Anderson Family Christmas Tree

No frozen eyelids this year. We did not trek into the wilderness to cut down the Anderson Family Christmas tree. Instead we drove to Ace Frattollone's (a hardware store) to pick out our fir. We may have missed out on the adventure of cutting down our own tree this year but the end result was equally beautiful.



What do you think of all this Delaney?

The Finishing Touch

Santa

Your first meeting with the jolly fella in the red suit. You were skeptical. So was I.

Another Balmy Thanksgiving

We kicked off your second Thanksgiving Day with a trip to Acorn Park with Papa. No jacket or hat required. It was another unusually warm Thanksgiving until about 3:00 when the arctic air came charging in and the snow flakes started flying. Unfortunately Dad had to work today but we celebrated with Nanny, Papa, Aunt Mary Jo, Uncle Jim, and cousins Dan, Silke, Tamo and Finja in Forest Lake. Mary Jo's Thanksgivings have been a longstanding tradition in my family - I'm so glad you were able to enjoy the full experience!

Happy Halloweeny Tweeny

Oktoberfest

This month has been filled with seasonal festivities. A trip to Sunny Hill Farms to select our Halloween gourds, the annual Rose family costume party, and pumpkin carving have filled some of our free time over the recent weeks. As evidenced from the pictures below, we've been busy making memories!

 

The obligatory "driving a tractor full of pumpkins" photo.



The gruesomeness of this photo opportunity didn't dawn on me until later. I'm happy to report no nightmares followed this outing.

                                     

This pumpkin was a bit too heavy to carry.

But this pumpkin was the perfect size.

Costume party at Aunt Karen's - You may or may not thank me for lamb costume one day.

Happy Halloween, Owl (Hailey)!

You take pumpkin cleaning very seriously.

Summer 2012 Highlight Reel

Go Runners!

We walked to Summit Avenue this crisp fall morning to cheer the runners in the Twin Cities Marathon. You were a big fan of the Postal Band playing pep songs on the corner of Prior. Tears flowed at the rattle of the last note of each song. Fortunately, the horns kept humming and the runners kept running. "Go, go, go!" we yelled.

Would you believe your Dad and I ran the marathon in 2005? No? Me neither but we actually did. It turns out 26.2 miles is a really long way to go. We trotted across the finish after running for four hours and forty-five minutes. No records were broken with that time but an accomplishment nonetheless. Maybe you'll run a race someday. If so, you can be certain we will be there to cheer you on. Go, go, go Delaney!

Houston, We Have Lift Off

You're standing up!

Linus looks a little jealous of your two-legged stance



Minnesota Zoo

Your first trip to the zoo! And it's clear you are a fan.

"Wow"

Sunday Morning

My two favorite people in the whole word on a lovely summer Sunday morning

Farewell Kinderberry Friends

Today you said goodbye to your good friends Jude and Kayla. The three of you shared many fun-filled days in the Infant B classroom at Kinderberry Hill. But new friends and adventures lie ahead. You will transition to Cathedral Hill Montessori School next week. It will be a little scary but quite exciting as well! Cheers to new beginnings Delaney!

Wednesdays with Nanny

Today is your last Wednesday hanging out with Nanny. Don't worry though! We visit Nanny and Grandpa nearly every weekend and we're often lucky enough to see them during the week too.

You and Nanny have formed a special bond over the last last several months. Piano lessons, coloring, bubbles, chalk, books and Dora fill your Wednesdays together. And let me not forget to mention your trips to Acorn Park's swings. Every Wednesday Nanny sent me a picture of you on the swing:

Thank you Nanny for making Wednesdays your favorite day of the week!

Your first recital with your favorite teacher by your side

15 Month Lexicon

If you ever find yourself wondering what words you were using correctly at 15 months, here is the offical list:

keys, door, sox, shoes, eyes, hi, bye-bye, dad, mom, turtle, gentle, car, papa, baby, bear, bubbles, pop, walk, water, Linus, bird, puppy, thank you, up, backpack, Dora, Tico, WOW!

This is an incredilbly long list for a person who has only been a native speaker for 1 year and 3 months. Good job Delaney - you're a little English language sponge!

No wonder you're so intelligent - you love your books!

Raina Comes to Town! And Papa Retires!

The excitement doubled this week with a visit from Raina and Grandpa's retirement.

We haven't seen Raina since January so some quality time with your older cousin was long overdue. The two of you bonded over episodes of Dora and swim time in the pool. "No, Laney, No!" were words that could be frequently heard coming from Raina's mouth.

On Thursday we crawled across town in rush hour traffic to celebrate Grandpa's freedom from the daily grind. Fortunately, all of your play dates with Raina left you exhausted and you slept the entire way. You would have been quite unhappy to spend 90 minutes in the car traveling at a snail's pace. Anyway, Grandpa was so proud to introduce you and Raina to all of his colleagues. Congratulations to Papa on a successful career! We're thrilled your retirement will allow you to spend more time with us.

This is one happy Papa!
Well done, we are so excited for you!

A little cousins' duet

Yum Yum Yum Delicioso

You and Raina having a fabulous time at Papa's retirement party!



