International Girls Day

Cooper attended a Girl Scout activity this afternoon called "International Girls Day." It was held at a sorority house on KSU campus. Many girls from her troop attended, so she was happy to go have some fun with the girls. They made crafts, did their makeup, and ate snacks. Cooper was impressed by the sorority house and it's purpose. Guess we know what is in her future?

PTO Carnival

Tonight we attended Cooper's school carnival. It was filled with lots of kid friendly games, prizes, and snacky food. Both girls had a great time and it was fun to see all the supportive parents.

Getting Kaya

Cooper's birthday wish came true. She now owns Kaya the American Girl Doll. In September, the American Girl Store opened in Kansas City! We were very excited about this news. I had taken Cooper to the AG store in Chicago 2 years ago with our friends Michelle & Teagan. It was a great experience, as Cooper had just purchased her Just Like Me doll a few months before our trip. Since then Cooper has had her heart set on getting Kaya. So she finally saved up enough money that she was able to make her wish come true.

I took Cooper to KC to the AG Store on Saturday. It would be a quick trip, but one well worth the time in the car. As soon as she saw the store front she was overjoyed and bouncing out of her seat. She rushed right up to the door and was ready to get Kaya in her grasp. We brought her other doll, Maye, to visit the beauty shop and get her hair done and some pampering while we shopped. We found Kaya and carried her around while we decided what else was going home with us that day. When we had all our decisions made, it was time to checkout. Cooper proudly purchased Kaya and was just beaming. It was a wonderful moment that I will never forget.

After our time in the AG store, we walked around the mall and grabbed some lunch. It was a fantastic mommy & daughter day.



Cooper going into the American Girl Store, Kansas City.


Cooper holding Kaya.


All shopped out!


Cooper with Kaya in the car.

Birthday Festivities with family

We invited family over for lunch for Cooper's birthday. Thanks to dad, Marie, and Chad for following my crazy recipe ideas and prepping the food for lunch. Jeremy & Beth planned their KS visit for this weekend and were able to attend Cooper's party. Cooper is such a sweet girl and enjoys everyone being here to celebrate with her. It was a quick and busy lunch hour, but much fun was had by all. We ate, sang Happy Birthday with cupcakes, and opened gifts. Thanks to everyone for attending.


Cooper opening gifts.


More gifts.


She is so excited.


Oma made Cooper and Campbell each a new quilt.


Jeremy, Beth, & Cooper.


Oma & Cooper.


Papa Mike, Grandma ReRe, & Cooper.


Kelly, Ryland, Bailey, & Cooper.

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!!