Sisters are a Blessing

Linda golfing during Anderson Sister Weekend in CA

I have been thinking how blessed I am to have been born into a large family with six girls and two brothers.  Time has changed things for now.  My parents, my brother Wayne, and my sister Barbara are in heaven.  Three of my sisters and my brother Richard live out of state.  Linda is my only sister that still lives in Las Vegas.  It's odd that the Anderson family doesn't seem so large anymore when I think it's just Linda and me in Las Vegas.  I am grateful that she lives here and that we have enjoyed such a nice relationship.

Today Linda and I went to the temple, ate lunch in the temple cafeteria, and then ended our activities with a shopping trip to Target.  Last week she invited me over for dinner with her family.  We have some additional things planned next week as we wind up summer before school starts.  We decided to go to the cemetery and visit the graves of Dad, Mom, and Wayne.  We are also going to have "tea" at a local restaurant next week to celebrate my 60th birthday.  Sometimes over the years I have felt that I really didn't have too many friends, but actually having Linda as my sister has also given me a great friend.  Sisters truly are a blessing!

We Need Modern Pioneers

Today in Sacrament Meeting the emphasis was on our Mormon pioneer heritage.  The Bishop gave a very inspiring talk.  He gave me a lot to think about.  Below is a quote from the Bishop's talk by President Monson that touched me.  Since Pioneer Day is July 24th, this Tuesday, I am including it in my blog as I give tribute to so many who sacrificed so much in order for me and many others to have the Gospel in our lives at this time in the world's history.

President Monson said, "The passage of time makes us forget, and we lose our appreciation for those who walked the path of pain, leaving behind a tear-marked trail of nameless graves.  But what of today's challenges?  Are there no rocky roads to travel, no rugged mountains to climb, no trails to blaze, no rivers to forge?  Or is there a very real need today for that pioneer spirit to guide us away from the dangers that threaten our society?"

"Standards of morality are lowering.  Today there are more people in jail, in reformatories, and in trouble than ever before.  From small to great, crime spirals upward.  Decency appears to head rapidly downward.  Many seek the thrills of the moment while sacrificing the joys of eternity.  We conquer space but cannot control self.  Thus we forfeit peace."

"Can we somehow find the courage and that steadfastness of purpose which characterized the pioneers of a former generation?  Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers today?  A dictionary defines a pioneer as 'one who goes before, showing others the way to follow.'  Oh, how the word needs pioneers today?"

I hope I can be a pioneer blazing the way for my children and their children.  How great and how true are the words of our beloved prophet, President Monson.  I love the challenge I sense in his words!

Cali's 6th Birthday

Cali turned six on July 20, 2012.  We went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate.  Cali and Ashton had a lot of fun.  I gave Cali her birthday presents from us as well as Heather's presents which we had brought back from St. Louis a few days before.  Cali was very happy.  The next day Natalie had planned a friend's birthday party for Cali.  Natalie planned every detail perfectly.  I helped her set the table for the "tea party."  After tea the girls got their makeup done, their nails polished, and their hair curled.  They all looked beautiful especially since most of them also wore princess outfits.  When the parents arrived, we had a fashion show and Cali opened her gifts.  It was a fun birthday party.

Cali with Ben and Weston at CEC

Ashton and Thomas at CEC

Natalie, Cali, Ben and Weston at CEC

The next day at Cali's "tea party."

A view of the table ready for "tea."

Another view of the table ready for "tea"

It was finally noon and friends and cousins arrived for "tea."

I feel very blessed to have such a
sweet granddaughter who invited me
to her birthday party!

Cali is about ready to make a wish and blow
the candle out!

Natalie, Grandma Jerry, and Cali's friends

We moved into the office for makeup, nail polish, and hairdos.

Lots of presents!

Thomas was the MC for the fashion show while each of the
girls stepped out on the "red carpet" for their moment
in the spotlight.  Too cute and totally fun to watch!

