C e l e b r a t e...good times

Before we left town, the week after Christmas we got together with a few our friends to say goodbye. Our schedule was crazy, everything was changing. With short notice The Pattersons and The Fentons threw this little get together for us. We had a wonderful night, so thankful for the chance to see friends and say goodbye one last time. Mostly, we know that we will see many of our friends again. For we have made lifelong friends here in Omaha. We are lucky. However, it was nice to have this final evening in Omaha together. You can never really go back, right.

I am sad I don't have any other pictures of the evening.    Here is one with the Patterson kids.

Santa came

Christmas morning was delightful.  It was especially fun to share it with Tati and Danny.  A houseful of kids brings a lot of choas mixed in with laughter and joy.   I will never forget the big beaming smiles stretched from ear to ear on each of the kids faces.  There is a childlike wonder and twinkle in the eye of everyone on Christmas morning.  Santa spoiled the kids this year and we played with our new toys all day.  In our PJ's... till late in the day.  Perfect. 

Our Christmas Eve tradition is new jammies.  This year the theme was Nebraska "Huskers"

And the opening begins.  This year we started about 7:30 and finished at 11:00. 

I think, all in all the kids got everything they wanted from Santa.  The grandparents, of coursed pulled through with special gifts as well.  Ellie's favorite gift,  hands down was her guitar.  She is really good at it and ready to start lessons Feb 1st.  Avery has many favorites but I think she likes both the American Girl bed and Salon Chair best.  Zach, hard to tell.  But, I think his fav. is a gift that he chose himself.  He  exchanged a video game from Santa  for a camera.  Likes a lot.  Although, he loves his boots and will plan entire outfits around those boots.  It's a toss up.  I think as a family we most enjoy the "just dance."  That game is FUN.  Also, the Wii FIT is awesome.  We also got an amp with microphone, really helps with the impromptu concerts and shows in our living room.  Like I said, spoiled kids. 

The annual hunting trip with an invited guest.

Every year the big boys go on a pheasent hunting trip to Kansas.  This year they invited their little boys to join them.  Father/ Sons Hunting trip.  I was nervous about the trip. How do I let go of the fear?  Guns. Freezing cold weather.  Tough physical walking conditions.  Zach's not prepared.  How will he keep up?  Will he be happy?    I did know,  from the bottom of my heart,  that Jeff would have Zach's best interest in mind at all times.  I knew Zach would be safe with his Dad by his side.  He would be in good hands.   With that thought I kissed my boys and sent them off to Kansas with 6 other friends.  I had no idea what fun was in store for them.  They walked many fields fields.  Yes, Zach got tired.  But, he hung in there like a champ.  With Jeff's help, hand over hand he had the chance to shoot a gun..  He was tough when he felt the kickback of the gun on his shoulder. His favorite part was holding the birds, for he could look up close and examine the colors.  The boys (men included) ate nothing but junk food to the point of tummy aches.  Beef jerky was a main stable.  Potty humor took over all converstation.  The little boys were happy to just hang out and  "talk the talk" hunting style.

  With all the excitement and physical exertion, the first night away Zach had a seizure.  When he awoke after the medicine wore off, Jeff gave him the option to just hang out together or walk the fields again.  Zach didn't hestitate...he wanted to go out again.  This hunting thing...it's in his blood.  He loves it. 

I treasure this photo.  This is how I will forever remember Zachary.  Snuggling.  With Kiki.  There is nothing more precious or a better way to spend time than snuggling with Zach. It's true. 

This hunting trip brought so much happiness to Zach.  For him, it was perfect.  So far in his 11 years, this was it, his favorite time spent.  He loves his daddy and being "one of the boys"  And, with that being said. I will take my fear and throw it away.  It was worth every moment.   So really, it was happiness for all of us.

Our Girls Night Out

While the boys are away the girls will play.  And, my version of "playing" is a night out with dinner and theater.  I love that my girls love the exact same thing.  I am thankful to Gigi for suggesting the girls and I do something special and very girly while the boys are away.  Great idea.  I bought tickets to the Rose Theater to see Peter Pan.  The Rose put on a wonderful production.   We all enjoyed the show.  I especially loved watching the girls as they were so intrigued with the performance.  I couldn't help to peek at them and smile as their eyes were glues to the stage watching every moment of the singing and dancing. We started our night off with dinner at Neuman's.  Then off to the main event.  Followed up with a slumber party.  All 3 of us in our big bed.  What a lovely night, one that I will always remember. 

