Snow day hobbies

One of Madelyn's snow day hobbies is shoveling. She loves to get all bundled up and shovel the deck.

Sawyer's hobbies, for now, include standing at the window watching.

Thankful turkey

"I am thankful for...

 

"wanting to play on the playground at 5th grade.

 

"wanting to look at owls.

 

"Yo Baby yogurt at school and at home.

 

"that I will try roast marshmallows roasted.

 

"trying pumpkin pie."

 

- Madelyn

 

Oh, to be three and experiencing all these things for the first time. I love how she sees life in such a simple, happy manner. Somedays I'd like to be more like her.

Kitchen project - DONE

As of last week, our kitchen is done.

 

The cabinets were the final piece and I love love love the results. It's like we have a whole new kitchen! I have to admit that I did have one or two mini panic attacks once the painting was underway. But, I knew deep down the end result would be worth two weeks of no cabinet doors and no drawer fronts. The glass coffee carafe was the only casualty during this time, too, which was impressive. At any rate, it's done.

 

 

 

 

 

The cabinet color is Boston Fern and the island is Swiss Coffee both by Behr Paint.

Movember

Greetings from our house to yours for a happy Movember.

Casa Bonita, ole!

We made our first trip, as Team Anderson, to Casa Bonita last night with Honey and Poppie plus Uncle Jerky, Aunt Sandi, Emery, and Camden. Let me tell you about a time warp!

According to their website - yes, Casa Bonita has one - this is their 37th year of operation. And, I don't think much has changed in 37 years. The food was still alright, the sopapillas were delicious and plentiful, and Black Bart's Cave was spooky yet corny. All in all, a good time was had by all, especially the little ones. It was actually pretty fun to experience all the excitement with them.

A return trip has not yet been scheduled but I imagine we'll be back again sometime. Maybe we'll take a limo for someone's birthday. ;)

Halloween chuckles

 

 

A few Halloween chuckles from trick-or-treating with the little people this year -

• Sawyer wanting to pick up every pumpkin we saw at every house along the way...our little He-Man.
• "Trick or treat! (Pause) My brother's too young to be able to say that." - Really?! Great. Now all these people are going to think we're the parents using our older child to get extra candy for us.
• At our babysitters' house, after realizing who those girls were, Sawyer was ready to go into their house and stay awhile. At least he didn't try to pick up their pumpkin!
• Madelyn being my little trick or treat helper and handing out candy once we returned home. She's good!
• Splitting a fun size bag of M&M's with Sawyer and watching the pleasure on his face. And, then watching him help himself to more candy that lay on the kitchen table. He's no dummy!

Fossilitos, schmossilitos

Look at these little archaeologists! I think they've found something. A good time was had by all today at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science with Auntie Kate. Thanks for joining us for a fun day!
 

 

 

Afro Circus

This boy is always ready for a good time.
 

Mini Madelyn

This little astronaut's name is Mini Madelyn according to the real Madelyn.

Today's letter was A and on Thursday we're supposed to bring something that starts with the letter A to sharing time.

Pre school is going great!

There's an app for that!

Just downloaded the Blogger app so hopefully this will expedite my blogging.

The things they learn.

Two weekends ago, Madelyn and Sawyer spent an overnight weekend (two nights) with Grammy and Grandad. This isn't the first overnight they've had away from us but what they came home with after such a short time was remarkable.

1. Madelyn developed a southern accent and discovered she likes gum.
2. Grandad's special yogurt contains more chocolate, cookies, and brownies than yogurt.
3. Madelyn and Sawyer learned how to shoot spider webs out of their wrists a la Spiderman. In fact, an entire car ride in the days following their overnight was filled with wrist flinging, "tsss-ing", and giggles.
4. Someone informed Madelyn that the dog food truck is actually an ice cream truck.

I have so many fun memories of my own of special things that were grandparents-only like Shasta in every flavor imaginable and lots of lefse with butter and sugar. It makes me happy to know my children are having similar experiences with their grandparents.

Thanks, Grammy and Grandad and Aunt Shelley and Uncle Mike for the fun weekend!

