So I am finally able to bring myself to look at all our old pictures of the Anderson Family. We have all gone in different directions. Us to Tucson, them to Minnesota.
Vegas is a thing of the past.
One January afternoon in 2005 we found a common bond, the pain of a miscarriage, and from there side by side we made homes, families and our lives. We had a shoulder to cry on, the best laughter, and we made the greatest of memories.
I don't have all our pictures on this computer, I know we spent much more time at the lake, out to dinner almost every night of the week, lounging by the pool. BUT that was BEFORE kids. I must have gone digital right before Amanda had Dane because most of the picture I have are from that point on.
Thanksgiving 2005, our family away from family. Dane was a bun in the oven due only 4 months later.
And the day came when we were both pregnant. I was never more excited than to share that experience we my closest friend. The desire for starting our respective families is what kindled our friendship and now we were both experiencing the greatest of gifts together. I remember when Amanda found out she was pregnant. There was no animosity or jealousy, I was just so happy for her. Then to find out I was pregnant 4 months later was the greatest of joys.
It is moments like this I realize we had no clue how our lives would change. I thought we were lucky just to have friends, a roof over our heads and be pregnant.
February 2006 - Trip to St. Goerge, Utah
The usual, girls chatting, boys being weird.
The four of us were ready for the road ahead,
and an obstacle or two.
And then Dane was born, we couldn't wait to find out if he was a boy or girl. I already knew I was having a boy. Amanda and Mikey like to inflict pain on us by not finding out the sex of the baby. So we just couldn't wait to find out if we would both have boys. Though he was still in my tummy, on that day, March 25, 2006, Cubby's world changed forever too. His best friend was born.
And as Dane grew, so did Cubby.
Until August 3, 2006 when Carter entered the world only to be held by a very proud Auntie A.
Side by side for the first time. Carter only 6 or so hours old.
And they grew and grew.
10/27/2006
Spring 2007 came, a new bun in the oven for me. Having just found out at this point, we sat and talked for hours about the what if's again . . .
We found Joy in the simplest of pleasures. A warm afternoon in the backyard.
The boys always had each other for entertainment,
The moments just kept getting better. Amanda held Cam just hours after he was born.
Carter the chicky and Dane the pirate their 2nd Halloween together.
Of course, with best friends comes their great family.
Grampy Steve and Grammy Pearl's visits were so much fun.
Only 8 months after Cam was held by Amanda for the 1st time, we were waiting for the call about another special delivery.
Again, Mike and Amanda again insisted on torchering me with the "boy or girl" question . . .
waiting was the worst part.....
However the best part, was seeing the sweetest little girl just an hour or so after she entered the world. (and knowing I wouldn't have to return the mounds of girl clothes I'd purchased in anticipation)
The 2nd best part, watching Dane meet Nora Jo for the 1st time, and see how complete this little Anderson family had become in a matter of 2.5 years.
And so we continued traditions, going to the Pumpkin Patch. Just the year before, Cam was only2 weeks old now trying to keep up with his Buddy.
Hanging out as often as we could. We joked as we took this picture that one day we would see this happen for real. The older boys would drive off, Cam would probably stay behind to swoon over Nora and we would wonder where the time went.
Every big memory my kids have, Dane (and later Nora) is present in them. Birthday parties are no exception, (we actually delayed dates if one or the other was on vacations, just so our kids could attend) 9 birthday parties in total the kids attended together.
Of course us adults shared big birthday events too, Amanda and the number 30,
Small moments captured when they thought no one was looking,
Moments like this when Nora was "my" little girl to snap pictures of.
Or the moments that didn't really need a camera to be remembered.
There will be more birthday parties.
More presents. (But I will be missing my perfectly written list. My left handed help)
I will miss seeing these smiles everyday. Hot summer nights at a baseball game in 2009.
I will miss how big the little girl I never had is getting.
I will miss the cheesiest of "best buddy moments"
I will miss naked pool night. Which sounds entirely more scandlous than need be.
I will miss the " can't sit still" dinners.
The "Hey Mikey" moments that capture the best faces.
Union meeting at the Springers, trying to get the prefect pose.
These 4 faces are the summation of memories over the last 4 years that we have cherished. They are the memories we sniffle at to think back on, the memories we laugh so hard at remembering. These 4 faces are what 4 lives hoped for on a cold January day in 2005.
They are also the hopes and the bonds that can never be broken. They are the faces of a friendship that will never be forgotten, replaced or taken for granted.
I won't have a "once a month" Sunday Union meeting photo for some time, and when we snap another picture of all 4 of them again they may be a bit bigger but bonds like this never break. Carter and Cam will still shriek at the sight of their favorite buddy and my heart will melt as I try to capture another memory.
