were camping I randomly found a cave with a waterfall 30 minutes from the campground.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-27.png)

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I'm also a sucker for gem mining.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-28.png)

After the tour and lunch we headed back to the campground for another round of tubing. This time the river had a lot less debris floating in it, but it was still gross, brown water.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-29.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-31.png)
### lanesboro
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/lanesboro/
Last updated: 2022-07-09T04:14:53.000Z
Last year we stumbled upon this cute little town when we were camping. We ended up loving that campground, and this town, but the campground was booked this summer. Luckily I found another campground very close.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-14.png)

This afternoon we walked around town, checked out the museum, had lunch and ate ice cream.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-15.png)

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One of the things we loved about the other campground was it is right on the river and we could tube. This campground is on the same river and you can get in and out of the river right at the campground.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-22.png)

I talked Olivia into going, but she hated it. I can't blame her. I didn't really like it either. There were logs and debris floating all over, and the water was pretty gross. Emma really wanted to go again, so I ended up going with her one more time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-23.png)
### throwback thursday (july 7, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-july-7-2021/
Last updated: 2022-07-09T03:54:09.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-9.png)
### safety in the park
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/safety-in-the-park-2/
Last updated: 2022-07-01T03:29:17.000Z
Every summer our city does Safety in the Park. It is always a good time seeing all the safety vehicles.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-7.png)

Every year I try to talk Braden into one of these for the barn. 🤣

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/07/image-8.png)
### throwback thursday (june 30, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june-30-2021/
Last updated: 2022-06-30T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-51.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-52.png)
### clean bill of health
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/clean-bill-of-health/
Last updated: 2022-06-29T15:00:43.000Z
This morning we had a follow up with an orthopedist about Emma's wrist.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-126.png)

He pushed around on it a bunch. Shook her wrist all around. Made her do a couple push ups. His conclusion... she's fine. Probably just bruised her wrist when she fell. He said we have no reason to worry about her growth plate. She is cleared to resume all summer activities and if it is still sore in a month we can come back if we're worried about it, otherwise no splint or cast or sling needed. Hooray!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-127.png)
### strawberry picking
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/strawberry-picking-7/
Last updated: 2022-06-28T03:04:02.000Z
It isn't officially summer in Minnesota until you go strawberry picking.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-114.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-115.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-116.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-117.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-118.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-125.png)

I think they actually spend more time feeding the animals than they do picking strawberries.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-119.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-120.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-121.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-122.png)

Of course we can't leave until we enjoy the strawberry milkshakes and strawberry donuts.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-123.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-124.png)
### last day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/last-day-3/
Last updated: 2022-06-26T04:54:47.000Z
Today was our final full day at the campground, and I have to admit we are all ready to go home. Olivia said tonight she can't wait to take a bath and sleep in her bed tomorrow. I can't blame her. We've been going pretty much non-stop all day every day since we got here a week ago. This afternoon we rented a pontoon boat one last time. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-107.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-111.png)

The weather was a little cooler after the big storm last night, but that doesn't stop the girls from hopping into the water.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-108.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-109.png)

We let Emma take her splint off as long as she took it easy on her wrist.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-110.png)

After the pontoon ride Emma asked if we could get dinner at the bar that we stopped at last night. We both bought sweatshirts to remember our crazy night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-112.png)

What a fun week. There was so much to do, and we did just about all of it. I already told the girls when we get home we are going to rest for a couple days. I think we all need it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-113.png)
### what a doozy
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/what-a-doozy/
Last updated: 2022-06-25T15:39:17.000Z
Yesterday (Friday) was such a craptastic day that meant I started this morning (Saturday) off with a very large mimosa.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-92.png)

Let's rewind... yesterday it was rainy all morning.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-93.png)

We made pancakes and spent pretty much all morning and afternoon in the bus.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-94.png)

Once it cleared up Emma did a little kayaking with our friends while Olivia, Braden and I went to the beach.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-98.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-96.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-97.png)

Last summer we relied way too much on restaurants while camping, so this summer I wanted to get back to cooking meals at the campsite. I did set aside one night of this trip to eat at the Douglas Lodge Restaurant in the state park, which ended up being last night. On the drive back we stopped at one of the overlooks for a view of Lake Itasca and a photo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-99.png)

Then... it all went downhill. Emma was on a bike ride. I look up and she was pushing her bike, bloody and crying. Her knee was completely covered in blood and she was complaining about her wrist. She is super tough so I know if she is crying and complaining something hurts it probably hurts really bad. I cleaned her up, put ice on her wrist, but 30 minutes later she was still crying non-stop. The closest ER was 45 minutes away, so Emma and I hopped in the car. We had been preparing for severe weather, so we were rushing to get there and get back before the weather turned nasty.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-100.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-101.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-102.png)

Luckily the x-rays showed no breaks or fractures. The ER doctor gave her a splint in case she injured the growth plate in her wrist, and we have to follow up with an orthopedist when we get home just to be sure.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-103.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-104.png)

The nurse warned us that the weather was getting bad before we left and offered to let us hang out at the hospital for a while. Since I didn't know how long it was going to take I took my chances and headed back toward the campground. The lightning was insane. We were 6 minutes away from the campground when the heavy rain and hail started. I could barely see in front of the car, but had just passed a building with cars out front. I turned around and we headed there. I figured at least if we had to sit in the car in a parking lot that was better than driving through the crazy rain and hail. Turns out the building was a bar that was closed. There were people inside, so they opened the door and let us wait out the storm with them. After hearing our story the bartender gave Emma a free Shirley Temple. We were there almost an hour (most of that without power) while the storm passed. Luckily the worst of the storm had passed and we were able to get back to the bus, shower and hop into bed. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-105.png)

Crappy day, but what a story Emma has to tell to her friends. Luckily this morning Emma said her wrist just feels sore, but doesn't really hurt. She hasn't had any pain medicine since at the ER... so I'm hoping that is a good sign. We'll find out on Monday when I can schedule an appointment to have it looked at by an orthopedist.
### boat tour and pontoon
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/boat-tour-and-pontoon/
Last updated: 2022-06-24T05:44:05.000Z
Another day... another activity (or two) checked off our list. First up, the Itasca Lake boat tour. We learned a lot of interesting information about the state park and the lake. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-77.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-81.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-83.png)

Later in the afternoon our friends rented a pontoon boat, so we tagged along. Braden had to head home for the day, so it was just us girls. Yep, Olivia is holding a dragonfly. There are a million of them here and she catches one every chance she gets. She makes sure to give them a fitting name before they fly away. This one was Blueberry because of it's blue eyes.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-84.png)

I'm really surprised with Olivia on this boat ride. She was the first one off the boat and into the water. Last summer I would have had to bribe her to try it at least once.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-88.png)

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Of course the day wouldn't be complete without a swim in the Mississippi headwaters.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-80.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-79.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-78.png)

We ended the night with s'mores and sleepovers (which I know I'm going to regret in the morning). The girls can't wait for Braden to get back tomorrow so they can tell him all about their day.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-91.png)
### butterflies, fish and a squirrel
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/untitled-41/
Last updated: 2022-06-23T14:56:53.000Z
We've been busy every day since we've been here doing just about everything here at the park. But, pretty sure Chip the red squirrel is going to be the highlight of this trip. Someone at the store found him as a baby so he is used to people and will let you hold him.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-60.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-62.png)

In the afternoon the park had a butterfly event. They showed photos of a bunch of different butterflies in the state park, and then we went on a hike looking for some. The presentation was way too long and pretty boring, but the girls hung in there.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-61.png)

The girls were excited about looking for butterflies. They were right in the front of the group with the guide pointing out every butterfly they could see.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-64.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-68.png)

We even got to watch two beetles rolling some dung across the road. No one in our group, including the park ranger, had ever seen that happen in real life. It was entertaining to watch and looked just like it does on tv.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-69.png)

