Progress

I've got nothing but good news to report!

1. Our contractors have been here since Wednesday & they have patched and repainted all the ceilings, walls, and nail pops. They have replaced the siding on the front porch & replaced the damaged boards, & repainted everything up there. He even replaced the trim around the garage door and is helping with the molding to keep rodents out this winter. Currently they are in the back screen porch rescreening the room. So things are coming a long. There is still some more small projects to do; but it's getting there.

2. Campbell has not used a bottle all week. So Yippee, I think we have moved onto sippee cups for good now. We are still working on the "bubby" aka the pacifier; but one thing at a time. She is also understanding the potty chair; so maybe she'll be quick to reach those milestones.

3. Cooper is currently at the doctor to remove some warts that have multiplied on her left hand, and once that is done, I think we are in business. We've bought her backpack, lunchbox, school shoes & some clothes, and have gotten her school supplies. So I think a mom/daughter trip to KC for some more shopping and she'll be set for school.

4. Nespor's has been undergoing a makeover as well. The inside has been repainted. We are updating our artwork. Next week we are getting new computers for the new point of sale software that is coming as well. We've had our tech people update our radio, monitoring, and networks. So once we do inventory we'll be all set for another 8 years of business. Yes, we have solely owned Nespor's now for 8 years!! Where does the time go?

So finally things are starting to shape up. Our bedroom windows should arrive next week, then the week after is the big art window, and then finally the week after is the guttering. We can't wait until it's all done!

Cooper's new glasses

She is so excited she even got a glasses case, cleaner, and polish rag.



I think they look really nice on her. I'll have to find a picture of me in my first glasses. I can tell you they were NOT this cool. I was a total dork.


Chad took Cooper to the eye doctor yesterday just for a visit, to screen her eyes since she will begin Kindergarten in August. We were surprised when the doctor found out that she is farsighted. It isn't really bad as she can see 20/20 out of both eyes both ways, but it is just enough to warrant glasses. So we had to go back today to get her eyes dilated and take some pics and yes she needs glasses. Just for school/reading, because her eyes are working harder to focus on smaller close up words.

Now when I had to get glasses in 5th grade, it was the end of the world for me. For our dearest Cooper, she couldn't have been happier. She was so excited. We picked out a pair and got them today. She is proudly showing them off.

What a big girl. First earrings, now glasses; what's next? I know, I know...braces.

4th of July

Chad & Cooper resting after she burned her finger. We forgot to tell her not to pick up the fireworks after they are done going off.



Darby & Campbell. What can we say...she loves him!



Cooper, Emma, & Taylor with their American Girl Dolls.

We ventured out to Sublette (Western Kansas) for the 4th of July. Little did we know we'd see the best darn fireworks show we've seen in a long time. ;o)

We enjoyed our time with friends/family, great meals, catching up on good old times, planning future adventures, taking the girls to see Kit Kittredge An American Girl movie, and just hanging out and relaxing.

Campbell went to bed early each night, which really helped us out. Cooper stayed up late with the kids, and despite her first fireworks injury, she did have a good time and I don't think she's scarred for life.

It was a nice getaway.

Fourth of July is my favorite holiday. Some might ask why, it's the only holiday we were able to spend with Colgin. We had given him a bath, and put him in the stroller and went outside to watch the City's firework show. Chad's mom was here visiting and it was such a nice evening, even if Colgin didn't know what was going on. ;o)

Cooper actually did it!

Cooper got her ears pierced! Both Chad and I were very surprised she actually did it. Right up until the point she had to go sit in the chair, she was excited. Then you could just see the fear and worry come over her face. She got more and more unsure and was pretty squirmy in the seat, then the phone rang, then one of the earrings fell out of the gun, then it was time again. It was over before she knew it. 1, 2, ...click-click! Ta-da, your ears are pierced Cooper. Yeah! You can see from the photos it took a lot of coaxing and there were a lot of tears. All in all, now that it's all said and done. She is totally excited, and very proud of herself. What a big girl!

Trip to Illinois

This past Saturday we headed to Breese, Illinois & Aviston, Illinois to visit Chad's relatives. Both his mom's mom & his dad's mom still live at home and they enjoy every time we visit plus they had never met Campbell, so we thought this was a much deserved and needed trip. As always it was quick and not that easy traveling with a 18 month old, but we managed. We were able to enjoy some time talking and catching up. Chad's brother Jeremy & his girlfriend Beth joined us on Sunday. We all enjoyed a "family reunion" at their uncle Mark's house. The kids jumped on the trampoline, chased each other around, and we all ate and just chatted. Monday we headed back to St. Louis and took in a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game vs. the New York Mets. We won! It was Campbell's first time, and it was the first time for all of us to see a game in the new Busch Stadium. It was hot and we were in the sun for a while. Campbell wanted to run around, so we didn't get to watch much of the game. All in all we had a good time. We arrived home today and are glad to be back.