Cooper and Charlotte Show

Personalities

2012-02-09T18:48:00.002-06:00

This is soooooo their personalities!

P.S. I love my babies!

LOVE!

Best Toy Ever

2012-01-27T02:37:00.003-06:00

Charlotte gave Cooper a stomp rocket for his birthday!

SIX

2012-01-27T02:29:00.006-06:00

I can't believe my baby boy

turned SIX this week!

Cooper celebrated with King cake for breakfast

and dinner with the family at Rainforest Cafe!

I love you my birthday boy!

P.S. On the morning of his birthday, Cooper ran out of his room and said "Say hello to your six year old!"

Two Wheels

2012-01-21T13:35:00.001-06:00

The training wheels are off!

MLK Day 2012

2012-01-16T19:40:00.002-06:00

Back to School - Jan 2012

2012-01-10T18:16:00.005-06:00

Everything is a celebration in our house!

Last Tuesday, we celebrated going back to school with...

cookies and....

new books!

The first week back to school, Cooper came home with a P.E. award one day and a music award the next. He was even on the announcements!

New Years - sorta... not really

2012-01-09T20:23:00.002-06:00

Charlotte likes Legos almost as much as Cooper.

She also loves makeup......

and her daddy!

We had a blast celebrating New Year's with our neighbors at a block party this year!

Cooper - the next morning

Days after Christmas

2012-01-07T13:37:00.004-06:00

The days after Christmas were awesome this year.

I think usually I am a little bummed that the excitement of the season is over.

I assumed it would be even worse this year with our Disney trip behind us.

Instead, the days were wonderfully lazy and very enjoyable.

At the beginning of the week, I thought I would never be ready to go back to work/school but it seems that we had just the right number of days off.

By the time the end of our vacation rolled around, we were all ready to get back into our routine.

But boy, did we enjoy those days after Christmas!

Jedi Training

2012-01-05T18:31:00.002-06:00

Cooper had the opportunity to attend Jedi training not once but twice while we were at Hollywood Studios. We made every effort to get over to the sign ups as soon as the park opened. The first day, both Cooper and Charlotte participated. Charlotte completed the training on stage but when Darth Vader came on stage, she was out of there. Cooper on the other hand, not only completed his training but was also able to defeat Darth Vader!

I did not take pictures because the professional Disney photographers were on hand to photograph the event. I will post those pictures as soon as I get them.

The second day, Cooper was able to participate again and this time, he completed the training and fought Darth Maul! I did manage to get a video the second day.

Hollywood Studios and Epcot 2011

2012-01-01T19:32:00.010-06:00

We enjoyed our character dining so much that we decided to book a breakfast with the Disney Junior characters at Hollywood Studios!

Agent Oso

Jake - The Neverland Pirates

Handy Manny

June from The Little Einsteins

Cooper loved Star Tours!

I loved the Tower of Terror and Cooper wanted to ride it again!

The Beauty and the Beast show was really well done!

Charlotte fell in love with Belle after seeing the show. She had not seen the movie and liked Belle because she likes books!

Cooper and I went to a great stunt show while Daddy sat with a sleeping Charlotte.

Our last night was spent in Epcot at a German wurstfest!

We went to Magic Kingdom the next morning. We only had the morning because we had to catch the bus at 1 pm. We managed to fit in quite a few rides and had a list of our favorites - like Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain!

Charlotte had been on a hunt to find Chip and Dale. She was so happy when we found them having a dance party! Phew, we found them.

Goodbye Disney! We can't wait to come back.....as soon as Charlotte is 44 inches!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T17:32:00.009-06:00

I have a lot more Disney pictures to post but I have to interrupt for our Christmas pictures!

We arrived home on the 22nd and Nana, Papa, Uncle Greg, and Ester arrived the next day. That night, we enjoyed a lasagna dinner and celebrated Uncle Greg's b-day.

On Christmas Eve, we went to see the movie, Hugo. I had been reading the book to the kiddos and I didn't want to miss seeing it in the theatre. It was not the ending I was expecting but the kids seemed to enjoy it. (Maybe it was just the popcorn and treats!)

That evening, we enjoyed a prime rib dinner

and Nana read T'was the Night before Christmas. Unfortunately, the kids had taken a two hour nap and didn't fall asleep until very late!

Papa was the first one up Christmas morning but Charlotte quickly followed around 7 am.

After checking out Santa's cookie plate,

the kids helped pass out the stockings and the fun began!

Cooper was soooooooo excited to receive a gift from Rudolph!

Charlotte's wish came true - a real wipe board!

The rest of the morning was spent putting together Legos

and Polly Pocket's concert set!

I can't wait to enjoy my Christmas present....

for the next 8 Saturdays!

Thanks for the horseback riding lessons my love!

You are the best!

Santa 2011

2011-12-30T14:32:00.003-06:00

I am a little late posting Santa pictures!

Epcot 2011

2011-12-27T18:46:00.006-06:00

The highlight of Epcot was lunch at the Akershus Hall with Disney princesses!

First, a picture with Belle in her Christmas dress!

