Goober's Visit FOR Mandi's Wedding

As I mentioned before, Shay came to Cali for her best friend's wedding. The day before, she needed to get some color so we decided to spend a few hours by our pool.

On our way to the Temple Saturday morning, Shay shows off her dress, bib, new tan, and sandwich from the night before. When we walked out of the Temple after the sealing, we were taken back by how gorgeous the day was. Andrew and I haven't had a couple picture in forever, so here it is.Mandi looked incredible. I LOVE her dress.
Derek's brother is on his mission and won't be home for a long while. So to make him feel apart of it all, and to make them feel like he was there, they got this cardboard cutout made of him. This is brilliant if you ask me - what better way to include a loved one that is so far away. Now he will be in all their wedding pictures and he was still the BEST MAN!
We were so grateful Tori could watch the boys, and I think this picture shows Ryan was pretty pleased too. Tori took this photo while he was lying outside by the pool and waterfall - can we say heaven~The reception was a lot of fun. Jackson of course had to dance much of the night.

Another original idea they had was basketball after the reception. Derek is very athletic and as you would guess, most of his friends were in town for the wedding. As we get older, it's sad but most of our friends spread out. This is the case for Derek so he wanted to take the opportunity to have one last game before who knows when. Mandi is already that incredible wife that supported his desire full-heartedly. Recognizing his passion off the batt, they're off to a good start.
It was pretty crazy though. Andrew and I got home around 1am - SO past my bedtime. And as for Mandi and Derek, they had a flight to catch and they were leaving at 3:30am!! Crazy but so worth it! Congrats guys.... wish we could join you in Hawaii :)

Happy Birthday Great Aunt Jill

Sunday morning was not a normal Sunday for us. We have been looking forward to this particular day because after church, we had the chance to hang out with family we rarely see and celebrate Aunt Jill AND go to Griffith Park. Too Fun! Ryan could barely contain his excitement and Jackson... well he was Jackson. I was taking a picture of Ryan when our little man came over to join the fun. I asked him to smile and he got down on the floor and gave me this pose.
Because of my partying the night before, we all needed a little nap before our afternoon adventure. So we got home from church around 12:20, we were late because we got asked to speak in church on Father's Day, ate and slept. 1:45 came around and we left. It was GORGEOUS! This is Andrew's Uncle Steve - When I think of Steve I think of the time he took us to spend the night at the Rose Parade - what an event that was.
This is the future Great Uncle Ben (the wedding will be an awesome event I know it!) but really he already fills that title and more. He did an amazing job on this party - so impressive!
Good 'ol Aunt Shay, I am so happy because she cut her hair again and I think it's so cute!

Steve, his daughter Alex and Ryan. I LOVE this picture. It was incredible to be able to spend such quality time with them. They live in a place I would LOVE to live, but it is far so these moments are rare.
Uncle Steve, well I guess Great Uncle Steve, helping Jackson with his drink. I am so sad it's blury!
Adorable Great Aunt Kim, Steve's wife. She is always so much fun and too cute! I think Jackson agrees because I caught him watching her for some time!
Papa and Ryan were able to get some one on one time!
Chris and Shay - they are always having fun with my camera!

I believe this is right before Shay took out her nephew. With the use of her leg, she got Jackson to eat dirt - too funny! Although he didn't think so :)
It was wonderful to see Sarah, not the greatest picture of her :( and Aunt Renee. This truly was an event to remember.
Our little sport man.

You would never guess she's now 40!
I think this should be done at every party.

Happy Birthday Aunt Jill - We love you!!

Bride-2-Be

A close Anderson family friend is getting married Saturday. This event has brought Shay back in town and a couple celebrations. The first was Friday night... as you know the Anderson's, well mainly Tori, like to dress up as clowns when they are going to pick up someone from the airport. So Mandi decided to join in the fun in picking up Shay. Little did she know, Shay arrived early that morning and was actually hiding in the back of the car on their way to dinner, with a clown known as Mandi. We all met up at Souplantation, BJ's was WAY too crowded, and had a fun night watching people watch Mandi!

The second event was Saturday way out on Ave. D. If you are familiar, that is way out in no where land - and you thought Acton was bad!! This was Mandi's bachelorette party I almost missed due to exhaustion from the night before. BUT I am so glad I ventured out there because it was a blast!! My cheeks hurt from laughing so much. I am sure there will be more pictures after Sat!!

