Taking Tivoli to the Park

We decided to take Tivoli to the Park because she did so well as we did many errands on Sunday. She was so excited to go! We went to Verteran Acres in Crystal Lake, a park that Candace went to very often as a child. Isn't it a beautiful park?

Home Schooling

Tivoli is getting her first lesson on technology. She is learning how to surf the net. We think she is almost ready to do Email.

Her favorite times during home schooling are gym because she gets to play tug-o-war with Dad, nap time (especially when she can sleep in the big bed), and Driver's Education. She is learning how to stick her head out the window and keep her eyes open.

Tivoli's Birthday

Tivoli has become a teenager over night. Yes folks, she is fourteen (in dog years) today. She rested up with Daddy and friends last night in anticipation of "The Big Day". For her birthday she recieved a very big bone which she had half eaten with in an hour. Happy Birthday Tivoli. Oh, she also wanted to wish her cousin Paige a Happy Birthday too! Arf Arf (translated to "happy birthday paige") from Tivoli!

Tomato Sauce Adventure

Dad (Anderson) has given us so many tomatoes that we had to start doing something with them. We have sliced them, diced them, chopped them and smooshed them. But today we have decided to use them to make a very tasty tomato sauce. It tastes so good, it is better than anything you would find in the stores. We discussed going into business, but think we first need to get a bigger kitchen.

First FULL Day of School

First full day of school. We made it! This is Ryan's 5th year and Candace's 7th year in education. Candace is having a hard time getting up at 6 in the morning (she says you can see it in her eyes), even though she makes Ryan get up at 5 in the morning to run. Man, she sure is a drill sergeant!!

First Day of School (as a married couple)

It should be a fun year working together as colleagues and husband and wife. Oh yeah, did we forget to mention that our rooms are right next door to each other?! We'll keep you updated! Keep praying...we're trying for a baby, but not at work. =)

Olson Weekend

We sure had fun visiting Mom and Dad Olson for their 35th Wedding Anniversary. We kept very busy. We played basketball, practiced archery, played with our niece and newphews, and chased Tag and Tivoli around. It was sad to leave, but we really enjoyed visiting with EVERYONE!! See our "New" Family Picture! What a handsome bunch!

Work Friends!

We had many members from West School attend our wedding. To name them all would take too long, but here it goes.... in NO specific order! Laura and Geoff, Trisha and Mike, Anna and Luke, April and Scott, Pam and Robert, Chan and Dave, Connie and Chuck, Beata, Laurie and Steve, Michelle and Bruce, Krystal and Dan, Stacy and Mike, Marni, Jamie, Ryan and Candace. Wow!!

WEST IS BEST!

Our Little Buddy

The newest member of Ryan's family is also his namesake. Our nephew, Asher Ryan, was born April 5, 2005 and at 4 months old already has more hair than his uncle! Here we are chilling with our little buddy.

Our Hobbies

Ryan and Candace enjoy many things together. We love to read, walk our dog, exercise, watch tv, travel, eat and skydive! Candace is planning on going back to Europe with Ryan to Tivoli's namesake in Italy, along with Paris, France; Brussels, Belgium; and Lucerne, Switzerland (four of her favorite places that she wants to share with him).

Highschool Friends

What a bunch of silly girls! These are Candace's friends from highschool. We have Anjie, Andrea, Bonnie and Heide carrying Candace.
Don't be fooled, Bonnie is doing all the carrying.

Ryan's Family

This is Ryan's lovely family! The first picture is of Ryan with his sister Brooke and his brother Nathan. In the second picture we have Ryan's entire family, Brooke with her two children Hannah and Brandon (Brooke's husband Ed is not pictured), Nathan and Jenoa with their adorable son Asher. Also, we have Hope and Steve, Ryan's Parents!

Candace's Family

This is my wonderful family. In the first picture we have my two brothers, Johnny and Billy, and my five sisters, Patti, Lori, Shelly, Nancy, and Andrea (my twin). The second picture is of my entire family. This includes my two sister-in-law, Joy and Marie, and my five brother-in-laws, Bob, Mark, Mike, Steven, and Justin. All of the little ones are my nieces and nephews, Mandy, Marci, Danny, Maggie, Robby, Laura, Hannah, Michael, Ashley, Amy, Lainey, Paige, Troy and Cole. And of course my Proud Parent, John (Andy) and Jan.

Our Wedding

We got married July 7, 2006. We shared this day with 150 of our close family and friends. Candace's twin Andrea was the Matron of Honor while Ryan's twin Nathan was the Best Man. The other two bridesmaids were Candace's friends Bonnie and Shannon. Ryan was accompanied by Tim and Mike. The little ones in the group were Candace's nieces and nephews, Hannah, Lainey, Paige, Troy, and Colby. Everyone had a great time and partied into the wee hours of the morning. It was the best birthday present Ryan said he had ever had. Wow!

Our Dog Tivoli

We have a dog named Tivoli's Secrets, but we call her Tivoli for short. She is a yellow labrador. Tivoli loves to eat, sleep and play tug-o-war with Ryan.