Anderson Update

Both of my children love to be outside so we are going to spend lots of time at the park and in the yard this summer. I have made several garage sale finds including a riding toy for Noah, a two seater wagon, and a bike for Emma. We also hope to make some trips to the pool this summer and Emma is signed up for swimming lessons in July.

Emma has also made a new friend in town. We've been playing with Lydia and meeting her at story time. Emma keeps calling her Alydia or Olydia. I think she's confusing it with Alivia or Olivia. So I've been working with her to say "Lllll... Lydia." So now she calls her "La la Lydia."

I am enjoying a day off at home without my kids today (thanks to my mother dearest.) I cannot believe what I was able to get done before noon:

• Cleaned the basement
• Swept/mopped basement floor, stairs
• Ironing done (had been there for at least 3 months)
• Four loads of laundry
• Painted my bathroom trim
• Cleaned the bathroom
• Vacuumed living room/hallway
• Picked up house
• Sinkful of dishes done

I still have my afternoon left and am hoping to finish some more cleaning, work on Noah's baby book, and do some errands. It has been a wonderful break and great timing as we prepare for our big double birthday party this weekend. My next big task is baking two cakes and decorating them on Saturday...



Fell asleep after singing "Trust and Obey" to herself



Noah loves to play with the TP

Emma and her new friend Lydia

Noah pretends he's mowing

Our cute little mouse

A birthday and a minivan

This past week we celebrated Emma's fourth birthday and purchased a minivan!

We met Papa Paul and Grandma Janis at the mall on Saturday for Emma's birthday. Emma picked out a kitty at Build-A-Bear and then chose Chick-fil-a (her favorite place) for lunch. We ended the trip with a chocolate cupcake and the play place. She had a great day but was a bit confused since we're having her party next weekend. We decided to combine her and Noah's party since they're only two weeks apart. When she woke up that morning she informed us that she really wasn't four because she didn't grow any bigger. Guess she expected to be taller ;) I can hardly believe she's already four and can still remember the day she made her big arrival. She continues to make us laugh and surprises us with her vocabulary and expressions. Emma is a real joy and we are excited to see what God has in store for her life.


Monday we made a trip to Marshalltown to pick up our minivan! It is a blue/gray 2004 Honda Odyssey and seems too nice for us. I know it won't stay that way once our little family does some damage. We both really like the extra space and it's so much easier getting the kids in and out of their car seats. Ethan wasn't so sure at first about a minivan but I think it's growing on him. Emma loves it mainly because it has a DVD player. She is only allowed to use it on long trips but it will be great since we do lots of driving.

Emma Rene Anderson
May 14, 2007

Our new family



Loved to stick that tongue out



Our new four year old with her "chickmunks"

Stuffing her kitty at Build-A-Bear

She chose a princess dress (surprise, surprise)

Noah at the play place



Her birthday present: a Barbie bike



The helmet keeps falling off

Our new minivan

Fun in the Sun!

We have finally had some warm, sunny days to enjoy. I think we spent all day outside three days this week! Both of the kids love to be outdoors and we are all so excited for summer to be here. We bought some patio furniture from a friend and Emma asks to eat outside everyday now.

Other than that, our only news is that we have been minivan shopping. We are saying goodbye to the old Alero and are searching for a bigger vehicle. It's been an adventure taking two kids on test drives and switching car seats in and out. I hope we can rid of the Alero even though it has high miles and some problems. We are having trouble making a decision but we're going to need something soon. Maybe I'll have a picture of our new vehicle to post soon.

Noah in his hat (Ethan just loves it)

Sunbathing

The princesses have to join us outside

Happy Mother's Day!

For all of the moms out there. Love this video!

To Mom:
Now that I have two of my own, I am realizing more and more how amazing you are. Your countless sacrifices, unselfishness, and willingness to help are incredible. I honestly don't know how you raised nine children! You must still be trying to catch up on sleep. Thank you for everything and know that your children "rise up and call you blessed." Love you!!