Snow White

Sleeping Beauty

Cinderella

Ariel

We were suppose to be eating during the storybook lunch but Charlotte was too excited to leave the table and get something from the buffet line. However, she did leave the table for the Princess Promenade!

What were Daddy and Cooper busy doing while the girls were enjoying lunch?

They were at the Test Track checking out the fastest ride at all the WDW parks!

WDW 2011

2011-12-27T18:19:00.006-06:00

We traveled to Walt Disney World December 16th - 22nd. Mimi and Gak surprised the kids after school!

The kids didn't believe us at first but once it sunk in, they were very excited!

We left immediately for the airport. We arrived late and hit the sack for a whirl wind six days of non stop fun! I didn't bring my camera but two days so I only have 200 pictures instead of 600!
Our first stop was picking up autograph books. Charlotte loved meeting all the Disney characters. Our first signature was Pinocchio!

Then it was off to Tony's for a character breakfast!

Goofy

Charlotte and Daddy loving every minute!

Minnie Mouse- Charlotte's favorite!

Daisy Duck

Donald Duck

Charlotte's favorite ride!

Cooper and Daddy on Thunder Mountain - ONE of Cooper's favorite rides!

That's about it for day one - just throw in a dozen rides, a parade, and a lot of fun!

The Nutcracker

2011-12-12T06:58:00.008-06:00

Sugar Plum Fairies (Charlotte is third from the right)

Too many flowers!

Still dancing - even after the performance!

Back in the game

2011-12-06T05:59:00.003-06:00

Cooper had another echocardiogram and we were thrilled to find that the inflammation had gone away completely and his results were normal. Cooper was thrilled to get back on the soccer field. He was able to play in his last game of the season and also a tournament.

The Strikers

Cooper is a great defender and loves the game!

We are looking forward to the spring season!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-29T03:36:00.010-06:00

1) Just because....

Charlotte flashback!

2) Crazy mom strikes again......EVERYTHING in kindergarten is a ranking. There are blurt sticks to pull, cards that change color, star tickets to be earned, reading tags to be awarded, etc. Cooper has been coming home and telling me that he is not the best boy at school because another child has already earned 100 star tickets and earned the privilege of having their name on the castle in the classroom. I have tried to encourage him to do his best and reassured him of all the great things that he has done - like being a star reader!

I couldn't help myself!

I did finally break down and call his teacher to explain that Cooper seems to be very aware of the ranking and she assured me that it was him placing the pressure on himself and not the school. She notices Cooper always wanting to be the best and definitely has a perfectionist side to his personality....wonder where he gets that from? :)

3) Charlotte loves wearing Nana's glasses and putting on "make up"!

4) Cooper doing what he loves best!

5) Esther sent a package with Uncle Greg when he came for Thanksgiving. Charlotte is learning the fine art of the birthday extension!

Charlotte loves her new dress up shoes and has been sleeping in her fairy costume the last few nights!

6) We had a cold snap. We went from shorts and t-shirts to

hats and gloves!

7) Rocco got new Christmas jammies.

He loves them!

8) We started a new tradition last year; new Christmas ornaments! I take the kids to pick out a new Christmas ornament and they are the first ornaments hung on the tree. Last year, Charlotte picked a ballerina and Cooper picked Spiderman. Here are this years ornaments...

Ballet shoes for Charlotte and R2D2 for Cooper - It's so fun to see what they pick each year!

9) It was Scott's turn to climb on the roof to put up Christmas lights.

10) Christmas lists have been written.

Cooper started his a few days ago but couldn't come up with anything besides a Lego set with Yoda. Inspiration must have struck!

I helped Charlotte with her list but I have no clue what toys she is asking for.

Thanksgiving at Sea World

2011-11-27T18:06:00.003-06:00

We spent a few days at the lake house over Thanksgiving break.

We decided to spend Thanksgiving at Sea World.

The park was not crowded so it was a great day to go.

Charlotte after riding her first roller coaster - The Shamu Express!

The kids loved the rides and initially weren't sure about watching the Sesame Street show.

They quickly changed their minds once the show started and even

requested a pictures afterwards!

I was excited to see the Shamu show since we missed it the last time we visited!

We also enjoyed watching The Polar Express in 4D!

It was really cool to feel the seats move when the train slid across the ice and feel the cold air!

My favorite...can you tell?

Another favorite of mine was the penguins!

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-22T16:42:00.003-06:00

We enjoyed an early Thanksgiving feast with Nana, Papa, and Uncle Greg!

We played a few rounds of UNO...

while the boys basted the turkey.

After dinner, we wrote down what we are thankful for and shared with the family.

I'm thankful for this guy!

Charlotte is thankful for herself! :)

She also mentioned her family and the whole earth.

I'm also thankful for this HEALTHY boy!

Happy 4th Birthday, Charlotte!

2011-11-19T06:06:00.009-06:00

Charlotte began her birthday celebration with a few gifts from the family!

Thanks Cooper!

Charlotte had been talking about her birthday "party" for six months. Since she had it all planned out, I figured we should go ahead and throw the party!

The party was at a local dance studio; we showed up with cake and they took care of the rest. Charlotte only has a few girls in her class at school so we invited the girls from her dance class as well as her friends from school.

