Brynlee's Birthday Bash

Yesterday Little Stuff turned ONE!

 I knew it would happen and I tried so very hard to slow down the time and take her all in,  but it still came way too fast!

We celebrated this sweet little girl with family, balloons, presents, and cake!

I have to say that this cake turned out so good!  It was just a box mix, but by far the best cake I've ever made- maybe even tasted.  Brynlee got a good one for her first taste!

Going for it!

Stuffed those cheeks!

Nom, nom, nom!

"Excuse me, come back here with that cake please."

Messes are fun!

Happy Birthday Brynlee Bug- we love you so much!

At one this girl is holding her own with her bigger brother and sister.  She is getting feisty on us- but it is the cutest thing!  She is still the happiest little bug and smiles up a storm most days.  She's not walking yet, but has been cruising around like crazy with her walker dog that she got on her b-day.  She's too cute that none of us can stop ourselves from smothering her, but she's sure to let us know when she's had enough.  She will eat anything and everything you put in front of her and her favorite activities include being chased around the ottoman and getting into as many cupboards as she can.

Untimely Events

We took a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo as part of Brynlee's birthday celebration over the weekend.  We've been to the Dallas Zoo several times, but this was new to us...although I think we may like Dallas better.  

I did love that there's a lot of greenery and shade while walking around.  

It seems we weren't on our game with picture taking this trip- we kept missing good photo opportunities.  For instance, at this at this underwater enclosure, a huge crocodile swam by right after we took this pic.

Here- we tried to get Jase in a pic with a cool swimming lizard- and right as we took the shot- this girl stepped in the way.

At least we had better luck with Maycee and the birds this round.

Brynlee even fed them:)

Bottoms up- lol.

And finally...see that giraffe in the background- well seconds before I was able to get this picture- he/she had both front legs spread as wide as they would go and was bending all the way down to eat something out of the grass.  It looked really cool, but like I said we had bad timing with our pictures.

Cutest baby elephant!

Another fun day in the life of the Anderson's

Testing out the Waters of Dance

We finally got Maycee involved in something other than being home with mom.  

It's been a work in progress with her, but I'm proud of her for trying so hard and being brave enough to work on something that is clearly scary for her--attention from strangers. 

Her first few classes seemed to go great, but then out of the blue she got spooked and has had a hard time.

I was pretty sure she would not want to participate in the recital, but we decided to give it a go with no pressure and see.  

Her first dress rehearsal she did great and got up and danced her little heart out.

She has been so cute to watch and always asks me or Ryan to help her practice her dance.  I love watching Ryan practice with her- ha ha.

She says to me "Mom, I just need you to stand out there with me for just a few little minutes."

and then she's good to go.

  

The recital came, and after having to stand in the back of the stage in a tiny, stuffy, HOT, room with her for over 20 minutes we finally made our way to the stage, she would not go up.  I was carrying Brynlee in one arm, a diaper bag in my other and holding her hand all the way to the edge of the stage, but she just couldn't do it.  Poor thing; and of course when the song and dance were over she cried because she missed it.

We'll try again when she's a little older.

Next up for her...soccer!  We'll see how that goes;)

Another Baseball Season in the Books

Jase had another great season of baseball. 

He had the most awesome team ever and Coach Tommy is our favorite.  I've never seen a coach with so much enthusiasm and truly excited for each and everyone of his players.  He made it so fun for us and for the kids. 

Jase did great!  He got four game balls this season- a couple which were for some amazing hits, catches, and even a triple play!  He loves playing baseball and not a day goes by that he doesn't get out and practice all on his own initiative.  He also got chosen to represent his team in the All Stars game- which he was stoked about.  When we told him, he was grinning from ear to ear and couldn't contain his giddy laughter! 

I love this kid and am so proud of him.  Ryan and I have both said that we wish we could be more like him in his excitement for life and drive and determination to do his best!

Jase and Maddox 

Birthday Guy!

Happy Birthday to my handsome, hardworking, happy, hunky, humble, honorable, husband!

We kept it low key this year.  Date night the night before and I surprised him with some friends over for cake and ice cream that evening

His staff got creative this year to and decked out his office!

I love you Ry- so glad you were born. 

You truly are the best thing to happen to me!