Swimming Time in Missouri

Heather, Chad and their family are members of a local community pool in their neighborhood.  It reminded me of a mini Wet 'N Wild from days gone by in Las Vegas.  I was surprised how big it was and how warm the water felt.  It was absolutely the best thing we did while in Missouri.  Of the eight days we spent in the St. Louis area this time, we went to either the Ballwin or Chesterfield pool four times.  Each time we spent about three hours.  It was relaxing and fun.  I wish Las Vegas had a facility similar to the one that Heather and her family get to enjoy every day of summer.  I don't understand why Missouri can afford such a nice recreational area for their residents while Nevada seems to be very, very broke!

Here's Skye waiting her turn on the tree swing

There goes Skye!

There goes Dane!

Here's Skye trying to climb the rock wall.

Here's Kyra just about to the top of the rock wall.

Dane had lots of fun jumping off the diving board
time after time.  He never seemed to get tired!

There goes Dane!

Here's Kyra taking a turn on the tree rope.

Here's Skye and Heather enjoying some
cuddling time.  I didn't get a picture of the lazy river, but
that was my favorite part of both the Ballwin and
Chesterfield Aquatic Center.

Bowling Time in Missouri

One afternoon to avoid the hot, humid summer weather of Missouri, we decided to go bowling.  It was a good decision.  We had lots of fun, and it was great to be out of the summer rays!

Heather, Steve, Dane, Kyra and Skye

Skye and Grandpa Steve

Skye, Kyra, Dane, and Grandma Steve

Proof that I actually beat Grandpa in at least
one bowling game!

Dane, Kyra, Skye and Grandma

Time for the Park in Missouri

Sunday after church, dinner, and a nap we went to Faust Park near Heather and Chad's home in Chesterfield.  There was an old historic village, playground, and butterfly exhibit.  Although the exhibit was closed, we enjoyed walking around and admiring the statues outside the exhibit.

Skye, Heather, Kyra, Chad, and Dane beside
a scarecrow.  This home is part of the
historic village at Faust Park.

Here's a garden in the historic village;
pictured are Heather, Dane, Skye, Kyra, and Chad

Here's Dane, Chad, Heather, Skye, and Kyra
as we wandered through the historic village

Here's Heather, Dane, Chad, Kyra, and Skye
sitting on a bench carved out of wood at the
historic village.

Here's another pic of Dane, Chad, Heather, Skye
and Kyra walking through the historic village

Heather, Kyra, and Skye

Dane and Chad

Here are two very proud grandparents
by three adorable grandchildren!

Here's Kyra posing on a very large caterpillar statue.

Here's Skye, Chad, and Dane feeding the ducks
right outside the butterfly exhibit.

That's one very large butterfly!

Here's Skye, Dane, and Kyra
having fun on a very large
caterpillar statue.

River Walk Time in Missouri

Saturday afternoon while in Missouri Heather and Chad took us to Castlewood Park.  It was not far from their home in Chesterfield.  Castlewood is a huge state park located right in the middle of town or so it seems to me.  It has a narrow river running through part of it.  We put on our water shoes and walked up the river enjoying the scenery and our time together.  Chad told us that usually there is much more water, but there has been very little rain this year.

This is the entrance into the park.

It was fun to walk in the water;
it was quite refreshing on this hot and humid  Missouri afternoon

We saw little fish swimming in the water near this bridge.

Here's Heather and Dane enjoying some
mom and son time.

Here's Chad, Skye, and Dane taking a little rest on a fallen limb.

Here's Kyra, Chad, Heather, Dane, and Skye
enjoying a snack and rest in the shade

Here's Grandpa Steve and Skye
having fun together.

I had lots of fun with the grandkids on this excursion.
It was so hot and humid that I really enjoyed
the cool water on my legs.

Here's Dane looking pretty cool in his baseball cap and
summer outfit.

I dared everyone to get down into the water up to
their chest; the reward would be a frozen yogurt.
I think I set a good example!