97 degrees

It hit about 97 degrees for one day last week so we took that opportunity to play in the water a bit. I am not sure how to handle the city pool with both kids by myself; so we opted for our baby pool and a sprinkler! Fun was had by all and the grass got a little watering as well. Cooper was in his clothes and sort of sat in the water; so we just stripped him down for a while and let him hang out. He is a water boy. He just though it was great to be partially naked, in water, and outside all at the same time! His diaper became soaked with 2 lbs of water; so the swim diapers came out after he crawled naked across the lawn from me. Boys. Paige had fun just running and jumping into the little pool; and she pulled Cooper through the sprinkler in the wagon.

Mischief

"Hmmm. . .Mom's not around and that green thing with the leaves is still there just watching me."

"Dang it! She caught me AGAIN trying to get the plant. She keeps telling me my sister left them alone and wonders why I am so thrilled by them. She has them all over; so I'll just keep trying!!!"

This week alone, we have had to say "no" or "leave that alone" regarding: plants, toilet paper, toilet water, shower curtains, alarm clocks, garbage cans, TV remotes, TV buttons, and dog toys to name just a few that I can remember. Mr. Cooper is very busy, very mobile, and very curious. A triple threat.

The new pickup

So. . .the cowboy is pretty spoiled. Two days before Father's Day and this is in my yard. Last year it was a new riding lawnmower. I am afraid for next year! The brown Ford was possibly going to start needing some repair$; and we had quite a bit of equity in it--so a good time to trade up a few years. We went down in size from 4 doors to this extended cab; but the car seats fit and us 4 have only rode in a pickup 2 times in the last 9 months since Cooper's been born. So for those rare occasions; the kids can 'tough' it out. Cowboys can handle riding in Expeditions; so that's our main vehicle when all four of us are road tripping. I took oa picture of the clean interior; as I am sure its the last time it will be so clean and not have the aroma of bovine!

Tee Ball

The big hit

The nervous finger biting rears its head. . .apparently tee ball is nerve wracking!

Paige has been playing tee ball this year. A challenge since there has been rainy cold mornings; but we about 2 weeks into the small season. They had their first game this past Thursday at 6pm. It was one of the cutest things I have ever been too! They were nervous and so excited at the same time. The neighboring town's team came over. Paige played very well--even from a non-biased Mom perspective! I had a couple people tell me they were impressed with how aggressive she was--meaning she actively ran towards a hit ball and did not just stand in her spot as a few kids nervously did-not moving even if the ball came two inches away. I am excited for our next game, its on the 30th and they get to go to the neighboring town--so its an 'away' game and I think they will be thrilled. I am anxious to see the skill level progress--its been fun to see them over the last two weeks.

Mr. Cooper

Cooper enjoying his man toy I found at a rummage sale on Saturday--he's a fan of the tools!

Not so happy after eating the spaghetti meat sauce--he kept rubbing his eyes and getting it everywhere. The bottom of the bathtub looked like the kitchen sink with all the food in there!

Resting with Dad.

Whew, its been a while

So I haven't been very good about updating the last few weeks. We've been keeping pretty busy with things like. . .




Cooper learning to eat anything he can put in his mouth. This blurry picture was pancakes. He's a good meat and potato eater. He had his first trip to Eats-n-treats last Saturday before branding and really likes french fries. He really liked my ice cream but only got a few bites for fear of a tummy ache. He's given up on baby food quite a while ago; so we try to get what we can in him. He refuses to eat off of a spoon for me; so it has to be stuff he can pick up himself. That sort of limits us for a while as it can't be too slippery or he gets mad that he can't hold it. He's doing pretty well and his little fingers are getting much better at picking up those little pieces and actually getting some of it in his mouth.

Paige started her first season of tee ball on Monday. We got a glove and tee and practiced a bit. I attended a practice this week and am excited to see how they progress . Coordination is not at its peak at age 5; but I see potential :)

Monster man--we need to drop the crib mattress down. Mr. Cooper is into everything. He has discovered the wonder of toilet paper rolling off the roll; the toilet; cupboard doors that open and shut; climbing over anything that is in his way on the living room floor-whether its a person or a pile of pillows. He is starting to push his walking toy around really well and has good balance with it; if it gets a bit ahead of him, he doesn't fall flat on his face as he's not putting all of his weight on it--he tends to just fall straight down on his bum. He also is not a tiptoe walker so I expect some steps pretty soon. I think it will make him a bit happier and help with some of the clingy, sad times he's been having. He wants to be held ALOT, and will just follow a person. Hoever, he has learned to say Mom-Mom-Mom over and over; too bad its when he's mad. I have come to the conclusion he knows its me as he will look at me and then start saying it and crawling towards me. He's babbling some da-da-da-da as well--but that' s a happy noise!

Branding

Hard working cowboy!

Nervous moms watching

Daddy & Paige--she needed a little encouragement that her big idea of riding would be run. Matt's pretty big once you get up there!

Watching all the cows and cowboys.

Our favorite cowboy--could he look more like a commercial?!

So we spent last Saturday at Ryan's work watching the branding & working of the calves. Its a pretty standard thing where we live to have the neighbors come over and help; I believe Ryan spent close to 7 days at various other brandings before his workplace had theirs. He did his fair share of wrestling & roping calves. However, we lucked out and had the first nice day of summer to be with Ryan. Paige loves branding and was excited to ride her Daddy's horses. Cooper was happy to just watch all that was going on. He spent some time napping, some time crawling around the back of the Expedition; and some time crusing the pastures in his stroller. He was a good baby and not too fussy with all the comotion to watch. It was a long day; but a fun one and a good time to catch up with a lot of people we don't see too regularly.