The Space Shuttle Flyover

On September 20th, Caleb and I made our way to the U of A to meet Matt for a once in a lifetime opportunity. As some lined rooftops, we gathered with others on the Mall for a glimpse of history. At 11:15 a.m., with all eyes to the sky, the Space Shuttle Endeavour, riding on the back of a 747, dropped to 1500 feet for a flyover to honor former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, a former astronaut. We've seen many incredible things in our lives, but this was one of the most remarkable! 

Firehouse Subs

Caleb has a lot of favorites right now. Green is still his favorite color. He loves planes, trains and emergency vehicles of all kinds. Of yes, and he wants to be a fireman! Daddy discovered the perfect lunch spot for our little rescue hero, Firehouse Subs! The sub shop is filled with firemen gear and pictures of fires from in and around Tucson. The service is exceptional, the subs are phenomenal, and you can round your meal up to the next dollar to help provide fire departments with life saving equipment!  Best of all, the kids' meal comes with a kid-sized fire hat! What a treat!

Proudly wearing his fire hat, waiting for our name to be called

Enjoying a nice cold drink of water

Hats off to Firehouse Subs!

Our fireman in the making

Exploring Tucson Mountain Park and Gates Pass

A Sunday afternoon drive led us through Tucson Mountain Park and a stop at Gates Pass for some exploring and photos. Caleb made sure to carry with him his green binoculars as he hiked with Daddy. I just love the adventurous spirit my family and I share. 

Caleb Gets a Library Card

On August 21st, just 5 days after his 3rd birthday, Caleb visited his new pediatrician in Tucson for his yearly checkup. I'm very proud to say, he was an exceptional patient and got a thumbs up from his doctor! He measured 39'" and weighed 40.5 lbs! No calorie intake problems with this guy! As a reward, we took him to the library where he selected a few children's books to take home. The librarian signed him up for his own account, let him select a library card and loaded him up with stickers. We left the library with one proud and healthy little boy!

Giving a thumbs up after getting weighed and measured

Check out time

Outside the library proudly showing off his new library card

Caleb's 3rd Birthday

Two days after returning from our adventures in Michigan, Caleb turned 3! The celebration began the evening prior to his birthday and went well into the following week as he continued to receive packages and cards from back home. His birthday was nonstop fun and, best of all, Daddy didn't have to work! Our family was once again complete which made the day that much sweeter. We're grateful everyday for Caleb, the precious gift we've been given, and all the joy he brings. Happy Birthday Caleb Dean Anderson. Mommy and Daddy love you so very much!

Happy to be back home with Daddy! Enjoying some family time at the park! 

An early birthday present of crayons and hoops for the tub....just in time for his last bath as a two year old! 

Good Morning Fireman Caleb....a sweet treat for our sweet boy 

Starting the morning off right with a trip to the park 

It wouldn't be a trip to the park without throwing a rock or two in the river 

Sharing a hug with my precious 3 year old at his lunch of choice, Panda Express 

After lunch, Caleb requested dessert. We decided he will only turn three once and made a stop at Taco Bell for Cinnamon Twists before heading home for a recharge!

Oh My! Check out all these goodies!
Thank you Uncle Mark for such an awesome package!

Skype time with Gram and Papa as he opened their package.  What's this, Cars underpants? Cool!

I love that he still gets excited over the simple things, like the bow on his gift. I hope that never changes because that's what life is all about! Thank you Gram and Papa for the cash register and so much more. We love you!

At Monkey Business for another round of birthday fun! 

Score!

Having fun playing games and collecting tickets for the prize counter! 

It wouldn't be a trip to Monkey Business without Daddy winning Caleb a dinosaur or two! 

Happy Birthday Buddy! 

Loading his tickets into the counter

At the prize counter, where he realized  he was lacking just a few tickets....

so it was back to the fish game, where Daddy won him some additional tickets....

for the prize he really wanted, a sword!

Back at home opening his firemen card from Mommy and Daddy! It even has a siren!

Since moving to Arizona, Caleb mastered his toy golf clubs, hitting many balls into the wash behind our home. We decided to feed his interest and get him his first real driver and iron!

Look, golf balls!

A new Fireman Sam DVD!

You can't play firemen without walkie talkies!

The highlight of the day, his very own fireman outfit complete with ax, fire extinguisher and gas mask! Not a day goes by that he does not play fireman!

Outside, under the patio lights, trying out his new clubs! 

Time for ice cream cake

He opted to use his new fire extinguisher (spray bottle) to put out the candle!

Good work Fireman Caleb; you did it! The fire is out!

Our handsome hero

Trying out his gas mask before calling it a day!

The next morning putting out chalk fires in the backyard!

The celebration continued on through the next week as he kept receiving birthday packages! 

Thumbs up for the Lincoln Logs from Uncle Mike!

Uncle Mike's card came with a pirate sock puppet.....coolest card ever!
Thank you Uncle Mike!

Can it be? Another package for me?

A Thomas book! Can we read it tonight, please?

My very own M&M dispenser...life is good!

Thank you Papa Dave and Grandma Sandy for this deliciously sweet birthday gift and awesome potty training incentive!  We love and miss you!