Great Day

We had an amazing day with our friends. We went to Sweet and Sassy and Maddie was behind a curtain for a while and then came out wearing a princess costume. I didn't even know they had them. She was so cute walking out like nothing had happened. I just love this little girl!!!! Grey is liking being able to walk and run away from me. Here he is laughing because he left the play area and I had to chase him.
Maddie and Erin had a great experience today. They got to make pretzel at the mall pretzel shop. Here they are eating the goods.

Maddie was so excited to put on the outfit and she is actually making a pretzel that will be cooked and eaten. Fun Fun Fun. I tried to do one myself but they said I was too old. (just kidding)


Sweet friends. Today I enrolled her in preschool and she and Erin will be in the same class. We are very excited and I hope they will have a great year. I know most of you are tired of hearing about my school concerns. I just feel pressure in making such important decisions. I feel really good about our choice for this next year.

Mall Fun

We went to the mall with friends this week and had a really great time. We let the girls and the two young boys ride the train. I have to say it was a little scary to let the 14 and 16 month old boys go on their own. But they did great and returned safe and sound to us. Here is Maddie and her friend Brooke. They are only 2 months apart but so cute together. They had fun playing with the bracelets.

More Birthday Fun

Maddie had a great time at her friend Brooke's birthday party. It was great fun and she especially liked the fact that they let hundreds of lady bugs go. She missed the release because her mom is always late but it didn't stop her from holding many of them. Great Party!!!!!
She had so much fun sliding down the big slide.

Happy Birthday Leland

We attended a very special birthday for a friend's son Leland. Leland is a very amazing little guy, In his three years he has accomplished so much and although he was given a very difficult syndrome he is a little fighter and he is making progress everyday. I look forward to being able to be a part of his journey. Maddie of course was sitting right next to Leland and the Cake. She has a lot of fun running around Chuckee Cheese!!

Grey's an Artist

Today was Grey's first go at finger painting. This is the final product. He started out slow, not really sure about this stuff. He didn't try to eat it though.

A little more brave.
He thinks it is fun now!!!
The brush was even better.
Maddie grew a little bored and decided if it works on paper it must work on finger nail. I had to give them a mid day bath and I still think there is some paint left on both of them.

Our little Mermaid

Maddie is in the middle of her second swimming session and she is doing amazing. She is basically swimming, only thing left is the breathing. She has a great back stroke and is working on diving. She still manages a few belly flops but we are so proud of her. Not once has she complained about our 9 am lessons (but I have)
Here she is using her strokes to get to her coach, who by the way she has a little crush on!!
If you know me, you know I have a fear of my children drowning and I am so glad to have her learning.

When mom is away!!!

One of the hardest things for me has been when I have to leave my children. I am so lucky to have a place for Grey that I really love. He is with Grandma Barbara. I got so lucky to find her and I leave him each day knowing that he is being loved. Here he is waiting at the door for me and standing next to his friend Evie. It is so cute to see him there when I drive up. The girls like to lead him around.

Grey is walking

After a long wait our little guy is walking. I only took a few pictures but today he just went for it and walked most everywhere. I thought this was funny he really wanted to sweep and did pretty well with this huge broom. Grey is such a sweet little guy!!!

New Anders Family member

After a lot of thought we decided to let Maddie get a much wanted pet. We adopted a rescue 8 week old kitten. Maddie has had a rough time the past few months and a lot of that is just growing up and sharing her mom and dad with her brother. We felt that a pet just for her would help. So meet Covu (from lion king 2) This is picture of her taking him to his first vet visit. Let me tell you this girl is in love and this sweet little guy is so ready to love her back. She spends most of her day with him and he is the first thing she wants to see when she gets up. I hope this will be a great addition to our family and a friend for many many years to come for Maddie.

Happy 4th of July

We had a fun holiday weekend. Daddy was able to get off early and we spent the day with friends in Irving. After a long day of swimming we watched the fireworks.
Maddie thought the fireworks were pretty amazing!!!
Grey was very afraid at first and then he got use to them and seemed to like the show.
Silly Daddy, We stopped on the road and caught a second show.

Ballet Recital

Here is a picture of Maddie's ballet class. They looked so cute and did a great job. We are always nervous about Maddie's anxiety but she did great and really seemed to have most of the routine down.
Sweet girls. They were happy to get flowers when the performance was over.
Daddy and Nana and Erin's mom surprised her with flowers.
I thought this picture looked cute. Maddie was obsessed with the mirror.

Happy Birthday Maddie

We had Maddie's Party and it went great. Maddie has been Best Friends with Erin for 3 1/2 years. We did the party together and they had a great time. Joey helped out so much and I didn't have to worry about the kids at all. I have a very understanding husband 10 days of family visiting and he handled it well. I don't have great pictures because I decided to just play this year. We had over 130 guests so sorry to many I didn't get to visit with much . But thank you to all who made it. We are very lucky to have such an amazing group of people to share in this special occasion. Leanne and Reese. Having a little snack.
Lots of cake!! Thanks Aunt Vickie and Nana for doing the castle cakes. The girls loved them.

Maddie and Aunt Marcia swimming in the river.
Nana and Tate sharing a drink.
Birthday girls. They are so sweet with each other!!!
Great friends Victoria, Jayson and Trevor!!!

What a Family

I just have to say that I have the best family. Sure we are all a little crazy (ok maybe a lot) but we are so so lucky to have such a close family. "the sisters" as well call them all got together and had a great time. We took pictures at the Arboretum. I will post more pictures later.
This group of women posted is so important to me. I can pick up the phone to anyone of them and in a moments notice they would be here for me. Our family is crazy and out of control at times but we are always here for one another and that is not always the case in this day in age.
Mom- Thanks so much for coming and for making sure that you are an active and wonderful part of my children's life. I Love you very much.
Vickie- It wouldn't be a party without you!!! Again wonderful cakes. I love your spirit and happiness!
Marlene- Finally made it to Texas. Thanks for coming. I really appreciate your supportive words of advice.
Marcia- What can I say!! No broken bones this trip. I hope you know how much you are appreciated and loved. You are a foundation in our family and while you are currently a little cracked (literally) the pins must be doing the job because you are amazing!!!
My sister and I had a great time. I am so lucky to have her in my life. We live far away but I am only a phone call away from one of my biggest supporter and closest friends. I love you Megan!!!

Amazing June

We were so lucky this year to have a lot of family come in for Maddie's party. My sister and Tate made the trip and I am so grateful. It is hard to live so far away and I am so lucky to have a sister like Megan. Tate was so much fun. He is such a smart boy. Maddie, Tate and Grey played really well together. How this happened we don't know but it took Aunt Megan a long long time to get it out. It is a sticky gummy like toy.
Tate and Grey did really well. We had to watch out for swinging golf clubs and bats but otherwise the boys were off and well.