Birthday Festivities with friends

Cooper decided to celebrate her 8th birthday with her friends with a bowling party. The girls were excited and it allowed them to burn off some of that energy. This was Campbell's first time to bowl. I tried to help her so the ball would actually make it down the lane, but she was stubborn and wanted to do it herself. All the girls did a great job (thank goodness for bumper guards). We enjoyed some cupcakes and ice cream. Then Cooper opened her gifts. Thank you everyone for attending.


Campbell's bowling shoe and my bowling shoe. A classic picture.


The group waiting to bowl.


The girls enjoying the party.


Happy 8th Birthday Cooper Maya!

Happy 8th Birthday Cooper

Today is the day. Today is Cooper's 8th birthday. Wow!

She had requested breakfast in bed (just like mom gets on her birthday and Mother's day) and it had to be chocolate chip pancakes. Daddy obliged and woke up at 7am to start making the pancakes, Cooper was already awake. She has a difficult time containing her excitement.

She managed to stay in her room and get ready for school, despite her impatience creeping up. We all sang Happy Birthday to her as we entered the room.


Then she wanted to open gifts & cards she had received in the mail, that we made her wait until her actual birthday to open. New pj's from Grandma Debe & Papa Butch. And a card from Uncle Jeremy & Aunt Beth.


We all went downstairs to the family room to wait for an important phone call she would receive at 7:45am. And to her surprise, her birthday gift from mom & dad was there waiting for her. A new bike!!!


Cooper also had a super day at school. Chad and I joined her for lunch and then brought Campbell to class to share birthday snacks. This is Cooper standing in front of her class while we sang Happy Birthday to her.

Tonight we are heading to the opening game of KSU Basketball. I think Cooper has had a fantastic 8th birthday.

Happy Halloween

The weather for Halloween was a spooky surprise. The wind was blowing and there was a chill in the air. We ventured out to the coffee shop for cinnamon rolls, chai tea, and hot chocolate. At home we enjoyed a very lazy Sunday. The girls played, we napped and watched tv. As evening came, Chad and I attempted to make a ghoulish dinner for us and The Hitchings. We made frog eyed slush, vampire slush, spider and eyeball poppers, ice scream balls, and appetizers with ranch applesauce dip. (All creepy recipes from the Schwan's catalog.) It was edible. The girls all wanted to trick or treat, so we put on our costumes and hit the streets running. After doing just 3 neighborhood streets, the loot in the bags was overflowing. The girls (and adults) were all cold and ready to call it a night. It was a Happy Halloween for all!


Cooper as a softball player.
Campbell as a cheerleader.


Campbell (cheerleader)
A (purple Care Bear)
Cooper (softball player)
T (vampire)


Cooper & Campbell's loot bags at the end of the night. So much candy!!

Prepping the Pumpkins

It was a delightfully warm sunny day. We spent the morning tailgating at the KSU vs. OK St football game, and despite a loss we all had fun. Our afternoon was filled with playtime outside and naps inside. Then it was time to carve the pumpkins. Chad gathered the supplies and the girls drew the faces on their pumpkins. Then Chad began carving out the pieces. Always great fun to watch! The other neighbor kids that were outside playing stopped by to take a look at the new jack-o-lanterns. We were almost ready for Halloween.


The girls working on their pumpkins.


The finished jack-o-lanterns.


Cooper and Campbell show off their artistic works of art.


The best part of carving a pumpkin is cooking up all the seeds afterwards. We love pumpkin seeds!!

PT Conferences

Today we attended Parent Teacher Conferences for both girls. We are proud to say that both girls are doing fantastic in school. Campbell seems to be helpful, polite, and involved at preschool. She plays well with her friends and is kind to the teachers. Cooper continues to excel in her academics. Her Reading and Math skills are outstanding. She is helpful to the teacher and other students. She participates in activities and enjoys being at school. We are so lucky to have two girls who enjoy going to school and will enjoy learning.

Paging Dr. Lohman

At preschool today, Campbell needed to dress up as something she wants to be when she grows up. Out of the costume choices we had, she chose a doctor. I think Dr. Lohman sounds pretty good.

Family Reunion

We leisurely got up and around on Saturday, ate breakfast and went back to Uncle Wayne's house. Today there was going to be a family reunion and we were excited to have a chance to see so many people we hadn't seen in years. The reunion was at this old historic hotel and it was potluck with fried chicken. Being close to Halloween the kids were able to decorate pumpkins, do crafts, and watch Emma teach some Science experiments. All the while the adults visited and reminisced about the past. Pictures are a must at family reunions, especially ones with important people like Granny there. We were very happy and pleased that everyone took time out of their schedule to attend and make memories that will last forever.


Campbell was such a chatterbox and told Granny all kinds of stories.


My sister, dad, and me with Granny. Three Generations!


My sister's family, my family, my dad & stepmom with Granny. Four Generations!

After the reunion we went to Uncle Jimmy's house. He lives on a farm as well and the kids loved feeding the goats and seeing the bulls. It's great to watch my kids experience new adventures and enjoy them.


Cooper feeding the goats.


Campbell feeding the goats.