Our Final (Random) Summer Post

To finish up the summer...

We played.

We had a few BBQs.We said goodbye. And, we prepared to go back to school.
I must mention my final summer luxury, courtesy of Parker.
No, my toes aren't bleeding. He's just a little wild with the polish.
It did make him proud!

Cooper Family Reunion 2009

It's a crazy bunch, but crazy is worth it when you get to laugh for three days straight...This year we stayed at a lodge by the east gate of Zion. It was a horse stable turned lodge, which in my opinion is creatively cool.

The place had a lake/pond (I don't know what size it has to be to be considered a lake) with fish, canoes and a slide floating in the middle. The kids loved it, and I even took a swim long enough to catch the kids going down the slide. Grand kids posing,family chatting,cool kids chillin',hot dad hangin'.We took advantage of Zion's close proximity and hiked our second day away. It was great exercise, nice and warm and beautiful to see. Basking in the water at the opening of the Narrows.We had a great time at the family reunion and look forward to going again next year. Thanks for all the laughs, even those that sent us to bed in trouble. I'm glad you're all crazy, too.

Vegas Baby

In July Randy attended a conference in Las Vegas and I was lucky enough to tag along. Two other guys from his work also took their wives. It was three days of sleeping in, eating horribly, sweating in the cool 108 degree weather, reading for hours on end, staying up late, and hanging with adults. We hit the Blue Man Group show one night. It was very entertaining but we went to the 10:00 show and I about passed out from exhaustion staying up that late. (Am I a mom?)We stayed at the luxurious Bellagio. Of course we were impressed with the amazing granite tiled bathrooms, mosaic tile floors,beautiful fountains,and gorgeous indoor garden.Our kids stayed at home with some family and friends while we were gone. Stephanie sacrificed two nights, attended swim lessons, took them to a movie and played herself to exhaustion. Grandma Dyreng took them out to lunch and to the park more than once in her 24 hours. Our great friends took a turn, too. Thanks to all of you who helped us out. Gabby, Parker and Joshua were well cared for, and even a little spoiled. It did appear, however, that they missed us. It always nice to know they love you.We came home with a Vegas shirt for each of them so they knew we thought of them, too. I think Gabby missed us the most. She was a great helper while we were away. She definitely knows where everything is, how it's done and all the rules. Some day she will make a much better mom than I am! Joshua enjoyed all the attention and freedom without his mom here to scold him constantly.In the end, Parker may have been the least excited to see us. I know deep down he wants me around...at least some of the time.

Joshua the Big Boy

A month and a half late, but I will still document it. Joshua turned three in July. He decided on a Spiderman party, which means we stuck a Spiderman on his cake and bought every useless Spiderman things we could find at the dollar store. He's only three...he thinks that's cool. We had a swim party, with just us, but a party all the same. Gabby and Parker lasted about three minutes in the pool and took off to play indoors. At least Joshua enjoyed the fun.

And to top it off, we used our free coupon for a picture at a local studio. He only likes taking pictures when it is just us or if he is outside doing something that is cool. They definitely can't be staged. This was the only one, truly, that he wasn't running away. Happy Birthday Crazy Man.

Some More Funnies

Parker was just eating with a little baby airplane spoon, which led to the question, "Are you ever going to have another baby?" With his curious mind he then asked how you get babies. I told him to go ask his dad...but he wouldn't. I told him they grow in the mom's belly (may have even used the word "uterus"). That still didn't satisfy him. He came up with a great idea all on his own. "Do you have to pray to Heavenly Father to ask for a baby?" He began laughing hysterically. At least laughing can dodge the question for a while. And, my "probably helps" answer to praying for a baby is not a lie. Oh, please let him ask Randy next time.

Punk Kids are Entertaining

Just a few examples of Punk Kids entertaining me:

Gabby

While at the "K"ool Mart I paused at a clearance rack, as I often do in any store. I found an iCarly shirt, just the right size for Gabby. I said, "Oh, Gab, do you want this?" I may not have been able to mask my sarcasm, but I tried. She answered with a quick, "NO." "Why not? You like her," I replied. Gabby responded with a profound, "Just because I like her doesn't mean I have to wear her." Ahh, if only others could take that advice.
Joshua

Joshua decided to fit into our surroundings while on our "K"ool Mart expedition, and shared with us this lovely line while bending over in the isle: "Do you think they can see my bum crack?" Where that came from, no one knows. I'll admit that I had to add, "You better not talk that way or you're going to get a spank on your bum crack." Is it sad that I was glad that he used one of the less vulgar words for that region?

Parker

This story wasn't even going to be about the dad-lovin', mom-haten' haircut Park was sporting for a few weeks this summer, but due to the picture, I now have to mention it. For the record I would like to say I had nothing to do with it. I was the one, however, to take a picture when he so fittingly wore the muscle shirt with his new do. Seriously sad. I place all the blame on Randy, and Parker will too when he is older!

On to the real story...We dropped Randy off at the airport earlier this week. Just as Randy closed the door Parker looked out the window longingly, and with all sincerity said, "I miss him." It was one of those sweet, nutty moments that adds laughter to my life. It is hard to be without our dad for even a few seconds!

We Only Know the Voice

I have a sister who lives in Ohio. She moved there five years ago. We went to visit just before Joshua was born, but my kids don't remember much of it. They recognize her voice from the phone, hear many stories about their family, but their faces have been unknown...until now!

Kathy & Dave came to town unfortunately for a funeral, but we were lucky enough to have part of a day to visit before they rushed home to their sweet kids. We wish they would have been able to come along. For now, the phone will have to do.Kathy & Dave, Gabby, Parker & JoshuaCaryn & Kathy
How sad that she had to leave so soon.

Scandinavian Days

We usually make it down to Ephraim over Memorial Day Weekend to enjoy the festivities of Scandinavian Days. Randy's sister, Michelle and I enjoyed the 5k, the kids enjoyed the candy-collecting parade, and everyone enjoyed the company.Gabby, Bella, Parker, Joshua, Isaac and CorbinGabby & Bella playing in the ditch. Joshua in for the pose.Parker waiting patiently for candy.Michelle & Isaac

Joshua's beautiful blue eyes.And all of the cool Willardsen clan!