At the start of the butterfly thing there were seven kids. At the end there were only two. These two!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-63.png)

To reward them for being the last two standing we stopped for ice cream at the gift shop.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-70.png)

The girls had been begging to go fishing again. We headed back after dinner. I think Olivia had a fish within 10 seconds of her hook hitting the water. I have no idea how many fish they caught, but it was a lot.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-71.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-72.png)

I didn't take pictures of all the fish, but I did get these huge ones.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-74.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-75.png)

The girls didn't want to stop fishing, so we were there late enough to snap this photo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-76.png)
### throwback thursday (june 23, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june-23-2021/
Last updated: 2022-06-23T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-49.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-50.png)
### lots to do and see
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/lots-to-do-and-see/
Last updated: 2022-06-22T04:01:48.000Z
Today was another busy day... first up this morning was the fire tower. Several people recommended we do this, and today was the first day all week that it wasn't over 90 degrees outside.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-49.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/PXL_20220621_170350254.jpg)

I'm really proud of Olivia. She has become a lot more fearless about things like this.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-46.png)

After the fire tower and lunch it was back to the headwaters for swimming and ice cream. I had heard that it gets crazy busy during the day. Yesterday we went in the evening and there were only a handful of people there. Today we went in the afternoon and it was packed.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/PXL_20220621_194753286.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-51.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-50.png)

Before dinner we went to the fishing pier to do some fishing. Olivia has been asking to do this since we got here and tonight the park rangers had an event, so it seemed like the perfect time to go.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-53.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-56.png)

Both girls caught a couple fish.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-54.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-55.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-57.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-58.png)

After fishing it was make your own pizza night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/PXL_20220622_010150753.jpg)

Followed by a rainbow right over the bus.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/PXL_20220622_011811494.jpg)
### itasca state park
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/itasca-state-park/
Last updated: 2022-06-21T03:21:38.000Z
We try to visit a Minnesota State Park every summer. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-34.png)

This summer we chose Itasca State Park which is popular for the Mississippi River headwaters.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-33.png)

We're here all week and have a whole list of things we want to do. First up on our agenda was exploring and finding out where everything is. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-35.png)

This park is huge. It even has it's own museum.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-36.png)

Today we also visited the Lodge, the Visitor's Center, the swimming beach and at the top of our list... the Mississippi River headwaters.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-37.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-38.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-39.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-41.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-40.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-44.png)
### throwback thursday (june 16, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june-16-2021/
Last updated: 2022-06-16T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-47.png)
### safari
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/safari-2/
Last updated: 2022-06-14T04:50:10.000Z
A rainy summer day means a trip to the safari.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-25.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-31.png)

The parakeets are always one of their favorite things. They especially love when they land on their heads.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-26.png)

The girls were very excited about holding a baby kangaroo.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-30.png)

Emma also got to feed a porcupine, and Olivia held a snake.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-28.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-29.png)
### kayaking
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/kayaking/
Last updated: 2022-06-13T15:49:19.000Z
Our first trip down the river this summer and our kayak was way lighter.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-13.png)

Both girls are a lot bigger and we were a little concerned it would be a really tight fit with all four of us in our kayak. Last summer we towed the inner tube. It worked out ok, but we still had to have one of the girls in the kayak with us.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-16.png)

2021

This summer we added a new kayak to our flotilla. We weren't really sure how this was going to go, but it went surprisingly well. We never really let them paddle in our kayak, so they both wanted to paddle the entire time which led to some fighting. Luckily we were with our friends, and Olivia ended up swapping kayaks with one of their kids and everyone was happy.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-23.png)

It was pretty cloudy, so the sun wasn't out very much. It made it a little chilly to be out on the river, but we saw the most wildlife we've ever seen. A tiny baby deer was drinking along the bank.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-18.png)

A huge bald eagle sat in the tree just watching the river. Plus we saw lots of giagantic fish. I don't think we've ever seen the river so clear. We could see all the way down to the bottom for most of the trip.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-19.png)

Doesn't matter how cloudy or chilly it is, you can't keep Emma out of the freezing cold water. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-15.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-20.png)

I think this might have been our favorite kayaking trip ever. We've already been talking about when we can go again.
### that's a wrap
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/thats-a-wrap-2/
Last updated: 2022-06-12T02:11:13.000Z
Somehow everyone got to their recitals on time and we all got to watch both girls dance. First up was Olivia. She had two recitals today, so we skipped watching the first one because Emma's was in between. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-5.png)

As soon as Olivia was done with her second dance I grabbed her and we met Braden at Emma's dance recital.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-7.png)

Emma only had one recital and one dance. As soon as she finished her dance we grabbed her, took a quick family photo and headed back for Olivia's second recital. Luckily we had some extra time and were able to grab some lunch on our way.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-8.png)

Olivia did her two dances again, plus she got to dance in the halftime finale. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-9.png)

We had to skip the halftime finale in the morning recital so we could get to Emma's on time, so she was excited to get to do it this time. She did amazing, and told me tonight next time she wants to do hip hop and jazz.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-11.png)

When we got home we celebrated Braden's birthday with cake and candles picked specially for him by the girls.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-10.png)

I have no idea how we pulled today off, but we did. The only thing that I did not plan for when I ran though this crazy day in my head a million times was reminding Emma to change shoes. See those shoes she's wearing...? The blue and white, rubber, fake Birkenstocks from Old Navy....? Yeah. She wore those on stage instead of her black, sequin high tops! I have no idea how the volunteers who were in the dressing room missed her walking to the stage in those, and how Emma just completely forgot to change her shoes. I couldn't believe it. You could clearly see on Emma's face when she realized halfway through her dance what she was wearing. She kept dancing though, and probably did the best routine I've seen her do. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-12.png)
### dress rehearsals
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/dress-rehearsals/
Last updated: 2022-06-11T03:07:07.000Z
A bit of advice.... never, ever sign your girls up for dance at two different studios. Back in September Olivia's dance studio said their recital would be on June 18, while Emma's said hers would be on June 11\. Perfect. Fast forward 8 months and Olivia's rescheduled theirs for June 11\. Happy birthday Braden! Hope you like dance recitals. 

Tonight they both had dress rehearsal in different cities, so we had to divide and conquer. Tomorrow is going to be crazy.... but I think I've figured out how to make it work. Let's just hope both recitals stay on schedule or else we're in trouble. 🤞

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-3.png)
### throwback thursday (june 9, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june-9-2021/
Last updated: 2022-06-09T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-46.png)
### last day of school
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/last-day-of-school-4/
Last updated: 2022-06-09T02:32:33.000Z
Wow! There were times I wasn't sure they were going to make it to the end of the year in person, but they did. Olivia really loved going to kindergarten and Emma learned a lot of new things in 3rd grade.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/06/image-1.png)
### throwback thursday (june 2, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-june/
Last updated: 2022-06-02T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-45.png)
### home again home again
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/home-again-home-again-4/
Last updated: 2022-05-31T02:35:32.000Z
This was a first... we woke up to a cruise ship anchored right outside our bus. This year Viking Cruises started a Lake Superior cruise that goes from Canada through Duluth to Michigan and ends in Wisconsin.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-110.png)

Today we had to head home again, but this time in the bus. But we can't leave Duluth without visiting the aquarium.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-112.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-117.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-119.png)

I love that recently Emma has been really interested in reading all the signs in the places we visit. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-111.png)

Petting animals will always be their favorite part about any place we go.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-114.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-115.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-118.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-121.png)

She is a goofball...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-120.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-122.png)

Our annual photo outside the aquarium (except in 2020 when everything was closed and apparently I didn't get one in 2019 either).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-116.png)

2022

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-123.png)

2021

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-124.png)

2018
### o say can you see...
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/oh-say-can-you-see/
Last updated: 2022-05-29T23:57:59.000Z
This year Emma joined her school choir. Last week they did a performance for parents. The last week of school they are performing for the whole school. Today they sang the national anthem at the MN Twins game.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-97.png)

