Camping with the Clarke's

We spent this last weekend camping with the Clarke's up at Lake Rafferty in Canada.  To say my kiddos had fun is an understatement.  Paige loves the boat and fishing--she even had her first time on the tube this weekend.  Cooper liked the boat as well; but once there was a fish in the live well that was more entertaining.  We had a nice swimming area with a nice sandy area; so lots of sand was shovelled and a few gallons of sunscreen used--except for on the tops of my feet which are bright pink :(  It was a great weekend.

May 2012

So I looked at this blog and realized I am not good at putting things on here anymore!  Here is a quick recap of items since the end of April.

 Cooper acquired a pair of boots--a size too big so he can't wear them out of the house, as they fall off.  However, he will find them and wear them whenever he can--not matter what is outfit is.  Elmo butt and cowboy boots, its a classic.

 Danielle graduated this last weekend--Uncle Ryan feels really old!

 Paige and her hero

 One of Paige's last days as a kindergartener--the night of their spring concert.

Cooper having a zen moment in front of some cartoons--loved the animal and trucks lined up with him like a little Forrest Gump beside them!  He is in love with Toy Story and Woody and Buzz. 



What a beautiful day

Its been a busy week at our house.  I had a birthday on Wed; Ryan's work had their biggest event of the year on Saturday (their annual bullsale); so we haven't seen too much of the cowboy this week.  He's a tired guy who,  as I am writing this,  is passed out cold in the living room.  He was watching Toy Story with Cooper and fell asleep.  I watched Cooper poke at his face, climb all over him, and climb off of him; and the poor guy didn't even move.  I had a nice day; and received some really nice roses (which are still alive), a few great homemade cards from my daughter, and a Nook Color from my Mom.  Oh how awesome she is to spoil me.  I have downloaded 2 apps, 2 books--read one already, and am teaching Cooper how to color on it today. 
I have some good pictures from the past few weeks; but am trying to get them off of my phone.  I wish Shutterfly had an app for Droid; but not yet.  I am downloading them as I speak; so here is hoping.  We had a busy day playing outside, planting some seeds, hosing off the patio sets, went for a walk, and just ran around in general.  I had tired dirty kids tonight.

Easter

 The best family picture we could get--Cooper had just woken up after passing out during church; so 3 of the 4 looking at the camera counts :)   We attended the Luthern church to watch our good friend's son get baptized.

 Going through baskets this morning; the bunny left some good books, bouncing balls to bounce on and a good supply of chocolate.

 Cooper and Paige

 Cooper figuring out the eggs had CHOCOLATE in them, and that he could peel the foil off.

Dying eggs on Saturday night.  Paige is a pro at this by now.

Almooooooost 6

My baby girl is almost 6.  In 12 hours to be exact.  Six years ago I had been told by the doctor I wouldn't make the week and told to make sure I had a bag packed.  I wasn't due until the 21st and thought--what the hell does he know.  Let's keep in mind he has been a doctor longer than I have been alive (he was there when I was born.)  Yup, he knew what he was talking about as my water broke in the middle of the night and we began our quick trip to the hospital and parenthood.

I was tucking Paige into bed tonight and told her she'd be 6 when she woke up.  She sort of thought about it and said she would miss being 5.  Then she said she'd sort of like to be 4 so that she still fit in the bathtub without bending her legs.  Oh, the problems :) 

Here is hoping for a wonderful sixth birthday tomorrow; we have a busy day with a birthday party after school and 4 little classmates coming over. 

Spring has sprung

What a great weekend to . . .

 play outside,

 chew on some sand and rocks until Mom reminds you that they are 'icky',

chase the puppy around,

go up and down the slide a zillion times,

take a few walks and bike rides,

eat some lunch outside on the picnic table,

have Paige swing super high and have Cooper walk right in front of her and become airborn at impact--not a great thing, but a valuable lesson learned by Cooper to give the swing some space.

Mr. Cooper

Mr. Cooper turns 1.5 years old in a day or two.  Where did 18 months go?  I have much better pictures of him but seemed to giggle at this one because it sort of captures him right now--into things, curious, hungry!  I don't have stats on him as he goes for shots next week--but I know he's at least 25 pounds, as he feels like a little tank to lug around.  He's on the go and babbling constantly--what a shock.  Certain words are perfectly clear--Mom, Dad, go, bye, eye, and quite a few more.  He's constantly poking you in the face pointing out eyes, nose, ears, etc.  He loves the dog, his sister, and more importantly--his sister's stuff!  We switched daycare this week and he's adjusting well; now just taking the one nap after lunch; and hopefully soon is back to sleeping better at night and not being awake at 3am like he has the last two days!  But this week is also full of drool, a runny nose and bad diapers due to some more teeth popping up. This last weekend he had his first sleepover without Mom or Dad present; and he did quite well with Gramma Shelly--even though he doesn't like her without her glasses in the middle of the night.  Mr. Cooper, you keep us busy and on our toes--we love you!