2010 Anderson Family Reunion

After our trip to Oregon we spent 2 weeks at home and then we were off to Utah for our Anderson Family Reunion at Aspen Grove. We were brave souls and decided to make the drive from Minnesota to Utah in one day. We left our house at 3:30 a.m. and reached Kevin and Jenni's house in Tooele, UT at midnight Minnesota time. It was easily one of the longest days of our lives. We decided that we prefer to make the trip in 2 days. We weren't sure what to expect at Aspen Grove, but it turned out to be a ton of fun for all ages! We did some pottery/crafts, hiking, archery, pellet gun shooting, rappelling, climbing, ropes course, paint ball, geocaching, mini-golf, simulator golfing, ping pong, air hockey, badminton, swimming and fishing. We competed in the Aspen Follies (team games) and went to Frontier Night (where you got to do frontier activities like hatchet throwing, branding, lassoing, bull whipping, etc.). Too much stuff to write. The best part was having our whole family together (even for a short time). Our only disappointment was Grandma withdrawing from the Dance Dance Revolution competition. Maybe next time!

2010 Nelson Family Reunion

We spent July 23-August 1 at the Oregon Coast for our Nelson family reunion. We had so much fun, it's hard to know where to start. Some of the activities included: Iron Chef competition (secret ingredient = bacon), Amazing Race, family 5k race, crabbing, spa night for the girls, nerf gun fight for the boys, family home evening, family pictures at the beach, alka-seltzer rockets, swimming, ninja and board games. I could go on and on. We don't often get to see our whole family together so I would have to say that was the best part.

Whitney's Birthday

W is for wonderful
H is for happy and helpful
I is for interesting
T is for thoughtful
N is for negotiator (she's a pro)
E is for energetic
Y is for youthfulSo, it's official, I am the mother of a teenager. How did this day sneak up on me like this? It wasn't Whitney's year to have a "friend" party, but we had a nice family party. She helped me make her cake. She wanted a red velvet cake with fondant on it. I am no "Cake Boss", but we did our best. It turned out pretty cute. She finally got the guitar she has been begging for. Now she just needs to learn how to play it. Too bad Grandma Anderson lives too far away. She also got contact lenses. The highlight for her was going to the "Eclipse" premiere at midnight a few days later with a friend. They wore their Jacob shirts and painted "Team Jacob" on their shorts. It was hilarious to listen to all the teenage girls in the theater oohing and squealing. At one point, I swear I heard a girl behind us sobbing.

Dustin's Birthday

Four short years ago Dustin joined our family and life hasn't been the same since (in a good way)! He is such a joy to have around. He is always happy and his endless energy keeps all of us on our toes, with never a dull day!

Dustin loves all things Star Wars so he got a lot of Star Wars related gifts which he entertained himself with all day long. He even had an R2D2 cake. Having a little boy is definitely different from little girls and I am glad, everyday, that we have the opportunity to experience both. We love you Dusty! Happy Birthday!

Kindergarten Graduation

Today was Lauren's kindergarten graduation. I can't believe how fast this year went by. Lauren has learned so much and she really enjoys school. She is an excellent little reader. Lately, she has been reading Junie B. Jones books with just a little help. Lauren is going to miss Mrs. Blake. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher. I wish all teachers could be as wonderful as her. All of this has me contemplating how fast our kids are growing up. Whitney will be a teenager in a few short weeks, Katelyn will be in the oldest grade in elementary next year, Lauren graduated from kindergarten and Dustin will be four on Sunday. I only have one more year left with Dustin before he goes to school too. I have to admit that when they were babies I never thought I would wish for time to slow down, but now I wish it would.

King of the Jalapenos

We have a champion among us! Todd is the reigning "King of the Jalapenos"!! Yesterday was the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in downtown St. Paul and Todd won the jalapeno eating contest. Todd competed last year and came in second (the kids still contend that the other guy cheated). No second place this year! He was interviewed by the Pioneer Press and a local TV station. Here is the picture from the online edition of the Pioneer Press and a picture of Todd with his trophy!

Todd's 5K

Todd has had a goal to run a 5K and last week (May 1st) he ran his first race. It was a chilly and very windy day, but that didn't stop him. He ran really well and it was fun to cheer for him and watch him come across the finish line. Nothing like a cup of water in the face!

There are Todd's legs crossing the finish line at just over 26 minutes!