The first friends to arrive.

The party began with a 30 minute dance class!

Cooper was the official photographer!

Next up was costumes...

followed by a tiara for each little girl.

The girls loved to perform on stage!

They also enjoyed watching the ballerinas perform.

Charlotte loves Ms. Alexa! She is an "assistant" at Charlotte's dance class.

Don't forget the cake!

When I asked Charlotte what her favorite part of the party was, she said "I like passing out the goodie bags!"

Happy Brithday, my sweet girl!

The Swan

2011-11-18T13:10:00.004-06:00

Charlotte had a Thansgiving Feast at school. Charlotte's teachers discovered her love to perform so, they gave her a special part at the beginning of the program. Scott and I listened to her practice the two weeks leading up to the program and Mimi was there to watch the live show!

A beautiful swan!

Just another day.....

I took the kids to Wendy's for an early dinner. They were thrilled and kept saying "Thank you Mom for taking us out for a special dinner!"

We had a coupon for a free Frosty so I sent them up together.

They held hands and it just made me realize what a special relationship they have.

Charlotte adores Cooper and Cooper adores Charlotte. They bug each other but miss the other when they aren't around.

It is one of my biggest wishes that they continue to have a close relationship into adulthood.

Cheese Gromit!

2011-11-13T19:06:00.003-06:00

We celebrated the end of the second six weeks with sushi!

I told Charlottes to go get ready and she appeared just a minute later....ready to go!

Silly Daddy and silly kids! We love Wallace and Gromit!

Goodnight Lego Guys

2011-11-13T18:50:00.003-06:00

On the mend!

2011-11-08T21:33:00.003-06:00

This boy

was very brave for his infusion yesterday! I am so proud of him!

It fills me with joy to see that spark again. We have a few more weeks ahead but I definitely feel like we are moving in the right direction!

Poison

2011-11-06T16:41:00.001-06:00

Charlotte came home from school the other day and taught us all about poison.

She also used up all her poison stickers around the house!

Pumpkin Extravaganza

2011-11-05T19:09:00.005-05:00

~~Cooper~~ Cooper and I participated in Pumpkin Extravaganza.

We chose the book; Shark vs. Train

It says they want parents to help .....Thank you very much!

Charlotte painted the pumpkins, I decorated them, and Cooper filled out the book report!

Kawasaki Disease Part-2

2011-11-04T17:21:00.005-05:00

Oct 19th -24th
Cooper has no fever and seems to be doing better. He continues to sleep more than usual and his eyes appear bloodshot. The redness of his eyes varies but never goes away. We try a couple hours of school (8:20 - 10:00) Some days he does great and stays a little longer and some days he can't go at all.

Oct 25th - 26th
Cooper begins complaining of double vision that comes and goes. He sees double both close up and far away. I call the infectious disease doctor and he says that the double vision is not common with Kawasaki and I should contact my pediatrician.

Oct 27th
I am very concerned with Cooper's double vision and contact the pediatrician first thing in the AM. She gives me two referrals. I call both and cannot be seen until Monday afternoon or Nov 21st. I call back and there are no other pediatric opthamologists to call. I manage to find a pediatric opthamologist, Dr. Stavis, through google and he agrees to fit Cooper in around 3pm. Nana takes Cooper to the opthamologist who at first glance thinks Cooper may need some steroid drops and temporary ready glasses to strengthen a muscle/nerve. However, after dilating Cooper's eyes and looking at his optic nerve, he becomes very concerned with the inflammation. He immediately calls a specialist and tries to get Cooper in the next morning. He also follows up that evening with a phone call around 9pm explaining his concerns and directing me to the emergency room if we don't get into the specialist.

Oct 28th
The next morning, Dr. Stavis calls back and says he can't get us in and we should head to the emergency room (specifically at the med center location). At the emergency room, an iv is started and after a few hours, we are directed to Dr. Edmonds for an eye exam. She has the same initial reaction and at first glance thinks Cooper made need steroid drops. I am hopeful that we will go home that evening. After dilating Cooper's eyes, Dr. Edmonds becomes concerned because the inflammation on the optic nerve is significant. We are admitted to the hospital and the next few days are very blurry to say the least.

Oct 29th - Oct 31st
Teams of doctors come into our room and they all examine Cooper. Cooper has some trouble with balance when asked to close his eyes and stand with his arms out. An MRI is ordered and the neurologists find three neurological events in the tissue of his brain. Two appear to be old (from around the original Kawasaki diagnosis) but one spot is recent. I ask the neurologists how common this is and they explain that the literature says about 1% of Kawasaki patients will have some sort of issue with the brain. Cooper is given a spinal tap to rule out any other possible causes for the inflammation. Cooper is given another echocardiogram and it shows coronary ectasia. A follow up echo is scheduled in four weeks. Cooper undergoes 3 rounds of iv steroids. Cooper's double vision goes away. It is recommended that Cooper have an MRA ASAP and a follow up MRI in six weeks. Three more rounds of iv steroids are ordered and it is decided that it can be done through home health.

Cooper is very angry and throws fits like I have never seen before.