What a Journey!

It took me a while to read it, probably because there was often too much to digest. But I just finished it and it will go down as one of my favorites. It will be one I am truly glad I endured! I Know This Much Is True. - Wally Lamb

Composition Moment

Due to a lesson in Relief Society, I keep a composition book for all my boys. I use these books to write random, positive moments I may have had with them on a particular day. Today they each gaveme a moment and I thought I would share.

JACKSON - Nap time was rolling around and so I asked him if he was ready to sleep. We went in his room, I pulled down his curtains and prepared his bed. He then walked me out of his room, had me lie down on the couch and made me put my head on the pillow he gave me. He then put the blanket on me, said goodnight and left to his room. I heard him close his door and I did not see him for two hours.

RYAN - He had so much to say tonight. He was changed and ready for bed, but just had to chat for a while first. Jackson was in bed so I think Ryan knew this was HIS one on two time. Andrew and Ryan carried most of the conversation and it was a delight to hear. The last week or two he has really started to grow up - it's all so exciting! After all, he is a big brother now!

"We know exactly where he is now"

My sister-in-law Paige just sent this to me. I am so happy that we now know where Wes is - it was a little awkward going there and just trying to guess where he lies. As hard as it is to know he's there, it's also a strange comfort. I look forward to the next time we are up there because now I think we will have a chance to fill a little closer to him.

Me and my little man.....

Last night our new ward had a father and son camp out. The groggy weather brought on some hesitations, but we decided to give it a go anyways. We arrived at the site around 6:30pm. First things first, Jackson and I set up camp by flattening an area and pitching a tent. We then headed straight to the camp fire where we made some smores and then somores. Jackson mostly liked the hershey bars, but he did get down a couple of marshmellows (or lellos). Somebody brought out a gasoline powered RC car which was a little loud and apparently very frightening. After his 45 minute panic attack, Jackson settled down for some games and stories by the camp fire. We then decided to hit the deck. We slept pretty well considering the cold and the wonderful bedrock we were on. As our bishop said, "it was good camping sleep." This morning we awoke at first light and breakfast was on. Pancakes, eggs, bacon and o.j. Can't beat that with a stubby stick. We hung out for a while longer, and then headed back to mom for a shower and some hugs. (for me.) It did rain, and it was a little cold but we had a blast. Jackson did very well at his first camp out ever.

Aerobics

A couple of weeks ago, a lady from our ward started teaching aerobics at our Stake Center every mon., wed., and fri. at 8:30am FOR FREE! PLUS we can bring our kids. As a chubby mother of two, this was some of the best news I have received in some time. My plan was to get in shape like never before, but the new baby kind of threw me for a loop with that one. BUT I am still going to kick butt there and get in the best pregnant shape I can.

Anyway, if you are ever around and want to join me, feel free. It's a blast and it kicks your butt!! There aren't usually so many kids, but they didn't have school yesterday so there they are :)

In other news... Jackson is really warming up to his motorcycle! He is now sitting on it and pushes his way around the house. One day little man!!

Tonight's Festivities

Jackson had some family coming over tonight to celebrate with him, so he thought he should get Ryan a new diaper. He wouldn't let me help with the diaper change, so this is what we got. Our families came together tonight to celebrate the little man's day. They were all so excited to be here with him - it's wonderful that they love him so much!
Mamma and Papa Anderson, Tori, Ivan, Mya and Zoe

Mamma and Grandpa Arrietta and of course Ryan, all helped to make Jackson's day complete.

Near the end of the evening we played the cell phone game. We put all our phones out on the table and asked him to hand us our phones. He got every single one right! We are not sure why, but he has always been 0bsessed with our phones and he can't stand the idea of someone using a phone that is not their own.

We can't wait for him to get a little more comfortable with this moving object. He loves to watch other kids, but he became very nervous on his very own motorcycle. In many ways I am thankful for a cautious child.



We also want to thank Jackson's aunts for their phone calls. It's impressive that they remembered even though they are so busy. Thanks guys, it means a lot. Miss you both!
I can't guarantee this will be the last birthday post - sorry :)

A TWO YEAR OLD!?!?

Whatever will we do now?? There is so much life in this little body he amazes us on a regular basis - and he tries us on a regular basis :) But we love him so much and we are so blessed to be able to watch him grow. Happy Birthday JACKSON!