Fruit N Berry Patch

Adam and Holly at the Fruit and Berry Patch

Family shots at the Berry Patch

Craig and the kids

Another summer favorite activity: picking fruit at the Fruit and Berry Patch! Last week we took the family and two good friends - Holly and Adam to pick berries and peaches.

There are many reasons why we like going out to the patch - it is good family time and it is wonderfully refreshing to be outside in the quiet, natural surrounding.

Last week we had a wonderful evening with the family and Adam and Holly. We took a picnic dinner and stayed until dark picking peaches and blackberries. Hopefully we will spend many more family times together like that.

On another note: this week our family had a crazy bout of sickness and Holly served our family by staying with the children all night Sunday and all day Monday. Then she proceeded to come down with the stomach flu herself! We're very grateful for Holly!

Cooper Family Night

Recently we celebrated our monthly ritual of Cooper Family Night with Stuart and Jenny. The evening was filled with pool time, outdoor play and yummy food thanks to Jenny. We love these times as a family and always look forward to the next time.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the World's Best Husband/Father Duo! I am convinced that I am the luckiest woman alive. Craig, you are such a wonderful father. Karis loves to be with you. She has caught my craze for you. And Joshua thinks you're one of the best things around.

The way you lead our family is exemplary and you give us such a compelling example of Godly character, that it is a delight to follow you.

I can relate to Susanna Spurgeon who said of her husband C.H. Spurgeon while they were engaged, "I believe God Himself united our hearts in indissoluble bonds of true affection, and, though we knew it not, gave us to each other forever." I echo her sentiments. I love you!

To Our Fathers:

We hope you have a wonderful Father's Day. Thanks for all the wisdom and stength that you posess.

Larry/Dad: You're a true southern gentleman - kind, considerate and very loyal to your family. Your zeal to care for others is very inspiring.

Dad/John: Your zest for life is very refreshing. You keep up and even out pace people half your age! Your laugh is contagious, and people enjoy being with you. You make life fun!

Thanks to you both for loving us and caring for us these 29 years. We hope you both have a wonderful, restful day! Wish we could be there with you in person.

Happy Father's Day!

Haircut

Karis has a new haircut. She loves it and tells everyone about her new "hair-tut"! When she saw herself in the mirror after getting it cut, she said," Oh, how cute, I love it!"

Happy Birthday Scott!

Today marks two special occasions:

Scott's Birthday and the day Craig asked me to marry him - eight years ago!

But, I wanted to draw attention to Scott and wish him a very Happy Birthday!

I can't remember meeting Scott. I know there was a time when we met, but I was a shrimp as he always called me growing up. I may not remember meeting him, but I have an arsenal full of memories!

A few favorite memories:
snowball fights in the unfinished addition to the house
passing the baton of loving U2 - and the red poster sized letter u and number 2 in your room
walking to Meirs Pool
swiming in the bay
catching crabs off the dock
racing in Bombacharger over the waves behind the tankers in the bay - sorry Dad - bet you didn't know that one!
sneaking around Mr. Mason's yard and breaking his hamock
Family Game!!
Duke Basketball - go Blue Devils!
Your wedding - no one will forget that night! What a party!

I love you and hope you have a wonderful Birthday!

Spaghetti and Strawberries

Here are a few "Messy Photos" - Joshua loving his spaghetti and strawberries!



Karis at the strawberry patch!


Aaron at the strawberry patch





Joshua has discovered the love of Spaghetti! The boy can shove it in! I think it is perhaps his favorite meal at the moment. Needless to say, it is also the messiest meal that he eats. But, he will eat anything if it has spaghetti sauce on it. His aversion to peas was conquered when I disguised them in his spaghetti and sauce. I'm thinking about investing in one of those smock bibs!


On a recent trip to Maryland we picked strawberries with my mom, sister and the children. I think the two boys ate their weight in berries. Sadly, strawberry season is over as quickly as it began, but I am looking forward to blueberry season in a few weeks. Only, blueberries don't make for any messy mouth photos. . .

Enter Blogging World

Greetings from the Cooper Family! This is the first post in our family blog. We wanted to be able to keep in touch with friends and family near and far, and figured this would be one way that we could try to do that. Hopefully through photos and stories, we will preserve a record of our family events as well as put a smile on the faces of grandparents, aunts & uncles and friends alike. Thank you for sharing in our life and family!

This is a photo from last summer of our family (outdated I know). Future posts with current and new photos.