Homeward Bound

After a fabulous visit with Grandma and Grandpa, Coop and I are preparing for our very long journey back home tomorrow. We've had such a great time and a much needed fix of being close to family. Coop has really become fond of Gra-na and Gra-ga. I think he loves their backyard just as much. We've had to secure the doggie door and modify the sliding door or he'd be outside 24/7. He's also figured out how to unlock the laundry room door out to the garage so he can skedaddle right to the golf cart and simulate a ride. Hmmmmmm, someone also managed to lose the keys to Gma and Gpa's golf cart. Thank-goodness they had a spare.

Coop's new favorite phrase is 'Mon (like come on) Gra-na or 'Mon Gra-ga as he holds his hand out and waves eagerly for them to follow. He even tried to push Gra-na off the couch last night to coax her to join him outside. He jumped up behind her and starting pushing on her back until she gave in. There's nothing cuter than a Grandma throwing the football with her grandson. Even if she does kind of throw like a girl :)

Coop also likes to get the mail. By the way, we've noticed that most old people are fixated with getting the mail. My parents live in a 55 and older community and it is so fascinating to watch everyone swarm like hornets to the mail box immediately after the mailman arrives. Coop has also embraced this love of going to the mailbox. He fits right in around here.

He's also developed a love of the garbage truck. You know you live in the sticks when your kid is fascinated by his very first garbage truck sighting. You just don't see something like that in our neck of the woods. This week Grandpa was nice enough to take Coop and follow the garbage truck throughout the neighborhood in the golf cart. I'm sure the Garbage Man (so not PC) thought he was being audited by one of the old guys in the neighborhood.

Oh, the list goes on and on..there's just too much to recap after nearly 3 weeks of solid fun with family. Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful visit. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate and love you both. Thanks for helping us create so many memories.

Grandpa Pat starts his radiation treatment this Weds. I'm so glad we were able to spend time with him so that we could all laugh and giggle together to help keep our minds off of things. It's amazing how a cute little toddler can help you forget about all the icky stuff and remind you of all the amazing things in life. Family truly is amazing. Thanks to Gma and Gpa, Coop will always know that.

We love you guys!
Love, Amous and Coop

Coop went for another haircut and this time he sat in the chair ALL BY HIMSELF

instead of in Mom's lap.

Coop wants to take Simon home with us.

Happy St.Daddy's Day

Happy Birthday Dad! We'll be gobbling up this cake in your honor today. Sorry it isn't a yummy Guinness but we figured you'd understand. We've had a great day today enjoying the sunshine and playing outside. Wishing you were here with us to celebrate. Coop INSISTED on holding Tessie's leash today. It was quite the feat because as you know she PULLS. Coop managed to hold his own and did a great job wearing her out. We won't mention the part about Tess jumping in the river and almost drowning. My former life guarding skills came in handy today. It wasn't pretty as I raced down the river bank to rescue her. Let's just say that I looked NOTHING like Pamela Anderson (not even close).

Coop loves Gma and Gpa's Jack in the Box. Funny how it never gets old and that creepy little clown manages to catch him off guard every time. Surprise! Hey, where did you come from???? Over and over again.

Cheers Dad. We love you!

Hello from Utah

Coop and I are having a blast with 'Gra-ga' and Gra-na'. So much so that we decided to stay another week! We were supposed to fly home today and were starting to get very sad (prepping to say our good-byes) when Mark called to tell us he was heading out on a fire today. We decided that there was no point in hurrying home just yet and we might as well spend more time with Grandma and Grandpa. They are waaayyyyy more fun than boring old Mom. Coop truly is in vacation mode. He is getting spoiled every minute and embracing all of the attention that Gma and Gpa are throwing his way. The kid just can't get enough of them and that makes me so happy. It truly melts my heart. The only downside is that the poor doggies have to stay in the kennel another week. Luckily, they had a 3 night reprieve this past weekend while Mark was home for a few nights. Back to the kennel they go...........Sorry doggies, I promise we'll make it up to you when we get home. Until then, we will continue enjoying our time with 'Gra-ga' and Gra-na'...................

Beautiful view from our daily walk along the river.

Mesmerized watching some kids play baseball.

The kid LOVES baseball.

This was the happy face before we made him take the helmet off causing a major meltdown.

Fun with cousin Pete at the Wild Animal Museum.

Their first safari together.

Getting some lovin' from Gra-ga

Fun on the 'Why-Why'

Taking 'Gra-na' for a spin

Bound for Utah

Coop and I are heading to Utah tomorrow. I'm soooooo excited I can hardly stand it. I honestly haven't been able to sleep as the days have gotten closer to our departure because I'm so giddy about hanging out with my parents and spending time at "home". Even though it's not the house I grew up in, every house that your parents live in is considered "home" as far as I'm concerned. I just hope that someday Coop will look forward to coming "home" as much as I do.