He is most angry that he cannot eat. Why cannot he not eat? He is a fighter and sedatives do not work that great on him. They have to put him under general anetesia for the MRI, MRA, and spinal tap.

Thank goodness there is a McDonalds in the hospital that is open til 3am.

1am - Big Mac Meal, chicken nuggets, and a mcflurry

He eats it ALL!

He talks about escaping from the hospital.

When I tell him they have guards by the door, he tells me he is going to turn nocturnal so he can sneak out at night.

Just before his spinal tap, he does make a run for it...in a wheelchair. He makes it all the way across the room but gets stopped at the door.

He threatens the doctors with his light saber.

MRA is scheduled for today. I put it off.

A nurse came from Preferred Health, she misses the vein and claims Cooper jumped. There has never been an issue starting an iv on Cooper. Cooper runs to his bedroom and locks himself in his room. She goes outside to talk on her phone and claims we need to go to the infusion center Monday and our doctors may need to start a central line. I talk Cooper into trying again. I ask her to try again and tell her to be fast. She ties the rubber band around Cooper's arms in four different locations looking for a spot. She decides to try the vein she just missed and the minute Cooper sees the needle he flips out.

He flips the (kids) table over.

He picks up the chair and throws it across the room.

He screams at the top of his lungs and stomps his feet.

The nurse begins packing up her things and Cooper starts yelling louder for her not to leave.

He doesn't want to go back to the hospital. I had already explained to him that he would have to go back if the nurse couldn't give him his medicine. The nurse walks out the door without saying anything.

Cooper is still screaming and throwing things.

I walk into my bedroom, shut the door, and cry.

I write this post.

Kawasaki Disease - Part 1

2011-11-04T16:29:00.008-05:00

So, I finally broke down and cried today so I figure it is about time to document everything we have been through. I have had a lot of people reach out to Cooper and I and I appreciate all the phone calls. I have not been staying in contact because it is very hard for me to talk about Cooper's situation.

It isn't over yet but I will start from the beginning.

Sunday Oct. 9th
Cooper came down with a high fever. He had no other symptoms but did complain that his neck hurt. I gave him a dose of tylenol and he went to bed early.

Monday Oct. 10th
It was a professional development day for me so I brought Cooper to school. I continued to treat him with ibuprophen and tylenol (alternating) for his fever. He seemed ok in the morning but had some diarrhea around 10am and spiked a fever. He fell asleep and stayed asleep all day.

Tuesday Oct. 11th
Cooper had been running a high fever (over 103) and complaining of his stomach hurting. I was never able to get his temperature lower that 101. Cooper complained of his ankle hurting and dropped down in pain when getting off the bed saying his legs hurt. Cooper's lips also turned bright pink and Cooper was delirious with his fever and asking me all kinds of crazy things like "If I eat my lips, will they grow back?" He also was sleeping a lot and not eating so I took him to his pediatrician. The dr. did a strep test which came back negative and sent us home with zofran thinking he had a stomach bug. (He had not thrown up or had any diarhea since the day before.) His fever continued and I noticed he had red spots on his stomach, neck, and arms when I was putting him to bed. I thought the rash could be a reaction to the Zofran so I did not give him another dose.

Wednesday Oct 12th
I called the doctor early the next morning and was told just to keep watching him. Scott stayed home with him and he continued to have the high fever, bright lips, and sleepiness all day. His rash had also turned from spots to big splotches covering his entire body. His eyes were also bloodshot. I called the doctor during my lunch break and she was not available but her partner went ahead and made an appointment to see Cooper the following day. About an hour later, I receive a call from Cooper's pediatrician who after reading the notes from my previous call, recommended I take him to the emergency room and have him tested for Kawasaki Disease.

An iv was started immediately and Cooper was given fluids. Even though he had been drinking, he was extremely dehydrated due to the high fever. The doctors ran blood tests and took a picture of his eyes. Unfortunately, there is not one particular test that can diagnose Kawasaki, rather it is a combination of symptoms as well as various indicators in the blood. The doctors immediately admitted Cooper and told me they suspected he had Kawasaki. Another doctor even came in and looked at Cooper's eyes and said "Yep, those are Kawasaki eyes."

We made it to our room around 8:30pm and waited until 12:30am to have the on call doctor visit us. This particular doctor explained to me that he could not diagnose him with Kawasaki yet because the main symptom of Kawasaki is a high fever for five days and Cooper was only on day 3.

Thursday Oct 13th
Cooper was given fluids and his temperature was taken and documented. He was not given any medication until his fever reached over 101 so that it could be documented as a high fever. Cooper slept and fought a fever that was between 103 and 101 all day. He did not eat or drink. Cooper complained of his legs hurting and was not able to put any weight on his legs or walk.

Friday Oct 14th
Cooper's feet, hands, and face began to swell. He did not eat or drink.

As you can see, he tried to remain in good spirits. An infectious disease doctor came to visit and he was officially diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease. Cooper was given IVIG.

Saturday Oct 15th
Cooper responded well to the IVIG and his fever dropped almost immediately. He did however continue to sleep 20 hours a day and was not able to eat or drink. He was unable to stand on his own due to pain in his legs.