We had to be at the stadium really early. We've never been to Target Field, so we checked out everything going on while we waited for the game to start. I never let the girls get their face painted because the line is always ridiculous and they never want to wash it off. I was shocked to find this lady without a single kid in line, and there is no school tomorrow... so today was the day for face paint!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-99.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-100.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-101.png)

Show time!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-102.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-103.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-104.png)

Emma's turn for face paint! 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-105.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-106.png)

We got the scoop on where to get photos with the mascot.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-107.png)

Olivia really enjoyed watching the game and didn't want to leave, but we had a 2.5 hour drive back to to Duluth.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-109.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-108.png)

Also... happy 12 year anniversary to us!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-98.png)
### fog
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/fog/
Last updated: 2022-05-29T23:35:34.000Z
We woke up Saturday morning to so much fog we couldn't even see the top of the bridge. Luckily it only rained early in the morning, so we were able to get some shopping done in the cute little shops in Canal Park.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-87.png)

After shopping we toured the William A. Irvin ship. We've talked about doing it the last couple years, but never got around to it until now.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-88.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-95.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-96.png)

Engine Room

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-89.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-90.png)

Crew Quarters

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-91.png)

Galley

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-92.png)

Guest Room

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-93.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-94.png)

Because the weather wasn't the greatest we decided to head home in the Jeep after lunch. The weather back home was sunny and in the high 80s (vs. cloudy and 45 in Duluth) and the pool is open! Plus we planned to head back anyway on Sunday morning so Emma could sing the national anthem at the MN Twins game with her school choir!
### duluth
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/duluth-4/
Last updated: 2022-05-28T03:42:09.000Z
Our annual trip to Duluth for Memorial Day weekend was looking a little iffy - our bus was a mess, none of the outdoor things had been loaded after our trip to Georgia, we have to go back home for a day (more on that later!), one of the barn doors is broken, lots of rain in the forecast... but we made it happen.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-59.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-60.png)

We let the girls skip school on Friday so we could drive up Thursday night since Friday was the only nice day all weekend (and we could beat the holiday traffic). Braden had to work Friday, so the girls and I stayed busy. First we went to Enger Park to climb the tower and check out the Japanese garden. We've never been here before and I think we all agree we would go back again.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-61.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-62.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-63.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-66.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-67.png)

We brought binoculars so we could try to see the bus from the top of the tower. The girls were pretty excited we could even see Braden come outside to wave to us.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-64.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-65.png)

There was a food trailer in the parking lot selling ice cream, so we couldn't pass that up before heading to our next stop - the beach!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-68.png)

We love to come to this beach to look for sea/lake glass. I was pretty surprised we spent almost 3 hours looking for glass and building rock towers.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-70.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-71.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-72.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-73.png)

The glass is really hard to find, so I think we did pretty good.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-75.png)

When I mentioned some of the things we could do while we were here the girls got very excited about doing the pizza train again. This time we rode in the First Class Domecar.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-76.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-79.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-77.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-78.png)

I can't blame them... the train might also be one of my favorite things to do too.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-80.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-85.png)
### painted ladies
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/painted-ladies/
Last updated: 2022-05-27T04:10:05.000Z
I lost count on how many years we've been getting Painted Lady butterflies. The girls aren't as interested in the caterpillar stage as they used to be. Now they just look forward to releasing the butterflies.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-53.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-54.png)

They've been checking these chrysalis every day to see if the butterflies hatched. We had 10 caterpillars this time. In the last 2 days 9 of them hatched.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-55.png)

Today was butterfly release day!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-56.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-57.png)

Two of them flew off right away. The rest of them sat on these flowers for a while before flying away.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-58.png)
### throwback thursday (may 26, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-may-26-2021/
Last updated: 2022-05-26T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-80.png)
### firsts this week
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/firsts-this-week/
Last updated: 2022-05-24T02:02:06.000Z
While some activities ended this week we also had a couple firsts. On Friday the girls had 80s day at school.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-40.png)

On Friday night we had the first s'mores of 2022.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-41.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-42.png)

Later this week will finally be our first camping trip of the summer! It has taken many, many hours to get the bus cleaned and put back together after it came back from Georgia... but it is ready to go to Duluth for our annual Memorial Day weekend camping trip. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-44.png)
### end of a season and session
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/end-of-a-season-and-session/
Last updated: 2022-05-24T01:52:33.000Z
This week the girls had a couple spring activities ending. Thursday was their final gymnastics class of the session. We always take a break for the summer, but they will be doing summer came at the beginning of August.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-35.png)

On Saturday both girls had their final track meet of the season.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-37.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-39.png)
### throwback thursday (may 19, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-may-19-2021/
Last updated: 2022-05-19T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-79.png)
### track meet...finally!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/track-meet-finally/
Last updated: 2022-05-14T15:48:21.000Z
Finally the weather cooperated for Olivia's track meet! It was a beautiful 70 degrees and sunny.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-29.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-33.png)
### kindergarten music program
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/kindergarten-music-program/
Last updated: 2022-05-13T19:25:34.000Z
Olivia has been practicing the songs for her program for weeks. She's been so excited (and a little nervous) to sing in front of a huge crowd. She did amazing. Pretty sure she knew every word and loved every minute of it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-26.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-27.png)

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### formula 1
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/formula-1/
Last updated: 2022-05-13T03:23:17.000Z
If you haven't watched the Drive to Survive on Nextflix... you should. We stumbled upon the series when we were stuck at home during the pandemic and looking for shows to watch. Now we're Formula 1 fans and watch the races every other weekend. So... when Braden got invited through a work contact to go to the race in Miami I made miracles happen so I could go too (thanks mom! 😘).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-4.png)

Braden booked us this sweet Airbnb in Ft. Lauderdale. If you ever need a place to stay in Ft. Lauderdale you should stay here.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-8.png)

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Formula 1 has three days of racing - usually Friday is practice day, Saturday is qualifying to determine the order they will line up for the start of the race, Sunday is race day! We had tickets to all three days. Our tickets included access to the hospitality suite (which was the Miami Dolphins indoor practice field converted into a hospitality suite) with free drinks, free food and air conditioning.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-13.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-12.png)

On Friday night we got invited by Braden's work friend to cruise along the ICW on a yacht and have dinner.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-9.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-10.png)

While we were gone Olivia had her first track meet. It really should have been her third, but the first two were cancelled because of weather. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-21.png)

She came home with a 1st place ribbon.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-22.png)

My Mother's Day started with a photo with my favorite driver (that's unfortunately the best I could do), and mimosas (yes... plural).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-15.png)

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You know they are driving fast when you watch it on tv, but you have no idea how fast until you see a race in person. Plus you can't hear the crowd when you're watching it on tv. We had an amazing time and I'm ready to go to another race. Las Vegas 2023?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-16.png)

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My flight home was bright and early Monday morning.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-23.png)

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### 3rd grade music program
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/3rd-grade-music-program/
Last updated: 2022-05-13T02:17:01.000Z
The last time Emma had a music program was in 2020\. The day before her 1st grade program they sent an email telling parents they wouldn't be allowed into the school because there was this thing going around called the coronavirus. The next week they went to distance learning. Last year they didn't bother with any music programs. This year was her year for another program!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-3.png)

Their music program was a World Showcase. They performed songs from around the world, played instruments and Emma's class acted out a play. Emma had a speaking part in the play as Maria.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-1.png)

