Swings!

Our evenings this week have been marked by after-dinner bike rides to the park. We've fallen in love with the swings... can you tell?!

Berry Picking

One of my favorite childhood memories is berry picking with my family. I can't explain why it brought me such joy, but even remembering picking berries in Oregon brings a smile to my face. Every summer I make a point to take Coop to the berry farm at least a few times. Recently we discovered a local blackberry patch that is just a few minutes from our house, so we had to pay a visit!

The key to a happy time picking berries:

*A happy picker!

I had to coach Coop to just pick the black ones. He kept reminding me, "But Mom, our favorite color is RED!"

His little bucket was the perfect size. He felt like it was always full, but wasn't too heavy to carry. I need to remember this for next time - we just happened to have this one left in the car from his birthday party!

Now home to make a blackberry pie!

Four.

Cooper, you're FOUR!

You're growing up before my very eyes. You bring life into our home, make me smile, and keep me on my toes! My greatest joy is to be your mom.

Happy Birthday to you, little man! You're 4 - Let's count 'em!

ONE:

TWO:

THREE:

Happy birthday, to the boy whom I adore. You're my big boy! Now you're FOUR!

His Party

Cooper was more than delighted to celebrate his fourth birthday with a party at the park. This was his first birthday party and I wanted to make it simple and special. We invited friends from our small group at church, neighbors, and other close family friends to play at a little park after school on Cooper's actual birthday.

I decided to make it a blue and orange party and I had fun dreaming of everything that comes in those colors... I could've gone crazy!

Now, after about 5 minutes at the birthday party, I was questioning my sanity when choosing to host it at an outdoor park at 4pm in June. It was HOT. If you look close enough, you can see the icing on the cupcakes melting.

But the kids didn't care (the grown-ups would care to differ...)

Cooper welcomed his guests with gusto and seemed truly shocked that they all were here to play with him (and they all had PRESENTS!?)

Everybody played on the playground for a little - until their bottoms burned on the slides, that is - and then busied themselves making foam visors.

Even the men got in on the fun...

Cooper was so happy - all of his favorite things were in one place - his Pop and Lolli, friends and neighbors, toys, and cupcakes!

As we opened presents, I could hardly get him to slow down long enough to look at each gift. He was so excited!

(Thanks to my 9-year old photography "assistant" for taking this set of photos. She has a great eye already!)

All in all, we had a wonderful time celebrating Cooper's birthday. He felt special and loved. Happy Birthday buddy!

You're FOUR!

Preschool Update

Cooper finished the school year in his PPCD program with nothing but smiles. He eventually learned to love the school bus and ride it daily without complaint. He even wore his backpack happily (which I think is the cutest thing ever!) For his fourth birthday, I was able to visit his classroom and watch him with pride.

His teacher, Mrs. S., was wonderful! More than anything, she loved Cooper and helped him to have a positive school experience. I could see in his face that he felt safe at school and with his teachers. Cooper walked into the classroom with confidence and it was easy to see that this program has been beneficial for him.

Cooper worked hard to earn stickers throughout his school day. I love that Mrs. S breaks his day into smaller parts so he CAN be successful. As he left each day, she helped him count his stickers and reflect on the day.

Official update: Cooper did well at school and will be returning in the fall. I'm so thankful that we've found a spot for him where he can grow and feel good about himself!

Blowfish

Aunt Sara wins the prize for the most clever summer gift... a blowfish bubble blower! We were blessed to have one of our favorite friends come for a quick weekend visit and she came bearing some very neat presents! Cooper loves this adorable little bubble blower and it's become a part of our daily routine to "check on" the blowfish on the back deck.

This toy has become so popular with Coop and the neighbor kids, I may just have to hunt down a few more and make a whole family of blowfish!