Splish - Splash!!

Cooper had fun playing in the rain puddles!! He started with boots on, and gradually ended up playing in the water in his bare feet! He loved the water and really hated that I made him come in...however, he enjoyed his 30 minute bath getting all cleaned up! Go figure, more playtime in the water!

Time with the cousins!

Oh my goodness, we had so much fun with the cousins these past few weeks! Although, we are sad at the loss of Papa Chip, we were blessed beyond measure to be able to spend so much time together! Here is Cooper and Alexandra having a snack up on the counter. They were two little peas in a pod and good grief, they look like they could be twins!Eric and Zachary...um, I mean the two Wolverines!While they were here, we got to celebrate Allie's 2nd birthday! Happy birthday, sweet girl!What better way to celebrate her birthday than with a zipline!Cooper (2.5), Eric (just shy of 5), Zachary (4.5), Rachel (7), and Allie (2)Priceless...love these kids!

Hearts and Flowers...2012

What does Valentine's look like? Lots of hearts...lots of Valentine's for friends and classmates...lots of dancing...lots of red...and a few roses from some special men in our lives!Eric LOVED his super-hero Valentine's for his pre-k class!The Daddy-Daughter dance is an annual dance that Rachel and Daddy attend each February. This is a precious time for these two and they treasure every second of it!!

Eric's PreK Program!

Eric was AWESOME!! Here he is at his PreK program...if you can't tell, they did a Valentine's theme!! Eric's morning class is on the left with the white and pink shirts. Eric is on the top, second in on the left.After Eric's speaking part, all his nervous energy came out as pure excitement as you will see in the pictures below!! Just check out his love train and shooting guns (still not sure why he had guns shooting the ceiling)!!After, Eric and his best buddy, Camden pose for a quick picture. But, cooper couldn't stand to be left out...he is one of the guys, after all!

Be Still My Heart...

I mean, seriously??? This picture is priceless!!! We have so many pictures of Rachel and Eric together, but now, Cooper is starting to become such a little person and a willing participant within the family. He is becoming a little brother, instead of just the baby!! I LOVE this first picture of Rach and Coop! And then, the second is Coop trying to smile and the third...be still my heart!!

Rachel's School Happenings...spring 2012

Oh how we love this beauty!! She was awarded a Cougar Pride award at school for the month of January! She has such a contagious smile and attitude and her teacher agrees!!

Rachel's 1st Grade Program!! They performed the alphabet jamboree and Rachel had the only "solo" speaking part!! Look at this big-girl on the stage all by herself! Her confidence and poise are amazing! And, good-grief, if she's not the cutest 1st-grader, EVER!!

Intriguing Conversations...

This is the conversation Eric and Mommy just had:

"Mom, what time does Cooper go to bed?"

"In thirty minutes."

"What's thirty minutes?"

"At 2 o'clock."

"What's 2 o'clock?"

"When the big hand is at the twelve."

"What twelve?"

"The one-two."

"What's the big hand?"

"The long one."

"What's the long one?"

Wow...so intriguing are my days!! But, before long he'll be all grown up! Which was another conversation we just had yesterday:
Me: "Cooper, stop growing!!!!!"

Eric: "Mom, we all have to grow up!"

Me: "No, no, no!!! I don't want you to grow up!"

Eric: "Don't worry mom, I'll still snuggle with you when I'm five!"

Thank goodness!!! I can't imagine if our five year-old wouldn't snuggle with us!!