In one of the other songs she was front and center playing the bongo drums.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/05/image-2.png)
### throwback thursday (may 12, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-may-12-2021/
Last updated: 2022-05-12T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-78.png)
### throwback thursday (may 5, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-may-7-2021/
Last updated: 2022-05-05T05:01:01.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-77.png)
### throwback thursday (april 28, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-april-28-2021/
Last updated: 2022-04-28T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-25.png)
### bees
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/bees-2/
Last updated: 2022-04-24T14:02:06.000Z
Braden's bees from last year didn't survive the winter. He's really enjoyed this hobby, and we've enjoyed having the honey.... so he got two new hives. He enlisted the help of his trusty assistant and photographer (Emma) to get them all set up this weekend.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-72.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-75.png)
### track is back
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/track-is-back/
Last updated: 2022-04-24T01:50:42.000Z
One of my favorite sports seasons... track. The girls have had a couple practices the last couple weeks and today was their first meet. Olivia was so excited. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-66.png)

Her meet was the first of the day. They warmed up. The announcer said 5 minutes until the first race. Less than 5 minutes later it started to rain and lightning. The announcer came back on and said meet was cancelled.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-67.png)

Emma had much better luck with her meet later in the afternoon. She ran 3 races and came home with a 2nd place and 3rd place ribbon.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-68.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-71.png)

She ran the 400 too. She didn't get a ribbon, but she finished and didn't come in last.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-70.png)
### throwback thursday (april 21, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-april-21-2021/
Last updated: 2022-04-21T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-24.png)
### home again!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/home-again/
Last updated: 2022-04-19T20:56:40.000Z
It was a very long day of driving, but Braden and Emma made it home on Easter Sunday.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-59.png)

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First thing Monday morning the fun began. I had to take every single thing out of the bus and bleach every single drawer and cabinet. I knew it was bad, but mice managed to get into everything.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-61.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-62.png)

They pretty much completely ate or chewed through just about everything, including adult drink mixers, some clothes we had left in the closet, blankets and (Emma's favorite) the packet that comes in the beef jerky marked "DO NOT EAT".

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-64.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-63.png)

On the bright side... the bus is going to be the cleanest and most organized it has ever been... just in time for camping season!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-65.png)
### tennessee to illinois
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/tennessee-to-illinois/
Last updated: 2022-04-17T15:26:44.000Z
I hear it was a chilly night in Illinois.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-55.png)

That didn't stop Emma from spending some time (in shorts and flip flops) at the playground.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-56.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-57.png)

Braden really wanted pizza after a long day on the road. He should know better. We've had pretty bad luck with pizza while roadtripping. Add this one to the list. They ended up ordering Domino's.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-58.png)

They are back on the road this morning and should hopefuly be rolling in around dinner time. We can't wait to get our bus back!
### georgia to tennessee
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/georgia-to-tennessee/
Last updated: 2022-04-16T22:34:09.000Z
After a very early and long travel morning Braden and Emma were on the move in the bus. They had a few hiccups... one of them being that mice apparently moved into our bus in the last 6 months. I'm not entirely surprised, but I didn't think it would be as bad as it was. They got into everything... the pantry, the paper plates, the sheets, the beds. Gross! It has been a while since we've completely emptied and cleaned everything, so I know what I will be doing first thing Monday morning.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/278092919_375690574447356_1842700704018534118_n.jpg)

For dinner they stopped at a Buc-ee's. Man... I love Buc-ee's. I wish they had them everywhere. They are amazing.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-44.png)

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They spent the night at a campground in Tennessee. Before getting on the road this morning they took a hike around the campground. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-47.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-49.png)

Emma also got to do the Easter egg hunt they had at the campground.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-50.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/278263583_637811257457791_3179026158773799285_n.jpg)

We always stop at the Kentucky visitor center. It is one of my favorites in a cool, old buildling. We've been there a couple times and the building is always closed. Apparently there was a prom event happening there and the lady let Braden and Emma go check out the inside!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-51.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-53.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-54.png)

Tonight they'll be spending the night in Illinois and hopefully heading the rest of the way home tomorrow.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/278429856_1602472180134618_5717603742106354238_n.jpg)
### pre-easter festivities
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/pre-easter-festivities/
Last updated: 2022-04-16T22:18:30.000Z
This morning Olivia and I went to the movie theater in town. They had photos with the Easter bunny, crafts, an Easter egg hunt and an Easter movie.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-40.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-38.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-41.png)

Clearly she was very excited about all the eggs she collected.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-39.png)
### superhero day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/superhero-day/
Last updated: 2022-04-15T15:06:37.000Z
Today at school is Superhero Day. Our cute little Super Girl.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-34.png)

Emma was going to dress as her teacher ❤️, but ended up skipping school today. Our bus has been in Georgia since October getting a bunch of work done and it is FINALLY ready! Braden and Emma flew down really, really early this morning to get it and drive it back. She got spoiled with breakfast in first class.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-35.png)

I see a glimpse into my future with this photo... left at 4:30 AM with pants on. In this photo taken at 9:15 AM she is in shorts that she wore under her pants. I also see that she already ate the Peep that I sent in her snacks. My guess is it was probably the first thing she ate... right after that first class breakfast. 🤦🏽‍♀️

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-36.png)
### throwback thursday (april 14, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-april-14-2021/
Last updated: 2022-04-14T05:01:01.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-23.png)
### hello parker
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/hello-parker/
Last updated: 2022-04-13T18:08:32.000Z
In an attempt to help Emma get through the sadness of Birdie getting adopted we got a new foster right away. This is Parker. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-30.png)

He recently survived a house fire by hiding under clothes in the closet. His family had to move into a hotel and weren't able to keep him, so he ended up in a shelter. The shelter said he was very depressed, wouldn't eat and would just sit in his cage with his face in the corner. They were looking for a family with kids who would give him a lot of attention since he came from a family with kids. Pretty sure we could handle that...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-29.png)

Apparently Emma is some sort of cat whisperer because by the second day he was already sleeping in her bed at night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-33.png)

Usually we only foster kittens, but we're getting very close to camping season and don't have the time to go through all the vetting required to get a kitten adopted. This guy is so pretty so I have no doubt he will get adopted quickly.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-31.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-32.png)
### bye bye birdie
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/bye-bye-birdie/
Last updated: 2022-04-11T13:32:26.000Z
Oh Birdie. Who knew this foster cat would be the hardest to say goodbye to? When I agreed to take him I had no idea what I was getting into. They told me he was a "typical, playful, attention seeking kitten". Turns out he was playful, but that was about it. He was terrified of every little noise and would run if you tried to pet him. I had to cut up cardboard boxes and tape them along the bottom of the bed or else we probably never would have seen him again. For the first couple days he was locked in our master bathroom so he had nowhere to hide. I felt bad he was all alone, but Emma would go in there and hang out with him.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-16.png)

Soon he became pretty attached to her. He would let her pick him up.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-17.png)

He would lay in bed with her every night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-18.png)

I wouldn't see him all day, but as soon as he heard Emma walk in the door from school he would come running downstairs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-20.png)

When she would go upstairs... he would follow. When she would come downstairs... he would follow.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-22.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-23.png)

I thought he would never get adopted. The 3rd application for him was from a family with a 9 year old girl who really wanted a cat. They came to meet him. I knew there was no way he would just hang out in the living room, especially with strangers, so we had to go into the cat room (our guest room - the one with cardboard along the bottom of the bed) and close the door. I explained how he was a bit of a scaredy cat, except with Emma. I told the girl he wouldn't be the kind of cat that she would be able to show off to her friends. I told them it would probably take some time for him to warm up to a new family and he would hide a lot in the beginning. He was pretty scared during their time with him, but he sat in Emma's lap and even let the girl hold him. They left and I thought there was no way they would want him. About an hour later I got an email saying they wanted him.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-28.png)

This week Emma made him a tie blanket for him to take with him. She slept with it every night, so it would hopefully make him comfortable in his new home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-24.png)

Finally it was the day we sent Birdie off with an excited 9 year old. When they came to pick him up she brought this note and gift for Emma.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-25.png)

