The Cooper Family

Jackson's first day of 1st grade

2009-08-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Jackson started 1st grade today at a new school, Buena Vista Elementary. He is in Mrs Richards class. One fun thing about his class is that Mrs. Richards brings her little pug Stuart to class with her every day!

Ok Jack smile for me....

come on please smile....

finally a smile LOL!

Mrs. Richards showing Jackson his seat and telling him that he needs to put Jackson C. on all his papers because there is another Jackson in the class. (there are 3 Jacob's)

finding his name on the board

going back to his seat to color

waiting to leave at the end of the day

Donovan's first day of Kindergarten!

2009-08-26T13:16:00.001-07:00

Donovan started Kindergarten today at Buena Vista Elementary. He has been so excited to finally get to go to school! He has two teachers, Mr. Hauge and Mrs. Hare.

Smiling in front of his classroom

waiting in line

saying goodbye as he goes into class

listening to Mr. Hauge

ready to leave at the end of the day

pointing to Daddy with Mrs. Hare

telling Mommy he is sooooo tired

Back to School

2009-08-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

School starts today and the boys are so excited!

Here the kids are before we left to walk to school....

....and on our way!

Mom's Surprise 60th Birthday Party!

2009-08-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

On my Mom's 60th Birthday we threw her a SURPRISE party. It turned out wonderful and she was definitely surprised to see lots of family and friends! My Aunt Linda and Aunt Lois helped out so much when they came early to help Corey and I set up all the lanterns and tables and make all of the yummy food! We made teriyaki chicken, rice, salad, and pineapple sweet potato kabobs. It turned out to be a wonderful celebration!

The birthday girl getting surprised as she came home from lunch and a movie with my Dad

the beautiful backyard (Corey spent a lot of time back there in the last month putting new sod and bark in)

Some friends brought cards, wine, and flowers.

The birthday cake I made. The biggest cake I have ever attempted! It took 4 boxes of cake mix, and turned out so good!

I was so happy with the cake, even the inside looked pretty! LOL

Jessie, Corey, and Bella

Donovan and Jackson had so much fun playing with Ron (Hilary's husband)

The synchro gang

Trip to the Emergency Room X 2

2009-08-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Monday the 10th did not turn out to be the best day for the Cooper household! Bella fell off of a chair in the kitchen onto the tile floor and got a gash in the back of her head. I was in a little bit of shock with the amount of blood, but luckily my good friend Hilary lives 2 doors away and was home to help me. I do not know what I would have done without her! My Mom also jumped in the car and raced here to help. I called Corey to tell him what was going on and he told me he was on his way home in excruciating pain! So I waited for him and when he got here we headed over to the hospital with both of them. Bella ended up with 3 staples and was fine. She didn't even cry when they gave her a shot to numb it before the staples. Corey ended up with kidney stones. Two in each kidney that are not causing him a problem yet, and one that was causing A LOT of pain that he passed the next day. Wow! What a crazy day!

Bella's staples

and even in the hospital I couldn't get him off of work phone calls LOL

Happy Birthday Cake!

2009-08-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Bella's birthday a few days after her birthday with Grammy Bunny and Papa Bob. Bella was so cute she kept calling it not just a cake but her "Happy Birthday Cake".

her cake I made

presents from Aunt Linda and Uncle Rocky, and Grammy Bunny and Papa Bob

self portrait by Papa Bob

blowing out her candles

Isabella's 2nd Birthday

2009-08-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it but my baby turned 2! Here is she is opening her presents up first thing in the morning! We are doing cake in a few days at Grammy Bunny's and Papa Bob's house.

Jackson's 6th Birthday Party

2009-08-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

On July 28th Jackson turned 6 years old! We had a party for him the next Saturday and we did a cowboy theme. All the kids got cowboy hats, sheriff badges, brown paper bag vests (that they decorated), and water guns! The favorite activity of all the kids was shooting soda cans off the back deck with their water guns. They loved it, and I didnt get any pictures of it :( It turned out to be a great day!

The cake I made

trying to light the candles but it was windy

Corey stepped in to do it

enjoying his cake

Grammy Bunny helping out

the parents hanging out outside....

....while the kids pulled up Youtube videos of Michael Jackson and danced inside

We had a cowboy hat pinata

Jack's up first

Donovan

one of few times fixing it because it kept coming off the rope

Maddie

Benny

Kate

Amelia

Nathaniel

finally candy!

Little toes

2009-07-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

I painted Bella's toe nails for the first time, and she loves it! She now asks me all the time to paint her toes. Such a little diva!

Woodlands 4th of July Parade

2009-07-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

We decided to walk in the parade around the neighborhood. It was so nice to see a bunch of old friends there with their kids!

P.S Thanks Staci Ossinger Mierzwa for some of these photos!

Fairy Tale Day

2009-06-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Right before school ended for the summer, Jackson's class had a Fairy Tale Day Festival. I was so glad that I got to help and spend the day with Jack!

Here is my station, making crowns

Jack on the throne

the kids ate a finger food lunch

Julian and Jackson

the tables were setup in a circle with plastic on the floor and the kids got to throw all their garbage into the middle. They were hesitant at first but soon got really into it!

