#14

Not TCU's Andy Dalton... my favorite little man.

With a mom and grandpa as proud TCU alums, Cooper can hardly avoid being a Horned Frog fan. But he's really gotten into the spirit these days, wanting to wear his jersey as often as I can wash it and pointing out anything purple in sight. I'm pretty sure he's going to dress up as Andy Dalton for Halloween! All of this TCU spirit inspired a photo shoot and yielded some of my new favorite pictures of the Coop.

I'm sure my neighbors thought I was insane as I dragged out the ladder on a Saturday morning and encouraged my toddler to climb up! But I wanted just the right photo of Cooper in his favorite jersey (you know, for his college application someday...) : )

Andy Dalton himself may have an email & photo soon from his biggest fan!

Forest Park Mini Train

We've been fortunate to visit Fort Worth frequently this summer and visit friends while we're there for Cooper's medical appointments. This time we were just there for the day, but we took the opportunity to spend time with one of my best friends from college and her little family. We took our boys to ride the train near the zoo - such fun!

Can't wait until next time!

Best Ever

Cooper has THE BEST grandparents. Both he and I are convinced. No two people could love, cherish, or support a grandson any more than Lolli and Pop. We are so very lucky that they live close enough to eat lunch after church, meet for a donut breakfast or play trains on a moment's notice.

Thanks for loving us so well!

Oh Goodness...

What a nut. Good thing he makes me laugh.

More Frogs!

There's a frog in these hands. (As usual)

This is the smile that results from a catch!

Priceless!

"Mommy, let's catch some more!"

*Smile*

Rickshaw

My beloved Burley bike trailer has been repurposed into a rickshaw. It's much more fun this way, the kids try to convince me. No pedaling needed - just a willing driver and rider. Hours and hours of sweaty fun!

Cooper takes a few liberties as the driver. Just to make sure Hannah's still awake in there!

Who's next for a ride?

Ready, Set, Race!

After days and days of rain, the kids were itching to run around outside. Our neighbors (and Coop's favorite friends) lined up for a little racing.

Ready, Set, GO!

"Am I winning?"

I love the joyful/determined look on Mr. Cooper's face!

Back and forth and back and forth they raced.

Toes on the starting line.

No cheating says Hannah.

Check out the sweaty hair plastered to his head while the rest blows in the wind! Ha!

I have a feeling those racing lines between our two houses will see many more races as the kids grow up!

Bye Bye Car Seat...

...Hello Booster Seat!

When the car seat strap no longer buckle, it's a sign that your baby is all grown up and ready for a big-boy booster seat! (As if him being more than 50 pounds wasn't a sign enough...) So we "recycled" the baby seat and traded it in for some new cool seats.

One for Mommy's car and one for Lolli and Pop's.

Me to my big boy: "You know Cooper, you must keep your seat belt buckled in the car. It keeps you safe and it's the law!"

Cooper: "What happens if I take it off?"

Me: "Well, we could be hurt if we were in an accident or a police officer could stop us and give us a ticket."

Coop: "And he gets mad?"

Me: "Well... he makes us pay a lot of money for breaking the rules."

Cooper: (pausing to think) "I don't have any money. I'll keep my belt buckled."

VICTORY!

It's Football Season!

And my TCU Horned Frogs did me proud in their season opener at Cowboy Stadium against the Oregon State Beavers. Ahh, how I love college football season!

Even more, I'm loving sharing this new experience with Cooper. He's now old enough to understand that we cheer for a certain team and that it's OKAY when the guys tackle each other! : )

We took a few pre-game photos near our little TCU flag in the front yard. That TCU hand sign can be tricky and takes a little practice...

Cooper decided just to hold our big flag (as Mommy didn't have enough time to hang the new flag holder before kickoff!) He said, "Wook, Mommy! I can read it! It says TCU!"

We watched the game together and I had to smile as Cooper was glued to the tv. How I love a football man! After a while, he asked, "Mommy, who is our favorite guy?" I replied, "Hmmm... I think Andy Dalton (TCU's red-headed quarterback) is our favorite player." It wasn't too long before Cooper was cheering for Dalton right alongside his momma. Then in a precious moment he exclaimed, pointing to his head, "Mommy! Me and Andy Dalton are friends 'cause we match!" Gotta love those red heads!

It's going to be a great season! Go Frogs!