There were a lot of tears, especially at bedtime when Birdie would be right there cuddling with Emma. He was by far my least favorite foster, but I can't help worrying about him a little bit. I'm hoping he isn't having as hard a time as Emma and will warm up to his new little girl soon. I told his new family we would love updates if they wanted to send us some, so we will wait and hope we get some happy news from them soon.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-26.png)
### throwback thursday (april 7, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-april-7-2021/
Last updated: 2022-04-07T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-22.png)
### heading home
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/heading-home-2/
Last updated: 2022-04-06T05:01:00.000Z
This was a tough vacation to end. We had the best time with lots of our friends... and the girls came home with sunburns to prove it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-7.png)

The girls thought it was pretty cool that we had to ride a bus to our plane.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-9.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-8.png)

We enjoyed the last of our Mexican snacks on the plane ride home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-15.png)

Until next time Puerto Vallarta...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-10.png)

This is what we came home to...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-11.png)

...and laundry. Lots and lots of laundry. Unfortunately it will be a while before we'll need all these swimsuits.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-12.png)
### final full day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/final-full-day/
Last updated: 2022-04-05T05:01:00.000Z
This was it. Our last full day in Mexico. We fed pigeons, counted iguanas, swam, drank pina coladas, ate ice cream and watched fireworks from our balcony.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/04/image-6.png)
### goodbye house
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/goodbye-hosue/
Last updated: 2022-04-04T14:30:12.000Z
This was a sad day. We had been spoiled for the last week and now it was time to move on to the next adventure.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-142.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-143.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-144.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-145.png)

Our new digs for the next two nights... quite a difference from the previous place.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-146.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-147.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-148.png)
### last house day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/last-house-day/
Last updated: 2022-04-03T17:00:00.000Z
This would be our last full day in the house. The next morning we would be checking out and going to a hotel for two nights before heading back home. Of course the best way to spend it was enjoying every minute of the beach and pool.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-120.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-121.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-125.png)

There were no shells on the beach by the house, so we took a walk down the beach and ended up finding a ton of seaglass and small shells. Good thing I brought my shell bag (thanks mom)!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-122.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-123.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-124.png)

On the first day here Emma discovered a shack just down the beach from the house. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-131.png)

In the afternoons an older, non-english speaking couple sells huge beers, snacks and coconuts out of the shack. What better place to visit on our last day?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-130.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-126.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-127.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-128.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-135.png)

We saw a banana boat driving along the beach a couple times during our stay. It only takes one huge beer for someone to start waving him down and get the kids a ride. Olivia didn't go, but of course Emma was all over it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-138.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-134.png)

Dinner that night was at Elizabeth Taylor's old house that has been turned into a hotel.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-139.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-140.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-141.png)
### dolphins and sea lions... oh my
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/dolphins-and-sea-lions-oh-my/
Last updated: 2022-04-02T17:00:00.000Z
Swimming with the dolphins was one of the things the girls were really looking forward to on this trip.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-105.png)

Pretty sure they loved every minute of it...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-107.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-108.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-109.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-110.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-111.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-112.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-113.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-114.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-115.png)

When we checked in they asked if we wanted to add on a sea lion experience too. How could we say no?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-116.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-117.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-118.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-119.png)
### town day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/town-day/
Last updated: 2022-04-01T17:00:03.000Z
On the third day we went into town for breakfast and shopping. This would turn out to be the most delicious breakfast we had all trip. We really wanted to go back, but ran out of time before we had to head home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-77.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-78.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-79.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-80.png)

These girls love to shop, so they were very excited about all the different places to check out. Olivia ended up with a beaded parrot and a sunhat. Emma chose beaded earrings and a baseball hat that says Puerto Vallarta on it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-81.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-87.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-88.png)

After shopping we walked along the boardwalk and got ice cream for the kids and margaritas for the adults.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-97.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-82.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-83.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-89.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-85.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-86.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-93.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-95.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-96.png)

We were approached a couple times by ladies asking if the girls wanted their hair braided. At first we said no, but by the second or third one Olivia was sold.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-91.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-90.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-92.png)

When we got back to the house it was time for more beach and pool time.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-98.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-99.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-102.png)

There aren't any shells on the beach here, but there are lots of rocks. Olivia collected a bunch to make a rock museum. Sadly it was washed back into the ocean by morning....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-101.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-103.png)
### house day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/house-day/
Last updated: 2022-03-31T17:00:00.000Z
The following day we spent around the house enjoying the beach and the pool. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-74.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-68.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-67.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-69.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-70.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-73.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-72.png)
### throwback thursday (march 31, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-march-31-2021/
Last updated: 2022-03-31T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-21.png)
### las caletas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/las-caletas/
Last updated: 2022-03-30T23:17:31.000Z
Our second day in Puerto Vallarta we did a tour to a private beach.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-55.png)

The beach had a kids adventure park. They got to ride a donkey and do a zipline.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-59.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-51.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-54.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-49.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-50.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-53.png)

We also spent a good amount of time enjoying the beach... and the open bar.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-47.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-56.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-57.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-58.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-64.png)

Emma also got one ride down the big zip line into the water and to hold a parrot.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-60.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-61.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-65.png)

That night we had dinner at a restaurant with delicious mango margaritas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-62.png)
### spring break!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/spring-break-4/
Last updated: 2022-03-30T03:02:15.000Z
Two years ago we got invited to spend spring break 2022 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with four other families. There was a lot of planning, and a lot of people, and a lot of waiting... but finally the day was here! It has been a very long time since we've flown as a family.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-38.png)

After a four hour plane ride, 30 minute stop at the grocery store and a 30 minute cab ride we had welcome margaritas in our hands. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-41.png)

The kids also got welcome pina coladas. Emma said "I love this place".

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-40.png)

These were our accomodations for a week! A 7 bedroom house with a pool, access to the beach, a chef, bartender, housekeeper and groundskeeper.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-44.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-46.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-104.png)
### throwback thursday (march 24, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-march-24-2021/
Last updated: 2022-03-24T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-20.png)
### happy st. patrick's day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-st-patricks-day-2/
Last updated: 2022-03-17T22:13:53.000Z
Both girls were decked out for school today.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-30.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-31.png)

When they got home we said goodbye to Lund. He got adopted this week and headed to his new home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-33.png)

I'm going to miss these snuggles on the couch at night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-34.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-37.png)
### throwback thursday (march 17, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-march-17-2021/
Last updated: 2022-03-17T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-19.png)
### tubing
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/tubing-5/
Last updated: 2022-03-13T00:24:01.000Z
Probably my favorite winter activity... and today was the last day!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-26.png)

Look at Olivia's face. All she remembers from last year is getting flung off the tow rope at the top of the hill, so she was pretty scared the first time going down.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-29.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-27.png)

She ended up tubing for 30 minutes before calling it quits. A huge improvement from last year.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-28.png)
### zoo
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/zoo-3/
Last updated: 2022-03-07T01:15:33.000Z
The last time the girls and I went to the zoo was in June. I have no idea the last time Braden was there, but today was finally made it back with the whole family.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-15.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-16.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-17.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-18.png)
### birdie and lund
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/birdie-and-lund/
Last updated: 2022-03-05T03:55:05.000Z
After a very long fostering break we decided to jump back in. At the beginning of February we got Birdie. He was supposed to be a friendly cat that loved attention. Turns out he was a scaredy cat... literally.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-1.png)

It took over a week, but he finally started to come around. He is still jumpy, but he doesn't hide any more. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-3.png)

He is not a snuggly cat, but he really loves Emma. Every night he goes into her room at bedtime and sleeps in her bed with her for hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-7.png)

Birdie lived with other cats before he came to our house, so I thought maybe it would help him to have another cat around. So at the end of February we got Lund who also lived with other cats. Their initial meeting didn't go well, but after a couple days they stopped hissing at each other and started playing together.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-8.png)

Lund loves to snuggle. If I'm sitting on the couch he is sleeping on my lap.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-9.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-10.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-11.png)

Birdie even gave it a try. This was the first time Birdie ever laid with us on the couch.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/03/image-12.png)
### ice palace maze
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/ice-palace-maze/
Last updated: 2022-02-27T18:32:18.000Z
This was a first for us. An ice maze made of almost 3,000 blocks of ice.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-18.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-20.png)