Julian mid throw

waiting to go home with all the fun things they made

Nathaniel, Jackson, and Julian with their shields

Adrian, Jackson, and Julian

Three Piggy Opera

2009-05-29T17:53:00.000-07:00

The kindergarten classes performed a musical about the Three Little Pigs called the Three Piggy Opera. While most of it we really could'nt understand what they were saying, it was still adorable!

cutest pig there!

the big bad wolf

Back to School Night

2009-05-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

The whole family went to Jackson's classroom to see all the wonderful work he has done throughout his year in Kindergarten!

Jack showing us around

Daddy and Bella

Jackson's self portrait

with all his work

Braids

2009-05-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

It is so much fun to have a girl and be able to do her hair!!!! Now I can finally french braid it!

My first attempt

The second attempt (I realized that it was too short for one and I needed to do two)

Just love that little face!

Oakland Zoo

2009-05-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

For the last field trip of the year, Corey went as a chaperone to the Oakland Zoo. Jackson was very happy to have Daddy come with him!!!

Jackson, Laith, and Thomas on the bus

both kindergarten classes

boys waiting patiently

and after a long day at the zoo, some crazy pictures!

Julian and Jack

Julian, Jack, and Thomas

Park trip

2009-05-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Arbalado Park with Jackson's best friend Julian and his little brother Adrian

Bella loves to slide

The boys dug a big hole and buried each other

Julian getting buried

Adrians turn, such a cutie!

After we went for frozen yogurt, what a fun day!

Mother's Day Tea

2009-05-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

Jackson's kindergarten class had a Mother's Day Tea for all of the Mom's. The kids were so excited to have their Mom's there. It was such a fun day!

Mommy and Jackson (the necklace he is wearing is a cute little heart he made in class that he gave me later in the day!)

His placemat

bringing me my sparkling water

bringing me my food

my wonderful treats

reading his paper about why I am special to him

Jackson with the portrait he drew of me

"My mom is special because she tuc me in"

and the picture of me, beautiful huh!

Finally!!!

2009-04-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know I have been seriously neglecting my blog :( In my defense while we were staying at my parents I could not get my memory card to download pictures to their computer. Now that we are in our new place and I have my computer I hope to update a lot more frequently! So here a lot of new pictures and updates on what we have been doing for the last few months! (I don't have the pictures from Halloween or Thanksgiving yet, but hope to update those soon) You will have to scroll all the way back to December to get all the new stuff, Hope you enjoy!

Jess

California Academy of Sciences

2009-04-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we decided to head into San Francisco and check out the California Academy of Sciences. It was a really fun afternoon, and the boys had such a good time!

Jackson was so excited to get there...

Donovan too....

Bella...not so much

in the aquarium tunnel with fish all around us

looking at all the fish

the turtles

the penguins

this little one just kept diving up and down in the water right in front of us.....

Bella loved him!

The living roof

Daddy and Isabella on the living roof

and finally the albino alligator

and the boys after our fun adventure!

If you haven't been to the California Academy of Sciences, I highly recommend it! We had a really really fun day there!

Neighbors

2009-04-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

We recently moved into a new house, and it just happened to be two doors down from my good friend Hilary! The kids love having Colin so close by. Here they are when Colin came over to play. It is so nice to have the Pangilinan family as our neighbors!!

Dinner picnic at the park

2009-04-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hilary and I decided to take the kids to the park for a picnic dinner. Well kids being kids they could not wait to play and wouldn't eat anything LOL. So off to play they did....

Colin, Isabella, Donovan, and Jackson

Hilary helped Bella climb up to the slide while Colin waited for her

ready to go....

whoa! I don't think she was prepared for that one, although Colin is loving it

Jackson and Donovan

Colin and Bella swinging

Colin on the train

Bella in the train

playing in the sand

My little car salesmen

2009-04-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

The boys latest thing is wanting to be car salesmen like their Daddy. They like to put on their button up shirts and put one of Daddy's ties on. The other day Jackson sold me two of his hotwheels, one cost me 2 hugs and 1 kiss, and the second he threw in for free!

Here they are, Donovan even has some of Daddy's business cards in his pocket :)

Easter

2009-04-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Since Corey doesn't have very many days off to spend with us we decided to stay home and have a quiet Easter with just our family. While we missed seeing the extended family, it was nice to have a day to ourselves!

The kids Easter baskets

Donovan and Jackson checking out what the Easter Bunny brought them

very excited about his movie

and hers

Bella ended up finding a lot of the eggs before the boys were even done looking in their baskets LOL, here is her basket

Dying eggs

2009-04-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

Donovan decorating an egg

Daddy helping Bella

Jackson with one of his eggs

Donovan with one of his

Bella putting on her stickers

Bella with her egg

Easter Egg Hunt at Heather Farms Park

2009-04-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

We took the boys to Heather Farms for the Easter Egg hunt. They were grouped by age, so Jackson went with Daddy to one area, while Donovan and Isabella went with Mommy to their area. They had a great time, even through all the chaos of kids running everywhere!

the boys before we left

Bella with her basket

so hard to get them to all smile and look in the right direction, oh well :)

look how cool he is waiting for the hunt to begin

ready to go!

Donovan, sooo handsome!

