smooth sailing

So far this weekend has been absolutely gorgeous- not too hot, not too cold and sunny with clear blue skies. We decided to head up to the boat for a day of smooth sailing. Jarrett packed up the chilly bin with drinks and snacks while I got together the extras (extra clothes, extra toys...) and then we were on our way.

Spending the day at the lake was just incredible, as always. It is so relaxing to be out on the water surrounded by the natural beauty of our environment. It is so refreshing to be able to spend the afternoon as a family and to enjoy each other's company in such serenity. I think sometimes we tend to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life that we miss out on moments like these. Sad.

It turned out to be a perfect day at the lake with two of my favorite guys. Check it out...

Pirate Ben surveying the boom line

Already proficient at knots!

Hamming it up for the camera

I love this little guy!

So ticklish!



Ben loves to ring the bell.

special delivery

Yesterday morning I opened the front door and realized that we had been visited by the big brown UPS truck. Tucked into the corner of the front porch was a padded white envelope addressed to Benjamin. Ben usually gets all the fun mail around here (the rest of us just get bills and propaganda) but I don't mind because little boy presents are so much fun to open!

We opened the package to find some really cute outfits and a little raincoat- sent to us by Fairy God Ju-Ju. Ben is SO spoiled by his Fairy God Ju-Ju. This is what she sent...

Tea Collection Swimming Fish Camp Shirt

Tea Collection Solid Long Orange Shorts

Hatley raincoat with dinosaurs

Le Top onesie with matching khaki shorts

I was so excited to see Ben in his new clothes and immediately decided to do a photo shoot. We only made it through 1 outfit change before Ben ran out of patience and I knew it was time for bed. Here is our little one modeling clothes from Tea Collection's Daily Tea.

Too Cute!

memorable Memorial Day

This past weekend we had the opportunity to get together with family. Todd, Melanie, Eden and Emily drove up from Fresno on Sunday and were able to spend the night. It was so nice to be able to spend time with everyone. The last time we all got together was on Christmas day 2007- 5 months ago. All of our extended family members live hours away and, although life can get pretty busy, I think we should all get together more often. Family is so important. Let's face it- most things in life come and go but family sticks around forever (like it or not!)

Our weekend was very relaxing and low key. Sunday night we all hung out and spent time just catching up. A lot of time was focused on Ben. He was showered with lots of hugs and kisses from the entire group. It was very apparent that Eden and Emily were his favorite playmates- already a ladies' man!

Benjamin with his cousins Emily and Eden.

Eden and Ben

Emily and Ben

The girls were so good with Ben! They kept him entertained by playing games, reading stories and making him laugh. I thought it was especially sweet how they would pick him up, hold him and stroke his hair. Awww. Both Eden and Emily are going to be great babysitters some day!

On Monday, we woke up to a gray day but by afternoon the sun was shining upon us! Jarrett and Todd played guitars, rode the Indo surf trainer and then headed outside to the skateboard and mountain bikes. Melanie and I shared stories in the kitchen as we prepared a salad for the BBQ. And the girls...were hanging out with Ben, of course!

feeding frenzy

One of the magical things about watching Ben grow up is being able to witness all of his little milestones. He has gone from being totally reliant on us for absolutely everything to mostly reliant on us for absolutely everything! 2 Months ago we started feeding him solid (mostly pureed) foods. We started with the traditional baby rice cereal and every week we get to introduce a new taste and texture. Currently, the menu consists of: cereal, pears, apples, bananas, mangoes, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and chicken. Not too bad- a nice balance of fruits, veggies and protein. Just recently I thought we would expand our horizons and introduce the exotic avocado. A picture is worth a thousand words...

Ben is excited to try avocadoes for the very first time



He totally gagged- avocadoes are disgusting

This face says he is out for revenge!

With a look like that, I'd better watch my back! Maybe we'll stick to carrots- his favorite!

a gift from above

Ok, I have been talking about starting this blog for months and months and have finally decided to actually get it up and running. I think the whole concept of blogging is great- it will provide a means for our friends and family to keep up with all of the new and exciting events in the Anderson house and it will be an online diary of continuous memories that we can print and save for ever and ever.

So I have been thinking about this first post and wondering just how to begin. What should I write about? The very first post has to be special and important, right? So I should write about the most special and important event that has happened in my life lately. That would be the birth of our son, Benjamin.

Benjamin Graeme Anderson came into this world on September 26th, 2007. I held him close, looked into his eyes and was overwhelmed with so many emotions. Through tears of happiness I could see that he was absolutely beautiful- a little angel.

It's incredible to be a mom to such an amazing little boy. He brings so much joy to this life. I find myself smiling more, laughing more, loving more (and sleeping less!)

It has been 8 short months since Benjamin was born and he has changed so much. Our beloved baby is developing such a vibrant personality. He is determined, focused and head-strong, but overall a very laid back and happy child.

I look forward to the future and what it holds for our bright little miracle!