The girls had fun doing the maze over and over, but I think their favorite might have been the huge ice slide (and the hot chocolate).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-22.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-23.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-24.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-25.png)
### roller skating
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/roller-skating/
Last updated: 2022-02-27T18:25:22.000Z
Emma's friend had a roller skating birthday party yesterday. I don't think I've been inside a roller skating rink in almost 30 years. Not much has changed. 😂

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-17.png)
### daddy daughter dance (for real)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/daddy-daughter-dance-6/
Last updated: 2022-02-26T04:04:55.000Z
FINALLY! Olivia was so bummed she had to miss the [first one](https://www.bradenanderin.com/daddy-daughter-dance-5/), so she has really been looking forward to tonight.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-14.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-16.png)
### fancy day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/fancy-day/
Last updated: 2022-02-23T21:43:10.000Z
Once a month the girls school has a spirit day. This month it was dress fancy... and the girls did.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-12.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-10.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-11.png)
### our new favorite place
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/our-new-favorite-place/
Last updated: 2022-02-23T21:32:56.000Z
Up until a month ago the aquarium was our favorite place to go. Now the safari has taken the top spot. The place is a lot smaller than the aquarium, but they have a ton of animals you can hold and feed.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-9.png)

Feeding the birds might be their favorite.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-8.png)

Last time we went the girls both held a fox. This time they both held an alligator. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-6.png)

Emma also held a snake that kept trying to climb into her hair. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-7.png)
### daddy daughter dance
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/daddy-daughter-dance-5/
Last updated: 2022-02-05T04:25:25.000Z
Tonight was the daddy daughter dance. Olivia has only been to the dance once with Emma, and tonight she was going to get to go with Braden by herself. Except... he tested positive for covid again last week. 😭

She was a little upset, so instead I took her out to dinner just the two of us. She got all dressed up in a fancy new dress, I curled her hair and let her put on lipstick.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-2.png)

I love Outback, but Braden does not. A couple months ago we took the girls for the first time and Olivia wanted to know why we don't go there more. So tonight... we went to Outback.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image-1.png)

And I let her get dessert...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/02/image.png)

Luckily there is another daddy daughter dance at the end of the month, so they are signed up for that one. 🤞
### throwback thursday (january 27, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-january-27-2021/
Last updated: 2022-01-27T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-32.png)
### another tooth fairy visit
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/another-tooth-fairy-visit/
Last updated: 2022-01-27T00:55:53.000Z
Emma had another loose tooth. It had been bothering her so she was determined to get it out last night. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-40.png)

She has the tiniest teeth ever.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-41.png)

After it was out she proceeded to tell me how the tooth fairy brings some kids in her class $20 for a tooth. Say whaaaat? This tooth fairy brings heart shaped $1 bills.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-42.png)
### wiped
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/wiped/
Last updated: 2022-01-23T01:14:35.000Z
We don't usually do weekends like this... but when a friend texted me last night asking if I wanted to spend the day at the Mall of America with the kids riding rides I couldn't turn it down. On the way home Olivia said "It is only 5 o'clock!?! I thought it was 9 o'clock!".

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-39.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-37.png)
### safari
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/safari/
Last updated: 2022-01-21T21:19:11.000Z
I just found out about a new place this week. The girls didn't have school today and it is freezing outside, so it was the perfect day to check it out.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-25.png)

It is a pretty small place, but they have lots of cool animals. We ended up spending a couple hours there feeding, petting and holding animals.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-26.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-27.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-29.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-30.png)

They also have some pretty cool things. Like this bowl on a string for the goats up on the 2nd level and fishing poles to feed the prairie dogs.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-28.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-35.png)

I think the highlights of the day were feeding the parakeets and holding the fennec fox.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-31.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-32.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-33.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-34.png)
### drawings
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/drawings/
Last updated: 2022-01-20T16:44:51.000Z
I LOVE when Olivia brings home drawings from school. They are all so cute and detailed... and if it's a girl you better believe she has long eyelashes and/or noticeable lips.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/K-12-2021-17.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-22.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/K-12-2021-19.jpeg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/n.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/w.jpg)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/eag.jpg)
### throwback thursday (january 20, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-january-20-2021/
Last updated: 2022-01-20T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-31.png)
### ice skating
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/ice-skating-5/
Last updated: 2022-01-18T15:26:18.000Z
Emma has been asking when we can go ice skating. It has been too cold for the outdoor rinks, but perfect for the indoor rinks. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-16.png)

Of course Olivia didn't want to go. I talked her into and... and shocker... she loved it. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-17.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-19.png)

She only used the skate aid 1/4 way around the rink before she wanted to try skating without it. Both girls are already asking if we can go back today.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-18.png)
### volleyball
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/volleyball-2/
Last updated: 2022-01-17T03:39:05.000Z
Emma really loved volleyball when she played for the first time in the fall. I did some searching and found a winter volleyball clinic that only lasted a month with 2 tournaments. This weekend was her first tournament.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-14.png)

Last weeks practice was cancelled because of snow, so they only had one practice before the tournament. It took her a little while to get back into it, but by the middle of the second game she was figuring it all back out. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-12.png)

Emma's cheering section!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-15.png)
### throwback thursday (january 13, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-january-13-2021/
Last updated: 2022-01-13T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-30.png)
### compassion
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/compassion/
Last updated: 2022-01-10T21:12:00.000Z
Proud of this girl for being recognized by her teacher. Her photo is hanging up in the main hallway at school.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-11.png)
### new playroom
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/untitled-40/
Last updated: 2022-01-09T21:08:49.000Z
It is amazing how getting rid of a ton of toys and rearranging the playroom makes the girls actually play in the playroom. I can't remember the last time the girls spent this much time in here, and pretty sure Emma hasn't played with Barbie's in years.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-7.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-8.png)

The girls are even donating 120 stuffed animals. The 74 small ones are going to a nursing home to be used as bingo prizes for the residents. The 46 big ones are going to the fire department for when they have to rescue kids.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-9.png)
### throwback thursday (january 6, 2021)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-january/
Last updated: 2022-01-06T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-29.png)
### happy new year!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-new-year-5/
Last updated: 2022-01-02T06:32:36.000Z
We rang in 2022 by having some friends over, eating an amazing food spread, dressing up just for fun and staying up until 2 AM (yes, even the girls)!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2022/01/image-4.png)
### throwback thursday (december 30, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-december-30-2020/
Last updated: 2021-12-30T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-28.png)
### duluth in winter
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/duluth-in-winter/
Last updated: 2021-12-29T23:25:21.000Z
We've never been to Duluth in the winter. Every November/December they have a huge Christmas light display that everyone always talks about. We had planned to go over Olivia's birthday weekend, but couldn't find any rooms. We ended up finding one for a couple days right after Christmas.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-34.png)

We did some of our usual fun things... pizza, shopping, aquarium, watching ships and Grandma's.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-35.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-37.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-38.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-39.png)

We also braved the pre-blizzard weather to see the lights. I had wanted to go on Monday night because it was the last night and they were going to have fireworks. But there was a blizzard in the forecast, so we ended up going on Sunday night instead. I'm glad we did because the had to cancel the last night!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-42.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-44.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-46.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-47.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-48.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-50.png)

It was cold and windy. Olivia walked around most of the lights like this.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-49.png)

On Monday there was some crazy weather. We've never seen huge waves coming from the lake.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-41.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-40.png)

View from our room....

