The Big 5!

Cole had an awesome birthday and was excited to be turning 5! We started with the usual breakfast in bed, followed by gifts, spanking machine, and tickle attack! He didn't have preschool that day, so he had a friend come over in the morning, and then we went to IHOP for a yummy, birthday lunch, followed by picking up the infamous Darth Vadar cake! The party consisted of 8 little boys and they played mini golf, bumper cars, video games, had pizza and "pop" (for our California friends, this is any form of soda...), presents and cake! They had a blast!! He shares his birthday with Gramps, so we had an extended party with the Anderson family. He got to stay late and do batting cages with dad and Diggy and fell into bed around 9:00. All around great day!!

The Birthday Girl!!

We all had so much fun celebrating Delaney's 7th birthday! Wow! Time has gone by way too fast! She's very into Webkinz right now and loved receiving some new ones to play with! She started in on one present the night before, and saved two for the day after. (Like mother, like daughter!!) The night of her birthday, we hit the Mall of America, and she went to Libby Lu...this is a little girl's dream...a makeover, hair up-do, and accessories to boot! She chose the Rock Star theme! So cute! For a party, she chose to take four girlfriends out to dinner and hit Coldstone! We used the company RV to tote the crew around, with High School Musical 2 playing for a little dance party, of course!! :) Lots of good laughs!

Brrrrr...

OK, today apparently it was -10 degrees, and -30 with the wind chill! YIKES!!! We only went out when necessary!! Delaney and Cole are doing GREAT at their pre-hockey skating lessons they have each Saturday. They've both been moved up a level, so they're proud of that!

Elliot's really big on saying all of our names in sequence...dadamamasissycoco...like it's all one word! When you ask him his name...blank stare. :) Ha! The other day, he was "helping" me take out the newly dried laundry. He would hand me a piece of clothing and say who it belonged to. When he came to the dish towels, he said "mama". Hmmm.

We were talking about how when you laugh, you live longer. Delaney quickly answered, "Nana (Tim's grandma) better get laughin!"

Is strapping towels on Cole's legs and having him wash the floor against child labor laws?? :)

Winter!

Well, we're hip-deep in snow already this year, which has been great! December was a great month, weather wise. We'll see what the next few months bring. We've had a ton of snow and the kids love playing in it...sledding, ice skating, hockey, broomball, snowmobiling...we're doing it all, people! We had a wonderful Christmas with Tim's family, and enjoyed some fun times with neighbors too. We hosted a Gingerbread House party with a bunch of neighbors, which was really fun!

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.

Elliot's Dedication

Our pastor and good friend, Matt Hammett, dedicated Elliot at Flood while we were in San Diego. It was a special time, and we felt so supported by family and friends. Tim's parents were able to come out for it as well.