Christmas Update

Well, for those of you who decided to brave more pix and talk from the Anderson household...thank you! Hopefully we will not disappoint! :)

We're doing really well out here in the good, old Midwest! Minnesota is a great place to live, despite the freezing winters and constant bundling. It's been almost 3 years here already, which is longer than we were planning to stay, but we felt like there were some things, work wise as well as ministry wise, that we would've left hanging had we left in August of '07 as planned. So, we are extending our stay here until August of '08, when we will make the trek back to our house in San Diego. We are eagerly anticipating getting back involved with our community of friends at Flood (our church), as well as being by Hol's family and dear friends out there. (Ok, Hol's looking forward to the daily 75 degrees and sunny...let's be honest.) That being said, leaving here will be more difficult than we had expected. We have fallen in love with our neighborhood, gotten to know some wonderful people, and have really loved living near Tim's entire family. It's been such an awesome experience all around, and a lot of growth for us in many ways. Lots of varying emotions, really.

Anyway, on to more of the fun stuff. These kids are an amazing gift to us, and bring joy to each day in so many different ways!

Delaney (6 1/2)...she exudes joy! From the dance moves to the creative games she comes up with, to the little babysitter she is, toting Elliot around on her hip, she is an amazing helper. But even more, she's a gift to each one of us in different ways! We miss her as she's in 1st grade this year and are still adjusting to her being gone from 9am to 4pm. She has learned so much, especially in reading! She loves horses, drawing, High School Musical, and wiggling all her loose teeth! All she wants for Christmas is her two, front teeth!! Nicknames: Diggy, Digs, Sissy.

Cole (4 1/2)...he is the cuddler of the family! HIs belly laugh is truly contagious! He'll suck anyone into playing Toy Story Yahtzee with him, and loves having kids over to play. He's in 3 days of preschool and doing great! He loves sports, and wrestling with dad is high on his list! The "treat" following the meal determines how much he will shove down, and he loves to help mom cook in the kitchen. It's fun to watch him taking on the big brother role with Elliot. Nicknames: C-O-L-E, Bunda, Col-e-man.

Elliot (16 months)...what a character! In attempting to keep up with the other two, he is a busybody! He's pretty content just wandering the house, looking for where the action is, and occasionally stopping to play with a toy or climb up on a barstool or pantry shelf. He loves to sit on your lap if you'll read him a book, but he's usually on the go. He's very into Daddy ever since Hol was gone for 5 days in September. He's quickly learning dance moves and words. He is such a joy and wonderful addition to our family. We all love him to pieces! Nicknames: E-mack, Lovey, E-macaroni.

Tim and Hol...we are blessed. Although we usually fall into bed at night from exhaustion, we are loving this stage of life as parents! Being here has slowed us down quite a bit, and we are appreciating family time just the five of us. Tim is loving his job, especially working with his brother and dad. His development projects are still in the works, and he has thrived being in a job he enjoys. Hol stays busy with the kids and their routines, as well as being involved in MOPS, working in Delaney's classroom, and doing pilates and kickboxing. The days are full and fun!

Thanks for taking the time to get an update. We hope this finds you well and enjoying this Christmas season with your family! We hope to catch up with each of you sometime this year!!

In Christ,
Tim, Holly, Delaney, Cole and Elliot

Delaney's show, dedication and snow!

Delaney had her Christmas show at church tonight! She did a fabulous job, and really had fun! She sure loves to sing and dance. Following that, we had Tim's family over for a little Minnesota dedication for Elliot. It was a special time of singing and prayer. Needed to keep it short with lots of little people around! :) Tim's grandparents were able to come as well, which made it really special. We got dumped on this weekend...hello Winter! The kids had fun out sledding with the neighbors! Good times. Here is Cole helping out with the shoveling! He's out there helping TIm these days.