Lunch for Lori

Yesterday I went to a "going away" lunch for Lori McPherson. They are moving to Seneca, South Carolina on the 29th. Their whole family will be dearly missed. I know lots of 5 yr old boys are really gonna miss Hannah! Lori, you are in for a big adventure and God's loving arms will make the transition so much easier!!

I just wanted to share the cute picture that we had made at Rockwell's.

Yikes! We leave for Alabama in 5 days!!

SO MUCH TO DO AND SO LITTLE TIME!!
Christmas shopping, cub scouts, awana, lunch at Rockwell's, send out rest of Christmas cards, make special gift for my Mom, wrap 1000s of gifts, pack for 10 day trip, Mops small group meeting, 2 kids school parties, buy gifts for school parties, find a sitter for our dog Penny, make chocolate pretzel thingies for Jeremy's boss, HELP!!!
Oh, by the way, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

First "playable" snow of the season

Wednesday was our first real snow and we had to break out all of the snow gear. Everyone is set but I remembered how much I hate toddler gloves/mittens. They don't fit well and they never stay on. I want to invent ones that go up to their elbows under their clothes so that snow doesn't get in and they stay on!
The kids had a blast and I also included a picture of the house in the snow. I love how it looks with the twinkling lights and fluffy snow all around - it looks like a fairytale. Thank you, Jeremy, for such a beautiful house. I really do love it!

The last of fall and beginning of Christmas...

Wolfe and Brantley had a ball raking/playing in the leaves from our weeping cherry tree. Playing in leaves is such a great memory from childhood. I treasure the memories that my kids are making.

The reindeer picture was taken at Mount Joy's Winterfest last Saturday night. This was our 3rd year to go and it really kicks off the Christmas season for us. We stayed for the lighting of the tree and it was so beautiful!

This was taken after church on Sunday. It was just a last minute snapshot I took right before they ran upstairs to change clothes. Doesn't it seem that that's how you get the best pictures? I love my sweet girls and love that I captured this moment.

Camping in the snow, selecting the tree and other November happenings...

Sorry it has been so long. I have been caught up with the holiday spirit and haven't taken time to put down my thoughts. I will share a few pics along with comments on the month.

Here you see a tent in the snow. Why would the Anderson's be camping in the snow with 3 kids? Because Jeremy and I are gluttons for punishment! We were determined to take the kids camping in Shenandoah National Park over the Veteran's Day holiday and so off we drove to Virginia, freezing temps. be darned! I will say that the snow was a total surprise. Not even the park rangers predicted it. When we woke up at 7:30 am and Wolfe unzipped the tent and said, "It snowed!", Jeremy and I both went "What???!!!". We were able to salvage the day and still got to go on a great hike and Wolfe and B earned the Junior Ranger Patch, which was quite an accomplishment!
Here is how we stayed warm in the tent. That is Brantley peeking out from her sleeping bag!
Here are Wolfe and B diligently working in their Jr. Ranger books. A great activity for kids when they go to a National Park. A definite MUST do!Here is another try for a Christmas card picture. Still not good enough.... We did have a good time picking out our tree at Matasevik's.
Jeremy and Brooke at the National Zoo. We went to D.C. after the camping. We thawed out at the Schulz's( some of our dearest friends), ate good food, and saw some cool animals.

I have no pictures of Thanksgiving. We felt very loved by friends and spent 3 meals in a row with different ones. Thanks to all of you! We have decided not to travel at Thanksgiving, anymore, and we had such a relaxing weekend. We are so blessed to be healthy, loved, and redeemed.