Backyard Summer Fun

We've had all sorts of fun things to keep the boys busy and cool in the backyard this summer.  A little pool and water ball were some of the best.  Kyle and Ryan played for hours each day, making Wipeout courses.  

Then, Baby Monster woke up from his nap and kept trying to let all the water out.

They took breaks for lunch.

 We also added a water table to the mix.  That's been fun, too!

 And, we finally got this picnic table put together.  Now they don't have to eat on the ground.  But, Kyle and Ryan both kept asking who else was coming to our picnic, since there were so many open chairs.  Ryan said, "we need Uncle Bando, Aunt Julia, and Claire." 

We are very blessed to have an amazing home and the wonderful backyard for the boys to play in, especially with all the fun toys now! 

Swim Lessons

Our Little Po has been doing so well at swimming!  He loves going to his swim lessons.  When you ask him about what he does, he tells you, "I throw the boat and jump and swim.  I float 'hind-side-down' {upside down} and kick and use my big arms to swim.  I float, too!"  I'm really glad that he's coming around on being another water baby, and can't wait for all the lessons to really click. 

Super Mario Party

 Kyle and I have had this party in the works......pretty much since the day after last year's party.  I'm actually surprised the idea of the Mario party stuck for a full year, with only slight whisperings of "I wish I could have a Skylanders party," a few weeks ago.  I had plenty of time to get ideas for the party and to work on what I wanted to have happen, and then the dreaded curse of 2013 happened.  The location and scale of the party was toned WAY down, and we decided to go for as easy as possible.  Instead of a lot of Mario-type games and activities that we were going to set up at the splashpad, we decided to hold Kyle's party at a local lazer tag/arcade.

I had plenty of ideas for what I wanted, but no energy to execute my entire vision, so I relied heavily on my other half when it comes to making the BEST.PARTIES.EVER---my sister.  She put in a lot of time and effort to help me execute my vision for Kyle's party.  I think it turned out SO well!  We got lots of compliments, requests for hiring out, and even the BOYS who worked at the arcade kept saying how awesome it was---best party that's every been there--so creative---best ideas for decorating the space, etc.  If teenage boys can notice the effort that went in, you know it was beyond awesome!  

 The birthday boy---SIX now!

 The older party-goers got to play 2 rounds of lazer tag.  The younger ones stayed behind, going through their gift bags and playing games.

 Wario took the time to sign Kyle's bday book.

LAZER TAG!

 CAKE TIME!  {cupcakes, actually.  And kids kept asking for "cake."  What do you think cupcakes are make out of???}

 I decided to pick up a small cake, just for blowing out candles.

 Then, it was time for more games.  The kids loved their own "mystery boxes" full of coins.  The 2 dads that were at the party noticed that detail, too.  "Real coins in the mystery boxes?  Awesome!"

 Last, Kyle got to open his presents.  He got some great things from his list--a scooter, Skylanders, MONEY, legos, clothes and PJs--boring--, dinosaur stuff, books, and FINALLY-----the Skylanders game!  It was the hit of the party.

 I'm so glad Kyle had such a great party and am so thankful for everyone who helped me put it together! 

SIX Years Old!

It's Kyle's birthday!  Stephen just keeps saying over and over, "I can't believe he's six.  I can't believe he's six.  We're going to turn around and he's 8.  And 12.  It's crazy!"    He's SIX!  I swear time is a funny thing.  On one hand, when you look back at all the changes we've had in six years, it makes sense that it seems like a long time.  But, it's flown by, too.

Kyle "Poop Scoop" Cooper is growing up.  He's getting more mature {even as he sits here, making jokes about "diarrhea face!"} and able to do things on his own and help out with his brothers or around the house.  He loves going to friends' houses and can play well with just about anyone.  Every now and then I see some of the stubborn, hard-headedness come through, but we've come SO far from the days of banging-our-head-against-the-cement tantrums.  He's given us quite the challenge as first time parents, but we've given it right back, and he knows it.  He continues to try to outsmart us and push us and walk the line of what he can get away with, but his mother has been at those games LONG before his time.  It sure is hard to hear things like, "You're SO mean to me!" or "You NEVER let me do anything I want to do!" or "That's not fair.  I don't like you!"  Being a good mom of a kid like Kyle means growing tough skin, early in the game, and sticking with what you say, even when pushed back at.  Because he'll push.

Kyle LOVES swimming, playing Wii, reading books, watching movies, watching Wipeout, playing Skylanders, setting up Wipeout courses around the house and outside, cooking, baseball, football, and soccer.  He's a good friend and a good older brother.  He's doing better on reading and is currently working on "lessons" for a Kick Start to Kinder, which he actually begs to work on instead of having quiet time.  I've been impressed with his learning and attitude.  I think he's ready for school!

We love our little Kyle Coop and hope he has a wonderful day and year!

Birthday Interview:

Name: Kyle Stephen Cooper
Nicknames: Poop Scoop, Kyle Coop
How old are you?  I just turned 6
What is your favorite color? All of them except for pink.  Black and Orange.
What is your favorite animal? The ones I really like are lions.
What is your favorite book? Wacky Wednesday
What is your favorite TV show? Wipeout
What is your favorite movie? Hercules and Willy Wonka
What is your favorite song? I don't like songs.
What is your favorite food? Chinese food.
What is your favorite drink? juice
What is your favorite breakfast food? waffles
What is your favorite snack? PBJ and Goldfish
What is your favorite outfit? My Mario shirt
What is your favorite game? Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2
What is your favorite toy? trains and Skylanders
Who is your best friend? The super best friend is Kyler and also Charlie
What is your favorite thing to do? Play Skylanders
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the water!
What is your favorite holiday?  I like 2: Christmas and Halloween!
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? I like to sleep by myself with my blankie.
Where is your favorite place to go?  I know this one: Monkey Joe's!
What is your favorite restaurant? Taco Bell and Panda and Arby's
Where do you want to go on vacation? To Granna and Gramp's house and Mickey's Boat
What do you want to be when you grow up?  A Builder!
What did you do on your birthday?  We watched Wipeout and ate waffles.  Then, we went to the swimming pool, and we went Arby's.  Then, we played, and we are going to have a Mario Party tonight! 

July 4th

My big boys spent Independence Day at the beach.

I was at home, sick, with The Baby, Michele, and Stephen.  Our 4th was much less exciting, but still nice.   

Evan INSISTED on getting in his stroller.....MINE SELF...to go on a little walk.   

 Later, we went to the white trash water park. 

 Stephen grilled up a delicious dinner, and was *super excited* about having his picture taken!
  

We played outside for awhile, until the storm blew in.

 It was a good day! (And I was SO glad to have Michele here to keep me company and force me to eat and get my strength back.)

 Meanwhile, somewhere at the ocean.....

The kids made hand-flag shirts, along with every other Pinterest follower. 

Cousins!

 They loved getting "ice cream" and driving around in the golf cart. 

The 4th was much more mellow for us than it has been in the past.  It was more about getting me well enough for chemo.  I am so grateful to live in this country.  Even with all its imperfections, it's the greatest in the world.  Way to go, America!