Sunday Oct 16th
Cooper continues to sleep and vomits after trying to eat or drink.

Monday Oct 17th
Cooper has an echocardiogram and it does not appear to show any damage to the heart. The doctor explains that the echo was not very clear and orders a repeat in two weeks. Cooper legs are a little better and is finally able to keep something down (evening).

Tuesday Oct 18th
Cooper and I go for walks in the hall. He is able to walk one lap and also is able to keep some food down. We are released from the hospital and Cooper immediately asks to go to Lupe Tortillas. We do not go home to shower, instead, we go to Lupes and sit in the sunshine. His next request is to pick up his sister. After picking Charlotte up from school, we head home and fall asleep!

Wednesday Oct 19th
Cooper is now on Asprin therapy and we are scheduled for two more echocardiograms. It is made clear that it could take Cooper up to six weeks to recover and that soccer, recess, and P.E. are out of the question until the last echo. We are also told that it may be awhile for Cooper to participate in a full school day.

Kawasaki Disease

2011-10-20T18:00:00.001-05:00

can kiss my a**!

We're home!

2011-10-18T15:45:00.002-05:00

Cooper was released from Texas Children's Hospital today around 1:30 pm. It was a long week and we are glad to be home! It kind of amazes me that these are the last two picture I took of Cooper before he got sick.

Cooper's First Report Card and Schoolwork

2011-10-11T17:56:00.005-05:00

Cooper came home with his first report card - all pluses!

Way to go, Cooper!

Here are some recent pieces of schoolwork!

By: Cooper

The rest are Charlotte's artwork!

Halloween Sneak Peek

2011-10-06T06:03:00.003-05:00

Ten...Not on Tuesday

2011-09-22T16:51:00.014-05:00

1. It rained!

We were happy!

2. Charlotte found my baby doll, Madeline, that I carried around everywhere as a little girl.

3. After reading his library book each week, Cooper writes a book report.

You rock, Cooper!

4. We had family game morning last Sunday.

We played Ned's Head and Candy Land!

5. We bought the dog's Halloween costumes!

Abigail was not amused.

Rocco loved his!

6. What would posses us to buy Halloween costumes for the dogs?

Both kiddos stayed home sick with croup and after a trip to the doctor and surprise flu shots, we needed something (besides building block castles) to cheer us up!

7. This is what playtime with Daddy looks like...

8. Cooper built another Lego set and Charlotte found a set she likes!

9. What's one of the best parts of school?

Getting to pick out books from the scholastic catalog!

10. The kids have been doing exercises with Daddy each morning.

A kiss for Charlotte as she does her sit ups!

Muscles!

Soccer Superfan

2011-09-18T08:11:00.001-05:00

Cooper had his first game of the 2011 fall season on Saturday. I had not made it to any practices yet so I was looking forward to seeing how the boys have progressed!

Ready for the....

kick off!

Scoring a goal off a corner kick!

Tackling the ball away from a much BIGGER boy!

Awesome Job, Strickers!

BIG Accomplishment

2011-09-12T19:34:00.000-05:00

Guess who learned how to write her name?

Check out the blue writing!

She also helped me make banana muffins and when she tasted them to see if they were poison...

she fell over and died!P.S. Yes, It was the same day but we were playing dress up and went through 3 - 4 wardrobe changes just while making muffins!

Kindergarten Ups and Downs

2011-09-11T18:01:00.000-05:00

There have been a lot more ups than downs!Coop was off to a little bit of a rough start when he caught the stomach flu the second day. Also, he had 2 color changes in the first two weeks because he wasn't keeping his hands and feet to himself when walking in the line to the library or recess. How quickly things turn around after a phone conference with his teacher and missing out on soccer practice! Cooper has been doing great! I have discovered that kindergarten is a bit on the slow side, especially for Cooper. I was a bit shocked when I was told that most of the kids in his class had never been to school and he came home with a worksheet that helps teach the kids how to trace lines. The plan is to have a little bit of supplemental work for Cooper at home and test him for the GT program in January. I have decided to forgo testing him for first grade because even if he qualifies, there is NO WAY I would move him up.

Cooper working on a book report!

Cooper had his first project and I am very proud of his hard work!

Cooper wanted to add a picture of an artichoke in case his friends did not know what one looks like!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-05T06:57:00.008-05:00

It's not over yet, thank goodness! We have a relaxing day planned with a trip to the gym and a plan to see Spy Kids 4d! I love these long weekends with my family!

Uncle Greg and Esther came in town Saturday night and we ventured into town to Miyako's for sushi! We had a delicious dinner and Cooper enjoyed his favorite meal - eel rolls and miso soup. Since I am back on my school time, I managed to fall asleep by 9 but luckily everyone else was right behind me. I didn't miss out on a wild and crazy night! Or did I?

Charlotte and Uncle Greg dancing in the van on the way home from dinner!

Uncle Greg checking out everything in Charlotte's purse.

The next morning we went to Galveston to visit Nana and Papa. We went to brunch and the Moody Gardens Aquarium.

Cooper is almost the same size as an Emperor penguin!