Jackson with his basket

Bella looking at her eggs

The kids with Daddy....

...and with Mommy

Rumpelstiltskin

2009-01-28T14:47:00.000-08:00

I was really happy to be able to be a chaperon on Jackson's field trip to see the play Rumpelstiltskin at Saint Mary's College! The play was wonderful and we had such a great time!

Here is Jackson getting off the bus with his teacher Mrs. Cuneo next to him.

My little group... Maddie, Becky, Jackson, Laith, and Thomas.

Jackson and Thomas

Katie, Maddie, and Becky

Isabella Ann

2009-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Isn't she just the prettiest little girl ever!

Cutest Cheerleaders Around! Part 2

2008-12-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

The Cal Bears made it to the Emerald Bowl this year. Bella already had her cheerleader costume that she wore for every game this season, but when I found another one (the last one!) on the sale rack at Target that was Mackenzie's size I knew I had to get it! The proudly cheered on the Bears to a 24-17 win over Miami!

GO BEARS!

aren't they adorable!!!

Papa Bob and Kenzie

Jack loved having Mackenzie here for the holidays!

Christmas

2008-12-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day....

The beautiful tree, with tons of presents!

starting to open everything up

Tim, Stacey, Grammy Bunny and Kenzie waiting to open presents

Bella barely looked at any other present once she got her Tinkerbell cell phone

opening up her gift

Mackenzie trying to eat her new toy

new soldier stuff

Donovan concentrating on his present

Jackson was very excited to get WALL-E

Bella with her new carebear

reindeer Kenzie

Bella (still on her phone) and Mackenzie playing with some of their new toys

and the damage after all of the gifts!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

Here is how our Christmas Eve went!

Jack getting the cookies ready for Santa.....

tracking Santa's progress on the computer......

looks like Mackenzie is excited for Santa to come!

The Gingerbread Man

2008-12-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

Jackson's kindergarten class performed a play called The Gingerbread Man. His teacher asked the kids who they wanted to be in the play, and Jackson told her he wanted to be the Grandpa. It was a really cute musical, and the kids did GREAT!

the stage before the kids went up

Jack waiting before the play started

sitting with his friends Ty who is in the other kindergarten class

Lindsay the Grandma and Jackson the Grandpa, aren't they adorable! (Jack chose his shirt, he told me that Grandpas wear button shirts LOL)

Bella got a little restless so we took turns with her

Bella and Mommy

walking around with Daddy and Donovan

when nothing else works....give the kid a cookie :)

the boys enjoying their cookies after the play was done!

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

We decided to make Christmas cookies and let the boys decorate them. They loved it and had so

much fun!

Donovan cutting out the cookies

The finished cookies!

Cutest cheerleaders around!

2008-10-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Both Isabella and my niece Mackenzie have gotten in on the college football action by wearing their favorite teams cheerleading uniforms. Arent they beautiful!

Bella supporting the University of California at Berkeley Golden Bears

and Kenzie supporting the Ohio State Buckeyes

Old CCC Friends

2008-10-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Two of my friends from my CCC days came out to visit. Robin had flown in from Oregon to visit family and drove out to Walnut Creek for the day. Brandi, who lives near Yosemite, drove out too. It was so fun to have all 3 of us together with the kids, we havent been all 3 together since my wedding 6 1/2 years ago, and then before that since we were in the CCC together about 10 years ago! We had a great time catching up, and the kids loved playing together! I only hope that it doesnt take 6 years to get together again!

Brandi, Robin, Jessie

Donovan showing Soren a book

Donovan, Bella, Kiera

We even braved Applebees with all 7 kids for lunch

Kiera, Donovan, Braden, and Jack

Ella, gotta love a messy baby!

Ella and Bella trying to escape

so cute! holding hands on the walk back home from picking Jackson up from Kindergarten

they had fun shuffling through the leaves

Braden, Donovan, Jackson, Kiera, and Bella

Premier Jewelry

2008-10-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

Following in Jennie's footsteps my Mom has decided to be a Premier Designs Jeweler. She had her training party which Sarah Blair was nice enough to come help her with! It was a huge success for her, and she is now booking more and more parties! I am going host one for her on November 20th, so let me know if you would like to come!

All the beautiful jewelry

Sarah doing the fashion show

The boys were so good to stay in their room while the party was happening that they were allowed to come out and see everyone after the presentation. The loved helping Sarah take everything down!

Donovan is 4

2008-10-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

On Monday Donovan turned 4! I cant believe how big the boys are getting! We waited until Daddy's day off on Wednesday to have presents and cake. Donovan got a new bike, helmet, and pads from Mommy and Daddy, and a new movie, some clothes, and a monster truck toy from Grammy and Papa Bob. He loved them all!

waiting to open presents with a crazy hat on (Bella was sitting on the table ready to help!)

such cuties!

Bella getting in on the crazy hat action

so like his Daddy he requested a chocolate cake with chocolate icing!

the big birthday boy

Haircut!!!

2008-10-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY got up enough courage to cut my hair short! It was in such bad shape, and I was very ready to get all of the colored hair off. I am still getting used to it (the girl cut of at least 2 inches more than I wanted!) but it is definetly alot healthier and now all my own color!