Coop seems excited too. Although, he appears to be more excited about going to the airport ('port-port') and riding on an airplane ('mane-mane'). We've been practicing sitting on my lap and talking about how many more days until we get to go on our trip. I think he actually gets it because every night when I put Coop in his crib the last thing he says to me is 'port-port'....so cute. Finally, tonight I was able to say "tomorrow is the day buddy. We'll wake up and get ready to go to the airport". He smiled and said 'kayyyyy'. That's his way of saying okay/or he's down with that.

Now if I can just get over the anxiety of flying (3 connections) with Coop as a "lap child". This will be the last time he can travel with me on a plane without having to purchase a seat for him. Oy, this ought to be fun, fun, fun! Wish us luck................

Helping Mom squeeze the suitcase shut.

(Notice the fur on the suitcase....yes, we even bring fur with us when we travel. There's no escaping it)

Packing is soooooo exhausting.

Coop's new thing is to pretend he's asleep and fake snore.

Oh, I almost forgot. Coop gets to hang out with his cousin Pete too!!!!! They're only 2 months apart in age and haven't seen each other in over a year. My sis-in-law, Jennifer is driving from SLC to spend several days with us. I can't wait to hang out with them and watch the boys in action. Batten down the hatches Grandpa and Grandma, Coop and Pete are comin' to town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Abstract Art

Coop, the doggies and I are very happy to report that we just spent 5 whole days in a row with Dad!!!! Four of those days he was off work which was pure heaven! Mark came home from FL Monday night and he heads to Seattle for 2 weeks tomorrow morning. Coop took full advantage of having his Dad around to shoot the breeze and hang out. They also managed to build some cool stuff (see below).

I glanced at the calender last week and realized Mark and I have only seen each other for a total of 6 days since January 2nd. Man, no wonder Coop and I were going through major Mark/Dad withdrawals! Thanks for working so hard and bringing home the bacon Dad!!! We appreciate all that you do for us.

Outside at Last

Finally, a sunny and warm day! Freedom at last. Coop and I were feeling a bit Cooped (ha,ha---that makes me laugh every time) up lately and were very anxious to get outside and play. So we took full advantage of the weather, brought the vehicles out of hibernation and played a little Hill Billy basketball. What's hillbilly basketball you ask? That's when Coop attempts to dribble and throw the ball and then watches Mom frantically chase the ball before it rolls down the mountain. I think he enjoys watching me frantically run a little too much.


Last summer, some of the neighbors decided to chip in to have the hill leading up to our house paved. Prior to paving the road, the hill was a mess, needed constant upkeep and pretty much only four wheel drive vehicles could even attempt to drive up it. We also decided that we'd have our driveway paved. We're so happy we did. I think Cooper enjoys the smooth driving surface as well. It just makes chasing balls and toddler drivers a little bit difficult. The last video I included shows some of that.

Hillbilly basketball begins.

Let's Roll!

Making what I hope to be the last snowman of the season.

Bow to your snowman. Yes, a pretty pathetic snowman but we didn't have much snow left to work with.

The End of our pretty paved driveway and THE HILL.....
Notice the drop off in the distance. Not a safe place for balls (or toddlers) to roll down.

Here's a video of Coop finally figuring out the pedals on his truck. He still needs to grow into it. I feel much safer with him practicing on the slow grass and weeds.

Another Video of Coop driving his car. Sorry for the poor quality video. It was taken with my phone. The quality of the video isn't really the issue here. I assure you that no Coopies were harmed in the making of this video.

Fur Factory

Fur, fur everywhere! What's a girl to do? Targhee is mulching (seriously losing his fur in clumps) and the wintry static is crazy right now. I can't keep on top of it. Luckily Kokanee isn't that bad but she still does her fair share of shedding too. I could vacuum 20 times a day AND brush Targ like crazy but the fur is never ending. Poor Coop looks like he lives in a dog house. Well, I guess he kind of does. Get used to it buddy. This is why we try to coordinate our wardrobe with Targhee friendly colors and why we can NEVER wear fleece. Yes, Cooper we're those crazy dog people and unfortunately you were born into it. Thank goodness they're good snugglers. I guess we'll keep them after all.

Check out Coop's pants! No, they aren't part of the galactic washed collection circa 1985.

That is FUR my friends.

Grrrrrrr. Furrrrrrr.

Black pants are a baaaadddd idea.

Coop doesn't seem to mind much.

Yet another Cheeeeze pose.