Bridgeland with the Boys

 On another day of Spring Break, we decided to take a hike through the trails of our neighborhood.  Some friends came with us, and it was a boys's dream! 

We threw rocks and sticks in a stream. 

 We ran through the "forest."

 We crossed several bridges and saw a turtle family near one of them. 

 

 We found walking sticks.

 Rocks, too.....

 We had a picnic and played frisbee, chase, and hide-and-go-seek. 

 We even saw a REAL SNAKE!!!! 

Even though there was lots and lots of complaining about the length of the hike, I'm so glad we finished and had a fun time. 

Family Time

Even though it was too short, I'm so glad I was able to spend some time with most of my family while everyone was in town for Grama Sue's birthday.  We had a great time laughing, watching wedding videos, and catching up.  I miss you all already!

We had some professional photos taken before the wedding, but I wanted to have at least one of all of us before we had to leave on Monday morning.  Sorry for springing that on everyone, but I think we look pretty good for no prior planning.   {Jeff, I think there's a perfect spot to photoshop in your floating head---right next to Jules!} 

LCR

Ryan just might have a bit of a gambling problem.

When the kids were almost ready for bed, we decided to play a few quick games of LCR {Left, Center, Right.}  Ryan REALLY got into it.  There were extreme highs and lows and lots of classic lines---"I'm going to win this INSTANT!  You're going to lose this INSTANT!!!"   Also, the *classy*: "I'm gonna win, and I'm gonna toot in your face.  You're gonna to lose, and you're NOT gonna toot in my face."  {Where he gets these things, I have no idea.}  Matt's favorite: "I'm going to win this everyday for my WIFE!"  {He was playing with Nicole.  In further thought, I really think Ryan was saying LIFE, but wife is funnier.}  He was less than pleased when Kyle came home with the big win.





 Evan was trying to avoid a bath, and Gramps was trying to avoid playing a game.  They both got reeled in, respectively.

 Evan got to play while the other boys took a bath.

 Pais read a bedtime story.

Mia got a bath.  

 Evan was avoiding bedtime. 

The kids went to bed and the adults stayed up to play a little longer.  It was a great day!  

Big News

It's official!  The Coopers are moving. 

If the Lord wanted us to move to College Station, I'm sure there was an easier way to push us in that direction than cancer.  Just sayin'.

After thinking about finances, medical bills, and student loan and searching for options, one viable one was having Stephen try to get a job with his brother, with a group in College Station.  We talked and talked about it, but weren't sure that it would even happen, knowing our luck.  We {mainly I} REALLY didn't want to leave our home or this area.  Then, at a point in my journey with cancer, I realized that I had to release my grip and control on life and learn to be more flexible.  If this was the plan that was best for our family, it was something we should pursue.  Jordan put a bug in the ear of his peeps, and Stephen was asked to come for an interview.  The boys got to go to work together:

We met up for a meet and greet later that afternoon and got to know several of the CRNAs and their spouses.  Stephen felt really good about the whole thing, but we weren't saying anything until we had an official contract and knew whether or not it would be worth the move.  Well, that contract came, it's definitely worth it, and we made the decision to move! 

I really wish we could just uproot our home, neighborhood, ward, and area.  I am sad about leaving that, but I know that there are many positive things about this change.  There will be sacrifices, but hopefully those sacrifices will help us for our future goals.

Now we get to start the fun process of selling our home.  I have done a few touch-ups and organizing and even vamped up one of our bathrooms.  And that's about it. The realtor comes by on Monday to help me get the place ready to put on the market!     

We are excited for the new adventures ahead and hope that this move will get us back on our feet. 

Sunday Brunch

 The celebration didn't stop on Saturday night.  We like to keep birthdays going as long as possible in this family, so we had a brunch at Grama Sue's house the next day. 

Purple was a popular color of attire.

 After a great meal, there was lots of relaxing and catching up. 

 Ping pong was on. 

 I always love having so many helpers with the boys! 

 Jules and Michelle sang a song. 

 We hung out some more. 

 We played outside. 

 Ahoy, Skonkdogg!  {He got to catch up with his brothers.}

Another fun morning!