BBQ, Crabs and Badminton,

It's been said that funerals make good family reunions. It's a sad reason to get together, but it is sure good to see everyone. I really enjoyed visiting with Uncle Ray. He stayed several days, helping to get things done around the house. He spent a morning fixing the tractor and an afternoon mowing the grass.

Alicia did an awesome job grilling chicken.


And we can't go back East without having a crab feast!

Poor Kai was sick with a fever. I've never seen him so still and quiet.



Once the front yard was mowed they set up the badminton net and played all weekend.




This is Christine's husband, Tony. They're sure happy to be back from Oklahoma.

See all those gnats flying around Dave's head? They spent more time swatting at bugs than at the birdie. There are some things about living back East that I don't miss, although the fireflies at night were pretty.

Patrick brought the badminton set and crabs. He was the hero of the day.

Noah is sure growing up to be a handsome young man. The haircut helps.

Celestial is always happy!

She loves silky scarves. This is currently her favorite.

When they weren't playing badminton, they were playing basketball. Who chose Dave to guard Jason?!


Jason (Alicia's husband) is such a crack-up. He's always a lot of fun to be around.


Love this pic of Patrick! What a cutie.


This one is a little blurry, but it's a classic Alicia smile.


I like this picture of Dave's mom, relaxed and visiting with her daughters.

The pool game between cousins was hilarious. They spent the whole time complimenting each other. "Nice shot." "That was so close!" "That almost went in." "Good try."

Elizabeth had to work on Saturday, so she came out Sunday to help finish up the crabs and play a few games of badminton. Somehow I didn't get any pictures of Kat, since she was in and out all weekend.

It was fun to watch Blaize getting into the game. Spencer had a lot of fun hanging out with his cousins. He was really glad he got to go with us. And I must say that traveling with just 1 big kid is SO easy. He even carried all the luggage as we ran to catch our connecting flight.

We had some extra time on the way to the airport Monday, so we stopped to see the hospital where Spencer was born.

He took a ton of scenery pictures. He loves going back to his roots.

David Carleton Anderson 8/10/44 - 6/20/11

Dave's dad passed away on Monday, June 20th. He had struggled with his health for several years, but the last 5 months were especially difficult.

Dave flew out on Tuesday, and Spencer and I followed on Thursday.

A bugle played Taps at the grave site. His dad was a naval barber in the Vietnam War. Then bagpipes played Amazing Grace. He said he never heard that song without getting goosebumps. It was beautiful.

Presentation of the American flag to Dave's mom.

His dad had dual citizenship, and he had happy childhood memories of living with his grandparents in Toronto.

Dave's Grandfather, Carleton Edward Anderson.

Although we know his dad is free from earthly pains and trials, we will truly miss him. He loved his wife. He raised 9 children. He worked hard to support his large family. He had a strong faith in God.

We will remember him for his love of crabs and the Chesapeake Bay, talking like Donald Duck, constant puns and word play, scrabble, food, good deals, constant reading (especially The New Yorker), maps and architecture.

We are grateful for the legacy he left us and our children. We look forward to the day that we see him again, and we know that through Jesus Christ's atonement and resurrection, he will live again.

Preschool Graduation

We had a little preschool graduation at Kristen's house a few weeks ago. We had it in the evening so all the families could be there. First we had dinner (we all brought various dinner salads and rolls) and then we had a little program.

Emily Z. started it out like we did every time - with the Pledge of Allegience, weather of the day, days of the week and months of the year.

They wore the caps they made at Heather's house.

Then Hilary W. helped them sing a couple of songs (like If You're Happy and You Know It), and they each said what they wanted to be when they grew up. Brennan said he wanted to be a firefighter. Eric wants to be a knight.

Instead of diplomas, I handed out scrapbooks I made of their preschool year.
But I made them give them back to me because I still need to finish them. It's high up on my to-do list.
Then Heather and Kimber handed out sunflowers to each of the kids to give to their moms for teaching them all year.
Afterwards we ate cake and visited while the kids played 'till late into the night. It was such a lovely evening. We're going to miss our preschool friends.

Peter Pan

Last Friday my kids performed in the school production of Peter Pan. They've been practicing since February, and they had so much fun. They LOVE acting. I can't even tell you how much. They are sad it's over and want to be in another play right now.

Dallin was Michael and Tyler was John. They were so cute! I made their pajamas because I couldn't find any that looked old-fashioned. Then I couldn't find any good material (all we have here is Wal-Mart), so I bought some cheap flat sheets. They were perfect. Now my other boys want me to sew pajamas for them too. I got Tyler's hat and glasses at an online costume store.

Spencer was hilarious as Smee. I bought large adult clothes and sewed them to old t-shirts and shorts along the bottom seams. Then I filled them with pillow stuffing and sewed the tops shut. Dave had the idea of attaching the stuffing to his face with toothpaste, and it worked great. I bought the glasses at the same costume store.

Some of the pirates, getting into their role.

Dallin waking up in the opening scene.

Tyler pretending he can't see until he puts his glasses on. I couldn't find black glasses, so I painted them.

The opening song, "You Can Fly," was so cute and well-choreographed. They were jumping back and forth between the beds and such.

They did so well remembering all their lines. Dallin knew what to say, but he'd forget when to do them. So we practiced lots the night before, and he did great.

"I Won't Grow Up," one of my favorite songs.

Enter the pirates. Every time Spencer was on stage he made me laugh. Even when he wasn't saying anything.


My nephews Peter and Jacob were also Pirates. Don't they look cute?

Peter makes such great faces.

Peter Pan is really the perfect play for kids. There are pirates, indians, fairies - something for everyone.

The pirate ship was incredible. Nancy (my friend who directed the play) used the old sets from Bye Bye Birdie that the stake put on the week before, and she borrowed a bunch of piratey things from Ron Daniels to decorate it. Wow!

The whole cast - 53 students! Nancy is just amazing. What a great experience for all these kids. If you'd like to see all my pictures from the play, they're on Flickr.