Dad's Day

 

Happy Father's Day to the greatest Dad on Earth!

Happiest Mother Day

I've decided to retitle the holiday to capture what this day means to me. Through good days and tough days, being your mom is my most special treasure.

Thanks Delaney for being the best little daughter. And a special thanks to Nanny for leading by example. I am so appreciative for all you do!

A Mother's Day swim at Aunt Karen's

Married: 5 Years!

We celebrated with a night out in St. Paul. You celebrated with at sleepover at Nanny and Grandpa's.

On the Cutting Edge



One of my favorite pictures of you - snapped on your birthday (and the peak altitude of your hair).

Your hairs has earned you many compliments lately. Everyone loves your sticky-upy locks. It won't be long before people are requesting the "Delaney-do" at their salons.

April Fool's Day



 

Thanks Nanny for crafting this adorable sun hat!



No April's Fool's Day tricks for you this year. But watch out next year. Your Dad and I concur that April Fool's tomfoolery begins at two!

The Celebration (x3)

So many people adore you that your first birthday was celebrated three times! The party began Thursday at Kinderberry Hill. You donned a crown, "Happy Birthday" was sung in your honor (several times), and you received Jump Frog from Sara and your classmates. Thanks KBH for making such a special day for you.

We continued the party Saturday morning with rainbow colored sprinkle pancakes for breakfast. I believe I heard you express your approval with a "Yum!" for my efforts. I promise to fine-tune my sprinkle technique for next year. Late morning we ventured to Cho Cho Bob's for some play time at the train table. Our trip was fun-filled but brief as I forgot to pack the essentials. Sorry Delaney! All was not lost though. You needed the extra sleep for the evening's festivities.

The party reconvened post nap with the arrival of the Davis family, Grandma Jan, Grandpa and Nanny. Zack entertained us by playing with your toys in new and innovative ways. You loved it! However, the inevitable couldn't be delayed too long and Nanny announced it was time to open presents. Despite a pile of beautifully wrapped presents waiting to be tore open, your attention was focused on Cassidy's hot pink smart phone. Though the phone was a temporary loan, Cassidy gave you the most amazing baby book! It is certainly a gift you will treasure forever. You gobbled tons of raspberries (your favorite) and an entire piece of cheese pizza. All of the day's excitement clearly made you hungry! The night was topped off with a lovely rendition of "Happy Birthday" led by Zack and a mini cupcake from Sweets Bakery.

Nanny and Grandpa hosted a bonus party Sunday! The Roses, Andreasens, Montours and GiGi (Great-Grandma Marilyn) were in attendance to celebrate you! You are lucky to have so many wonderful people who care so much about you.

I can hardly believe how quickly your first year flew by. I remember March 24, 2011 as if it were yesterday. I thought I couldn't be any happier than the day we welcomed you to the world but each day I spend with you gets better and better. Your kind heart smiles readily and your curious mind observes intently. I love you so so much!

Queen for a day at KBH!

Dad is very supportive of your love of trains.



Birthday balloon courtsey of Nanny



Best Gift. Ever.



Birthday tea with Hailey

More presents? You are just a bit spoiled.

ONE!

Happy Birthday Delaney - we are in awe of you!

March (Weather) Madness

No, the Minnesota Gophers did not earn a spot in the NCAA tournament, but we did manage to catch eight minutes of a game earlier this month. You were captivated by the cheering fans, big band, and the action on the court. But your increasing mobility made the second TV time out the perfect time for our quick exit. The Gophers have one more year to secure a title before we depart this state for a location to be determined.

It's been a fabulous month in Minnesota! We've left behind our hats, jackets and sometimes even our sox on our countless trips to the Mattock's Park swing. The warm, long days have made this March tons of fun.

Gopher fan in the making

Basking in the Minnesota March sun



Happy Hailey Day

Hailey turned one on Friday and we were invited to celebrate this momentuous occasion with her at Uncle Phil and Aunt Margo's house. Hailey sure knows how to work the crowd with her sweet smile and grand enthusiasm. She is such an awesome little person and you are truly delighted by her company.

Thanks for letting us party with you Hailey. We love you lots!

Despite the ear to ear grin Hailey abstained from indulging in her fluffy pink cupcake.

Feasting on goldfish crackers and debating the merits of Eric Carle literature at Hailey's new dining set.

Not a big fan of Hailey's space age chair. Maybe when you turn one you'll understand just how fun it is?

Plucking Hailey's sox right off her feet. Beware Delaney: what goes around comes around.

The Rutabaga Rumble

I should never let you nosh on this:

unless I am 100% prepared for this:

Hey Delaney, don't be mad! I'm just saying. Lesson learned.

Love Love Love

Happy Valentine's Day! We didn't know how much our hearts could love until you joined our little family. Your hugs and kisses are the best part of our day. So thank you! XOXO to you Delaney.

Art Appreciation Week

Saturday's are the best - especially when Dad doesn't have to work. A trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts followed by lunch at the French Meadow Bakery left smiles on all of our faces.

Unfortunately this sculpture was not in the hands-on family room.

Good thing the docent didn't catch you typing your super secret report.

Working on your own post-modern piece at Kinderberry Hill.