Holland Michigan

In early November, Ryan and I got to take a trip to Michigan together. It felt like a second honeymoon, though it wasn't all play, there was some work involved. Ryan and I were invited out so he could have a job interview with JR Automation. It's a company that consults with other companies to design and build the machinery that will automatically manufacture a certain product. This is something Ryan would love to be able to do and he was really anticipating getting to work with this company.

The first day (Thur 5th) was an adventurous and energetic day of airports and rental cars. We were relieved to finally be at the hotel in the evening. The second day (Fri 6th), was a somewhat stressful, but exciting day for Ryan. He had two interviews and three tours of their facilities here in the Holland area. I was invited for lunch half way through the day and was able to go on two of the tours. Their facilities and projects were very impressive. Later, Ryan and I went to dinner with one of their engineers, his wife, and one of the ME managers, where we were able to talk more casually about the company and the community, etc. Ryan was able to get a really good feel for the company and their culture, and really liked what he saw.

On Saturday (7th), we were able to relax a little more and have some fun. We went to three house viewings in the morning and then spent the rest of the day with Ryan's sister, Alisha, and her family, the Wells. We went to a small expo that was going on in town where the kids got to meet Elsa, Anna, and Olaf. Next we went to this little dutch village and looked around a really neat Holland shop where they had a lot of Dutch shoes and handcrafts candle art that was very impressive. We also made sure to go see Lake Michigan, which was beautiful, but freezing. Later at the hotel, we went swimming and then played a card game the Wells taught us. Good thing I was on  Elena's team, because I don't think I was very good at it. ;)

 

The last day (Sun 8th) We had time for one last spin around town before we had to head over to the airport. We made it back to Houston around 8pm and were very excited to see our little guys again. Our good friends, the Bicks, there in Houston had watched them for us, and they seemed to have a really good time. :) But Karl was especially glad to see us and was all smiles and hugs.

It was a great, and very worth while trip. Mid-November, Ryan was able to accept a job offer from JR Automation that we and they felt comfortable with. We were very excited to be going back to Michigan as a family early this January, and staying this time! :)

Go Team Anderson!

After having our "church Halloween," Jared was very excited to have our "neighborhood Halloween." When the night came, I dressed him and Karl up and Daddy took them out around the neighborhood. We also had quite a few trick-or-treaters come to our door.

 The boys were out for about a half an hour or so, filled up their buckets, and were ready to come home. Once they were home I talked to them about their experience and took a video. Jared then helped me the rest of the night with trick-or-treaters. I'm not sure what he enjoys more, getting candy or handing it out. He really liked to see the different costumes. I think the batman ones were his favorite.

We then had a relaxing night watching Harry Potter and eating popcorn. :)

Here's the video of what they said when they got home; cut in two parts so it could load.

 These are the treat I decided for giving to some of the families in our ward this year. I painted up some oranges. I thought it'd be nice to not give out more sweets this time of year, and they turned out kind of cute. ;)

We're Almost There!!

29 weeks

Karl 21 months

Heading into the third trimester with Emmaline's pregnancy went really well. I still had a lot of energy. I was doing yard work, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, getting down and playing with the kids. I felt very fortunate. One afternoon, my friend Brandie here in Houston came by. She was getting ready to start working as a wedding make-up artist and needed to get some practice in, so she came over and practiced on me. It was fun to be dolled up a little bit and have someone else do my make-up. She also enjoys doing photography, so she took a few shots of me and the boys afterwards.

Jared 4 years

The boys have been very good to their pregnant momma, and even sympathetic. Jared sometimes like to pretend he has a baby with one of the stuffed animals. He'll change it's diaper, give it naps, and feed it bottles. But sometimes he'll go ahead and put a ball under his shirt to have a baby-belly. The other day when he did it Karl wanted one too. They were both so happy and patting their bellies saying, "Awww!" 

36 weeks

This past week I've suddenly slowed down a lot. I'm not getting as much done each day as I used to, and I'm feeling pretty sore in the ribs. I can definitely feel that we're nearing the end of this pregnancy. I was able to go to the doctors today and found out I was dilated 1cm and 50% effaced. I still have at least 2 weeks to go, maybe 5, so I'm just going to hang in there and finished getting our go-bag and Christmas plans ready. But, we're definitely very excited with the end drawing near so we can hold this little sweetheart! =)