Charlotte is now asking for a fairy penguin with a wand, wings, a pretty dress, and shoes!

The kids both loved the shark tunnel!

We ended our day in Galveston with a stop at Star Drug Store!

I almost forgot...we went to another kid's workshop at Home Depot!

First Day of School 2011 - The Reality

2011-08-23T17:42:00.003-05:00

I was off to school by 6:30 am and both my kiddos were still sleeping soundly. Daddy did not manage to get a morning picture so I decided to recreate the first day of school pic in the afternoon.

Someone was not in the mood for pictures!

Even brother couldn't convince her.

He gladly posed on his own!

I did finally manage to get a picture

because I let her pose with Rocco!

Cooper came down with a low grade temp about an hour after these pics and had to miss the second day of kindergarten with a stomach bug. :(

Kindergarten...already?

2011-08-21T12:48:00.005-05:00

Dear Cooper,

I wish I had something profound to say to you but all I can think to say is..

Be You!

I have not doubt that you will do great!

I love you and will see you in the pick up line!

Hugs and Love,
Mom

New School Shoes

Kindergarten Tote Bag

KVPAC Camp

2011-08-19T19:58:00.002-05:00

Katy Visual and Performing Arts Camp

Cooper has been attending a morning and afternoon camp this week since I have gone back to work and am busy getting my classroom ready for my 2011 - 2012 eighth graders!

He loves being on stage and is quite the natural!

He participated in a 5-8 year old class in the morning

and a 3-5 year old class in the afternoon!

He's a natural....surprised?

Summer End

2011-08-15T13:59:00.006-05:00

As I sit looking at our calendar that is filled to the brim with dance classes, camp, soccer, swim lessons, and meet the teacher night; I can't help but think about how fast summer flew by!

The end of summer is bittersweet. It means going back to work where I get a chance to have a positive impact on kids everyday but it also means that I don't get to spend as much time with C & C. They helped me out this morning because they were both overflowing with joy as I dropped them off for their day long school/camp.

Here are a few last pics from our summer before we all head back to school next week!

Cooper lost two teeth! The tooth fairy brought him 2 $1 gold coins for each tooth!

We built a pencil box at Home Depot.

We had a lot of fun and will try and do the kids workshop again!

Cooper had a blast at VBS!

He came home with "Did you know" everyday!

Who says you can't blow up an inner tube with a leaf blower?

The kids have been having tons of fun in their "pirate ship"!

We took a trip to Galveston to visit Papa and enjoyed some beach time!

Charlotte wasn't sure about being up on the 7th floor patio!

She decided to show shaky baby the view!

Papa and Cooper checking out the cargo and cruise ships!

31

2011-08-15T13:55:00.003-05:00

I am 31. (showing off my new yoga mat)

There is nothing more that I could wish for than what I have at this moment.

I am healthy, happy, and loved!

Smurf'd

2011-08-11T06:38:00.003-05:00

The kids asked me to sew little beds and pillows for the smurfs. Luckily, I had a brillant idea to use Cooper's soccer socks as smurf sleeping bags.

A few days later, we remembered the secret pocket on their quilts - the perfect spot for a sleeping smurf!

You know it's time to go home when.....

2011-08-09T14:08:00.007-05:00

One minute you are opening lupine pods

and the next you are opening a bottle of champagne!

One minute you are happily exploring tidal pools

and the next you are wiping down a teary eyed little girl.

Even though we were still finding lots of

treasures,

we were longing for our home.

Even our hikes went a little haywire!

Suddenly, I was feeling a little ganged up upon!

We will miss Maine!

We will miss Auntie Gare and Uncle Erwin!

But seriously.......

this is Cooper the night before we left - ENOUGH SAID!

More Maine...Really!

2011-08-09T13:49:00.004-05:00

There

was

even

more

fun

to

be

had;

More

hikes

More

lobsters

and

even

a submarine!

We sure know how to pack the adventures in!

The Great Maine Lumberjack Show

2011-08-09T07:47:00.004-05:00

Our night out on the town began with pizza at Pat's Pizzeria!

We had a chance to meet Tina Scheer from Survivor: Panama!

Guess who was the Yo Ho champion?

Black Rock Beach & Lobster Cookies

2011-08-09T07:34:00.004-05:00

Over the last couple of years, black rock beach has become pebble beach due to the changes along the shore. We enjoyed a short visit to the beach and a hike!

The kids found a pile of rocks and took turns sitting on their "nest"!

Lobster Cookies

It's a scorcher!

2011-08-05T11:58:00.004-05:00

Scorcher: That's Maine talk for anything over 70 degrees!

We managed to find plenty of ways to cool off!

Bar Harbor. ME

2011-08-05T11:50:00.004-05:00

The day started with breakfast at Cafe This Way!

Cooper loved watching all the boats in the harbor!

We ended our day with a ride on the four masted Margaret Todd!

Cooper and I got to help hoist the sails!

Charlotte came home with these rockin' boots for her souvenir!

This and That - Maine Version

2011-08-05T08:17:00.006-05:00

Feeding ducks

Apple tree

Picking rattle boxes

A visit to the tea room...

