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.

A freezing but fun afternoon for all

Last Saturday we went sledding, as the result of a promise Jeff made to the kids. They didn't seem to mind that it was 20 degrees outside and we couldn't convince them to change plans. A promise is a promise. So, we bundled up with coats, hats, scarfs, boots, snowpants, and mittens. The hill was perfect... steep and icy. "Icy" is never a bonus to me , however when talking about a sledding hill , icy = fast! Avery was the first one down the hill. Her smile said it all. She loved it. Anxiously awaiting her turn...Ellie ran and jumped on her sled & down she went. Zachary was more timid so, Jeff started him off. But, quickly he discovered the thrill and didn't want anyone to stand in his way. The smiles and giggles were priceless. Since there was a street(a dead-end street) at the end of the hill, Jeff had to "catch" the kids before they flew off. Thanks daddy, we had a safe and fun day!I did my best to withstand the frigid windchill but I found myself warming up in the car more than once. Soon the time came that even the kids were to cold to continue, so we packed 'em up. As we drove off, I looked in the back seat and saw happy faces and rosy cheeks. What a "freezing" but fun memory!

Note to the peanut gallery:

Yes, Zachary is wearing lavender boots and, yes they are Ellie's.
No, Zachary doesn't have to wear them ever again and, no he wasn't seen in public. It seems Zachary's feet had a growth spurt that we were unaware of until Saturday morning. Looks like I have some shopping to do.

Look out Kansas, The boys are back in town!

Hunting is not my thing, but Jeff sure loves it! This past weekend Jeff and several buddies went on their annual pheasant hunting trip. For the last 11 years Jeff has gone to Kansas for the ultimate male bonding trip! And, for the last 2 years Bruce has joined them. I can't really write much about it since I wasn't there. However, in light of the fact that this is a family journal, the hunting trip deserves a post. I have heard and can report some of the details. The "dudes" had a great time- you know, all that laughing, eating, walking the fields, and( gasp)...shooting, was just what they needed. I guess. I do know that this trip is a much deserved "break" and fun outing that Jeff looks forward to each and every year.


I don't want to ignore posting on the outstanding behavior of the 3 Anderson children while Jeff was gone. Now, surely you know, this is not always the case. But, most definitely this weekend I was impressed. They behaved like champs! It was so enjoyable spending my time with them. We played, snuggled, went to the movie with the Bischoffs, went out to eat, and they even helped me prepare sharing time. Kinkos can really keep 3 kiddos occupied for quite some time. My favorite thing is ...shhhh, don't tell Jeff, letting the kids sleep in our bed. I love hearing them breath through the night. Truthfully, it helps me sleep also. I don't have to worry and check in on them all night. But, more than that I love having Jeff home. So, we are thankful he made it home safe and sound and is back right where he belongs.

Christmas morning

The squeal of delight, the magic in the air, giggles of joy...Santa came! Christmas morning is one that I'm sure every parent treasures as much as myself. I love it. At 7:30 the kids woke up and hurried in our room. "He came, Santa came" We sent them around to wake up the grandparents, before we started our morning. Just moments later we were all gathered around the tree, in awe of all the presents and full stockings. Avery was just a bit overwhelmed and wouldn't leave Jeff's side. But Z&E dumped out their stocking immediately and anxiously awaited the gifts. I played Santa's elf this year and handed out the gifts out to everyone.2 1/2 hours later we were finally done with the opening. Avery's favorite gift was her American Doll and doll house. She plays "make believe" all day. "Lucy ( her doll) has freckles, blue eyes and honey colored hair, just like Avery. Zachary loved his motorcycle jacket and electric guitar.He wants to be a rock star.Ellie loved her Nintendo ds, hands down, her favorite gift.The kids also got a keyboard, which all 3 love and are starting to play beautiful music. I'm hoping to get Ellie in lessons in January.The rest of us grown-up's also had a nice Christmas. My favorite part was having our parents in town and seeing my happy kids play together. They are my joy! The magic of the season never fades.

Christmas Eve

It's tradition to go out to dinner on Christmas Eve in my family. Since it's my birthday, we usually do our "big Christmas dinner" on Christmas night rather than the Eve. Gigi & I started off the day doing the usual last minute Christmas shopping. I love shopping even on Christmas Eve. So, this is fun for me. Later, we went to Olive Garden for dinner. We discovered last year Omaha doesn't have many restaurants open for Christmas Eve. But, with 9 of us together, Olive Garden suits our needs just fine. Thanks to Gigi & Papa and Grandma & Grandpa for the night on the town. I had a wonderful birthday celebration. A big thank you to Jeff for my favorite perfume EVER- Quelques Fleurs ( sold at Nordstrom exclusively so, he ordered it.) and the new printer I have had my eye on. My parents & Jeff's parents spoiled me this birthday with gifts. I am a lucky girl, thank you so much. I am thankful for my life, my family, and my 40 years!

A birthday celebration

Just the way I like it. To me, the very best way to celebrate my birthday is a night with Jeff & friends, going out to eat, a little shopping, and ending the night with dessert & games.

Last Friday our good friends Mia, Kimberly & Wendi planned the perfect celebration. We ate Kobe Steakhouse.

Followed up with some shopping at Borsheimes and on to Bischoffs house for gifts and dessert. Mia made a delicious peppermint brownie with "snowballs". Yum! Everything Mia does is to perfection!

The gals were so very generous, and gave me 2 awesome gifts, a lazy susan (perfect for the taco fixin's) and the amazing apple peeler. I was thrilled and surprised...I had mentioned wanting both items before. We played "apples to apples" and laughed our way through the night. This was a biggie for me...the big 4*0! Thanks gals for making my birthday so special (with no embarrassing entourage of singing waiters or silly hats.) Thanks for the fun times, the gifts, the celebration and most importantly, your friendship!