Anders 5th Birthday Party!

Anders finally got his first friend birthday party! He invited his friends to the My Gym in Layton (we are huge fans). They put together a "Super Hero Training Camp." It was such a hit. There was a very strict rule (set by Anders) that it would be an "all boy" birthday party. Luckily, he allowed Eva to tag along without a complaint. I had so much fun watching all these 4-6 year old boys having the time of their lives...especially Anders. At the end of the party, Anders gave each of his friends a super hero cape and a mask. Anders has declared it to be the "best birthday ever!" Success!

All About Anders

All About Anders

1. How old are you? 5

2. What makes you happy? Because you (Awww...)

3. What is your favorite animal? Tiger

4. What is your favorite food? Ribs

5. What is your least favorite food? Mash Matatoes (Mashed Potatoes)

6. What is your favorite thing to do? Go on slides

7. What is your favorite TV show? Phineas and Ferb

8. What are you really good at? Checkers (??)

9. What is your favorite movie? Spider Man

10. What is your favorite color? Blue and Green

11. What is your favorite song? Justin Bieber

12. Who is your best friend? Bryker

13. What do you and your mom do together? Go to the park and cook dinner

14. What did you and your dad do together? Play baseball and football

15. What is your favorite sport? Basketball

16. Where is your favorite place to go? Boondocks

17. What is your favorite book? Harry Potter

18. What do you want to be when your grow up? A Doctor

19. What do you and Eva do together? Play toys

20. Where were you born? Wasn't it right by Draper? No, it's where Ryder's Grandma lives. Where's that? (Logan, UT)

We consider our family to be luckiest family in the world to get to share everyday with Anders. He brings so much joy to our lives and the people around him. We are completely blown away that our "Big Guy" is really growing into his name. His quirkiness is so entertaining...most of the time. He has an amazing memory and is so patient with his sister. There is nothing that makes me happier than to see Anders with a big smile on his face. I love that it is not very hard to make him happy because he gets excited about everything. He tries so hard to cover up his smile, but sometimes it is just impossible. He is starting to push me away in public when I try to hug him, hold his hand, or give him a kiss. That's OK, at least he is still up for a cuddle and back-rub when we're at home. I feel like I am doing the world such a big favor when Anders is around because he truly makes life so much better! I love my Big Guy!

What it's all about...

I can't believe I never posted our family pictures. Ok (lets be real) there's a lot I haven't posted, considering that my last post was in February! Life just carries on, even if a blog doesn't. These pictures were taken in June by my amazing sister-in-law Amy. These pictures have so much meaning to us because they were taken on a farm that once belonged to my great-grandparents and now belongs to my grandparents. The amazing yellow couch even has a story! It is an antique couch that was my grandmother's aunt's. It is heavy and full of feathers. It's pretty impressive. Thanks again, Amy! You truly are the best!

We found where all the snow was hiding!

On our way down to Fairview, Christian's parents kept calling to find out when we were coming because they were nervous that their road wasn't plowed yet. We just laughed it off because we've both lived in Utah our whole lives and have been just fine. We had no idea what we were in for! We could not believe our eyes when we finally made it to Fairview. I have never seen so much snow in my life. There was no where to put it all. We actually were fortunate that the roads were plowed just before we got there. My kids hadn't really seen snow all winter up to this point. They were so excited to have a real reason to put on their snowsuits other than Thanksgiving.

This was literally moments before I was drenched by a massive snowball. Not cool! I had no idea what was coming.
Grandma and Grandpa's driveway

Don't be jealous of my awesome sweatpants and boots.

Eva's preferred way to ride

Traditions--Christmas Morning

We had a fantastic Christmas this year, and I'm not necessarily talking about our stash. Having kids at Christmas time totally brings back the magic of Christmas. It was so fun to watch the excitement on both my kid's faces. Normally, we would have traveled down to Fairview this year for Christmas with the rest of Christian's family. However, this year, Christian picked up a shift on the day after Christmas. We decided to stay home this year. My parents came over just as the kids woke up, so they could watch them open presents.

And this, ladies and gentleman, is how Santa saved Christmas! The only thing Anders asked for was Harry Potter Legos. Phew! That was a close one Santa. So glad you got your head on straight and pulled through for our big guy! He would have been utterly disappointed. I hope you learned your lesson!

There is nothing like a good Christmas morning rat's nest to start your day off right.

Traditions--Christmas Eve

Of course...milk, cookies, and carrots.
When Anders was born, we started giving him a Christmas book to open every Christmas Eve to read as his bedtime story. We have had so much fun with this tradition...probably our favorite!

Anders' Christmas book. He's getting quite the collection. This book added to his collection of 3 others. We have had fun using his past Christmas books as bedtime stories throughout the month of December. It got him really excited to open his new one!

Opening Christmas jammies (which are featured in the above pictures). Who doesn't love this tradition?? There's really nothing like sleeping in brand new pajamas!

Firth Family Christmas Party

Love these boys!

