Visit to the Shepards...

Knowing our travles would be limited for a while after the baby is born, we wanted to make sure we made it down to Rebecca and Andrew's house before it came. So with his days off falling at a good time for the Shepards, Scott loaded us up and we headed "down south" Jan. 18-20th. We arrived Thursday night and enjoyed seeing not only Rebecca, Andrew and Justice but more of Andrew's family as well. And that was just the beginning. Our dear friends the Wissmann family from Seward Neb. was scheduled to sing at a church near the Shepards Friday night, and so Thursday evening they pulled their looooong bus into an icy driveway and we had a houseful!

As it ended up, because of the icy conditions, the concert was cancled, providing a day of fun and games at Rebecca and Andrews all day Friday. We all had a great time, there was a lot of wonderful food cooked by Rebecca and always someone to play with or talk to!

Friday night the Wissmanns headed on, (they are on a 7 week "tour" right now!) and as couples we went out to eat at the best Mexican resturant I have ever been to. Paul and Justice did really well, although we found a LOT of crackers under the table after the meal!

Back at the Shepards we enjoyed playing cards (until waaaaay too late) and a good nights sleep. Saturday morning dawning with a few snowflakes falling, which should have warned us to watch the weather, but since we planned to leave by 1pm, we were not too concerned.

Well, it turned into a small blizzard and the drive home was slow- about 45 m.p.h. the whole way, but the Lord kept us safe and we made it back fine. We had a great time- we got to see all the work they have done on the addition since we were there last, (In August) and it is just beautiful!! We miss you guys! See you after the baby is born! Paul playing the drum
Foosball was the guys activity of the day

Did I say ALLLLLL day? :)
The girls prefered a calm game of Yatzee :)

The visit....

As I mentioned before, we had a great visit with Scott's mom and nephews. Paul loved the constant attention and was always trying to stay in the center of everything! A christmas gift from Grandma. (Which has become the "car" toy and he loves it!)
"The Boys" :)

Paul's first birthday

AHHHH! I am so behind on blogging! Here are a few pictures of Paul's first birthday. He really enjoyed his muffin with cream cheese on top.

Ulmer Christmas

We had such a wonderful time this year! We feel so blessed to have my family close and the Shepards willing to make the trip! Careful documentation....
Enjoying others enjoyment
Spending time with ones you love
Becoming goofy and musical????
Getting tired....
Very, very tired!!

Paul's first Christmas

Here is our little guy with his new hat and book. Can you tell he is not sure what is special about this day? My personal favorite gift we gave him. Something that makes noise and that he can climb on!

Christmas cookies

How many years does it take to make something a tradition? I hope not long! Snowman cookies made with the help of Moses, Micah, Charity and Phoebe. (Paul tried to be a help!)

A happy crew ready to do some eating on Christmas day!

Trying to catch up

Dear Friends,
I know it has been a while since I posted, life has been very busy lately and I hope things are finally slowing down a little bit! We are so richly blessed, thank you for all the ways you touch our lives!
I am not going to post pictures tonight, (I promise they will come soon!) but wanted to take a minute to catch up a little on our lives.
We had a great Christmas season, enjoying family time at my Grandma's house Christmas Eve, and then with Rebecca, Andrew and Justice (and the whole family) at Mom and Dad's house on Christmas day. Scott had to work Christmas evening and we really missed him! THankfully, we had time for our own Christmas with Paul in the morning. I think we were much more excited than he was! This year for Christmas Scott got me a present that I have wished for since we got married. Due to great generosity of some friends who are moving a few states away and some hard work on Scott and Seths part- we have a PIANO in our house!!! It may be used, but it is soooo nice to have one! I have really missed being able to sit down and play (poor as I may be). I can't wait to get it tuned up and start really practicing. Scott really enjoys it too, and hardly a day goes by that he does not stop and try to play a song. He is such a natural with music, it will not take him long to figure out how to play!
Friday the 29th brought Scott's Mom and two nephews, eager to be here for Paul's first birthday. We had a great visit, highlighted by a party for Paul with my family here as well. He was a little overwhelmed by the attention at times, but it was a lot of fun and he is enjoying many new things from everyones generosity. Monday the 31st started the second deer season here and Scott took both boys out hunting- but unfortunatly did not see any deer. It was cold and snowy and I was glad to stay inside with Paul! Tuesday brought a close to the visit and we had a hard time saying goodbye. Thankfully, Mama Sue will be back when the baby is born, so we do not have too long to wait!
Through Christmas and the week following we were constantly on alert as I was the midwife for a friend due with their 3rd baby. Sunday the 31st found me headed out around noon, and by evening I was back home, a beautiful birth and precious baby girl resting with her parents. The Lord really blessed and everything went well- It is always a incredible moment when you are with a family who share with you the gift of welcoming a new life to this world!
Hunting season has kept us busy this week- a final chance for the winter to put some deer in the freezer. Scott got a doe Wed. night, and Sat. night I harvested a little button buck. (I might post pictures- please comment if that would make you too green!)
And that it a nut-shell puts you up to date! Of course there were many special moments through the past weeks that I have not even started to touch on, but hopefully I can add those with pictures over the next few days! We are heading back to "normal" and looking forward to it! I guess we need it too, because the calendar says that in a little over a month we will probably start a whole new normal! I am starting to get really excited about this little baby- not long to go and not many "big events" between now and then. We will keep you posted!
God bless!
For the Ansons- Lydia