3rd Grade Music Program

The third grade classes this year hosted a Patriotic music program for parents. With three classes, it was a large crowd, and nice singing voices. Cooper has recently learned how to play "America the Beautiful" on her flute during lessons, and that was one of the songs the group would be singing at the concert. It seemed like perfect timing. Cooper asked her music teacher if she could play her flute at the concert while the group sang that song. The music teacher asked her to bring in her flute and play the song for her, an audition. Cooper passed with flying colors and was allowed to perform a solo flute performance and then play the song again while the group sang.

Cooper was excited and nervous all at the same time. She acted very mature and responsibile. She bowed gracefully for the crowds' applause. It was a very proud moment for us. Way to go Cooper!


Cooper playing the flute solo.


Cooper's class is in the middle.


Waving the red, white, and blue.

12 years

Happy Anniversary to my husband! 12 years and counting! I can't even believe it's been that long. The time has just flown by.

Many thanks to April, who stayed the night with the girls, so that Chad and I could have an evening alone up in Kansas City. We window shopped at a new shopping area, ate some yummy small plates at a new restaurant, stopped in at a trendy wine shop, and went to the Martina McBride & George Strait concert.

Martina put on a powerful performance and after a quick stage reset and intermission, George took the stage. He sang 2 songs, but sadly had to cancel after that. He was ill and had lost his voice. Everyone was in shock and didn't know quite how to react. So the concert is rescheduled for next Saturday. Unfortunately, Chad is unable to attend with me. I'm hoping my sister can come in his place.

We spent the night in the Harper's condo, watching the traffic and lights of Kansas City. Low key and quiet. Just what we needed after 12 years! Love you Chad.

Western Day

Campbell had dress like a cowgirl day at Preschool today. She was excited! Complete with a hat, boots, horse, and kerchief; she was ready to go. I can't help but think she is so darn cute. Love her enthusiasm.

Family Dinner

Something about Sunday Family Dinners that make a heart happy. Tonight my sister's family, our family, my mom & stepdad, and my grandparents all got together at my mom's house for dinner. The kids enjoy playing and catching up, while the adults visit and talk about life's happenings. It was a good meal and great night with family.

World Thinking Day

Today Cooper had a Girl Scouts activity called World Thinking Day. Each troop chooses a different country to research and present on. This includes things from clothing, to food, to sports, languages, and even money. Cooper's troop this year chose Jamaica. Each troop creates a display board and on the given day all troops get together and teach one another about their country. Cooper learned a lot and had a great time.

Adventure

There is a park up behind our house with walking trails and wide open fields. Mostly used for cross country track meets or picnics on weekends. With the weather being so warm and nice, the girls and I ventured off on an adventure to go exploring in this park. We hit the trails and saw some sights. Although it was a bit muddy, we all had a good time. They wanted to do it again the next day.

PT Conferences

We are pleased to report that both girls received great PT Conferences remarks. It's always a pleasant surprise to visit with their teachers and learn how they behave in class, who their friends are, and what they will be working on next. Thank You to all the teachers out there!

Preschool Carnival

Campbell's preschool carnival is an opportunity for the kids to have a little fun and enjoy games and prizes just their size. It was a fun family night out as Campbell made her way around the games and won all kinds of prizes.


Coloring her loot bag.


Face tattoos.


Shootin Hoops.


Bowling a strike!


Saying Hello to the firemen.

Mamma Mia

Last year when the McCain Performance Series was announced Cooper was so excited to read that Mamma Mia was coming here. She asked Opa and Oma to take her and Campbell to the show. It was with them that the girls watched the movie Mamma Mia for the first time.

So Opa kept his word and purchased tickets. Unfortunately, Oma was unable to attend, so Beth was a gracious substitute. The girls had a great time and the performance was fabulous. Thank You Opa & Oma for the special treat.

Ice Skating Lessons

Ice Skating Lessons - Saturday - 8:30am

Yes, bright and early. I took Campbell to ice skating lessons and once her skates were on, she was ready to go. Today they learned how to fall down and get up properly. They also learned how to "march", which is taking little steps with your arms out to keep your balance. She had no fear, she did great!


Campbell starting out on the ice.


Campbell getting some help from her coach.


Campbell skating on her own.

Her first stock

With the inspiration of a friend, the education from her dad and Opa, and the guidance of her friend's father; Cooper officially purchased her first stock today.

This may seem like an unusual act, but Cooper isn't your ordinary student/child. A friend of hers, Z, has been in school with her since preschool, and his dad works as a financial adviser. In December Z told Cooper about purchasing some stocks of his own. Cooper was intrigued and very interested. She came home right away and told Chad and I all about it. We sent her back to school with a list of questions for Z. He returned the next day with answers and a business card from his dad. Cooper then had a few study sessions with Chad and her Opa to learn more about investing and stocks. Then Chad called Z's dad and set up an appointment for he and Cooper to meet with Z's dad. Cooper was so excited. She dressed professionally and arranged for Chad to pick her and Z up from school and take them to the meeting. Z was just as excited to help out too. It was a good meeting and Cooper purchased 3 shares of her chosen stock.

She was proud and excited. Now each day she checks the market on the performance of the stock she chose. Congrats Cooper!