Quiet morning's . . .

Are quite unusual around here, but it is 9 AM, and I just heard the first peep from my sleeping angels. (They are usually up by 7:30. Whenever they sleep later, I begin to wonder if they are still alive!)

I've had time to bake a dozen muffins, bake and prepare Christmas plates with "peanut butter blossom" cookies, and do some reading.

If only every morning were this way!!!

The Latest from Emily

Late one afternoon, I asked Emily if she needed to use the bathroom. She replied, "No, I already did last night." Another time, I reminded her to wash her hands as she headed out of the bathroom. Again, she looked at me and innocently said, "I don't need to, I already washed my hands last night." The same has been the case with most things I've recently asked her to do that she'd rather not--she already did it last night so there's no need to bother doing it again.

Last night must mean the other day, because it was only yesterday that she told me about all the fun she'd had at Disneyland with Grandpa and Dani last night. . . .

Emily Decorates the Tree

Emily has been looking forward to putting the tree up this year. She was so sad to say goodbye to her cousins after having spent a fun Thanksgiving weekend with them, but when I told her that we needed to go home to put up the Christmas tree, she said, "Okay!" and was ready to leave without even giving any goodbye hugs. When we did put the tree up, we didn't yet have many ornaments to decorate it, so Emily (and Michael) got a little creative. Can you see some of the odd decor?

Michael added this tree. Other odd items from Emily: headband, children's books, sippy cup lid, notebook, candy wrapper, store receipts...but she has since redecorated.

Moss Man

On a recent hike through the woods, we found the moss man by the river. Can you see him too? I think he's doing the yoga warrior pose . . .

Halloween Mishaps

Adam said that this was his favorite, most fun Halloween ever. I agree, though it wasn't without some mishaps, but those make it all the more memorable.

We carved the Adam and Kari pumpkin while Emily and Michael colored their pumpkins with permanent red and black markers. In one of those moments where I thought Adam was watching the kids and he thought I was watching the kids, we were surprised to find that noone was watching Emily as she expressed her artistic ability on the walls of our living room--a little permanent red marker here, a little there, and we still have some left to wash off.

Emily loved wearing her costume to the ward trunk-or-treat, but Michael was horrified to put his Robin Hood hat on; he just wouldn't do it. After the ordeal of getting him into his costume and trying to take a few pictures, Michael threw up his dinner all over his outfit and all over his dad. Ah well! And after all the hard work to make the costume and get him in it! He looked cute and I wanted all of us to go out together, but after that, he and Adam stayed home while Emily and I went.

I finally realized that the only way I might get Michael to wear his hat on Halloween night was by pinning into to his hoodie, and hoping he didn't notice it was up there. That worked after all, and we had fun trick-or-treating with a group of friends. Now, I just don't know what to do with all this candy! That's the real nightmare...I'm thinking of selling it by the pound and buying the kids each a toy with the money.

Fall Evening

at the Pumpkin Patch

Before finding our pumpkins, we visited the farm animals, some of whom were snacking on raw pumpkin.

We took multiple trips through a hay bale maze. I could see the tops of the bales, but I still unknowingly followed the kids into a dead end or two.

By the end of our evening, I put the kids in the cart with our pumpkins just so to keep them from running every which way. There is so much to explore out on a farm and it was such a beautiful evening, we hated to leave. It took all my remaining energy to pack up the kids before dusk settled in, and rush home for a late dinner.

Dalias

from Mimi's Garden

The Burn Pile

Grandpa Mike was excited to take Michael out to get the burn pile ready. Mikey helped carry some boxes over, although his hat limited his vision. Grandpa Mike made sure his grandson had one of his hat's to wear. Just wouldn't be ready for work without it.

Morning walks with Calvin

at Grandpa Mike's house.

Emily, all dressed up

at Mimi Carol's house

The Final Cut

Well, I couldn't get Emily to pose for me this morning, but I'll share these snapshots of her new "big girl" haircut. A new haircut and a pair of blue jeansreally do make her seem tall and "mature" to Adam and me. She must be our first child. For a before shot, check out the birthday post.

Tips please!

A while ago, I took Emily with me to my hair cut appointment. A friend of mine does my hair, and I wanted her to also cut Emily's at this visit. But Emily was less than cooperative and spent the whole time snuggled in my arms, face buried against me, while my friend trimmed up her hair.

I'm going to give the hair cut myself at home this time. Can anyone share tips/techniques for a GIRL's home haircut?

(random photo: Mike's way to humorously deal with a bad hair day)

Summer Leaves

The Harvest season will soon begin. Eager for cooler temperatures, a little more rain, and Autumn holidays, I'm ready for a change of seasons. Fall Equinox is 10 days away, and Halloween many more, but already we're planning our costumes.

