Anderson's in California

Darryl, Sharla, Saige & Daxton all arrived for their first visit to
California this past Thursday. We had the best weekend with our family. Thursday we all visited Livermore's Farmers Market and they met our neighbors. Jett is included in the picture on the porch and Chaila joined us for sprinkler fun. Friday we spent the day in San Francisco at Fisherman's Wharf, saw the Acquarium and Golden Gate bridge. Friday night we kept the babies while D and Sharla enjoyed dinner on the town. Saturday, we all loaded back up for Oakland's Children's Fairyland. Then, Darryl and Stacy went to the Winchester Mansion in San Jose while Sharla and I spent a fun evening with the kids.

Sunday morning was relaxing, but short as their plane left at noon. The airport good-bye was not a hilight of the weeknd, as it'll be 6+months before we see each other again. 6 mo's is HUGE in baby development time. Speaking of development: Daxton is all over the place with his precious, smiling and crawling self. Saige is brilliant with an amazing vocabulary spouting from that beautiful
face. Watching Shelby interact with them was just the most fun! They had their sharing battles, but overall it was love and cuddling filled with giggles.

Thanks for coming guys, and we miss you already!!!

Check out the video for a sample of some sweet sharing and fun in the sandbox.

Sequoia National Park

I (Stacy) was granted a guys weekend from the boss for this past weekend. Our Aggie friend from Shell (David Nickell), told me about the annual California Aggie trip to Sequoia National Park. Above, are four photos to show you the size of the trees in this forest. General Sherman is the tree that is behind me. It is the largest (by volume) tree in the world. The tree is estimate to be about 2100 years old. Here is a link to find out more stats on the tree: http://www.nps.gov/archive/seki/shrm_pic.htm

Below are photos of the wild life that we came across. The mule deer was about 20 feet from me. Yes, that is a bear, and he was about 100 feet from me. I missed the 6 point elk, so there is not evidence of that.

GG Weekend

I spent The Fourth in Virginia with my GG's this year. It was great to get away and spend time with my lovely ladies! Jamie (bottom left) and Eric live in Virginia, were married early this year and are expecting a little boy: Peyton James. Julie (bottom center) and Billy live in the DFW area in Texas with their 2 precious little boys, Jackson and Harrison and her blossoming company, Pride Staff. Laurie (standing right) and Jonathan live in Austin, TX, and just announced their expecting news!!! Cantrell (top center) and Jeremy live in Austin as well, and I have no doubt we'll be getting "the call" from them this year. It's so wonderful to see my girls growing in life and so happy.

What's the scoop? For those few who don't know the "GG" legend, this crew came together 6 years ago, comprised of Texas A&M Aggies connected to both Cantrell and Jamie. GG's is short for Gruene Girls, as we began annual floating the river trips in Gruene. It started as 6, but soon found it's way to the core 5 ladies who would forever be bound together in an unconditional bond. We've been through so much in six years, that it seems unrealistic to think so few can go through so much in so little time, but all it's done is strengthen the love and support to create 5 Strong Women and an even stronger connection. I laugh at how we should have a ceremony to commit our union. My vows to these ladies feel much like that to my lifetime partner as a spouse.

For better for worse, for richer for poor, in sickness and in health, till death do us part...

And boy have we seen it all, from the struggles of family death, divorce, fighting cancer, building careers...to the joys of marriage, birth and success! Each one of us brings a unique being to the table, that compliments one another so well, that the strengths and weaknesses form the perfect circle.

Still can't get it? Think Ya-Ya Sisterhood, only better!

Thank you, Ladies for all the ups and downs over the past 6 years. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I look forward to many, many more...

T

Hot Diggity Dog!

Mommy is out of town with her GG's for the weekend, so it is just daddy and me. We watch the new Mickey Mouse show every morning. At the end of the show Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Daisy, Minnie, and Pluto all did a song and dance called "Hot Dog". This is a video of me dancing along with everyone.