2 SHORT DAYS WITH THE KIDS.........

The kids made it back on Friday night and it was better than GREAT to see them.  They ran and hugged us so hard and held on forever which was perfect!  We enjoyed some time together over the weekend but it was way too short.  The kids had a horse show on Saturday and both did great.  Then we headed back to Lawrence for the fair.  It was fun but maybe not as fun as in the past.  We usually attend on "Family Night" where the rides are discounted.  This year the kids were gone so we went Saturday night and let me tell you, you can drop a lot of money really fast.  That kind of thing makes me crazy because I feel like I am just tossing money out the window.  They did have some fun though.  They always enjoy the petting zoo.  They also wanted to ride the horses even though they had just spent all morning riding horses :)

Sunday Raelynn headed to Aunt Steph's house for the week.  Yep, you got it, she was home for 2 days then gone again.  She and I both cried when she left.  I wish I did not miss her so much.  This week is a little easier because at least Coop is here.  He is enjoying a little more attention and has been great even giving me a few extra hugs.  Raelynn is having a great time in Manhattan.  Today they headed out to Cody's Dad's farm.  Raelynn loves it there because they have a garden and lots of fun things for her to do.  Today was no different.  First, Aunt Steph let her have a soda on the way out which that itself is a huge treat.

Then after a fun time there, Uncle Cody gave Raelynn her first driving lesson.  Everyone will be happy to know she drove great, nothing like her Mother :)

I asked her if she told Uncle Cody she did not have her driver's license.  There was a long pause and then she giggled and said no like she had just gotten away with something she shouldn't have.  As I looked at the picture of her it made me think back to when I was her age and driving on my Dad's lap.  Oh the memories both my old ones and Raelynn's new ones.  We are so fortunate to have family!!!

LAKE BAPTISM, A VERY SPECIAL DAY..................

This morning in church they played the part of the Lake Baptism.  It was an awesome day for Raelynn and I.

MY BABIES ARE ON THIER WAY HOME.............

Well after a very long week Raelynn and Cooper are finally on their way home.  I have gotten so much accomplished why they have been gone but I feel like I have missed so much too.  Everyday I spend without them I fill like I have missed special time with them.  I have missed their laughter and questions and I have even missed Cooper's constant, "Mommy I want you."  The house has been so quiet.  It was nice to go out to dinner with Terry and it was nice run errands after work and it was nice to get every cupboard and closet in the entire house cleaned out but it was not as awesome as hearing them giggle or listening to their stories or hearing them argue about what to play.  It is quite amazing how they have changed our lives!!!

They have had a great time though.  I don't know if Coop even noticed we weren't around but I think Raelynn missed us a just a bit.  Last night I was trying to call her when they called me so it went straight to my voicemail.  By the time they hung up and called me back and I answered Raelynn was crying.  It freaked her out that we wouldn't be there when she called.  I felt bad for her but a tiny piece of me also felt relieved that she cared so much that we were just sitting there waiting for her call.  Someday when she has kids she will realize that even when she is sitting right next to me I am just sitting there waiting for her call!

Raelynn right before leaving for Grandma's House

Coop right before leaving for Grandma's House

Chandler, Coop, Cassidy and Raelynn having fun running through sprinklers!

No appropriate movies at the theater so Aunt Karli brings the movie theater home!

The Zoo!

Can we have one Mom!
(NO!)

Raelynn, Coop and Karita (Karli's Best Friend)

Raelynn and her first fish!

Cassidy teaching Raelynn not so nice gestures :)

Coop and Raelynn with their new fishing poles

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

COOPER'S CAUSE FOUNDATION 4TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNEY.......

Friday was the 4th Annual Cooper's Cause Foundation Golf Tourney.  We sure lucked out when it came to the weather.  It was in the low 90's with a breeze!  We could not have asked for more.  It was an awesome day and fun as always.  This is my favorite event because I actually get to enjoy it and have little to do on the day of the event.  We had a great turn out and sounds like we made another chuck of money.  I cannot wait to provide funding to more families in need.  Raelynn, Cooper and thier friends; Kaden, Brooks, Kiyana and Cayman all ran a lemonade stand at the golf tounrey.  The absolutely love this and although it was a long day for them, they seemed to have a great time.  They reaised $183 this year!!!  Wow, at a $1 a glass that is pretty impresive!!! 

I guess as they day went on, Coop got to drive virtually every golf cart on the course!  Who can say no to a face like that? :)

As you know last week Coop was with Steph. He had a great time and didn't seem to mind being away from home much at all. Every day Steph would send me pics of him so I knew what they were up to. It made a wold of difference and helped me to not feel like I hadn't seen him for so long. Here is how it went........

1st day there they ate out at Arby's!

Then it was off to the zoo!  Coop loved the Otters!

Waking up from naps was the hardest.  Thank goodness Uncle Cody was there!

Look Mom!  I am wearing a K-State hat!  Can you please come and get me!

So I barely had Coop back and now they are both off for a weekend at Grandma's.  I cried when they left and I really tried not to but I just couldn't help it!!!  I miss them horribly.  I did get both their rooms and their bathroom cleaned tonight after I got home from work so maybe a few things will get done!  I hear they are having a great time and we have Skyped every night which helps tremendously.  All the same, I cannot wait until their return Friday night. 

Chandler, Cooper, Cassidy and Raelynn

 I took a couple pics before the kids left so I could look at them often and they just made me even sadder!

Come on Friday!!!