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-51.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-53.png)
### merry christmas
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/merry-christmas-7/
Last updated: 2021-12-25T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-33.png)
### throwback thursday (december 23, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-december-23-2020/
Last updated: 2021-12-23T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-27.png)
### sledding
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/sledding-5/
Last updated: 2021-12-23T02:18:34.000Z
Two years ago Olivia got snow in her face when sledding and she has refused to sled or tube ever since. I finally convinced her that she is bigger now and she should at least try it. Well... she loved it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-21.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-22.png)

I have no idea how many times she went down... but Emma and I were ready to go way before she was (which never happens).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-23.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-24.png)

The girls enjoyed some hot chocolate on the car ride home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-25.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-26.png)

Tomorrow starts winter break! We're going to try tubing on Friday. I'm hoping it goes as well as sledding because I love tubing.
### winter dance recital #2
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/winter-dance-recital-2/
Last updated: 2021-12-18T23:26:33.000Z
We cleared quarantine just in time for Emma to dance in her winter recital. She did amazing!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-18.png)
### it's beginning to look a lot like christmas....
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas-4/
Last updated: 2021-12-11T16:40:34.000Z
Yesterday we had no snow on the ground. This morning.... 13".

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-12.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-13.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-17.png)

This was at 6:30 PM last night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-14.png)

This was at 9:00 PM last night.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-15.png)

This was this morning.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-16.png)
### happy birthday olivia
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-birthday-olivia-2/
Last updated: 2021-12-10T21:35:28.000Z
It is a good thing we celebrated Olivia's birthday early because this 6 year old is quarantined at home with covid.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-9.png)

Luckily she feels just fine and is all smiles. She's been counting down to her birthday for weeks, so she's very excited the day is finally here!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-11.png)
### winter dance recital
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/dance-recital/
Last updated: 2021-12-05T02:00:45.000Z
Tonight Olivia had a winter dance recital. After she was all ready to go I told her I needed a picture, which to her means photo shoot. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-1.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-2.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-3.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-4.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-5.png)

She did amazing... and loved being on the big stage!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-6.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-7.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/12/image-8.png)
### little bit of everything
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/little-bit-of-everything/
Last updated: 2021-11-27T02:28:51.000Z
We did it all today... arcade, water park, mini golf, rock climbing, plus much, much more. We asked the girls if we could just head home tomorrow since we've seen and done everything, but (of course) they want to do it all again tomorrow. Emma has even been asking if we can come back for her birthday when the outdoor water parks are open too.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-58.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-59.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-60.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-61.png)

We did the Take Flight ride too, which is basically the same as Soarin' at Epcot. I wasn't planning on it, but glad we did it. The girls loved it. Not sure why Olivia was making that face. 😂

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-62.png)
### happy thanksgiving
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-thanksgiving-5/
Last updated: 2021-11-26T02:33:17.000Z
A little bit of an untraditional Thanksgiving for us this year. This morning we spent time at the arcade, the play park and the ropes course.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-43.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-45.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-46.png)

We ate a huge Thanksgiving buffet for lunch.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-37.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-38.png)

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After lunch it was water park time!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-49.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-47.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-48.png)

After the water park it was back to the ropes course. Usually Olivia is not a fan of anything somewhat dangerous. Apparently today she decided she wanted to be adventurous and try the 2 story high ropes course. She is too short to go by herself, so she needed an adult chaperone. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-51.png)

That adult chaperone was not thrilled.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-50.png)

I thought for sure we would get up there and she would chicken out. She didn't.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-52.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-53.png)

She also rocked the rock walls. Thankfully that did not require a chaperone.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-54.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-55.png)

The hotel also made a special delivery today since we are here celebrating her birthday.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-56.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-57.png)
### throwback thursday (november 25, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-25-2020/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-51.png)
### waterpark hotel
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/waterpark-hotel/
Last updated: 2021-11-25T02:59:42.000Z
Olivia has been asking to go to a waterpark hotel for her birthday ever since we went to a waterpark hotel over Labor Day. Both girls have dance recitals in December... so Thanksgiving seemed like the perfect time to go. No cooking. No clean up. Extra days off of school. All fun. Olivia has been counting down the days for weeks and was so excited that today was the day!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-30.png)

I think we were all pretty excited...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-31.png)

Olivia wanted to go back to the place we went in September, but we had to do better for her birthday celebration.... so we headed to the waterpark capital of the world!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-32.png)

Our hotel is gigantic with 3 indoor water parks, arcades, go carts, climbing walls, ropes course, candy store, ice cream, restaurants and a whole lot more.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-33.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-34.png)

None of us slept good last night, so we were all pretty exhausted by the time we made it to the hotel. We managed to make it to one of the waterparks today and plan to visit the others tomorrow after our Thanksgiving lunch. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-36.png)
### circus!
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/circus-2/
Last updated: 2021-11-23T21:38:54.000Z
I love the circus. We went two years ago, but the girls didn't remember. Pretty sure they loved it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-25.png)

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### throwback thursday (november 18, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-18-2020/
Last updated: 2021-11-18T06:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-50.png)
### first snowman of the year
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/first-snowman-of-the-year/
Last updated: 2021-11-14T18:46:34.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-22.png)
### throwback thursday (november 11, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november-11-2020/
Last updated: 2021-11-11T06:01:01.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-49.png)
### sever's
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/severs-3/
Last updated: 2021-11-05T02:19:04.000Z
This might be my absolute favorite fall activity.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-8.png)

Corn pit. Pumkpin launcher. Petting zoo. Corn maze. There is something fun for everyone!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-9.png)

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I love getting a picture every year to see how much they've grown. I didn't realize until I was putting these collages together that we skipped last year.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-21.png)
### throwback thursday (november 4, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-november/
Last updated: 2021-11-04T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-48.png)
### happy halloween
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/happy-halloween-9/
Last updated: 2021-11-01T20:03:45.000Z
The girls both had very specific requests for their costumes this year. Just my luck both costumes were sold out on Amazon. I did a bunch of searching and was lucky enough to find both of them somewhere else.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image.png)

I waited until the very last minute to get pumpkins, so we scrambled to get pumpkins and carve them this morning. Olivia really liked this cat pumpkin from the jack-o-lantern event we went to at the zoo a last month. She looked at the picture and drew the face on her pumpkin.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-5.png)

Olivia needed help cutting hers out. She watched Braden very closely to make sure he wasn't messing it up.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-1.png)

It turned out adorable and she was so proud of herself.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-2.png)

Emma used a template of a haunted house from a pumpkin carving kit we have.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-6.png)

She also did an amazing job.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/image-7.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/11/pumpkin_animation.gif)
### throwback thursday (october 28, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-28-2020/
Last updated: 2021-10-28T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-39.png)
### short week
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/short-week/
Last updated: 2021-10-23T01:44:57.000Z
The girls only had three days of school this week. They started their long weekend with their last gymnastics class of this session. I don't think Olivia really liked the instructor this time around, so she decided she doesn't want to do the next session. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-38.png)

Emma is very excited about the next session because she is moving up to the advanced level. But that means she is going to have to give up horseback riding lessons since they are at the same time. She has one more riding lesson left.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-45.png)

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Emma loves riding, but she loves gymnastics a little more. Luckily the place where she rides has some camps throughout the year. That is where she spent her two days off this week. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-39.png)

Olivia was stuck spending her two days off with me. On Thursday we went to the mall. We rode some rides, had lunch at Rainforest Cafe, played games and did a little shopping.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-40.png)

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On Friday we went to the movies.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-44.png)
### what a week
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/what-a-week/
Last updated: 2021-10-23T01:09:15.000Z
I don't think I've ever posted about it... but last year we bought a small business selling RV parts. The company was started 40ish years ago by a guy who owned a Blue Bird (like ours), so it has always had very loyal Blue Bird owner following. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-8.png)

Emma helping unload the moving truck (September 2020)

Every October there is a rally of 100+ Blue Bird owners in Georgia. We had only owned the business about a month when we went last year... and quickly found out we were not very prepared for a rally that size. This year we were way more prepared...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-9.png)

We headed out excited to start our two day drive to Kentucky. We planned to spend two days in Louisville and tour some bourbon distilleries before heading down to Georgia.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-10.png)