Before

After

Day at the Park

2008-09-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

eating popsicles

trying to learn how to throw the frisbee

even from behind she is adorable!

more frisbee fun

and ofcourse some sliding fun!

Spaghetti

2008-08-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

Jackson's first day of Kindergarten

2008-08-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it, but my baby started his first day of school!!! He was so excited and insisted on wearing his Valle Verde Vikings t-shirt!

walking towards the school with Daddy, Bella, and Donovan

standing in front of the gate where he meets his teacher everyday

talking to Mrs. Cuneo on the first day

I had to hold back the tears (good thing I was wearing sunglasses LOL) as he walked away!

he was so cute trying to figure out if he should put his backpack in too, he stood there and watched about 4 other kids before he got the courage to add his in the bin

watching their brother walk to his class

poor Van was devastated that his brother gets to go to school without him (reminds me of Alexis's face on Kailey's first day! to see it click here for Jennie's blog)

Belated 30th Birthday

2008-08-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I turned 30 on Saturday, but because Corey wasnt here we waited until tonight to celebrate. The boys picked out some lotion and body wash for me, and some new shirts, a new wii game, a gift card to Olive Garden for Corey to take me out, and the 2nd book in the Twilight series. My parents gave me a new necklace and earings, and Jen gave me the matching bracelet, and Mom also made me a yummy mudpie. Thanks everyone!!

Mrs. Cuneo's class

2008-08-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Valle Verde to meet Jack's kindergarten teacher and see his classroom before schools started. Mrs. Cuneo had a paper with a treasure hunt for Jack to fill out. He loved it and is so excited for school to start!

finding all the items on his treasure hunt ( there were things like the science center, computer area, bathroom, sink, etc.)

here he is with his finished paper

after he was done he showed it to Mrs. Cuneo who gave him a sticker and some playdough to take home!

Cal Football Fan Appreciation Day

2008-08-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

GO BEARS!!! The Cal Berkeley Football team had a fan appreciation day where everyone was invited out on to the field to meet the team and get autopgraphs. It was a lot of fun.

the boys went in the bouncy house

We took a picture with Oskie, their mascot

the boys in front of the cannon that goes off when the Bears score

meeting and talking with some of the players

Coach Tedford

Kevin Riley the starting quarterback with my Mom and Dad

GO BEARS!!!!

Happy Birthday Jennie!

2008-08-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Happy 30th Birthday Jennie! You are a great sister, wonderful mother, and beautiful person! Hope you have a fun day with your gorgeous girls!

Beautiful Flower Gardens

2008-08-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

The grounds at the wedding we went to were absolutely goregous! Here are some pictures of the flower gardens.

Congratulation Gary and Jennifer Tissue (and Landon too!)

2008-08-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

On Saturday our friends Gary and Jennifer were married. Corey and Gary were in the backcountry trails program for the CCC in Kings Canyon National Park during the summer of 97. The wedding was beautiful and we are glad we were able to share in the celebration with them, their son Landon, and other family and friends!

The newly married couple

their adorable son Landon

Bella would not leave Daddy's side all weekend!

the gorgeous wedding cake

starting out really nice

and then he got her with the icing!

hmmm I think I have some pictures just like this, are you being to see why Corey and Gary are such good friends LOL

taking the garter off with his teeth HAHA

Bella got to dance with Gary during the Money Dance

the gardens there were so beautiful so we took the time to get a family picture

such a happy girl

Landon and Bella (I didn't even know that her colors were hot pink and black, but Bella matched perfectly!)

the gorgeous bride with Isabella

Gary and Corey after a wonderful night of celebrating!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-08-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Mom and Grandma!!!

Beach in Smith River, CA

2008-08-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we left to go up to a wedding in Smith River, CA, right on the border of California and Oregon. We stayed in a small Motel right on the ocean. The boys loved playing in the sand, putting their feet in the water (Jackson actually got knocked over by a wave and got soaked!), and looking for shells and rocks to bring home to Bunny for her birthday!

Mommy and Bella on the beach

Daddy's little girl!

Donovan (not sure what the pose is about, LOL)

Jackson with a shell he found

Daddy remembered the sand toys, FUN!

BOYS!!

2008-08-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love those adorably dirty faces!?!

Martina McBride concert

2008-08-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

On Friday we went to the Concord Pavilion (just cant bring myself to call it SleepTrain, LOL) to see Martina McBride in concert. We got lawn tickets, and took a picnic. It was a lot of fun, but we missed not having Corey with us ):

Mom and Dad

Bella with Grammy Bunny

Papa Bob, Jessie, and the kids

Bunny and Jack

my beatiful girl

The opening acts were Chris Young ( the pictures didnt turn out of him) and Jack Ingram. Both were really good.

Martina was AWESOME!!!!

The kids all fell asleep by the time Martina went on stage. LOL

I held a sleeping Bella while Bunny held a sleeping Donovan.....

and Jack crawled into his sleeping bag, that lump is him (:

What a fun night (minus the walk to the car which was not fun with grumpy sleepy kids) I will definetly have to check out who else is coming there and take the family again!

My Parent's front yard

2008-08-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

We have been helping do alot of home improvement projects at my parent's house.

