We're Back!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the first of our two Utah trips was this past weekend. No, it was NOT to follow the Jazz. I love the competition people, I'm not obsessed with the team. It was actually for my cousin's wedding. It was also an experiment to see how the kids would do in the car for that long. Chris wasn't with us, so I was glad to have a full car of helpers. We rode with my parents, brother, cousin and uncle in my mom's Suburban. My cousin Emily (who was in the car with us) loves to babysit my kids and was a big help. They actually did pretty good traveling. My biggest worry was Dillan and the potty breaks. Turns out he can hold it like a champion! It took some convincing to get me to go, but I'm glad I did. Chris and I celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary next weekend (the same day as graduation). I was reminded of the day we were sealed and how much our relationship has changed. We've definantly grown and matured, but I hope we have that same happiness that I saw on my cousin's face.

Us vs. Them

I guess I always knew I would marry a guy who was athletic and competitive. Hey, that's how I was raised! Along with that, I love to see Chris' loyalty to his team...the Utah Jazz. See, in my extended family, we occasionally watch sporting events, or at least discuss them in great length. Normally, everyone is on the same side, bagging on the opposing team, and sharing convincing arguments about why a certain team is the best. Everyone usually agrees and it's settled. Well, not so anymore. The Jazz will face the Lakers in the playoffs starting Sunday. Oh no! Many of my family members have been Laker fans for a while. Whenever Chris is around, there is always a discussion about who's better and why. In fact, even if it's not the Lakers playing the Jazz, no one wants to see Chris' team have a victory! They'll cheer for their opponent every time! How easy it would be for him to either jump aboard their bandwagon or remain silent, somewhat defeated, and not stand up for his team. But he doesn't! He stands behind them 100%, always has, always will. What a guy! You can't buy loyalty like that! Basketball has always been the one sport that I've really never excelled at. (Although in our stake women's game last week I did score a whopping 6 points, watch out!) But, thanks to the outstanding example of love and loyalty by my husband...I too am now a Jazz fan and so are my children.


Our year of sports goes something like this:

NCAA Football: Chris and I (plus my immediate family)- BYU
Some of my family- USC - yuck! I can't explain that one!
NFL: Chris - Dallas Cowboys
Family- Whoever is playing the Cowboys
NBA: Chris- Utah Jazz
Family- LA Lakers or whoever is playing the Jazz
MLB: My family (we converted Chris)- LA Angels of Anaheim - woohoo!
Rest of family - "Baseball's too boring to watch!"

Don't misinterpret, we are the tightest family full of love and support for one another that you'll ever find. My family fits Chris like a glove. He can't believe how close we are. Maybe a little My Big Fat Greek Wedding-ish, but that's how we like it!
So...after all that what I really meant to say is GO JAZZ!

Babies Don't Keep...

So many of our family and friends have not seen the changes that our little Leah has gone through. She's growing like crazy! She's definantly got the Anderson look complete with fiery personality! We couldn't ask for anything more from our Little Lady! Look! Dark eyelashes and red hair!

Go Dillan Go!

Yes yes yes, I know that all of my blog posts are focused around my kids. I am envious of all you out there who have lively opinions on politics, baby food, cooking, literature, sewing, cleaning, preschool, birthday parties, and of course, motherhood. I promise to get my thoughts out there soon on some interesting, inspiring topic. Till then, hey, all I have is to observe the amazing growth in each of my kids. Lately, Dillan has been the superstar.
Up until now I wasn't sure what to get for his birthday. Since he decided to start pedaling, a bike it is!
We have a "Wiggles" DVD that he loves to dance with. The funny thing is that he runs to his bedroom to put on his special hat whenever he dances.
I love this picture and can't wait to show it off when he's older!
I've titled it "Potty-Trained Victory Dance."

Prince of Potty!

Yes, it's true folks. For all those out there who I've whined and complained to when talking about potty training my son...it's all over. He's done it and he loves it! Maybe not as much as I do, but he is doing sooooo well! Last summer when I was pregnant I tried, failed. Soon after Leah was born I tried, failed. Twice since then we've tried and failed. I let him have an accident and then he'd cry for a diaper, I'd give in. I was praying that he'd be trained before his mission! I think it's required. Then, success. He's a potty champion. It's so much fun and I feel such a sense of release! Of course I'm bragging even after the day we had today. An old pal, Sergio, was in town visiting. We met up at the park for a little while to visit. I went on and on at how well Dillan was doing with potty training. Just as I say that-splash! Number 1 in his pants. Then, soon after Number 2. Oh the humiliation! It was my fault, I admit it. We were out all day with Chris off work looking at mini-vans (drool, drool) and he was out of his element and away from the potty. Lesson learned. Hey, he's my first kid! My first Potty-Trained kid! That's a title he'll forever have!

OK...back to the beach!

Thank you to all of you who read my tribute to San Clemente and if you missed it, well, what can I say? So these are some pictures of our week at the beach. It was a little chilly, even for Utah raised, winter-loving, snow missing Chris (note the hoodie). Maybe he's finally acclimated!
Anyway, we took a break from the sand one morning and went to the park. Dillan has always hated the swings, since he was a baby. But Leah? She loves it! And Dillan loves pushing, so it works out great.

Water Babies!

I couldn't be more proud of these little tykes, they LOVE the water! We took Leah for her first boat ride on Papa's boat. Even with a life jacket that was a little too big and squished her cheeks, she didn't make a peep and even fell asleep comfortably. With the weather being so perfect, we had to take advantage. Dillan loves the boat as well. He has jumped off the swim deck, held the towing flag, and even drove! He talks about learning how to wake board, maybe someday! Let's shoot for swimming without Mommy's help this summer first!