Melanie, Miranda, Milo & Dave

(All these pictures were shamelessly stolen from Miranda and Dave's blog)


While Mike and Ben were in San Diego, Melanie went back to Virigina to shop, but mostly to see our new grandchild, Milo, in Concord, New Hampshire, where Dave is attending law lchool, and Miranda is doing using her nursing skills teaching diabetics about healthy lifestyles, and, more importantly gave birth to handsome, bright Milo.

Miranda and Dave were moving to a new apartment, so Melanie's considerable skills in the area came in handy. Her hard work was rewarded with some Granite State ice cream, and a trip to Boston.





Milo held up his side of the bargain by being cute and well-behaved.

Kate and Rachel

The lovely sisters-in-law, Kate and Rachel helping us have a good time at the call.

The Mother's Day call

Only Melanie could make a Mother's Day call into a special event. Here is the spread, including Mediterranean food from Mazza and Melanie's homemade specialties. Ryan brought a cake from his aunt. No one has ever eaten better at a phone call.

While we were there, waiting for Sarah's call, we though we would try to patch in the kids who weren't there; Amy, Scott and Susanna in Seattle, Dave and Miranda in Concord, New Hampshire. With the magic of the internet and Spype and our technical wizard Eric, we got to talk and see all of them, at the same time!

Sarah is doing so well. We are proud of her. She has jumped in the Peru mission environment. Years before, the missionaries were all "nortes." But now, she is one of only 2 norte sister missionaries in her mission, and she hasn't seen the other one. So, she has been immersed in the culture and the language, and is learning fast. Her enthusiasm and humility are serving her in dealing with the culture shock. We are so proud of her! Already 2 baptisms. (Good story: after her door approach, a little boy ran to his mother and said "Mommy, Brittany Spears is at the door!") Can't wait for the next call!

Ben and Mike in kinda sunny San Diego

Mike had a conference, and Ben had graduated, so, as a devotee of Socal, Ben came along with Mike to San Diego. We ignored the press about commuter airline pilot training (or the lack thereof) and took Delta/Skywest to San Diego. here is Ben thinking about the sun and the beach, as he boards ....



While Mike was at the conference founfd a local friend, and hung out in Coronado. In the evenings we'd walk around the Gaslamp district. Ate at "La Puerta," geat Mexican food on 4th Avenue.





Then we walked around the waterfront, saw the cruise ships and the Midway.



But Ben did find time to go see a Padres game with Mike. They ate at Tin Fish first.
They felt a little chicken about leaving before the end of the game. But ESPN later said the game went 13 innings.
Skywest took us safely home again. We had a good time!

Milestones for Milo!

First, Milo's father, Dave, had a birthday (29th). Then a birthday present, Milo! Milo weighed in, for the first time. Then he went home, and had his first family portrait, then for his first walk to the store.

Big day today! Mike and Melanie's sons Eric & Ben both graduated from the "U", Eric in Mechanical Engineering, Ben in Economics. Both were good students, and did well in school. So, it was a beautiful day outside, and a rewarding day for our family inside.Melanie, Mike, Miriam, Kate and Rachel all shared in the celebration, along with Kate's parents, Dean and Joan Connolly. You never know who you'll see. Eric & Ben's friend Grant Anderson also graduated, as did Ben's friends Dave Cook and Scott Kimball. Mike's cousin Kathy Johnson's son, Paul also graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (but his was a Master's degree). Pulitzer Prize winner historian David McCullough was the keynote speaker, and inspired some reflection with thoughtful remarks. A great graduation day. Congratulations to Eric & Ben!

Just two days shy of David's 29th birthday, on May 1, 2009, our Miranda and David welcomed their son Milo David Anderson into the world. Dave reports, "Milo weighed in at 7 pounds 13 ounces and measured 19 inches. He passed all of his early exams with flying colors -- vitals and newborn reflexes. Today he has a few more -- hearing screening and vision." and "So far, Milo sleeps well and eats well. When he is not sleeping or eating, he is active and alert. He has soft dark eyes and a dimple on his left cheek.

We do not know who he looks like more, but he definitely took the best of both of us. He is perfect." We are so happy! Melaine will be going to New Hampshire in the middle of the month to take a closer look, and then all three are coming to Utah this summer.

Rachel was in town for the weekend. Easter shopping was in order, so they acquired matching Easter suits!

What a weekend!

What a weekend! it started in the middle of the week with Ben's birthday. Ben got the traditional enchiladas, Kate and Eric came and enjoyed them with us.








Then the Livingstons came. The we went to Farmington for priesthood session, and we went to the Mandarin for the after priesthood dinner with Grandmother, the Farmington Andersons, and Betsy Broadwater. (We thought we had some pictures, but can't find them.)
Melanie thought Spoon Me was a good idea , and another way to celebrate Matthew Livingston's birthday eve, so we did. Matthew thought that Captain crunch and white chcolate were the right add-ins fro natural frozen yogurt.





This morning, Melanie made the traditional conference Sunday meal; blueberry buckle, breakfast casserole, fruit, OJ and cocoa.

And we ate in front of conference,as we watched and listened.












And Matthew Livingston tried out the idea of talking at General Conference.









In between sessions of conference, we took the second annual walk between sessions.










The Livingstons were in town for Missy to participate in helping to allocate some of the family things, so Matthew, and Camille's boys David and Adam came to Salt Lake and practiced pool with Matthew Livingston at our house. We missed all those is Seattle, Cedar City, New Hampshire, Huntington Beach and Troy. Melanie planned out the weekend so she could attend the three family allocation meetings, prepare all the meals, and still enjoy what turned out to be a great conference. Our enjoyment and edification was increased by Rachel's suggestions of writing down questions, the closeness to our family, and having the Virginia wing of the family here.

Sun Valley, July, 2008 memories

And here Rachel is, expressing her feelings; either at being at Sun Valley skating and vacationing with the family in July 2008, or expressing her opinion of the cute plaid shorts on the guy skating in front of her. On that same trip, the very patient Scott took all who wanted for individual fly fishing lessons. Here you can see the focus of master and student, Kate.

And here is the fam celebrating after the actual event!

2008 was a time for graduating. Here is Rachel in her cap and gown, right before her graduation from Highland High School, along with very good friends, Maria, Kirstyn and Jessica.

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.