Corey and I fixed the sprinklers in the front planting area, and my mom and I chose the plants (daylilies, lantana, and purple fountain grass)and planted them. I forgot to take before pictures, but here are some afters.

My mom and I planted some Lily of the Nile around the front olive tree, and Corey has reseeded the front grass to help fill in the dead spots.

Before

After.... the grass is finally starting to fill in, and is sooooo much greener

On the side Corey fixed the grass again by filling in the low spots and reseeding it, and Mom and I planted rosemary and a bouganvilla.

Before....when Corey was fixing the grass

After

Birthday Cake

2008-08-04T10:04:00.001-07:00

Here they are blowing out their candles and Bella eating her first birthday cake! Or maybe I should say playing with her first birthday cake!

here she is eating her cake, the video is a little long (4 1/2 minutes) but worth it, she is just so darn adorable!

(video to come soon when blogger will let me download it!)

she got one wing of the butterfly all to herself!

off to the bathtub

a view of the mess she left

What a cutie!!!!!

Minature Golf

2008-08-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

After we opened up presents for their birthday's we headed to Antioch to play Minature Golf. We all had tons a fun! Papa Bob was the winner with a 49. He had a hole in one on the course, and got another hole in one at the 18th hole to win a free round of golf!

Corey helped each of the boys with their swings....

after a few holes we gave up and just let them do it the way they wanted LOL

Bella hanging out watching us

Bunny

and here is how Donovan golfs, this was actually one of his better holes, usually it took about 30 hits to get it in!

Birthday Presents!!!

2008-08-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we celebrated Jackson's 5th birthday and Isabella's 1st birthday.

Jackson showing off his Nemo card

opening up a word world moon sand kit

Donovan got to open a present up too...

because you need 2 water guns to have a water fight!

Papa Bob helped Bella with her presents

which she loved

such a happy girl!

Here is a video of Isabella opening up her presents, she is such a talker now!

Birthday Cakes

2008-08-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Here are the cakes that I made for Jackson and Isabella.

Decorating a butterfly for Bella

the finished butterfly cake

A big 5 with flames (not the best flames, but not bad for my first attempt LOL) for Jack

Jackson is 5!!!!!

2008-07-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful baby boy! Jackson turned 5 on Monday, and we celebrated with a 2 presents and a cake. Saturday we will be having a party with family for Jack and Bella, who turns 1 on the 7th.

transformers from Mom and Dad

a Doctor Seuss book with 5 stories from Grammy Bunny and Papa Bob

NHRA drag races in Sonoma

2008-07-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we were able to go to the drag races in Sonoma. It was so much fun!

The boys and Papa Bob took turns sitting in a Cory Mac dragster.

Daddy and his baby girl

Here is one of the races. Start....

middle....

and finish!

Bella playing with Donovan's dragster

And this is what happens on the drive home after a long day out in the sun. LOL

Bella is walking!

2008-07-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Bella has been crusing along the furniture since the begining of May, and many times since then has taken 1 or 2 steps at a time. Well today she realized she could do more, and started walking across the room! We are so proud of her, and she is definetely proud of herself as you can see by the huge smile on her face! Here are a few short videos.

she went from walking on her knees.....

to walking across the room

What a fun day!

2008-07-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday Grammy Bunny and I took the kids to Tilden Park for a picnic, a ride on the steam train, and to the Little Farm to feed the animals. After we drove down to UC Berkeley where there are casts of dinosaur bones in the lobby of the Life Sciences building. There were 2 full dinosaur skeletons set up, and 4 skulls. The boys loved it, although they thought there should be more dinosaurs, LOL. All in all it was a wonderful day!

Picnic in Tilden Park

2008-07-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

Grammy Bunny made us sandwich's and decorated the bags for us (:

beautiful Bella having a bottle....

and eating some crackers and cheese

Bunny and Donovan

Jack

Steam Train

2008-07-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Little Farm

2008-07-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

feeding the goats

Bella's turn

looking in at the pig

Dinosaurs

2008-07-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Aspen

2008-07-14T10:02:00.001-07:00

Corey has been working up in Northern California for the last few weeks. He really misses having a dog especially now that he is out in the woods. So we decided to get another dog. A friend knew of someone who needed to find a home for their puppy, so we took her in. Her name is Aspen and we have been told she is a white german shepherd mix. We are not sure how old she is, but think she is around 3 1/2 to 4 months old.

Swim lessons

2008-07-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday July 7th Jackson and Donovan went to Larkey Park for their first swim lessons. Even though I grew up in the water and could have taught them myself I knew they would love to be in a class with other kids. They were so excited and couldn't wait to get in the water! There were 3 other boys in the class, but one was too scared to get in, and dropped out after the first day. The other two were pretty scared and would not even get there hair wet, but Jack and Van immediately did and continue to "bob" under the water even when the teacher is not looking, which completely scares me! Jackson in particular likes to bob and hold his breath for as long as he can until he comes up! Hmmm wonder where he got that from LOL. They went 4 days last week and have 4 more classes next week, and are loving every minute of them!