Eva was not prepared for this. She is Santa's biggest fan in every situation, except face-to-face. In her defense, he did come out of nowhere.

Eva helping Laurel lead the caroling. After she saw Anders get a turn with the microphone (see next picture), she had to get in on the action. I have the best family that is so great with my kids! I just love it!

Anders was itching to sing a solo. We argued in the back of the room for a while over what he would sing...I know what happens when you set a 4 year-old loose with a microphone. We finally agreed on Jingle Bells and he totally rocked it!

Yes, this is what you think it is...a Flash Mob. I know what you're thinking, "I had no idea this family was capable of this level of coolness." Well, there you have it! We are! Okay, "cool" was not the way I would describe the way I felt while we were doing it. It was fun though. We practiced really hard and the majority of our side of the family was involved. I'm pretty proud of us. Toward the end, we have 30ish people of all ages from 2-50 something...right Dad?

The beginning of the Flash Mob. I would like to point out that I am the only one actually doing what the person that choreographed the dance...oh yeah! However, I do need to give MAJOR props to my little brother, Kenny. He was the first person to start the Mob. It took a lot of guts to stand up and start rocking out to a song when nobody expected it. Christian and I decided that he was the only one that could have done it! Way to go, Kenny!

Nativity

Larsen Christmas Breakfast

Since we've been married, we have switched every other year with which family we spend Christmas with because Christian's parents live in Faiview (a 2 hour drive from our house). This year was supposed to be our Fairview Christmas, but Christian had to cover in the pharmacy. His mom threw together this fun get-together the weekend before so we could all be together. We had breakfast and exchanged gifts. It seems to be tradition for Christian to read a story to every year at my request. This year, Christian's mom brought the book!

Christmas Program

We have been looking forward to this day since preschool started...and when I say we, I mean me. I was so excited to see the things Anders has been trying to explain to me for long and I couldn't understand. He kept mistaking his preschool program for his church program. Luckily, I am the primary chorister in our ward and knew there wasn't an upcoming program at church. Anders is one lucky kid. He has so many people in his life that were willing and excited to show their support. Grandpa Speirs, Great-Grandpa Firth, Great-Grandma Firth, Great-Grandma Speirs, and Great-Grandpa Speirs all came to support him and he was so proud. Anders loves his teacher, Miss Cindi. She is great with those kids and it is obvious that she loves what she's doing! It was also fun to match all the names I've heard with faces. I now know who the kid is that "never criss crosses his legs," or "won't sing when Miss Cindi asks him to." We also got to see the cute little girl that tells her mom that when she gets married, she will marry either Anders or Carson. How could Miss Cindi not love living in a 4 year-old's world??

Treehouse Museum

I haven't taken Anders to the Treehouse since his first birthday. I was not prepared for how much fun it would be! Normally, we Discovery Center regulars, but I think we might convert. Anders and Eva had a blast. If you're looking for us, check the Treehouse Museum, we might be there!

Traditions!

Lets pretend for a minute that it's Thanksgiving...maybe in the year 2010. If it were, this is what you'd find the Larsens doing:

Firth Family Turkey Bowl

This event is typically held at 9 AM Thanksgiving morning in front of my parent's house, no matter what the weather is like. Of course, typically, there's not snow and frigid temperatures. This year, the event was held at 10AM...still just as fun! Okay, lets be honest, I don't participate. I'd say my husband and kids make up for me being on the sidelines (or in the house, drinking hot chocolate and watching the parade on TV). I am a big-time whimp when it comes to cold temperatures and trying to understand the crash-course of football lessons my husband tries to give me right before. In my defense, I always come dressed to participate, I just seem to make my way inside after I take a couple of pictures. They have recently incorperated the flags. Takes all the fun out if you ask me. If I can't tackle, I'm not playing! :)

First game injury! Christian's and Anders' team was in a huddle and Christian tripped over Anders (who was standing right behind him) after the huddle broke. This is Christian trying to pull him off the field so they can continue the game...so considerate.

The Fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner

Those that are lucky enough to have sampled some of the fabulous cuisine prepared by my Grandma and Grandpa Speirs know why we would look forward to Thanksgiving so much. They absolutely spoil us at the dinner table. Our favorite part? They do it all and it is the most fabulous meal anyone could ask for. However, Anders and I did prepare the pilgrim hat place cards.

Thanksgiving Movie

After the grand Thanksgiving naps and we've changed in to our comfy pants, we all head to the movie theater to watch the latest Christmas movie just released. This year, we tried something a little different and watched the latest Disney movie instead. A big thanks to Grandma Larsen for wanting some "Diva time" so that I could finally enjoy a movie from the great theater seats (even if they were in the front) and not from the lobby. I can't wait to buy this movie because I know Eva will just love it!

Oh, we have a toy room??

You'd think it was Christmas at my house today! I rearranged the toy room and my kids are in heaven. They are acting like they've never seen these toys before. On a normal day, I can't convince my kids to just spend some time in the toy room to give me a break. I'd better take advantage of this!