Aubrey's First Christmas

Does it seem to anyone else like Christmas goes by really fast every year? I seems like we wait and wait and wait and then it's over before we can blink. We had a good Christmas this year. We missed seeing our families and participating in all of the traditions we grew up doing. But, we got to practice building our own traditions and we enjoyed that part of it. Drew came to visit through the weekend and we (as always) loved having him around. Aubrey connects with Uncle Drew so quickly...I wonder if that has anything to do with the fact that he lets her gnaw on his Uno box?

Here are a few pictures of Aubrey enjoying the gifts that Grandpas and Grandmas sent to her...(and Uncles and Aunts)

I'm glad we were able to capture this look of pure wonder. With this expression comes the sound of a huge gasp and then a big breath outward. And then, "Ahhh....." This is the look we get to see from Aubrey every time she is enjoying herself.

Night Out

Last night John and I had a "date" night to go out to a Coast Guard holiday party. It was fun being with our own kind (smile) for an evening. We're usually surrounded by Navy and Marine aviators so last night was a chance to talk about the world we know.

And, Aubrey has a cold. It's the first time she has gotten sick and it makes me very sad. I haven't wished my mom lived close so badly as I do right now. We're hanging in there, though, and were even able to venture out to the playground today. I think it's what we both needed. :)

Ornament Exchange

I hosted the 2nd annual Anderson Ornament Exchange last night and it was so much fun. 15 girls joined in the party with good food, good conversation, and super cute ornaments.

I enjoyed going through our linen closet to find things that I already had to use for decorations. And, I got a chance to use our china teacups for the party!

Here are all of us with our "prizes" at the end of the night. I really do enjoy this group of women. I'm so thankful that God has provided fellowship like this.

Our 2nd Beautiful Niece

I mentioned it in my last post but I get to say it again: our 2nd niece was born on Saturday! Ella Joy joined big sister Grace to add another beautiful little girl to the Anderson family. We love you already, Ella, and we look so forward to meeting you!

Big sister. Oh, I just can't stand the cuteness.

A Tornado

I like to think that I keep a clean house. Most days, if you were to drop by, the house would look very presentable. Recently I've been having some problems, however, with a little tornado that runs through and leaves destruction in her wake. Here is the chronicle of our little tornado:

Found her

Caught her

"What did I do, Mom?"

**Sidenote: Aubrey does wear pants, however, the weather went from a nice 55-60 degree average during the day to 80 and humid in less than 24 hours. Thus, the pants came off.

**BETTER Sidenote: John & I are the proud uncle and aunt of yet another cute niece, Ella Joy, who arrived today around 10:30am. And Aubrey has another cousin to play with. We're all very excited. Congrats, Nate & Megan, and big sister Grace.

Camping

We went camping for the first time since Aubrey was born. Aubrey did really well and we had a great time.

We went with our friends Chris & Kristen and their dog, Kozar. These are just a few pictures.