Hmm, there are a few fun things about moving...

Namely... a "going away" surprise party.  Ellie has always secretly wished for a surprise party, so this was the perfect send off.    Her good friend, car pool buddy and one of my favorite kiddos threw a bash for Ellie and friends to say "goodbye"   To say she was excited would be understatment.  She was ecstatic!  She loved every mintute of it and thought about it for several days afterwards.  The girls gathered at Godfathers first and we brought Ellie in a few minutes later.  She was startled when the girls yelled "surprise" but quickly recovered when she realized it was a party.! And, how happy she was....that she didn't really have a dentist appointment at 6:30 on Friday night.    I know it sounds like a lame cover on my part.  But, she threw me off gaurd one afternoon and to protect the secret... dentist... was the first thing out of my mouth.  Really,  I need to work on my ability to "mislead"

Just for the record she was really surprised!  Humm, Dentist, not so bad afterall.

The girls had the whole party room to themselves.  They could be heard giggling, yelling, pulling pranks, planning their attempts to walk by the cute boys in the other room.  Giggling some more and plenty of boy talk.

 
 Just for record sake.  When the girls yelled "surprise"  Avery broke down in tears.  Sheer old fashion jealousy!  It's hard on a little 6 year old to watch your sister celebrate and to not feel included.   At least it is for Avery.  She was broken hearted for a short time but recovered with the chance to hang out with Katherine.  Katherine came to her rescue.  That's what the Lentsch's do...save the day.

The Lentsch family provided the girls with pizza, cake and the girls contributed to "going away" gifts. 

She missed her friend, Kylie who was out of town.  The girls were cute and always remembered Kylie when signing her cards and gifts.  (Kylie later surprises Ellie with her all time fav photo gift, wink.wink)

We are so thankful to the Lentsch family.  They are great friends and we will miss them immensly.  Emma is a kind, thoughtful girl and a wonderful example to her peers.  Especially Zachary and Ellie.

Create and Celebrate

Avery chose to have her 7th birthday party at "Create" this year.  And, what a great choice.  This place is a crafters paradise.  They were booked on her actual birthday so we had her party on Dec 17th this year.  Avery chose the project she wanted the kids to make during the party.  A big canvas to paint.   She knew Mason would love this project as well.  She is always on the look out for her "bestie"  I had some t-shirts made for the kids to wear as "art shirts"  It was a hit.  The kids loved having the same shirt as their friends.  "It's great to create and celebrate"  was our motton this year.  The owner of the shop loved the slogan so much she took pictures of the kids for her own use.  How could she resist such cute kids! 

 Avery was very concientious with her painting.  An owl.  Her very own idea.  I love it....awesome wings.   

My heart melts with these two happy faces.

This December...

December 2010.  What can I say about this past December?  We sold our house the beginning of the month and I was in over my head from that point forward.  Jeff traveled for most of the month.  His new position as DM and training in NYC back to back kept him busy.  Parties and celebrations beyond the usual Christmas festivites kept the kids and myself busy.  Emotional stress of the month took a toll as well.  Most of the time I didn't know if I was coming or going.  And, forget about doing the "traditional" things of Dec, if it wasn't bare necessity, it didn't get done. 

It was the middle of the month before we put any decorations up.  And, even then it was minimal.

"Let's get some Christmas up in here." In the begining stages. 

I do not recommend planning a move in December.  Really messes up your mojo for the holidays.  

However, I do know that the one thing that should never be left undone is the celebration of our Savior and His life.  Not just during December....but, all year long.  Remember Him always. 

So while it wasn't the most decorated and "festive" Christmas season of all, it was magical and meaningful all the same. Jeff parents joined us for the holidays and as always we enjoyed our time. As a special treat Debbi and kids flew in to Omaha to be with family for Christmas.  We were so thankul to have in our home.  A house full of company and playing together is just the way the month is meant to be.   

Happy Birthday Sunshine

Avery Hope turned 7 and is growing up right before our very eyes.  

Avery is the kind of girl mothers dream of!  And, every day gets better. Avery brings a calm, sensible side to the Anderson home.  She is compassionate and wise beyond her years. I am so thankful for the HOPE that she brings to our family.  And, the joy that radiates from her soul.

 Happy birthday to our little sunshine!
 
