A thank you to Ander from Gr-uncle John

Growing and maturing so fast

A collection of recent photos by dad. The young boy is ushering out the toddler.

The gal is preggers

Here I am -- about 4 months along -- sitting with Ander as he plays in the tub.

Christmas 2009

The morning started with Ander opening his stocking and finding a coffee cup just like dad's. We, of course, had to put "coffee (juice)" in it immediately and he took it back to the action and drank his coffee, saying "ah" after each drink.










The first present was opened to reveal a new kitty and puppy for the house. This gift was from Gr(eat)-aunt Becky and Gruncle John after he visited our home in August and noticed we didn't have any pets, apparently. We spent the next 20 minutes playing cat and dog, purring, barking, and feeding them. In case your imagination won't go that far on it's own, that's dog and cat food in the fireman's helmet, I mean, bowl that our new pets are eating out of.

This was an indication of how each gift was received -- it was to be opened immediately and thoroughly enjoyed as Ander played with each one. It was a two-day Christmas by the time he got done opening all of his presents. Which is O-K.

Family portrait as Shane tries out his new tripod. We met up with Laurie a bit later that afternoon as well. She came to the house and opened her gifts and we ate together. Didn't get a photo of that, though.

Blowing bubbles

The color in these bubbles was amazing as we were facing the sunset and all of the light was reflecting in them. Shane wasn't able to catch it from behind me, but got the reflection of the flash from the other direction.

Ander "going to work"

This photo is a two-fer, because it was also Ander's Halloween costume that never got posted. After receiving a big red fire truck from Aunt Jeanette at Christmas, Ander put on his work clothes, took mom's purse and told us he was "going to work, earn money." We didn't argue.

Thanks Aunt Teri for the box

Challenges to Laurie's room

Challenges: a short carpet along one prominent wall; ridges of paint from the shelves that need to be sanded prior to painting.

Baby's Room -- before

The room of the house that hasn't been touched in any way (other than Laurie and an ex-boyfriend tearing out a shelf) which will be converted into the baby's room.