We had no idea the monster we would create with this first seemingly innocent plate of pasta.


He broke the restraints of his highchair and set out to conquer.

No one's plate was safe from the monster we had unleashed.

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Britta had such a fun time playing fall soccer. She ran hard for the ball, scored and saved goals, and still had energy for a photo shoot:

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Avery decided she needed a book bag for "school", but instead of crayons, pencils, glue, etc., she packed fancy shoes, a doll, and jewelry. Yeah, she was set.

Britta was too excited to walk to the bus stop so she took off at a run. Eden, not one to be left behind, took off after her.

When Avery, Weston, and I finally caught up, I was able to snap this sweet picture:

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We celebrated Eden's 7th birthday towards the end of summer. She had a big "extended family" party while in Texas, so at home we had a very low key party with Ben. We went swimming, had cake and ice cream and opened a couple of gifts. I remember the day she was born, holding her late at night just wondering who this little person was going to turn out to be. She is fun, smart, impish, beautiful, caring, and tender. She's become so much in just seven short years. I can't wait to see what the next seven will bring!

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So like Dorothy I too went on a trip that I have no proof of. The kids and I went to Texas and I did a horrible job taking pictures. I don't know how I managed to not take pics of the kids with their cousins, grandparents(both sets live there!), and all the fun things we did. I brought my camera. I even made sure to replace the batteries before leaving. All I needed to do was aim and click! Seriously. I think gorillas from the zoo would've done a better job documenting our trip! I wonder if they hire out their services...

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Dan the Man got himself hitched this summer! Weston and I flew to Utah for the wedding and had a blast with my whole family. Had a lot of fun meeting Natalie and her family, helping with the reception, and like every Anderson get together, late night talking and junk food. Below is a picture of our almost all nighter ice cream party.

Dan and his awesome lady Natalie.

Anderson gals holdin' down our table. Moose Man was sitting with us, but we kept making him get us food and drinks. Now before you start thinking we were taking advantage of his kindness, please know we had his best interests at heart. We knew catering to our every whim with no hope of payment or reward would build character. Really, we were looking out for him.

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Nothing Separates the mice from the men like a day of riding roller coasters. Some came ready for victory. Some(Moose Man) came afraid. But all conquered. At the end of the day we walked back to the car a little taller.

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Well, it's been a while. Excuses? I have plenty. But let's not focus on the negative. Instead, let's embrace the positive and move forward. And by moving forward I mean let's take a look back at all the things we've done these past five? six? months. Tomorrow. 'Cause it's late, and I'm tired, and posting pictures with captions tries my patience when I'm well rested. It wouldn't be pretty right now.

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Our apartment has a 50 square foot patio that is bordered by evergreen shrubs and gets western exposure. The first two summers we were here we attempted to grow vegetables and berries without much success. Everything either got picked early and thrown, withered on the vine, or was ravaged by the local squirrel population. We were ready to give up on gardening when I read an article in the newspaper about an organization called Sharing Backyards. The website matches up urbanites who have gardening space and need assistance with those that are seeking gardening space and can provide assistance. There wasn't anything for our area when I checked, but talking about the concept with friends produced even better results.



One of our friends from church mentioned that they had done a garden for a couple of years but with measured success. And the kids had seemed less than enthusiastic. We talked our way into a co-op style arrangement where we would provide labor and skill and they would provide the same as well as the garden space. Over the months of February, March, and early May we worked to install a french drain, install fencing and raised beds, add improved soil and mulch, and (finally) plant the garden.



April and May were very wet which meant we didn't have to water much. But the cool weather and mostly-absent sun put everything in slow motion. After the sun re-appeared in June, the garden took off. We've already harvested some cucumbers, string beans, cilantro, and basil, and now the squash, tomatoes, and peppers are beginning to ripen!

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