Paradise found

Taking our family to the caribean to celebrate Rob's marriage proved to be the paradise we were looking for.  It was the vacation of a lifetime.  Everything we had dreamed it to be. Infact,  most of the time we felt as if we were dreaming.  

And, now I take on the daunting task of documenting this amazing vacation.  How will I ever do it justice?

We stayed in St Martin for the first part of our trip.  We rented a beautiful condo on the beach and right next door to the Westin (mark and chrissy family)   I loved the huge patio and it's overlooking view of the beach and mountains.  Simple gorgeous.  It seems each day the morning sun called me out to the patio to enjoy my breakfast and book while I waited for the others to wake up.  There is no better way to start the day.   

(The girls also enjoyed eating breakfast in jammies on the patio)

I was most overwhelmed by the beauty of the sea.   The cariabean ocean on it's own,  is breathtaking.  Crystal clear blue water like I've never seen before.  We spent our days at the beach, each day a new and different one.  Each one more beautiful than the last.  I loved the lounge chairs with big umbrellas to relax under.  Ideal.  The kids loved the water...never getting bored and played all day long.  They especially loved riding the waves on boogie boards. 

The last day on St martin we took a little boat over to Pineal Island.  We had heard about this awesome beach back home in Omaha and knew it was not to be missed.  Boy, it lived up to our expectations.  This was my favorite beach of the trip.  Very mild water, no waves.  Remote island with only 2 restaurants run by a generator.   It was at this beach where we introduced the kids to lobster.  They loved it.  They picked out a big 'ol lobster out of the cages in the ocean!  Delish. 

Speaking of delicious...we ate most evenings at a new restaurant, each one situated on the water and just off the sand.  And enjoyed every bite.   The scenary is gorgeous and the food delicious.

Stay tuned for the wedding... as we move on to St. Barts on a ferry boat.

twinners

Today is a special day.  Happy birthday to Zachary and Ellie.   Each year at the twins birthday I can't help but think about the power of prayer and how thankful I am for this blessing.   "Ask and ye shall receive".  We prayed that the lives of our micro preemies would be spared.  They are living proff that miracles exist.  Through the loving hand of our Heavenly Father they are with us today and I am so thankful to Him.       And, I am thankful to Zachary and Ellie for all the joy they bring to my life.  Both of these children are very sensitive, kind and loving souls.  They enrich our home with happy moments, giggles, good times and lots of love.
                                                                Then  

and now.

Happy 11th Birthday!

We love you, sweet babies.

To my very favorite person.

Happy Birthday.

You make my heart sing. 

You are my everything.

I love you always and forever.

A glimpse of sunshine

Looks like spring may finally be here.  Ah sunshine, it does wonders for our soul.  On Thursday, after school we took off running to the park.  We felt the warmth on our skin and a cool breeze in the air and knew it to be a perfect park day.   This is what we look forward to, and this year in particular it was a long time in waiting.  Ellie and the Lentsch girls rode their bikes up to the park by themselves, she is getting so independant.  I love it and worry about it at the same time.  Is this normal?  The rest of us drove up but, played till our hearts content just the same. 

Why is it that boys must always jump off the swings?  Zach in mid air (although not far from the ground)  after attemping a jump.

This handsome man joined us at the park, and made everything just a bit brighter.

school carnival

Oh boy, it's school carnival time.   Kids love it, parents loath it.  However, we have been going to Fire Ridges carnival for 5 years now and the kids look forward to it each year.  Each year, I think maybe this year they will forget...NEVER has happend.  It turns out to be a fun afternoon and of course the PTO does an amazing job with games, food, and good times. 

Zachary, on this inflatable thing-a-ma-jig in which he runs as fast as he can....only to get slingshot backwards to the start. Ewww, doesn't look fun to me but he sure liked it.

The girls had a great time walking around the carnival together...doing, I'm not sure what?  But, it looks as though they had a good time.  Also, not sure what kind of balloon hat they are sporting but it certainly got lots of giggles. 

Lucky for us, we waited in the karokee line for 30 minutes and until the last call was made for carnival games.  ("have we really been here 3 hours") But, how could we miss this moment.  Ellie and Mckenna looked so cute proudly singing Taylor Swift wi th no reserve what-so-ever.  They put on quite a show!

snapshot of our day

Today...

This is a glimpse of Thursday, March 4th in the Anderson household.

It's cookie time and Avery and I have a lot of delivering to do. If you ordered from us, thank you. You will receive your order soon.

Ellie started her day off with a spot on the "Falcon Frenzy" the school TV station. She and the other girls were asked to do a commercial to announce bracelet sales after school. They all did a great job. Ellie is the only one who smiled during the commercial...maybe a career in journal broadcasting for her.

Finally, some sunshine...Zachary immediately ran outside to play after school.
While many people across the country are seeing signs of spring, here in Omaha we are just happy to actually go outside and play in the snow. Yes, snow. Mountains of it still remain. But, finally warm enough to play!

Well, it was about time...

Avery finally lost her 1st tooth. Boy, was she excited. She was walking on cloud nine. Delighted. Jumping (literally) with happiness. She has always had a big beautiful smile, she still does...but, now it's a bit wiggly and crooked. Her 2nd bottom tooth is hanging by a thread (I don't like this look) Her top tooth is so loose that it is sticking out, as if the permanent tooth is pushing it. I do happen to love this phase in a child's life, though. A big beautiful smile with missing teeth and happiness in the air. Joy is written all over her face.

You can see it in her eyes

Avery loves her big sister. It is obvious to all that know her. The way she looks up to Ellie will melt your heart. Sisters. Avery watches her every move. Not a gesture, joke, or attitude goes unnoticed by this little one. It's a sincere form of flattery as Avery imitates it all. She adores her big sister and you can see it in her eyes. Those baby blues sparkle at the mere mention of her name. I never knew admiration could run so deep.

Ellie's number one fan is Avery. After dinner the girls often put on mini dance performances for us. Avery gladly takes 2nd place in honor of Ellie being front and center. Last week, Ellie had a dance concert ( half time show at the high school) Sitting on the stands watching the show Avery said, " I knew Ellie would be good but, I didn't know she would be the best dancer in the show!"

And there you have it...Ellie," best in show".

Who doesn't love it...

Do you remember singing into your hairbrush when you were 10.

Apparently, the lampstand is the new "hairbrush."
break out the microphone...the stand is to confining. Tonight, Ellie invited me into her room to watch a performance. She would sing 6 Taylor Swift songs and I would pay her 1.00 admission. She had practiced every song and memorized the words. She sang with her heart out. And, even came up with a signature "twang" to her voice. She was thrilled to perform, (after the first few moments of silliness) and put on quite a show. She didn't even mind me grabbing my camera, make that... her camera. Mine was out of batteries (hate it when that happens.) Who doesn't love moments like this.