The Andersons: March 2010

Kenzie's dedication and first birthday

Sunday was a treat. Our neice (and cousin) Kenzie got dedicated and then had her 1st birthday party (amazing Jodi cake included!). And going with tradition, Jodi and Jer planted a tree in her honor (star magnolia). She is such a sweetie! All smiles and quite a delicate little cake eater. We love you Kenzie!!!

Bedtime

This is what I found about a hour after Ross said he was going to put the girls to bed. I wish you could hear the snoring that came with it.

And she's off ...

Elena is on two wheels!!! She's still a bit shaky, but she's definitely getting the hang of it. Woo hoo!!

Teen Pact

Emma's babysitters Betsy and Molly (identical twins!) invited us to participate in what turned out to be an awesome experience. Both girls help coordinate Teen Pact http://www.teenpact.com/. It's a Christian program done at the capital that teaches kids ages 8 and up about the legislature. They did a scavenger hunt around the capital (Emma even got to take a picture in Rep. Jan Angel's office), did a prayer walk, wrote their own bills and debated them using parliamentary procedure! Emma was a bit hesitant at first (as she often is with new ideas), but ended up having a really good day. They kids who ran the program did an exceptional job at keeping it fun and age appropriate. Way to go guys!

A day at the capital

A weekend away

Sandy and I got to spend another weekend at her dad's cabin on Benson Lake. We ate WAY to well (can you say - entire bag of nutter butters? And can you say - Sandy didn't eat one of them?), relaxed, read, talked, played the Wii and walked the lake. Good times.

Crazy day

Anderson Island with Tiff

Tiffany and I got to spend an entire day together going to Anderson Island. We hooked up with Beth Kobernick, who we met through Bandu in Sri Lanka. She has been there a couple times and had an entire list of things to help prepare us for the trip. Not only that, she showed us some of the clothes she bought there and made us a Sri Lankan lunch using Angel's (Bandu's wife) pot!! (oh - not POT, but cooking pot). We even did it Sri Lankan style and ate with our fingers. It was a glorious day. The mountain was out, the ferry ride was spectacular - and I got to be with one of my favorite people. I cannot believe we leave in less than 2 months!!

Daddy daughter dance

Ross took Elena to a daddy daughter dance in Auburn and they had a blast! Emma didn't want to do the dance this year, so we spent our night eating out, getting our nails done and buying a new outfit. Not a bad deal!

A little leaf blowing

You gotta love it when you casually mention to your neighbor that you need to blow the leaves off of your driveway and he shows up 2 minutes later with this!!! Thanks for the help Tony!

Weird face contest

Elena and I spent about an hour dancing in our aprons and then seeing who could take the goofiest picture of the other person. I realized we didn't get THAT goofy. But here are the photos nonetheless.

2 birthdays

A little celebration for Suzi and Elena! We left the kids with Zach and Ross (though Zach was all druggy from his surgery so Ross was the man!) and Suzi and I went out for a yummy lunch and pedicures. So grateful for this friend!!

Cake toppers

Notice that Gabes is fully intact. Elena bit the head off of hers.

Elena turns 5!!

We had a joint party at Pump It Up with Elena's friend Gabe. The kids had lots of fun jumping and sweating!! Thanks to my sister Jodi for another amazing cake!! I can't believe my little sweetie is 5. She finally has accepted the fact that "she will always be my baby." It took many conversations to convince her of this. She eventually realized mommy wouldn't budge on the issue. Once she realized Emma had the same rule, she decided that was OK.

My prayer - that Elena will never leave "Planet Elena". I pray that she keeps her goofy sense of humor, her ability to make us belly laugh, and her genuine love for life. Elena - you bless every person you meet with your enthusiasm and joy. We love you deeper than deep.

The Andersons

Wednesday, March 17, 2010