Soccer

This week's soccer game was during an insane wind storm.  Even the ball tried to blow away during the game!  But it didn't stop Cooper from scoring three goals!  He's such a cute soccer player to watch.  It's been really fun!

Plus, he does this too:

My Date with Cooper

I spent the afternoon on a date with Cooper.  He informed me through tars this morning that he never gets alone time with me.  Poor baby, I had no idea he was suffering from third child syndrome.  I was actually really surprised.  Sometimes I feel like he doesn't seem interested in being with me at all.  But of course he does, I'm his mom!  So I remedied this problem.  Giant cinnamon rolls and a park by the river.  We had so much fun and he said, "I'm glad cinnamon rolls are actually a real thing!"  I'm glad we had a couple hours together so he feels as special as he is!

Fog

The fog has been CRAZY every morning this week.  Makes taking Ethan to school exciting!

Cross Country

This past Saturday, Ethan had another cross country meet.  Todd took Cooper to his soccer game, and I took the other kids with me to watch Ethan.  

It was raining the whole time!  Oliver was glad to have an umbrella just his size.

 Madeline always likes to climb when she gets the chance.

 We couldn't see the whole course, the boys ran through the forest for part, but we were able to see the beginning and the end.  About half way through the race, the rain picked up and was coming down really hard.  Ethan had to take his glasses off because they fogged up so bad he couldn't see, and hold them while he ran!  It kind of seems miserable to me to run in the rain, though it was beautiful, but Ethan really loves it.

On the drive home, he said, "Mom, I'm so glad I'm doing cross country.  I really really like it.  It's so fun."  Nothing could have made me happier, and I admit a little surprised.  I'll gladly stand in the rain and watch my son run any and every time!

Plus, Cooper scored another goal in his game.  Three weeks in a row!

Stuff

We finally got a new couch!!!  We've been sitting on a broken one for soooo long.  This is really epic and exciting.  Makes watching shows more enjoyable AND less painful.  Plus it's pretty.

 On the 14th, we had the awesome opportunity to drive to Seattle to hear from President Russell M. Nelson, his wife, and President Henry B. Eyring!  It was such an amazing and powerful experience.

 I'll never forget that feeling when the prophet walked in and we all stood.  Tears flowed, the Spirit was so strong.  Singing with over 49,000 saints was incredible.  And the words of our prophet and Pres. Eyring and Sister Nelson's remarks left a lasting impression on me.  I was grateful my kids could experience something so unique and with such a tangible Spirit.  The entire trip was 9 hours of mostly solid traveling time, only an hour and 15 minutes of devotional.  But it was completely worth it in every way.  I love our prophet and leaders.  I'm getting excited for conference!

 Oliver had fun at the library story-time.  I should definitely take him again.

 And this...

Yep!

Cooper's Birthday

Cooper's birthday was magical and fun and happy and everything he could have hoped it would be!  I was just so happy everyone was healthy!  It was a busy day and Cooper was just pleased as punch to go and do anything and everything on his birthday.  He woke up super hyper and happy and stayed that way the whole day.  Cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

 I was worried he wouldn't want to go to school on his birthday, but he was just so happy that he didn't even seem to notice!  He took cookies to his class and I enjoyed watching him bounce happily up the steps of his school.  Once he was gone, I set to work turning the house into ninjago land.  Complete with a ninja course.

 After school, we went to Ethan's first cross country meet.  Cooper's best friend was there to watch his brother too, so Cooper had a blast playing with Joshua like it was all a birthday party just for him!  Ethan did great and I loved watching him run.  I am proud of Ethan!

 I chuckled when we got home and Cooper saw his cake and the ninja course.  He smiled and with a twinkle in his eye said, "of course!"

 He got legos and legos and more legos!  His dream come true!

 And ninja swords because they're super cool.

 I had such a fun time making Cooper's cake.  I have never tried using fondant before and it was really fun.  It was easier than I thought to work with, but took forever.  I enjoyed the time I spent on the cake though.  I love being in my kitchen when it involves butter and sugar.

Cooper liked it too!

Fun fun day for a fun fun boy.  I can't believe Cooper is six.  When he was three, he used to tell everyone he was six just to be silly.  I can't believe he really is six now.  Time flies.  Cooper is such an amazing kid.  I feel like I am still trying (or trying over and over again) to get to know him.  He has so many complex layers of awesomeness.  So much energy inside him.  I love Cooper.

Happy Birthday Cooper!

Happy Birthday Cooper!  Six years old!

 Boundless energy

 cheeky witty humor

 lover of all things Ninjago

 Intense

 FUN!!

I love you kiddo.  I savor the moments when you slow down long enough to give me a hug.  Your hugs are the best.  Just like you!

First Day of Preschool!

I can't believe it!  I actually dropped my baby off at preschool yesterday morning.  I couldn't stop smiling as I walked out to my car alone with three hours to choose for myself.  I admit, I giggled a bit and couldn't stop smiling.  It helps that this little guy couldn't stop smiling either:

 I was just blown away at his cuteness yesterday and how grown up he is.

 He told me school was fun.  They have a truck there that is awesome.  He loved painting a chameleon.  He went outside.  He ate cheese crackers.  Some books fell right off the wall.  He can't wait to go again.

 It was fun to hear his report and see him smile.  I'm glad he's happy to go to school.

 And honestly, I need these six quiet hours a week to myself.  My journal has been patiently waiting for my return.  :)

Happy Preschool Oliver!

Cooper: School and Soccer

The first week of full-day kindergarten was a bit up and down for Cooper.  It will take some getting used to.  He came home his first day claiming school was "boring and lousy" which made my little heart full of worry, but the second day was "way way way way better".  He goes between seeming extremely happy to having meltdowns.  I think it's a lot to take in for him.  He's used to long stretches of his day outside alone in his quiet world.  I think he will find a rhythm.  I think he will find joy in school.  I hope so.  His teacher posted this cute picture during class.

 Cooper also started soccer for the first time.  His first game a such a joy to watch.  He ran at full speed for an hour and even scored a goal!  I'm glad he can have a try with soccer.  He certainly has the energy for it!