We made it to Wisconsin. We've had the bus for six years and never broken down before... so I guess it was time. We were able to get it to a campground while we tried to figure out if we could fix the problem and keep going, or if we were going to have to leave the bus and take the Jeep back home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-11.png)

Armed with some new tools, Braden got to work under the bus the next morning.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-12.png)

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Our problem was fixed and we were back on the road that afternoon. We made it to a rest stop (still in Wisconsin) with a new problem. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-17.png)

Luckily we have roadside service and they were able to get us back on the road... again, but we ended up spending the night at the rest stop (can you tell?). 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-18.png)

We finally made it to Louisville! We were a day late, but we made it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-19.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-20.png)

We had to miss two distillery tours that we had scheduled, but were able to make the rest.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-21.png)

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We didn't think it would happen, but we made it to Georgia!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-30.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-31.png)

We spent a couple days meeting people, selling things and making a plan for getting home. One of the big sponsors of this rally is a company in Georgia that does a lot of work on Blue Birds. They are also customers of ours, so we worked out a deal to drop our bus off at their shop when the rally was over. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-32.png)

We hopped in the Jeep and headed towards home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-34.png)

With all the bus problems we were pretty glad we left the kids at home with Braden's mom (thanks Nana!). This was our first ever trip without kids in 8 years. It was not exactly the trip we planned... but we have some good stories to tell. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-35.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-37.png)
### throwback thursday (october 21, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-21-2020/
Last updated: 2021-10-21T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-38.png)
### throwback thursday (october 14, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-14-2020/
Last updated: 2021-10-14T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-36.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-37.png)
### throwback thursday (october 7, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-october-7-2020/
Last updated: 2021-10-07T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-35.png)
### ears pierced
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/ears-pierced/
Last updated: 2021-10-02T01:46:30.000Z
Emma has been waiting for this day for weeks. She went with her 2 best friends to get their ears pierced... at a tattoo shop that played VERY inappropriate music. They had the best time. 😂

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-3.png)

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![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-6.png)

All done!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-5.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-7.png)
### book character day
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/book-character-day-4/
Last updated: 2021-10-01T18:45:01.000Z
Every September the girls school does a reading fundraiser. Today is the last day, which is also always dress like a book character day.

Emma is Bad Kitty.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image-1.png)

Olivia is Princess in Black.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/10/image.png)
### throwback thursday (september 30, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-30-2020/
Last updated: 2021-09-30T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-91.png)
### jack-o-lantern spectacular
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/jack-o-lantern-spectacular/
Last updated: 2021-09-30T03:05:40.000Z
Our zoo has a jack-o-lantern spectacular every year (except last year of course). This year we donated some money to the zoo and we got to go for free before it opened to the public.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-40.png)

It is pretty incredible what people can carve into pumpkins.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-41.png)

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### volleyball
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/volleyball/
Last updated: 2021-09-28T01:59:12.000Z
This fall Emma wanted to try volleyball. I wasn't sure a bunch of 3rd graders would be able to even hit the ball over the net, but most of them can. Emma is absolutely loving it.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-32.png)

This weekend she had her very first game. At her age it is mostly a serving game, but every once in a while someone actually hits it back over. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-33.png)

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### throwback thursday (september 23, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-23-2020/
Last updated: 2021-09-23T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-90.png)
### busy start to fall
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/busy-start-to-fall/
Last updated: 2021-09-18T03:47:24.000Z
I've never been a fan of too many evening activities... so I really over did it this month. 😬 It started Monday with Olivia at dance and Emma at volleyball practice. Olivia has been wanting to get back into dance, so she is taking a ballet/tap class with one of her friends. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-26.png)

Tuesday it was Emma's turn for dance. She wanted to try hip hop again since last fall she only made it to a couple classes before her studio closed. After dance she had another volleyball practice. Emma really wanted to try volleyball (which she loves). It is a short season with 2 practices a week for the next 3 weeks, and then 2 games.

Wednesday it was gymnastics. Olivia moved up after the last session, which means she can now be in the same class as Emma.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-27.png)

Thursday is horseback riding lessons for Emma. They were full all summer, but they had a spot open up for the fall.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-28.png)

Friday would normally be our free evening... but not this week. The girls did a dance clinic with the high school dance team and got to perform at halftime.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-29.png)

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### throwback thursday (september 16, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-16-2020/
Last updated: 2021-09-16T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-89.png)
### off to kindergarten
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/off-to-kindergarten/
Last updated: 2021-09-12T03:24:51.000Z
Just like that... we have a kindergartener!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-25.png)
### throwback thursday (september 9, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-9-2020/
Last updated: 2021-09-09T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-88.png)
### first day of 3rd grade
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/first-day-of-3rd-grade/
Last updated: 2021-09-08T14:47:37.000Z
Today Emma started 3rd grade! She is a little nervous because she doesn't know her teacher yet and all her close friends are in different classes.... but I know after the first day jitters she will do great this year.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-23.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-24.png)
### first time for everything
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/first-time-for-everything-2/
Last updated: 2021-09-05T20:54:46.000Z
For the first time ever we left a campground early. We were supposed to stay until Monday, but between the run down water park, loud music, barking dogs and just insane crowds we decided it was time to go.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-22.png)

Before we left we did spend Friday at the indoor water park next door. The girls loved this place!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-12.png)

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On Saturday we went to the Cranberry Discovery Center. Did you know 50% of the world's cranberries come from Wisconsin?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-16.png)

After we toured the museum we had some cranberry ice cream at their cafe.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-17.png)

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Saturday was still pretty chilly, but the sun came out just long enough for Emma to try out the big slide a bunch of times. It was her last bit of fun at the campground before we headed back home.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-20.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-21.png)
### last camping trip
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/last-camping-trip/
Last updated: 2021-09-03T03:12:00.000Z
This week is our last camping trip of the summer... and we saved the best for last (or so we thought). The girls absolute favorite campground is Kamp Dels. The girls love it for the petting zoo, playgrounds, water park, ice cream and arcade. Wisconsin has a comparable campground that we've never been to but a lot of people have raved how it is so much better than Kamp Dels. This summer we thought we'd give it a try.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image.png)

I booked almost a full week here so Braden could work from the bus during the week while the girls and I spend our days at the water park. Well... we arrived Tuesday night to find out the office closed early for a staff meeting. When I showed up at the office on Wednesday morning to check in they let us know that the water park would be closed until Friday. Uh what?!? We debated leaving to another campground, but it is Labor Day weekend so that was going to be impossible. We ended up choosing to try to make the best of it...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-1.png)

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Friday when the water park is supposed to open has a high of 63 and 70% chance of rain, so I don't think the water park is going to happen. Luckily we found out the resort next door offers day passes to their indoor water park.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-11.png)

Also... Emma lost another tooth!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/09/image-4.png)
### throwback thursday (september 2, 2020)
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/throwback-thursday-september-2/
Last updated: 2021-09-02T05:01:00.000Z
![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-87.png)
### kindergarten test run
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/kindergarten-test-run/
Last updated: 2021-08-31T18:02:59.000Z
It's official... we have a kindergartner! This week Olivia had 2 half days of school to help them transition into kindergarten.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-133.png)

They got to ride the bus, explore their classroom, have breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria and play on the playground. Next week will be both girls official first day of school!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-134.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-135.png)
### ninja warriors
URL: https://www.bradenanderin.com/ninja-warriors/
Last updated: 2021-08-29T23:06:34.000Z
The girls have been begging to go back to the ninja warrior gym. A rainy day was the perfect day to visit again.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-128.png)

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Emma spent most of the time doing gymnastics on the soft mats. She is pretty excited to start gymnastics again in 2 weeks.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-131.png)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/37/53/3753a80f-8fde-4050-bece-f7bceee6e14c/content/images/2021/08/image-132.png)

_Includes the latest 500 public posts. Use `/sitemap.xml` for the complete archive of public content._