Movies in the barn

A magician visited the library!

Cooper was called up to assist!

Picking blueberries!

The best ones are behind the barn but we also picked a few at the library!

A search for the pickle fish plant!

It's shaped like a fish and tastes like a dill pickle!

Lighthouse.....The Top

2011-08-04T09:03:00.001-05:00

Thank you Mr. Chetwynd for letting us up with your special key!

Barn Art

2011-08-04T08:45:00.006-05:00

Fishing Boat By: Cooper

Rainbow Octopus By: Charlotte

Barn Dance

Sea Glass

2011-08-02T18:16:00.004-05:00

When I grow old,

just let me look for sea glass

and I will be happy!

Charlotte's first piece of sea glass!

Cooper's first piece of sea glass!

The best of the best....

I'm partial to clear and blue!

A trip to treasure island

2011-08-02T18:06:00.005-05:00

A hike...

A box...

The black box of mystery and intrigue...

A map...

A captain (with a boat)...

A sighting...

THE island...

A compass...

A treasure box...

Treasures!

Treasure Box By: Cooper

Nana's 60th Birthday

2011-07-31T08:52:00.005-05:00

A trip to pick up lobsters for a barn party!

Papa finding the biggest and best lobsters for Nana's party!

A toast to the birthday girl!

Nana explaining her most recent work - The Wings!

Nana listening to all the heartfelt comments from family and friends!

What better thing to do in Maine...

2011-07-31T08:34:00.006-05:00

A boat ride to Stonington, ME on Captain Normie's lobster boat!

Captain Normie

Charlotte enjoying her fried clam dinner!

By: Cooper

3 Days

2011-07-12T18:13:00.003-05:00

We have had three days to unpack and repack. We leave tomorrow morning on another 6am flight - flying in our jammies!

In our "free" time, we had a trip to the dentist to check on Cooper's shark teeth!

All is well! My kids love the dentist and can't wait to go back in a couple weeks for their semiannual cleaning!

We made green monster smoothies for breakfast!

Cheers!

Cooper has mastered every Lego set we have given him. I would love to plan a Lego b-day party for him!

Colorado Vacation - Part 3

2011-07-11T10:27:00.007-05:00

Boat Ride

Elk Sighting

Horseback Riding

Treasure Hunting!

Happy 4th of July!

Colorado Vacation - Part 2

2011-07-11T10:15:00.005-05:00

Pioneer Museum

Picnic at the park!

Rock Climbing

Colorado Vacation - Part 1

2011-07-11T09:44:00.009-05:00

Hiking at Hartman Rocks!

Katherine and Charlotte

The boys made it to the top!

"Good Morning, cows!"

Hiking in Gunnison National Forest!

Dance Camp and Gymnastics

2011-06-29T13:51:00.003-05:00

As Charlotte would say...."soooooo cute!"

Someone was feeling a teensy bit jealous and needed a pic taken too.

I wanted to get this post in before we leave for Colorado. This is the outfit Charlotte has decided will be perfect for our trip!

Picture overload...coming soon!

Swim Team Wrap Up 2011

2011-06-27T19:37:00.003-05:00

Cooper rocks!

At his last meet, he earned a first place ribbon in backstroke. (He swam against 5 other kids)

He earned a second place ribbon for freestyle!

We stopped going to swim team practices because we were busy and a little worn out. Until...I got a call and found out Cooper made the Meet of Champs! I am so proud of Cooper for all his hard work! Go Coop!

Charlotte can't wait to swim next year!

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-25T21:11:00.005-05:00

No time for words....Yes, we are THAT busy!

Photo Dump

2011-06-15T13:35:00.004-05:00

Strawberry Shortcake

Lindsey - my college roommate :)

Cooper - Too Cool for School (or church in this case)

My Favorite Boys

Making Brownies

A Tea Party

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bars

All Dressed Up

Busy Busy Summer

2011-06-15T13:19:00.007-05:00

We have been having so much fun this summer! The way I look at it is - I have 10 weeks to be a SAHM and I am going to enjoy every minute of it!

Cooper has been busy with swim team. He has been working hard most practices and swimming both freestyle and backstroke 25 meters on his own!

Cooper and Taylor waiting on the ready bench

He is also swimming with Katy Aquatics twice a week and is currently a level 4. I like the program because it focuses on correct stroke technique.

Cooper has been reading quite a bit. He breezed with the entire BOB series last spring and is continuing to enjoy books of any kind. He is also really interested in science and loves when he gets a new Nat Geo for Kids magazine in the mail.

We are waiting patiently (or not so) for the premiere of Cars 2. We even have it marked on our calendar!

The puppies are happy because they are getting daily walks which didn't always happen during the school year. I walk the dogs and the kids ride their bikes!

Charlotte is also taking swimming with Katy Aquatics. It only took her 3 classes to perfect her streamline and now she is also in level 4!

She is also taking gymnastics once a week and her favorite part is the trampoline!

By far, the best part about summer for Charlotte is.......Dance Camp!

She attends ballet and tap once a week and loves every minute!

A Wedding and a Confirmation

2011-06-15T12:56:00.006-05:00

We celebrated a wedding and a confirmation this past weekend.

