Sibling picture

"I love my brother"--Paige manhandled Cooper and drug him in front of the camera for me; and we got a good moment.  We just had professional pictures taken; but this one really makes me smile.

Beach babies

We FINALLY made it to the lake on Labor day weekend.  It was a beautiful day--and a perfect family day.  Lots of fun was had by all and I wish every weekend was full of summer fun like that.  I remember so many great childhood memories of mine at the lake; I hope to recreate that for our kids at some point.   Oh, and yes, that is a Cowboy in swim trunks.  Its like an eclipse--rare, blinding, and don't stare directly at it!!! 

What have we been up to. . .

I would like to voice my complaint that summer is here and its supposed to be fall. I have a guilt complex about sending my child to school when its 85 degrees out--who can concentrate when the nicest days of the year are happening now? Anyway, its been a busy month and we made it through the big birthday; Cooper got a new ear infection--the left ear this time; and have just been trying to make it through the days in one piece! School is taking quite a toll and we are working hard to create a good schedule; and more importantly, follow through with it. Its going to be a bit easier when the cooler weather comes and it gets dark before 8pm :) Newest update is I got a laptop this week; so hopefully I will get pictures online much faster and more frequently.

Cooper's 1st birthday

Thursday, September 1st was our Cooper's first birthday. I remember everything about the few days prior to his birth so well and its hard to believe one year has passed. I remember at our ultrasound being told we were having a boy. I saw the joy in Ryan's eyes as we found out--and I am not going to lie--I was a little scared. I know nothing about little boys. I know they are messy, loud, into things, always on the go and busier in general than litle girls. I have a beautiful little girl and felt comfortable with another girl. Well this little guy came along and I am so happy to have a little man in our house. He's everything I didn't expect--and I am so happy to be his Mom. Happy Birthday to our Cooper. We love you and are thankful you are in our lives.

Well, he is related to us as chocolate is the flavor of choice. . .and he dug in like a champ!

Cooper's big present from Mom, Dad, and Paige--a Cars ride on that makes all kinds of great noise. He can get off and on it by himself and thinks its great.


Birthday boy who loved all the balloons.

Cooper and his daddy--wonder where the blue eyes come from?!

Cooper's mini cake--just for him