The Andersons: January 2008

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Colorado

I flew out to Denver last week to spend some time with my parents and two Petersen sister-in-laws. I have always dreamed of having sisters, not for the sake of having sisters, but because I always thought it would be really fun to have friends that happened to be family. I eventually gave that dream up (when I was probably around 10) and have enjoyed being the only girl in the middle of boys ever since. (consequently, my brothers and I are very close friends). That is why I am so overwhelmed by the gift God has given me in these two women. They are friends in a way that I had given up ever hoping for and it truly excites me so deeply in my soul that I have the rest of my life to share with my two new friends/sisters. To Drew and Blake: you have found extraordinary mates. I know you probably didn't really consider me when making your decision, but thank you anyway for picking women who I get to steal from time to time to go to chick flicks with and to get to talk to about girly stuff with. :) I appreciate it. And to Annie and Stephanie: you have found extraordinary men. They happen to be my brothers but they are also two of my closest friends. Take care of them and thank you for being crazy about each of them (respectively). So, on to the trip:

Annie & I flew in early and thus were able to go with Dad & Mom to Focus on the Family's Odyssey Land: aka: Whit's End. It was so fun...for Aubrey, too.

Annie & I are now famous recording artists for a Land of Odyssey CD. We are naturals for sure.

Aubrey enjoyed talking with the puppets.

And staying busy showing Grandpa & Grandma around.

And taking her picture with the other Aubrey, of Odyssey fame.

The next day we headed to the airport dressed in our best to meet up with Stephanie. Annie said she heard several, "Oh, my word, look behind you.."s. Not sure why.

Dad with all of his girls (every single one!) at lunch.

Grandpa with Aubrey

Grandma on a walk with Aubrey.

This is Aubrey's preferred method of using the stroller. She really pushes it, she just can't steer. Does someone not want to be a baby anymore?

Thanks, Mom, Dad, Stephanie & Annie for a fun almost-week!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Chance to Brag

Aubrey goes to bed around 6:30 or 7:00pm every night. She loves routine and so usually it is mommy and Aubrey that go in at night, rock in the chair, sing some songs, read a story, and go ni-night.

Tonight, about 10 minutes after I laid her down, this is what I heard: *whimper...whimper...* "Dad-dy?" *whimper...whimper...* "Dad-dy?"

And, this is what I heard next: "It's okay, little girl...Daddy's here."

And for the next 30 minutes I heard little bits of Daddy and daughter talk, giggle, and cuddling going on. After that, the girl was fast asleep, rocked by her daddy and snuggled safely into her bed.

It broke my heart in the very best way. John doesn't have to do that. He has the best excuse of anyone to say he doesn't have the time. HE IS FLYING A HELICOPTER FOR THE FIRST TIME ON TUESDAY! But it didn't matter because tonight his baby needed him and he showed her that he was available.

I really could share a lot more stories like this one, but tonight it just struck me that John is teaching Aubrey at a very young age what many little girls never experience: that when she is with Daddy she is safe and protected, and loved. He will wrap her in his arms, love on her, play with her, and keep her safe. And someday I pray that she will trust her heart to her heavenly Father, too, in part because she has already seen that a Daddy can be trusted.

Friday, January 11, 2008

I promise...

I won't get carried away with this video thing. I just figured out how to use this feature (I'm a little slow, I know) and this is another cute one of Aubrey walking with "Larry the Lion." She also says, "Roar," after he does and she dances a little bit to the music. So, here it is...

**Disclaimer: the lovely static-type noise in the background is our super silent dishwasher. (drip sarcasm here).