Ashley and Kenneth

The girls - a blurry pic but the only one I have.

Me and My love

I was confirmed into the Catholic Church on Sunday. It's something I had put off the last 10-15 years, but just needed it to be the right time for me.

Blue Bell Creamery

2011-06-10T18:53:00.003-05:00

No pictures inside the factory - it's a secret operation!

Sea World 2011

2011-06-01T19:39:00.007-05:00

Over Memorial Day Weekend, we surprised the kids with a trip to Sea World!

We fed dolphins,

played on a huge playground/splash pad,

screamed with excitement,

and even caught a show!

Souvenirs!

We also spent a lot of time at the water park section - Lost Lagoon. The kids could not get enough of the wave pool and lazy river. We did not get a chance to see Shamu so we are looking forward to a return trip!

Two Firsts

2011-05-22T20:44:00.005-05:00

Katherine had her first communion!

We are so proud of her!

Cooper had his first swim meet (mock) of the season and he swam across the pool ALL BY HIMSELF - TWICE!

Cooper and Phillip

He was in the 100m freestyle relay and the 25m freestyle. He worked hard out there and I saw a little fighting spirit.

Ignore my annoying voice - I was excited!

He had a lot of fun...can't you tell!

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-05-22T20:35:00.008-05:00

Dear Cooper,

We are so proud of all your hard work this year! We love you!

Mom and Dad

Cooper and Ms. Anthony

Cooper and Ms. Washington

Charlotte and her friend, Ava, enjoying cookies at the graduation reception!

Super Duper Cooper!

I was up so high, looking down at the sky

2011-05-17T20:37:00.001-05:00

Boy's Night Out

2011-05-17T20:16:00.004-05:00

Muffins for Mom and Mother's Day

2011-05-17T20:10:00.002-05:00

Nothing better than hand picked flowers and homemade cards!

Garden

2011-05-17T19:59:00.004-05:00

Cucumbers,

Carrots,

Strawberries,

and Tomatoes....

Oh my!

Update coming soon....or whenever the veggies grow!

Easter Weekend 2011

2011-04-28T06:21:00.003-05:00

Spring Carnival and School Stuff

2011-04-18T06:47:00.004-05:00

Sharing the Spotlight

2011-04-18T06:39:00.002-05:00

It's tough having to share the spotlight!

Unconditional Love

2011-03-30T21:39:00.001-05:00

How wonderful life is

while you're

in the world!

Storybook Parade and Kites

2011-03-19T06:54:00.005-05:00

The kids had a storybook parade at school this week. They each decorated a poster as a book cover of one of their favorite books.

After school, we went to the park to fly kites!

Houston Rodeo - Zac Brown Band

2011-03-19T03:31:00.007-05:00

Happy St. Patricks Day

2011-03-19T03:19:00.002-05:00

Spring Break - Part 2

2011-03-15T06:25:00.004-05:00

Giving "Hello Kitty" and "Tractor" a bath. Creative names...don't you think?

We ended our day with dinner (and ice cream) at Lupe Tortillas!

As soon as we got home, Cooper took off Tractor's outfit,

found an extra pair of rest pants, and read him a book in bed.

Spring Break - Part 1

2011-03-15T06:01:00.004-05:00

The weekend was spent at the lakehouse. I really need to start calling it the napping house because that is all I seem to do there lately. We did venture out to the

Cooper was impressed with the dinosaur tracks!

Both kids were engaged and excited to learn about the Iguanodon and the Acrocanthosaurus.

Time to dig up dinosaur bones!

What can I say....another great adventure!

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Billy Currington

2011-03-14T21:20:00.004-05:00

Scott and I had a date night at the HLSR. We enjoyed the rodeo, Billy Currington concert, and fried snickers/funnel cakes!

We are looking forward to taking the kiddos to see The Zac Brown Band later this week!

Nap Time!

2011-03-14T21:15:00.001-05:00

USS Lexington

2011-03-14T21:00:00.003-05:00

Nana and Papa took Cooper down to Corpus Christi to see the USS Lexington. Cooper *loves* aircraft carriers and it was a very special trip!

Random Pics From the Last Month

2011-03-01T20:57:00.006-06:00

I'm super busy teaching and coaching track so here are a few pics since the last time I blogged.

Cooper turns 5!

2011-01-30T07:08:00.007-06:00

We had a weekend long celebration starting with dinner at Benihana Friday night!

Saturday, we partied at the famous mouse place - Chuck E Cheese!

Our original plan for Cooper's birthday was to take him to Monster Jam. Just after Christmas, I heard about a coloring contest one of the radio stations was having to win tickets to Monster Jam.
Guess who won the coloring contest...and the tickets?

A long weekend at the lake

2011-01-22T21:31:00.008-06:00

Hunting for Arrowheads

2011-01-17T21:38:00.004-06:00

How did I spend my New Year's Eve?
It all began at about 3am...

a stop for breakfast around 6am...

the dig site...(outside Camp Wood, Texas - along the Nueces River)

digging through dirt,

looking for arrowheads! Those are just pieces of flint....here are the arrowheads I found!