The first class with their teachers Miss Adrianna on the left and Miss Katie next to Donovan

Daddy and Bella watching from the shade ( it was about 105 out)

getting ready to get in the pool

learning how to slide into the water

Miss Katie holding Van and Jack

Donovan's turn to float and blow bubbles

now Jackson is trying it

playing a game where the teacher is the shark and the kids are suppose to bob under the water and poke her with their fingers

loving the water

Phantom of the Opera

2008-06-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday June 14th my Mom, Dad, Aunt Linda and I went to see Phantom of the Opera in Sacramento. It was so much fun. I first saw Phantom when I was 12 or 13 in Los Angeles. We always got to open one gift on Christmas Eve, and that year our gift was a surprise trip to see the show. It was wonderful then, and just as great 16 years later! Thank you so much to Uncle Rocky who watched the kids for me while I was at the show!

Mackenzie Jill Fox

2008-06-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday May 27th Mackenzie Jill Fox was born. She is so beautiful and I am so grateful to Stacey and Tim for letting me be a part of her birth!

Stacey after she was admitted to the hospital

Tim and Stacey

The new Fox family in the recovery room

Me with my new beautiful niece

Stacey, Mackenzie, and Tim

To see more photos of Mackenzie click here to view the Fox Family's blog

Maunawili Falls Hike

2008-06-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

The day after I arrived in Hawaii Stacey and Tim took me on a hike to Maunawili Falls. It was the hike Tim took Stacey on when he proposed to her! Right after we finished and got off of the trail Stacey started having contractions, and that night we went in to the hospital for Mackenzie's birth.

Me in front of the beautiful stream

Stacey 2 days before her due date did amazing at hiking through the woods

Tim and Stacey

Me and Stacey near the top of the hike

Maunawili Falls

Trip to Hawai

2008-06-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

On Sunday May 26th I was very fortunate to fly to Hawaii for the very first time. I went to be with Stacey and Tim for Mackenzie's birth. While it was very hard to leave my family for 10 days, I loved seeing Mackenzie right after she was born, and spending the first week of her life with Stacey and Tim!

More pictures from the Redwoods

2008-04-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures of the beautiful trees and plants in Prairie Creek

the view of a hollowed out tree stump from the outside....

and the inside

Trip to the Redwoods

2008-04-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

In April we took a trip up to Northern California where Corey and I first met in the California Conservation Corps. We took the kids to Prairie Creek to see the Redwoods. The boys loved it! And we very excited to learn that Mommy and Daddy used to work on the trails there!

Walking the path to Big Tree

My little tree huggers (that one is for you Robin!!)

sitting on Big Tree

The boys had so much fun hunting for banana slugs

There is clover there that is green on top and purple on the underside that has a taste similar to green apples.

The boys were hesitant to try it, but ended up loving it and kept asking Corey to get them more.

Look at how big the trees are compared to Corey, Jackson, and Donovan!

Play park

2008-04-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

In April we went to Colin's 1st birthday party, and the boys had so much fun playing at the park!

Donovan and Jackson with Ryan Rodriguez

Ryan giving Donovan bunny ears

Jack

Donovan

Jack

American Express

2008-04-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

When we were in 8th grade Jennie and I were chosen with the other 12-13 year old girls on our scynchronized swimming team to go to Hollywood and film a commercial for American Express. The commercial only ran a few time but was definetly an experience I will never forget. It was so much fun! Well a few weeks ago Jennifer Stofiel emailed me a copy of it that she had put into a file on the computer. So here it is.....

Duckie

2008-04-11T20:00:00.001-07:00

Donovan has always been attached to stuffed animals. Last year at Easter Grammy Bunny bought the kids some new animals, and Donovan got a chick that he named "Duckie" or "Chompie". Since then this has been his favorite. Donovan has to sleep with him at night, he wants to take him everywhere, and he just loves him. On Wednesday Corey took the boys to J.C.Penny's to order new headboards for their rooms, and Corey let him take Duckie into the store. ( Such a big no-no, I am always afraid that he will lose him, so I make him stay in the car) Anyway, while there Duckie somehow got torn on a bench and thrown away. I then get a call from Corey who tells me what is going on, and I can hear Donovan crying/screaming in the background. I tell Corey he has to find Duckie, so he calls the store and the nice guy who answers went to the garbage and rescued him! Today Corey went back and got Duckie. After I performed a little surgery he is as good as new, with just a few minor scars. Donovan is a very happy boy!

Before

After

Good Guys Car Show

2008-04-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday the 30th Corey and I took the kids to the Car Show in Pleasanton. Considering it was my wedding anniversary I think I should win the Wife of the Year Award. LOL We had a great time!

Here are some of the cars

And some motorcycles

The kids having a good time

And ofcourse the boys talked us into buying them a each a car as we were leaving

Our 6th Anniversary

2008-04-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

On March 30th Corey and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary! Thank you, my love for the wonderful years we have spent together and the many more we have to look forward to!

Tattoos- temporary and real

2008-03-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny brough a create your own tattoo kit for the boys. It had temporary tattoos that you put on, and then markers that you use to color them in.

