RS Birthday Party

Melanie was the narrator (and cupcake baker) for the MP 16th Ward Relief Society birthday party. Here she is with members of the ward playing parts in a readers theater, while she narrates. The other grandmother to our only grandchild, Diane Hale was also in the cast. You can see her sitting in front of Melanie. She had the part of one of the original Relief Society members. Ralph and April Sorbonne somehow did their magic and produced a lifelike backdrop, while others brought period furniture. Add to that authentic costumes, it was a successful production! Most importantly, as we listened to what these ladies went through in their lives, we were all touched. Melanie also expressed her gratitude for the relief societies around the world that are taking care of her daughters; Seattle, Concord, Cedar City, Sugarhouse and Lima!

Bowling at Fat Cats

Melanie and Ben were good sports to go along with Mike on Saturday to a bowl-a-thon to benefit Junior Achievement, sponsored by Zions Bank. It was at Fat Cats, a relatively new bowling and family fun center in Holladay. Mike is no better than he was, despite Ben's instruction, based on 2 (count'em) 2 University level classes. Melanie supervised and demonstrated. Mike's co-workers Carol, Ralph and Mike, with his family, Hayley and Ethan came along, too.

At the Draper Temple

So, Ben, Melanie and Mike went out to see the Draper Temple Open House. As we were getting on the bus, we saw Joan Connolly get off the bus. We said Hello, spoke a bit, Joan asked if we were with Kate and Eric. "Nope, haven't seen 'em." Then, as we were walking through the temple, Eric grabbed Mike's shoulder, and there they were, both Kate and Eric. It is a beautiful temple, very nice, beautifully designed and decorated, and a smaller scale than others. Though the weather was good for us, much of the Open House period was during the cold season, so almost every step from getting off the bus to getting back on, was either in the temple, or the neighboring stake house, or covered temporary walkways, with lights and heat capacity. Here we are after the tour, in front of the neighboring Stake House with a connecting walkway. We celebrated after with a burger at Five Guys Burgers and Fries (As a burger guy, I can say, these are good burgers and fries www.fiveguys.com/. Ben got back home to finish an assignment in time!

Sarah and her roommates

Here are Sarah and her roommates. Her companion is Sister Lau, to her right. She is from Nebraska, and has been a great companion. Sarah says she likes the Marshmallow Mateys and the Minestrone Soup at the MTC cafeteria. After three weeks at the Provo MTC, she is off to the Lima Peru MTC on March 4th. Bon Voyage, Sarah!

Sarah finds a friend at the MTC

At the MTC, Sarah found a friend from the Parleys Third Ward, Sister Marie Livingston, who is headed to Thailand. Sarah said it was fun to see a friend from the old ward!

Mike, Melanie and Ben Say Goodbye to Sarah

Here are Mike and Melanie, saying goodbye to our sweet daughter Sarah at the MTC on February 11. Thanks to Ben for taking the picture! Her enthusiasm for the great opportunity helped soften the sting of her anticipated absence. Mike and I know she is doing a good thing, and is in good hands. Her letters have been delightful!

Lucky Peru

My beautiful Hermana Anderson leaves for Peru next Wednesday at 9:45. We are so excited for Sister Sarah.

We're no longer fishing!

Melanie is learning how to Blog!!
This lovely lady is my first entry. Can't beat that smile. Well, maybe the proud Grandmother has a bigger one!

Amy & Mike in the river

Scott took a picture of Amy and Mike while they were teaching Mike how to fly fish on the Big Wood River, near Sun Valley on July 5th.

Dave & Miranda Happy with their Helmets

Dave and Miranda are working in San Juan, Puerto Rico this summer. In spite of the resort location, they have had to work hard (see - Dave is wearing a Del Sol t-shirt!). At first they had no transportation, and had to take buses wherever they went. But, they finally got a scooter, and are now able to decide their own route and schedule. Here they are safe in their new scooter helmets, and happy to be mobile.

Miranda's sunny personality and language and organization skills, have helped make their store a top performer this summer!

Two Roses in the Tulips

In April, Melanie, Rachel and Mike visited the Hales in Seattle. On a side trip to Skagit Valley for the tulip festival, Melanie & Rachel outshined the tulips

Top Chef Ben and Oysters Rockefeller

Ben was inspired by Top Chef (on TV) and decided to make something good. Here is the result: Oysters Rockefeller.

Sarah

Flat tire

Mike after interrupted ride

Melanie

Amy, Susanna & Scott

Eric and fiance' Kate Connolly

Ben

Amy boating in Seattle 2006