A Few from Drew

Our girl just a swingin'


Vuvva the Goatherd

Down on the farm blowing "puffballs"

In Morganton, Easter Sunday in her new swimsuit from the Easter Bunny.

Happy Birthday Alyssa #6

Another year gone by and our little "five pound sack of sugah" has turned one year older. I suppose I should do a thoughtful post about how wonderful you are now and all the things you are doing so when we look back we will remember you as you turned six, but I'm suffering from post-birthday depression. Your BIG day is over, the one you look forward to ALL year and the next celebration in our household will be my trip "over the hill." You are amazing and we love everyday we have with you. YOU are the best gift EVER! Anyway, Mrs. Jerilyn did your Hello Kitty Cake and it was once again awesome! Your hair looks a little funny because you decided to cut it yourself and Mr. Tony said he's not a magician. And your two front teeth are so loose, either or both could come out at any minute.

Best Buds Hali and Piper came and you complained you didn't get to play with them enough at your party. We will have another play date soon, but there's nothing like TRUE friends.

Great Aunt Missy, Vuvva and Nana represented the family this year. We really missed all of our other Family members that could not make it (we ate your cake!).

Piper and Alyssa on the Jett Rider - is this FUN or what?!?

I think this is my favorite shot - wonder what she's thinking?

Another head on with my camera. I still can't believe she's really six. I remember six. If we have any more bad parenting from this point on she WILL remember (gasp!).

Alyssa and Chuck E. Cheese, he's sitting down, but she's so much taller, in just one year, really?!?

Alyssa and some of her birthday friends posing with Chuck - what a great day! I'm still not sure if I'm happy or sad. Kinda just like you were, happy for the most part but sad when it's over. We love you girl, just a little more each day! Thanks for making life worth the roller coaster ride :)

Thanksgiving Journey

The A Team's Thanksgiving Journey started when we picked up "Flowering Meadow" from school on Tuesday, the Kindergartners in her school looked adorable and Alyssa was another of the cutest blond hair, blue-eyed, Native Americans running around James Island! We spent the evening in Saluda at Nana and Vuvva's which always includes feeding the goats in the morning . . .



Alyssa petting Chocolate Chip

Alyssa petting Nana :)

Then we decided to have lunch at the Beacon, we thought Alyssa would enjoy the experience and trip back through time. She just thought it was loud!

Drew's Heart Attack on a Plate, so much for eating healthy this holiday season!

In Morganton, we feasted again and were honored to have Flowering Meadow join us and say the blessing for our Noon meal.

Flowering Meadow "testing" the desserts.

Our feast was delicious and called for all of us to take a nap shortly afterwards. Once we were all awake (does this kid ever sleep?) we helped Eya and Poppy decorate their Christmas Tree.

Beautiful photography, Drew.

Lots of time for sweet hugs.

On Friday, Alyssa was Chief in Charge of constructing the Gingerbread House.

Is that green frosting on her lip?

On Saturday we said goodbye to the Ellisons, including Tipper, and headed to Granny's.

Sweetheart Alyssa picked Granny some flowers. they were dandelions but the only thing blooming close by, it's still the thought that counts, right?

Granny is ready for Christmas! We had such a nice journey and though we traveled quite a few miles it was wonderful to get to see all the parents and grandparents. We are thankful indeed for such sweet times!

Happy Birthday Vuvva!

By the look on his face, you can tell that Vuvva enjoyed his birthday weekend celebration. We celebrated at Lake Murray most of Saturday and Sunday. This is a photo of Vuvva and all his Grandchildren plus the delicious Banana Pudding that Lisa made - YUM!!!. Below are a few more highlights . . .



Alyssa couldn't wait to get on the Zip Line!





Another of Vuvva's unique inventions is the "Train" - the twins and Alyssa had a blast being pulled around on this vehicle.



They have all grown so much they're having to duck to get their picture taken.



Drew took time to sharpen his photography skills and took some great Sunset shots . . .





Even woke up early and captured the Sunrise.



Like the children who love the box more than the toy, another highlight of the weekend was the Robot Vacuum, Erica and Alyssa playing with it here.



Alyssa's favorite person of the weekend was Will, Heidi's boyfriend. I think she might have had a little crush on "Willed" as she kept calling him.


Once again Vuvva and Nana's Grandchildren from L-R - Alyssa, Emily, Miller, Heidi and Erica. What an incredibly FUN weekend! Thanks Nana and Vuvva for inviting us to the Lake. When can we do it again?!?!?!

Christmas I

Christmas I was held in Saluda, SC, hosted by Nana and Vuvva (in his Merry Christmas Y'all shirt). We had a nice family supper then opened presents. Since we were spending the night, Alyssa stayed up WAY past her bedtime singing and dancing to songs on the computer with Nancy and Jeffrey. We slept well, had breakfast then helped Vuvva pick pecans. I wish I had photos of us picking pecans but this was better captured on video, which I will probably never be able to figure out how to blog. After working soooooo hard, we packed the sleigh and headed north. Thank you Nana and Vuvva for letting us stay with you! The hospitality was wonderful and being able to break up our trip added to our enjoyment of the entire holiday adventure. Definitely too much Christmas!

Vuvva and Drew discussing genealogy.

Lisa and Miller opening a gift.

Alyssa and Miller opening presents.

Alyssa in front of her 3 baby dolls.

Nancy & Jeffrey's Wedding

We had a serious GT, Good Time, in Saluda this past weekend at Nancy and Jeffrey's wedding. We had a front row view of the ceremony which was really sweet and partied with the whole town of Saluda at the Reception - it was HUGE! A few photos are below, and a few more are on Facebook, so enjoy! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=9113&l=475a7&id=1151618793

"Anderson" family - cousin Katie, Uncle Bobby, cousin Matthew, Aunt Beth

Anderson Men - Vuvva, Drew, Clay & Chevy

Alyssa and her Vuvva. Alyssa loved the Chocolate Fountain, Vuvva's Flower and tearing up the dance floor with her twin cousins!

Another Busy Weekend

We had another busy weekend, in fact we took an extra day to squeeze in even more activities! On Friday we headed to the Lake Murray Lake House to spend some quality time with Nana and Vuvva. The weather was pretty nasty but Alyssa's twin cousins, Emily and Erica, came over to make it a night of FUN! Saturday the weather was great and the ZIP LINE was working so Alyssa played hard! We all went for a boat ride and then got cleaned up for a party for Nancy and Jeffrey who are getting married in October. Alyssa and the twins had a babysitter and tons more fun! We enjoyed some fine Saluda hospitality, awesome food and storytelling by quite a character! Even with a late night we were up early for Church to see Miller get baptized. He was so great for his baptism but the ceremony wore him out. The adults and older children really enjoyed the luncheon at his home while he was napping!

First road Trip in the Camry and in Alyssa's new "Boost"

Emily and Erica helping Vuvva with the Zip Line

Hot dogs for Hungry Girls.

Time for a Boat Ride with Captain Vuvva


The Zip Line in Action!

Party for Jeffrey and Nancy

Miller - all decked out in white!

Aunt Lisa and Nana

Granny and Uncle Clay

Just a Swingin'