Donovan got a blue snake on his arm

Alexis chose a unicorn which she decided to be green and blue

Both Uncle Tim and I messed up the tattoos that Jack chose so Tim decided to just draw his own on. Suddenly that turned into a full sleeve for Jack LOL just like Uncle Tim

Corey went last week to DV8, a tattoo shop in concord, and got a real tattoo on his arm

He had Cooper on it for years, but decided to add to it. Our last name, Cooper, means barrel maker, so that is what he got! He still needs to go back to have more detailing of the wood and to get the kids names in the bands of the barrel, but so far it looks great!

Making Easter egg chocolates

2008-03-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

Grammy Bunny bought a fun kit to make Easter egg chocolates with the kids. They each got to make there own egg by chosing which color chocolate they wanted and then painting it in the mold. After we filled the eggs in with the rest of the chocolate, and then they got to eat the one they made.

Grammy Bunny with Donovan as Kailey watches

Jessie with Alexis, looking underneath at what her egg looked like

Grammy Bunny with Megan

Grammy Bunny with Jackson

the finished eggs

Easter

2008-03-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny decided to come early to Grammy Bunny and Papa Bob's house, and came on Saturday. The boys loved finding their baskets and searching for eggs with their cousins.

All 7 kids Easter baskets

Jackson with his new movie

Donovan looking at his basket

showing Bella what the Easter Bunny brought her

Jack looking for eggs

Megan reaching for one

looks like Zoey found a lot

Horton hears a Who

2008-03-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

On Friday Grammy Bunny and Papa Bob took us all to the park for a picnic, and then to see Horton hears a Who. Jennie and Tim have taken the girls to the movies before, but this was the first time my kids have gone to see a movie in the theater. All the kids did great, and Bella slept through the whole movie. It was a cute movie and a lot of fun!

Hilary and Colin

2008-03-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hilary and Colin came over for dinner on Thursday. Jennie, Tim, and the girls as well as my parents came too.

Hilary fed Colin in Bella's exersaucer, he is a lot bigger than she is, and did not quite fit

Colin would tease Jen and I and act like he wanted us to hold him, until we tried and then he would shy away. But when he had his bottle he let Jennie hold him

Hilary, Colin, Zoey, and Jennie

I had to add a picture of the fresh fruit tart I made. It looked so pretty, and was just as delicious

San Francisco

2008-03-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

We had alot of fun in San Francisco. We took BART in to the city, then walked to Pier 39 where we had lunch at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co, rode the merry-go-round, then finished with sundae's at Ghiradelli. YUM!

view from pier 39 of the San Francisco bay

Dave, Corey, Kyle, and Daniel

Kyle in Forrest Gumps shoes with Daniel next to the suitcase

Daniel and Lucy

Bella got her first french fry, which she loved

the kids meal came in cute little boats

Jackson on the merry-go-round (action shot as we are going around)

Donovan

getting off the ride

First BART train ride

2008-03-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

We have friends visiting from out of town, so on Monday we decided to go into San Francisco for the day. The boys have never taken a ride on BART (bay area rapid transit) before so they were very excited about taking the train.

Corey and our friends buying tickets

Jessie with Van and Jack on my lap to look out the window

Jack

Jessie and Van

Peek-a-boo Zoey

2008-03-17T09:38:00.000-07:00

Zoey is so adorable! We had alot of fun playing peek-a-boo over the chair!

Visiting Grandma Sue

2008-03-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

Isabella and I went to Sacramento for the weekend to visit Grandma Sue while all of the family was there. My Mom and Dad, Jennie, Tim and the girls, my cousins David, his girlfriend Lindsay, and cousin Brian and his girlfriend Rachel, and Aunt Linda and Uncle Rocky were all there. We had a really fun time being with all of the family, but we sure missed Stacey, Tim, Corey and the boys!!

Great Grandma Sue and Papa Bob

Brian and David

Rachel and Lindsay

Megan, Zoey, Grammy Bunny, Great Grandma Sue, Aunt Linda, Alexis, Kailey

Rachel has a nintendo where she has 2 ninten"dogs", the girls had fun washing them and playing with them, it was too cute!

Kids, Kids, Kids

2008-03-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

Jennie and Tim are visiting for a week. The girls wanted to hold Bella, and all of a sudden we had all the kids on the couch at one time! Jen and I had to get a picture!

Donovan 3, Alexis 5, Megan 3, Kailey 6, Isabella 7 months, Zoey 1, Jack 4

Haircuts

2008-03-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

The boys hair was getting a little out of control, so Corey decided to cut their hair.

As soon as he started cutting Donovan's hair he moved and a chunk got cut really short, so he had to get it shaved all the way down.

He was not happy about it at first

But after he was fine

Donovan my cute bald headed 3 year old!

Jack also got his cut....

just not as short

Kym and Marc visit

2008-03-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

On Sunday my cousin Kym and her husband Marc came over for dinner. They were vacationing in Napa and were able to visit for the night. My Mom and Dad came over too, and we all had a wonderful evening eating outside in the beautiful warm weather!

Kym holding Bella and Marc talking to Donovan

Donovan playing with Marc

Grammy Bunny trying a bottle with Bella (she still doesnt want anything to do with it yet)

Corey got to try his new barbeque out

Marc, Kym, Van, Grammy Bunny, Papa Bob, Corey, Jack

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

I am such a horrible sister in law who forgets my brother in law Tim's Birthday every year! ): So....

Happy 32nd Birthday Tim!

