Happy Birthday Golden Boy!

It's my little brother Robby's birthday tomorrow. Robby has a life to dream of ...he lives in( and can afford) N.Y.C. He dines at top notch restaurants. He wears high end designer clothes. He owns an apartment on the celebrated Bleecker street. He travels the globe to dreamy destinations. He dates a lot, plays a lot, and enjoys life! But, aside from all this you must know that Robby has a heart of gold. He is genuinely a "nice guy". He is a loyal to his friends and family. He is soft spoken with a mind of his own, and loves to laugh. My children just love to be with their uncle Robby. He is a fan favorite in the Anderson home. Thanks Rob for all you do for us! Happy Birthday, we love you.

Hello Mickey and Friends

Mickey's biggest fans. Where's Avery you ask...she was afraid of the famous mouse!

We planned to split up the long plane ride from Omaha to Hawaii by stopping over in L.A for the weekend. The kids have been to Disneyland many times, however, Avery was to young to remember her past visits. So, the perfect plan was created...let's take the kids back to Disneyland on our layover. Grandma and Grandpa decided to join us, along with Darren, Shelly and Kaylee. As luck would have it Dax, Breya and Livi also had a special pass to Disneyland this weekend as well. How's that for the "all- time" jam packed weekend...friends and family galore! That's what the "happiest place on earth" is all about, right? We loved it all, and are so thankful to each and everyone for making the effort. The family all crashed at Grandma's Fullerton home, staying up late nights visiting with one another, while the children laughed and played together. While it can be hard to coordinate with everyone, 13 people to be exact, I think we managed well, and celebrated being together. We don't get to see Darren, Shelley and Kaylee very often so we truly appreciated our time. Thanks to Dianne and Newell for making it happen. We have such special memories of our weekend in L.A.

What a happy little girl, eager to enter the Magic Kingdom! Only a few more moments to wait...

Our first ride of the day. I think the teacups are a favorite because they are painted so cute. Everyone loves them...part of the fun is picking the perfect teacup. Shelley, Avery, Kaylee & Z

Even though we brought a stroller for Zach, Jeff spent the better part of the day giving Zach a piggyback.

Sure enough, I took my turn and carried the Z man.

Yep, even grandpa in a wheel chair took Zach for a ride. I'd like to think we were all protecting him from getting overly tired in fear of a seizure...but, it looks like this kid is spoiled!!Lol

Ariel is Avery's favorite princess. Thankfully, we found her waiting for our visit in "Ariel's Grotto"

Such "cutie patootie" cousins. Avery and Kaylee together on the carosel.

Believe it or not, I have more pic's from our Cali visit. Stayed tuned for more tomorrow night.

Good bye Maui

Before we tuck away our memories and photos of our recent vacation I wanted to post a few pic's of the beautiful scenary in Hawaii. What a place...the ocean, the beach, lush tropics, and mountainsides-around every corner was another breathtaking view. Enjoy the sights.

The blow hole, north of Napili

This is a quaint and remote town. We drove on a very narrow one lane road through the mountains on our way to the airport- an incrediably beautiful drive.

seascape on the northwest side of Maui past Kapalua

A rainbow to greet us on our arrival to the hotel. This picture was taken looking out our window the first night.

This is the life

We loved our pool at the Marriott. It was beautifully landscaped with flowers, plants, rocks and waterfalls The kids loved the waterslides and pirate ship. I could spend all day relaxing by the poolside. Bring on the poolside fruit drinks...this is the life!

we're off to Molokini for some snorkeling

Aboard the "Maui Pride" for an afternoon boat and snorkeling trip

I was most looking forward to our boat trip out to Molokini crater to go snorkeling! I wanted the kids to see the whales out in the middle of the ocean. As a child, I have vivid memories of going to Hawaii and seeing the whales. I wanted the same for my children. Our boat ride didn't disappoint...we saw so many. Infact, we saw a baby whale jump out right in front of the boat. They were so big, & close that even Zach could see them. Truly spectacular! It was hard to capture them on film but I manage to get a few pic's. Enjoy the whales.

Ellie was the first one ready with her snorkel gear on. She surprised us when she eagerly jumped right in the ocean and started snorkeling. She and Bruce went way out to a reef to see all the different kinds of fish. Not as much luck with Zachary and Avery. They both inhaled water right away and came back to the boat. It's hard for the kids to coordinate the mask, and snorkel and especially with the ocean waves knocking into them. I thought my last experience (face to face a giant eel) snorkeling would be my last. But, I tried again and really enjoyed it this time. We saw some beautiful fish, schools of them and a few very large fish. It's so calm and peaceful underwater.
Back on board, we had a BBQ lunch. It was mighty tasty... yummy!

After a full day on the water and in the sun... our little angel fell asleep on the way back to shore.

Hula Grill

We went to a fun restarurant on the beach. I mean literally on the beach- you can feel the sand between your toes! We sat the kids at one table and the grown-ups at another...we love that set up!

Ellie and Brighton joined in with the band, and gave us all some Hawaiiann entertainment...Hula dancing. Zachary took baby Brooklyn's hand to dance...the softer side of Zach.

More in Maui

Maui Lava Flows

We really wanted the kids to experience and understand the nature of the volcano in Maui. We took a trip to the lava flows. Wow. It is here that lava poured out into the ocean. As you look around, everywhere is covered in black rock. Also, we spent time looking in the tidal pools. We saw a baby eel. This was the only day that was cold and cloudy, so this was a perfect outing for the morning.

To My Favorite Valentine!

Happy Valentines Day to Jeff!



The top 10 reasons I am lucky to have Jeff as my Valentine
10. He brings a smile to my face each and every day.

9. He helps me when I need him with a caring and patient heart.

8. He calls me everyday from work, to let me know he is thinking about me.

7. He appreciates my efforts when making dinner, even if the meal is a can of soup.

6. Just being near him, cheers me up!

5.He is hands down, without a doubt the best dad for our children, he loves them with all his heart. Jeff is happiest when his children are around.

4. He provides well for our family. He works hard everyday. He succeeds and excels in his professional career inorder to give to his family.


3. He makes me laugh! Yes, Jeff you still make me laugh everyday. Nothing is ever as much fun as it is with you beside me.

2. He truly is an example of Christ-like characteristics. He is so loving, kind, patient and serving towards others. I learn from him daily. And feel blessed to have him in my life.

1. He is my husband, my best friend and forever companion! Jeff," my heart loves your heart" Thank you for your example of love! Happy Valentines Day. I love you dearly, Laurie

Aloha

Maui is paradise! We had a wonderful trip. Each and every moment was well spent and thoroughly enjoyed. It was very hard to leave such a beautiful island. Yesterday morning back in Omaha, Zachary grunted ..."Ug, I want to go back to Maui." Our vacation to Maui was exactly what it was meant to be... relaxing, and rejuvinating. Jeff described it as " good for the soul!" Our accomodations were perfect. Thanks to the Bischoff's for inviting us to their time- share condo. The Marriott Ocean View is spectacular. We spent each day soaking up the island beauty by the beaches, pools or seeing the sights.

Here are a few pictures by the beach. Avery enjoyed playing in the sand, Ellie loved the ocean and learned to bodysurf, and Zachary searched high and low for seashells. Both Zachary and Avery were sidetracked and tempted by the birds, they spent much time chasing them on the sand. Memories I will never forget.

This post is "to be continued" stay tuned for many more pictures of our excursions in hawaii and also, Disneyland.

Here today...gone to Maui

After an action packed, family- filled fun weekend at DisneyLand we are off to Hawaii. Thank you to Dianne and Newell for our awesome layover here in L.A.