I've started Michael's Robin Hood outift, and will have time for Emily's costume afterward. Emily had her heart set on this other costume--her idea was for Mom and Emily to dress up together as mermaids. I said we'd keep looking for another pattern, but isnt't that funny!

Always, when summer begins I think to myself how excited I am for sunny weather and how could I ever grow tired of it, but it seems that by early September I am impatient for the new approaching season to begin, and for the Autumn leaves!

2004 Family DVD

Yesterday, Emily and I were walking around a grocery store when we heard the Goo Goo Dolls song, "I'll Be Your Crying Shoulder. . . . " Emily immediately recognized it as a song from our 2004 Anderson Family DVD. With surprise and enthusiasm she exclaimed, "Mama, they're watching the family DVD! Lets go watch it!" She was really excited--I had to tell her that I doubted anyone in the store was actually watching it.

Do you remember that Anderson DVD from many Christmases ago? The kids watch it a lot (especially good for a Sunday). The crazy thing is, when I see the 2004 photos it seems like forever ago, but really it was just 3 years ago! A lot has changed!

Emily Turns 3

Happy Birthday, EMILY ! ! !

Emily turned 3 on August 11th. We were way excited to have Jonathan, Seth, John, and Christine here to celebrate, and to wear pink, shiny party hats. It was the first birthday that Emily was able to anticipate. She talked about it for weeks before, and is already talking about her next birthday.

Christine snapped this great shot of Emily shying away from the flaming birthday cake.

Adam arranged the candles in the shape of a 3. One look, and I knew she would need a lot of help getting them all out. We also went swimming as a family, Emily's choice.

Visit from John and Christine

Five, Four, Three . . .

Five days left until we modernize, going high speed and wireless. Instead of it taking us about 5 hours to make this post it will take no time at all. Or so it will seem after having had dial-up.

We may be seeing more of you on video chat!

Hikin' Buddies

The kids have a natural love for taking hikes. I am as pleased to watch them explore as I am to be out on the trail. These pictures are from a recent hike. The kids spent a good chunk of time playing on this little bridge. While Mikey enjoyed his break from the pack, Adam or I watched him with one hand reaching for his belt loops, just in case.

Our hiking pace has changed with a 3-year-old walking beside us and a 20-some pounder in tow. I'm already wandering what we'll do when there are 3 kids and only 2 sets of carrying shoulders. . . .

Don't Miss it

Friday evening, Adam and I enjoyed watching the film, Miss Potter, with Renee Zellwegger and Ewan McGregor.

I think we are all familiar with her children's books such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, but Adam and I knew nothing about the life of Beatrix Potter. As it turns out, it is quite the story to tell. I won't ruin the surprise by giving away those details, but I will say that the acting is great, the setting is enchanting, and the film is clean. If you watch it, please let me know what you think of it.

Coincidently, my mom and dad also watched the same movie Friday evening. Talking with her on the phone tonight, she started to explain this movie they'd recently seen and recommended. So, I guess that makes 6 thumbs up, 8 if you count my dad.

Growing Up

After looking at our previous garden post, I thought an update was needed. It's growing up! This picture is 3 weeks old, so most of the lettuce has been eaten, but the cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and carrots are getting taller. Pepper plants aren't doing so good, probably because Mikey, Emily, and their friend Tanner have each taken a turn pulling the pepper plants up by thier roots. I just replant the poor things and hope for the best. I can't give up on them yet.

Princesses & Angels

We've been home for a little while, but Adam and I have some photos from the beach house trip that we want to share. This first one is a favorite.

Our first full day was spent at Disneyland. Before the tickets were even bought, Emi and Dani were dancing with Grandpa.

And when it was time to go, they were still savoring the sweet experiences (doesn't Emi have an I've-been-Disnafied look?). The most amazing part of the trip: Emily feel asleep at Disneyland.
Don't you love their Mickey ears?
Grandpa was a good sport and put Emi's Mickey ears on so we could get her to laugh for a family photo. It worked, as you can see.

We went to see the Anaheim Angel's play the Twins. The Angel's were heading for a win I thought, but they ended up losing by 2 points if I remember right. (Mary, who were you rooting for anyway?) Mikey occassionally would blurt out something like, "Ba! Ba!" He got this free toy baseball, but we had to put it away because he couldn't just hold it, he had to throw it or try and eat it.

Speaking of eating, Mikey wasn't too interested in trying the sand on this his 2nd trip to the ocean. He stayed busy trying new things, like rinsing off in the shower . . . while seated in a car.
My favorite part--Family time; and looking out at the ocean with Emi and Mikey.

Quite the trio

We didn't notice we were all standing alike until I saw this photo on our camera. Adam took it while we were at Disneyland learning some princess dances and such...the steps didn't come as naturally as holding a baby or knowing how to hold on to mom.