1st day of school

So here are the boys on their first day of school. They both go to afternoon classes, so we had a long wait that day. They were so excited! Dusty wore his backpack all morning long, and he kept running to the corner to see if his bus was coming. They both seem to love their schools, but we can't get much out of Dusty about what goes on at school. He seems to think that it's his new world and none of our business! I ask questions and the only answer I ever get is "I don't know", with him also showing a huge grin. I'm greatful for both of their schools, but especially Haydens! I love that he listens to every word his teacher says and obeys her! I try to use her at home ("Hayden, your teacher says..."). Sometimes it works, I just really wish he'd obey me like he does her. It really is a scary thought to have my kids leave without me and for them to be out in the world in someone else's care! But it hasn't been quite as hard as I thought. When they both left on their separate buses, I was able to go inside the house - instead of following the bus to school! It's hard to let them do these things, but at the same time it's so fun and rewarding to see them grow.

Not much going on

Lately we haven't been up to much to post about, although we have somehow managed to stay very busy. I was excited to step outside yesterday morning to find that it felt like fall. I love fall! A couple of weeks ago we went to Denver for Chris's work and we stopped in Vail, Colorado and it was perfect weather! It almost felt cold. When I stepped outside, the weather put an instant smile put on my face. There is just something about that crisp in the fresh air that I love. So anyway, I was pretty excited to feel that at our house! This morning I even turned on the heater for a couple of minutes.

Last Thursday we finally got Hayden's tongue clipped. We tried to have it done when he was 10 months old, but the Doctor we went to said "We don't really do that anymore, it's an old fashioned procecdure". And for some reason I took her word for it. But then we noticed it really was causing problems and we have wanted the procedure done for a long time, and now it's all over with. He was tongue tied, and it looked uncomfortable besides causing a few problems. We had him in speech therapy, but he couldn't even do most of the exercises because he didn't have any flexibility. It was also hard to brush the back side of his bottom teeth because his tongue was in the way. It also made it difficult to shuffle certain foods around in his mouth. So now that it's over with, speech therapy will be more successful! I've already noticed a difference with his T's and D's. I thought he would be a little bit miserable after the procedure, so the day before it was done, I took him to the store, let him pick out some popsicles, and told him when he got home from the hospital, he could have as many popsicles as he wanted. He took total advantage of that - we got home from the hospital around 10:00 a.m., and that day he ate 11 popsicles!! However, he wasn't miserable at all - he never complained about it hurting and he ran around all day.

Hayden will be starting school again tomorrow (just 2 days a week), and Dusty will have his first day of kindergatren on Wednesday. I will finally get some time all to myself (until baby comes!). I am so excited, just for those few hours each week. I haven't had time like this for 6 years! For 6 years, it seems like my life has been all about kids - lots of kids! I have done a lot of babysitting, which I am done with! I don't know if I want to do that again on a daily basis. Kids have run my life for 6 years, but actually I can't imagine it any other way. And that's how I want it to be - But I am excited for a few hours of just me!

Our little Angel

So here is a picture of our baby girl. This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago. Although she might not come out looking like Dusty, I think she looks a lot more like Dusty than Hayden. She has the long, skinny face with a big, round forehead and a big nose - just like her oldest brother. Hayden has a short, round face and a flat forehead. So I'm thinking that she'll look more like an Anderson. But whatever she looks like, we're really excited about her joining our family.

Our Weekend

So here is the rest that I wanted to post about our weekend - last weekend that is. We headed up north for a little family reunion. We got to see everyone except for Dallas and Erick's family. It was also Wheat and Beat Days so we got to enjoy a parade and fireworks. The kids painted shirts like they do every year, and they also had a big swim party. It was a lot of fun. While we were up there, we also got to spend a little time with all of the grandparents up there. Then we took the boys to Lagoon on Monday, where we had some more fun. One of the first stops was the Wild Mouse - Chris took Dusty. I was almost mad that he took him on that ride, but Dusty loved it. Then just before we left, Chris took Dusty on the Colossas, where they rode in the front cart!!! My little 5 year old! He was actually 4 inched too short, but they let him on anyway. I was so nervous! Dusty is so skinny that I could picture him slipping right out his seat. I can't believe he agreed to go on that ride, he is so brave! Hayden loved the Monkey cages, the Tidal wave, and the Music ride. Then that night we headed home and met Chris's dad in Ogden so that he could ride home with us to spend a few days at our house. The kids showed him just how wild they can get. I hope we didn't wear him out too much. All of the kids gained up on Braden's brother, Jairon. They chased him around and beat him with their pirate swords.

Chris, Hayden, and Rylee at the parade

Dusty

Hayden

Hayden, Rylee, Dusty, Alek, Gavin, Kenzie, Joye, Jaxon, Sara, Taylor

Dusty's dream come true, a car just his size!

Fun at Lagoon -a -Beach

'Ashaweena' Reunion

We decided to go with our first plan for the weekend and head up to Garland. We had a lot to do and a lot of fun for the few days that we were there. Because life happens, we didn't get to do all that we wanted to. We were really hoping to take the kids to the Minatonka caves and to Bear Lake before finishing our way home. I'll post more about our weekend soon. But one of the first things we did do was get together with some friends for a picnic. In 9th grade we called ourselves "Ashaweena". We used to have a lot of fun together. Although we stayed at the picnic for just a short while, it was fun to see everyone. I tried telling Chris he needed to be there because back then he was usually with us girls anyway. He didn't like that idea much, but he did stay for a few minutes when he picked me and the boys up. And good thing he was there to take a picture of us five and all of our kids. So here's the old Ashaweena group: Kate, Barbara, Cassi, Robyn and Me.

Dusty was right!

So I had an ultrasound this morning and we're having a little girl!! We are so excited! We don't know what to do with a girl, and I think Chris may be in a little shock. He's always talked of having all boys - but if you could see him with little girls, I think you'd see there's not much to worry about. But he was sure we'd have another boy, and Hayden also, he really wanted a little 'bruvder'. But Dusty on the other hand would say, "I know it's going to be a girl, and I KNOW I'm gonna be right!" And so he was! I've already finished painting the nursery, and about 3 months ago I purchased a boy crib set, and a girl crib set, both which matched the paint. Now I guess I'll be returning the boy set and spend that money on some little girl things. Chris knows I'm headed down town today and is afraid I'm going to break the bank. So it looks like we're going to have to get used to having some pink in our house!

What a sad day!

One of our neighbor buddies was killed this morning while he was riding his motorcycle. I haven't heard any of the details of what happened. I've been over to see his wife, who is left with 3 little kids, one 4 year old, and newborn twins. I just cannot believe what she is left to deal with, although now she is holding up strong. I know there will be times that it will hit her like a brick wall. But it doesn't hit just once - it hits you over and over again! Thank goodness for family members and friends that will be there to help. Everyday tasks will become so much harder for her. Even grocery shopping - how do you fit 2 carseats in a shopping cart and have room for groceries? I'm sure things like that are the least of her worries right now as she has so much to deal with. I feel the need to be here for her. I consider her as a friend - I am also her visiting teacher, and her sons primary teacher, and Chris has been their home teacher. I want so much to help her in any way that I can, and I know that she will need help for weeks to come, so I hope that she doesn't get sick of me. Like I said, I don't know the cause of this accident, but to anyone that comes across a motorcycle, please be extra cautious and respectful, whether you're in a vehicle or on the bike (Braden!). Well we had a lot of plans for this weekend, and so to everyone we had plans with, don't be surprised if we're not there. Depending on when the funeral is, we might not make it as we feel the need to be here.