Beautiful Bella Picture Vote

2008-03-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

We take Isabella in to get her pictures done every month to show how much she changes each month during the 1st year. Because of our crazy February we were not able to bring her in for her 6 month pictures. So I had to get creative. I took a sheet off of the bed at the hotel and draped it over the headboard and propped her up. Now I need some help in deciding which picture is best for her 6 month picture

Here are the choices...

pose 1

pose 2

pose 3

pose 4

pose 5

pose 6 - falling over... still haven't quite mastered sitting up for long periods

pose 7 - maybe we should just go with the chewing on the foot pose LOL

Sunsets by Kyle Varni

2008-02-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

The sunset was so beautiful one night in Raymond that Kyle grabbed my camera and started taking pictures.

He wasn't satisfied with the view though, so Casey grabbed a ladder....

and Kyle took pictures from the roof of Brandi and Casey's house!

CCC Friends

2008-02-26T15:37:00.000-08:00

On the way home we made one last stop in Raymond, California to visit some old friends Brandi, Casey, and Kyle. Brandi, Kyle, Corey and I were all in the California Conservation Corps together. That is where I met Corey 10 years ago. We had so much fun seeing them and watching our kids play together! Kiera, who is 6, would have held Bella the whole time if we had let her! Braden, who is almost 4, is right in the middle of my boys ages. Brandi and Casey have 5 acres, so the kids had a blast going wild on their beautiful property.

Kyle and Corey

Brandi and Jessie

Corey, Casey, Kyle, and Van

Kiera holding Isabella

Kiera brought out her stroller she uses for her dolls and pushed Bella around in it

Braden on the tire swing

Kiera helping Donovan on the swing

Jack with his elephant Allie along for the ride

Jack and Van with Braden on the top

How many kids can we fit?

Kiera

Braden

This is what happens when you get 3 toddler boys together

Lots of mud!!!

Back to the mountains

2008-02-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

On Saturday the 23rd we headed back to California. We went back to Running Springs to visit more with friends, and get some things from our house there.

Jackson, Donovan, and Orion

Hannah, Threse, and Heather

Orion and Aaron

Hannah

We looked pretty funny when we left with our truck full of appliances and towing a chevy monza on the back

Cecil Jo Smith Mitchell

2008-02-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

The reason for our trip to Nevada was that Corey's Grandma Jo was very ill in the hospital. She passed away on February 18th at 73 years old. We are greatful that we made it there in time to be able to see her before she went. She will be deeply missed.

We love you Great Grandma Jo!

Great Grandma Jo taken in June 2004

Jackson just wanted to be with Daddy, so he grabbed on to the back of the casket and helped out as a pall bearer

Carol brought 2 dozen roses for everyone to throw on the casket

Corey and his cousins John and Michelle also took time to visit their Great Grandparents grave site

Family

2008-02-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

The positive of going to Nevada was that we got to see alot of Corey's family.

Scott, Corey, Katie

Jaden, Bella, Jack, and Van

Alexis, Jackson, and Donovan

Isabella, Grandma Carol, and Corey

Dean and Casey

Great Aunt Linda, Corey, Great Aunt Mary

cousin Elaine and Bella

Aunt Leah and Bella

Uncle Rick, cousin Carrie, and Great Grandpa Howard

Great Aunt Judy and John

Uncle Pat and cousin Justin

Corey, Justin, and Carrie

Uncle Steve and Aunt Judy

2008-02-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

While in Nevada we were able to go to dinner one night with my Uncle Steve and Aunt Judy who live in Las Vegas.

Aunt Judy, Uncle Steve, Jessie

Judy covers alot of the shows and openings around Vegas. Check out her reviews at Las Vegas Round the Clock

Steve has his own buisness too check out Trippervision

10 years

2008-02-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

February the 18th was the 10 years anniversary of Corey and my first date! I love you Corey, and am looking forward to many more happy years together!

Chuck E Cheese

2008-02-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

On Sunday the 17th we took the kids to Chuck E Cheese. They needed to run around and get a bunch of energy out after being at the hospice so much.

Alexis, Jack, and Van

Jackson and Donovan having a blast!

Alexis having fun too!

playing air hockey

Jaden with Bob the builder

Mommy and Isabella

Aunt Katie and cousin Jaden

Olive Garden

2008-02-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

Since Corey and I didn't get to do anything for Valentines day, he decided to take me to Olive Garden a few days later. I love love love their fettuchine alfredo, breadsticks, and salad. I am so boring I get the same thing every time, but I love it!

Thank you Corey for taking me to get my pasta!

Donovan, Alexis, Carrie, Corey, Isabella, Janet, Justin, and Scott

Jackson, and Donovan

Jackson

2008-02-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

About 3 times in the last few months Jackson has asked me to write his name for him and he would copy the letters below it. Well while were in Nevada he was drawing on his magna doodle and he showed me the picture and it had Jack written on it. I asked him who had done it, and he said he had! I am so amazed that he remembered how to do it on his own! I knew he knew his alphabet and how to write the letters, but had no idea he knew how to write his name. Such a smart kid!!!

I have no idea what this drawing is, probably the start of a race car or monster truck, he does really good pictures of anything on wheels!