Biking

We are biking a lot around here. Cooper's confidence continues to rise. Today Riley, Wyatt, Cooper and I went to a nearby school to ride around during a sun break. We also played hopscotch and Cooper played on the playground a bit. Riley enjoyed running after Cooper on his bike.









Later Cooper wanted to ride out front so we did that until it started raining again. At about 5 pm he started riding out front and wanted to take a walk. I got on my bike and we rode our neighborhood route for about an hour.
Today I watched Wyatt because Waylund went fishing. He took Luke with him and won't be home until 9. We miss our brown baby but I am sure he is having a blast.

Beach Weekend

We spent the weekend at the beach and we lucked out with great weather. Cooper rode his bike all over and can now get started on his own. He is really proud of himself and wants to ride everyday, rain or sun.
The dogs loved the beach too, Luke enjoyed playing with Riley and meeting other dogs. We walked/ran a lot, watched movies, played games and had a great time.

Reading

Auntie Sonya bought Cooper these three books a few years ago and he loves looking at them. There is a tractor book, construction vehicle book and fire truck book. Tonight he read all three to us at dinner. I captured him reading us the fire truck book on video. Thanks Sonya for these great books!

Field Trip

Cooper's class went to Trader Joe's today for a field trip. The kids met Captain Hutch who is a parent alumni from Tillamook. Both of his sons attended, his oldest was in Teacher Anette's very first class at Tillamook. After a brief circle time on astroturf the kids broke into two groups.






One group checked out the back-room where the boxes are crushed, the walk-in freezer is located and the Trader Joe's artist works. Every Trader Joe's has an artist that does all the signs in the store, they make signs for the upcoming holidays, etc.
The other group enjoyed some snacks and got to run the registers. There were yummy snacks, some of their new items like freeze dried mandarin oranges and zucchini bread.
Cooper enjoyed running the register.









Final photo with everyone and we headed back to school.

Weekly Wrap-Up

This week Sharon received her official start date for her new job. She gave her resignation on Friday and her first day of work is April 3. To celebrate we are going to the coast this coming weekend for three nights. I am so happy for her and she is excited for this new adventure and opportunity!

At preschool this week, I snapped this picture of Cooper and his friend Graham drawing before class.










Cooper and his friend Emory played cowboys on Wednesday and rode the rocking horse we brought downstairs.





On Saturday I went to pick up some free toys for a friend at a basement sale. While I was there I filled up two bags for Cooper too. He loves this Lego train I brought home.






This is a big week, last day of tap class, last day of swim class (I think he will be moving up to the next level after the break), and a dentist appointment. Then we have spring break week. I enrolled Cooper in one camp, a half day, for one day. It's at the Playground Gym, we had a birthday party there a week ago and he had a great time. Hopefully he will like it without me there.
After spring break, Sharon starts her new job and we have Cooper's cousins coming to visit for a week during their spring break.

Thoughts by Mama

Some thoughts about Cooper, by Sharon. She told this to a friend recently.
[He] Cooper says some really funny things. He is getting very independent. He is very proud of all the things he's learning. He dresses himself ( most of the time!!)
He loves to play with his cars, puzzles, sandbox, and now his bike! He loves to be outdoors. He loves his family and his extended family which includes Holly and Dory. He is such a blessing and a joy....& takes a lot of energy!

Sharon

Two more biking videos

Okay here is the first day, first moment when Cooper rode his bike.

Here is the second day. This was Friday. He rode to Aunt Janet's house and back with Larkin and I walk/running to keep up.

Weekend Activities

This weekend besides riding his bike, one of Cooper's classmates had a birthday party at the Playground Gym. This is a great venue to have a party, the staff do fun games with the kids and the adults get to watch and socialize.
Here is Cooper and his classmates.






Saturday night I had a concert with the Gay Band and Janet watched Cooper. It was a good concert, everyone enjoyed it we had dessert afterwards.
Sunday was a lazy, daylight savings day. Cooper and I went to the park with the dogs and his bike (see Cooper bike riding) post. Sharon painted the outside hallway upstairs and landing area. We had Sunday dinner with our friends and our longtime friend Jim joined us too. It was a lovely evening.

I signed Cooper up for a nature
Camp this summer in August at a State Park in the city. I think he will enjoy it, it's half days for one week. They will learn about the forest and specifically beavers.

Cooper Biking

Cooper is pedaling away now on two wheels. The day of the full moon, Thursday, he tried it out and took off. He's been riding everyday since. Here are two videos of him.

Cooper and Luke

I was trying to get a photo of Luke sitting next to Cooper. By the time I took the picture, Luke moved on to laying with his ball next to Cooper. They are the best of buds.

Preschool Days

Today I was a parent helper at Cooper's school and I got to spend the whole morning outside. It was a glorious day, the sun was shining and I did not mind being outside. Cooper also played outside all morning with his friends. I snapped these pictures.

Cooper and a friend talking in the sandbox.


Cooper climbed this structure a few times.


Cooper and another friend on the tire swing.





The morning started out with just a few kids outside, then most of the boys came out. By the end of school, we had all the kids out and skipped closing circle for the sunshine.
It was a glorious day.

Park and Bike Riding

We hit the park today briefly before running some errands. Cooper had a fun time in the playground.










Sharon raised Cooper's training wheels so he could get the hang of balancing while pedaling. He was apprehensive to get on the bike. He finally did get on and had a great time riding around.

More finish work

This is the dynamic duo installing the shower accessories.

Lying

Lots and lots of lying at our house lately. It's actually funny and upsetting. Here is a recent dialogue. Me, "Cooper why did you let Luke in the kitchen?" Cooper, "I didn't do that." Me, "I know you opened the door to let him in." Cooper, "I did it."
It's funny because I know it was him so I know he is lying. It's upsetting because he is doing it all the time. Today he lied about everything. I know this is a phase and I hope it ends soon.