We celebrated her birthday on Saturday with a dinner out to her favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse.  We came home to cake and ice cream.  She really wanted an American Girl cake, and so I designed the perfect cake...and had walmart decorate it.  Ha.  I highly recomend the ease and convience of  that. 
Avery is so fun to buy presents for because she loves everything. She likes  "make believe" play  but also gets excited for all toys.

I think this gift, "fur real" doggy from Gigi and Papa was her favorite.  She named her pet, Kristina.

Since we celebrated early (due to Jeff being out of town ) on Sunday we just had a special dessert.  Chocolate fondue.  The sort of "white trash" version, since our fondue pot and utensils are already packed.  We used a pot and plastic forks.  But, hey when you are dipping treats in chocolate...who cares what you use.  All the kids loved it.  Infact, I think the twins loved it most.
My favorite part of the whole evening was when Avery said our nightly prayers and mentioned...
 "I'm thankful for feeling so special today, I hope the twins feel special on their birthday too." 

And... that right there,  sums up Avery.  Always recognizing the good, and wishing it for others.

Thanksgiving

T is for Thankful.

Avery had 2 parts in the Thanksgiving Day play this year.  Jeff and I went to the school, watched her perform and couldn't wipe the smiles off our face.  She had her parts memorized and used expression when she spoke.  She had been working on  her "expressive voice" and by golly she did a great job.  She was nervous but you really couldn't tell from the audience...she said her part with such confidence. 

Afterward, we hit the highway for Denver.

The Williams family all came together for  Thanksgiving this year.   We were lucky to have Irene, Kat's sister and mom, Mrs. Zervas join us this year as well. 

We had a wonderful weekend and spent Thanksgiving in a very traditional way.  Which is exactly the way it should be, if you ask me.  Mom outdid herself with amazing food.  We started the day with a delicious brunch, then appetizers (yummy mini cupcakes, all the way from New York) and of course the main event...a big turkey dinner. Needless to say, we were all stuffed and happy.  Like I said, traditional.

 The cousins were cute as pie.  The girls played together so well that no one was ever left out or had hurt feelings.  Baby Charlie (who is so darn cute and not really a baby anymore)  was crazy for Zachary.  He followed him around all day.   Zachary wasn't quite sure how to respond to all this new attention placed upon him. Many times you could over hear Zach asking "why is he following me?"  And, even though he enjoyed having a pal for the weekend his affections were drawn to Irene and Kat.  Always the pretty girls.  They were gracious and loved him up.  With that being said...his heart will always belong to his uncle Robby.

Boy o boy,  do the kids love their uncle robby.

 

look at my beautiful sisters.  Inside and out.  Chrissy, Irene, and Kat.

We kept ourselves entertained.

even found some time to relax
Gigi had some help in the kitchen.

I am thankful to my parents for hosting us all and the choas that follows.  We  had a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend.  I have such gratitude in my heart for a family that gathers around the table together.  To count our many blessings.  This is what Thanksgiving is all about.   

I love Kansas City

Weekend getaways are so refreshing!  And this family needed a break.  We planned our escape to Kansas City for the begining of November.  It was perfect timing as we avoided 2 showings and 1 open house.  Providing us the much needed relief from the constant cleaning that comes with having your home on the market.   And all the while, I had dreamed of taking the kids to Kalidescope to let their imagination run wild.  While Jeff craved some famous KC BBQ.  Kansas City was calling our name! Just one last time before we pack up and head north.

  We stayed at this fantastic boutique hotel.  I love Priceline, we got a steal on this sweet room.

  which looked like this... the very next morning.   

Do you see what I see?  One child in his undies! One child wearing no pants!  And one big husband hiding behind the blanket?  Yep.  That's my family and I couldn't love them more.

Kalidescope is an awesome arts and crafts center for kids.  I went there as a child myself and have longed to return someday.  It was every bit of what I remember and even more fun when  sharing it with your own children.

This is the giant kalidescope that projects on the wall.  Zachary could of stayed forever just watching it change.   Aweome.   

And this cool camera projects an image on movie screen.  In the pitch black.

Glow in the dark painting.  A favorite.

 Good 'ol fashion water colors.  Still cool. 

                                                                     Lovie Doves.

                                                                         How cute are they?

This picture speaks volumes. Ellie is showering Avery with hugs and smiles. While Zachary is keeping his eye on Ellie. Watching her every move and following her lead. Avery, front and center is thriving on the attention. These three were meant to be together.