Book 2 review - On To Book 3!

The Twilight Series books continue to keep me hooked. I've finished Book 2 and I'm onto Book 3. I won't say too much about Book 2, for those of you who haven't finished it yet. I still love Book 1 the best. Book 2 was good, although it took an interesting turn with the introduction of Jacob's character. I can say I felt shocked, devastated, angry, and then elated all in the same book. As much as the book tried to sway you one direction, it came around in the end and finished with a great ending.

So in response to my earlier predictions:
Obviously Bella was NOT dreaming.
Charlie still has no knowledge of what Edward really is.
Jacob & Billy's words of advice were for their own good too.
Rosalie did cause trouble for Bella.
And still what comes next.

Guess I'll have to keep reading to find out.

Grateful for Grandparents

This is the first of three installments on this topic. We are very blessed to have three sets of grandparents for the girls to enjoy. We are lucky they all live close enough to share in important events and make lasting memories with the girls.

First, my dad and stepmom Marie.

Dad & Marie live about 3 1/2 hours away, but they make sure to make it to every birthday party. They have played in every golf tourney for Colgin. They came and watched the girls last September while we went to California. They joined us this past February on our first family ski trip, even if Dad just came along to babysit Campbell.

They have fun with the girls. Whether is playing games, beauty shop, putting on make up, going in the hot tub (at their house), or just making cookies we all have a great time. Usually we spend time just sitting and talking and remembering good times and stories.

This trip out Campbell has really taking a liking to Papa and pulls him around the house to where she wants to play. They also went to Cooper's school and ate lunch with her and picked her up from school.

We enjoy every minute with Dad & Marie and look forward to spending Thanksgiving at their house again this year. Thanks Dad & Marie.



Dad, Marie, Cooper, & Campbell

Daddy is taking care of business!

TCOB = Taking Care of Business!

While mommy is away daddy will...

1. Potty train Campbell
2. Take the "bubby" aka pacifier away from Campbell.

Two weekends ago, I went up to Iowa to help my dad & Marie do some household stuff. Chad stayed home with the girls and felt very ambitious. He stated he would do 2 things, the afore mentioned items. Wasn't he excited when he started accomplishing them even before I left. Campbell went #2 on the potty the night before I left. She was so excited. Since then she's done it 2 more times. He also was able to get her to go without her "bubby" during the day and roadtrips, and only having it during naptime or bedtime. Way to go daddy!


Bye bye potty


Way to go Campbell!

Wrapping Up Summer Part 2

Campbell suddenly loves the water. The pool must have been too cold earlier in the summer. Because now we can't seem to get her out of the water. She even goes under it, sometimes! ;o)


Beth, Jeremy, Jane and us all went to the country club for dinner and swimming afterwards. Beth was brave enough to get into the water and play with the girls. Her love for swimming must come from all those years as a lifeguard. Cooper is still afraid of the water, but she tries when she wants to. Campbell was ready to jump in next.


Cooper at school, the first day. Mrs. F. is her teacher and she is great. Parents were asked to attend for the first 2 hours and check things out. We got to observe calendar time/music/pe and storytime. It was fun to see the kids having a great first day.


Cooper in PE class, the first day. She loves her PE teacher.

Wrapping Up Summer

There were a few things I hadn't posted on from our summer activities. So here they go.

Riley County Fair July 2008


Cooper riding the pony.


Campbell riding the pony.


Campbell, Cooper, & Daddy on the Carosel.


Cooper & Campbell love to hang out in mom & Dad's bed.

Lots of Hair

I am the gushing Auntie who can't stop talking about her new nephew. So one final post. He has tons of dark hair. He is so cute. August 22, 2008.

A New Cousin To Love - and Boy Do They Love Him

The pictures say it all. The girls "love" Baby Ryland. He gets more cute every time we look at him. He is just so perfect. Campbell kept saying "baby, baby", then when Ryland started to cry, she was making crying noises just like him. Then she found his "bubby" aka pacifier and she wanted to give it to him. We have to work on being gentle. ;o)

Bailey was certainly excited to see her new brother. They have all waited so long for this moment (almost 7 years), but it was WELL worth the wait. Welcome to the family, Ryland Tate.




Cooper and Baby Ryland




Campbell and Baby Ryland