Madelyn-isms

"Piggy? Piggy! I didn't ask you to get on the shuttle yet!" - Madelyn playing "quietly" in her room with the Little People Farm. The silo has apparently been transformed into a space rocket.

If only I had half of her imagination...

Floyd's

Sawyer had his second haircut on Sunday. Having not been thrilled with his first one, I didn't really like the salon/stylist or the cut, I took him to Floyd's where Griff gets his hair cut.

Let's just say, Sawyer was less than cooperative. He had to sit in my lap in the chair and neither a pacifier nor unlimited access to the cell phone kept him from squirming and reaching up at the stylist. However, ten minutes later, or however long it was, he had a fresh haircut and was good as new.

We will likely try Floyd's again for him. It's a nice salon and his hair looks very cute. And, best of all, I can see his eyes once again!

Stay classy, San Diego.

Last week, we went on our first family vacation as a foursome. We flew to San Diego on July 4 and enjoyed five fun-filled days. Below are a just a few highlights of our trip -

  

Parade, park, grilling, and fireworks on Coronado. Grandpa was right when he said that it doesn't get any more American than 4th of July on Coronado.

Paddle boarding and sand castle building at Glorietta Bay.

A great bike ride around the island (sans children).

More beach time at the ocean including sand castle building and swimming.

Hours of endless playing with cousins at Aunt Sandi and Uncle Jerky's house including dungeon master and sprinkler/hose fun.

LegoLand.

San Diego Zoo.

It was such a great trip. Even though we were all wiped out by the time we returned home, every minute was worth it.

Grandpa - Thank you for opening your home to us. After spending a few days with you, we can understand why you love Coronado so much. We look forward to coming back and spending more time together. Madelyn plans to learn to swim before next time so she can paddle board out farther with you.

Uncle Jerky, Aunt Sandi, Emery, and Camden - Thank you for sharing your stroller, car, and toys with us. I don't have to tell you how much fun Madelyn and Sawyer had with Emery and Camden. The dirty bath water and exhausted children each night was proof! Wherever your travels take you, we'll fondly recall all the fun we've had with you at Pipit Place.

Baby, it's hot outside.

Our sprinkler system has been acting a little out of sort. Luckily, there were two children, with swimsuits handy, who were available to run through the hand sprinkler on Sunday afternoon.



First run through the sprinkler. The water's much colder than she anticipated.

Ready to play...and diaper free! It's so liberating.

Catching water in the frisbee to serve to others. How gracious and thoughtful!

Possibly the cutest plumber crack I've ever seen.

A friend to play lawn sprinkler.

Our little water baby. Too cute!

Happy 1st Birthday, Little Brother!

Two weeks ago, we celebrated the first birthday of our very own Little Brother aka Sawyer. It was a wonderful day that came much faster than I anticipated. Funny how 365, make that 366, days can fly by so quickly!

Sawyer had a great actual birthday which included macaroni and cheese, cake pops, and birthday presents. A few days later, in spite of the heat, we threw a big backyard bonanza and partied it up with our good friends and family. Below are a few pictures from the birthday celebration -

The birthday boy -- officially one year old!

Playing with a new birthday toy.

Give me that cake!

Mmm...cake.

Chocolate and frosting make a little boy happy.

No too much frosting on the face.



Cheese!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures that caputre the rest of the party but it was quite a party. We had kids rumpusing in the yard, climbing the fort, and adults playing "corn hole". Cinderella even mopped up our deck at the end of the party! Uncle Gabe, Aunt Kari, and new cousin, Sloane, sorry you missed the party this year. But, we can't wait to join you at your first birthday NEXT year! Thank you to everyone for the phone calls, emails, cards, and gifts. Happy birthday, sweet Sawyer! You're one-derful (cheesy, I know) and we love you SO much.

And, last but not least. Vital stats from our twelve-month appointment with Dr Marc:

Height: 29-1/2 inches, or 50th percentile

Weight: 23 lb 5 oz, or 75th percentile

Head: 46 cm, or 75th percentile