Missouri or Bust!

Today, April 27th, Melanie and Joe began their trek to a new home in the Midwest. They are moving to Jefferson City, Missouri. This is a sad day for me, but it is a happy one for them. They are so excited, and I can't really blame them. It's an opportunity to live in a smaller town and to start fresh with new jobs. They also will be living close to Heather and her family and close to Joe's dad and sister. Joe's dad lives outside of St. Louis and his sister, Denise, lives in Arkansas near Branson, Missouri.

For the last two weeks we have been busy helping Melanie and Joe with the move and doing favorite things one last time. We helped them with a garage sale that they had at our house and we helped clean their apartment after the movers finished packing the big items in the U-haul. For fun we went to BJ's, Tony Roma's and Viva Mercados for yummy dinners, got one last pedicure together, walked around the soccer park near their apartment for exercise and our nightly talk, and had a family dinner in which we celebrated Natalie's 26th birthday in combination with saying a final good-bye to Melanie and Joe.

I've spent so much time with Melanie over the years that it is hard for me to let go, but I wish her well and hope that Missouri brings her every happiness that she deserves. She is a terrific daughter and has been a great friend. Love you, Mel!

Announcing Baby Ashton

Ashton Thomas Ellsworth was born on Friday, April 10, 2009, at approximately 9:00 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nevada. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 11 oz and was 19.5 inches tall. He came two weeks early when Steve and I were in Oregon for spring break. When I got the first text message that Natalie was in labor at 6:00 p.m., we were 2.5 hours from Portland on the coast. I never would have made it to the hospital even if I had headed for the airport at that very instant. My guess was right; he came quickly.

Melanie was with Natalie the whole time and was able to witness up close and personal the delivery of a baby. This surely will be something that will further bond the two girls together forever. What a sweet and special experience to treasure. Steve and I came home Sunday which was the day Natalie and Ashton were released from the hospital. We visited immediately at their apartment. On Monday we celebrated a late Easter with Natalie, Thomas, Cali, Ashton, Joe, and Melanie. I made a lasagne dinner, and we had Easter baskets and an egg hunt just for Cali. The next day which was Tuesday, Natalie came over again with the kids, and we enjoyed another afternoon and dinner together. I am so happy!! Steve and I are now the proud grandparents of three granddaughters and two grandsons. Life doesn't get any better than this.

Spring Break in Oregon

Steve and I flew into Portland, Oregon on April 3rd, rented a car, and drove a little less than an hour to Forest Grove to spend spring break with Julie and Sheldon. We had a fabulous vacation. Oregon is a beautiful state with so many state parks, rivers, hiking trails, view points, and trees that one could never begin to count them all. We enjoyed a variety of activities including hiking, cruising on the Willamette River for a Sunday brunch, attending a play called "Wicked," shopping, touring Julie's school where she teaches 4th grade, eating out, eating in, and going to the movies.

Steve and I took two days and drove to Washington where we walked along a four-mile path by the Columbia River in Vancouver, attended the Holland Tulip Festival in Woodland, and drove to Mount St. Helen to observe for the second time the devastating aftermath of a volcanic eruption that occurred a few decades ago.

After returning to Forest Grove and meeting back up again with Julie and Sheldon we drove to the coast. En route we stopped at Tillamook, Oregon and toured the cheese factory. We went to Cape Meares and saw a majestic lighthouse with its spectacular surroundings. We then drove to Newport, Oregon and spent several days there enjoying the breathtaking coastal views, lighthouses, and aquarium. We rented a condo that had a view of the ocean from the balcony. One night Sheldon built a fire on the beach, and we roasted hot dogs and made chocolate S'mores for dessert. It was really cold and rainy on the coast, but it did not spoil any of our fun. It was a terrific break from school, and it made me anticipate all the fun we'll have this summer when we can travel again. Thanks Julie and Sheldon for taking such good care of us. It was a perfect holiday week.

Anderson Sister Weekend

This year we celebrated Mom's 88 birthday in conjunction with our sister weekend in Las Vegas with everyone staying at my house. Noticeably absent, I thought, was Barbara. It's hard to believe that she's been gone a year now. Even so, all of us that remain were in good spirits and enjoyed three wonderful days together catching up on what's been happening in each others' lives and making new memories to cherish forever. I am so blessed to have wonderful sisters. Because of Mom's poor health this year, we toned down our usual fast-action days, but good times still abounded. We enjoyed a pedicure and manicure, shopping and more shopping, dinners out, tea/lunch at a fun little quaint restaurant, model home browsing, and a combined birthday/baby shower party for Mom and Natalie. Becky surprised us all with matching Brighton bracelets. The girls' said "Sisters" and Mom's said "Mother." When the weekend was over, they all gave me a thank you gift. It was a cute lightweight blue and white sweater plus another white knit pull-over top. I am already looking forward to our trip next year!