Jones Crew

Eight Months

2011-09-02T15:47:00.088-06:00

Baby B had her 8 month photo shoot at the beach. Niki was so great to take the kids pictures. To say we miss our friends in Texas is an understatement. They were the best part of our summer, and the beach was a definite second. Berkley is a sweet, sweet baby. She is patient, happy, and such a cuddler. She waves bye, but with her hand open to herself. On my bithday she waved, blew me kisses, and said "uh-oh" for the first time.What a perfect gift to Mom. I love this darling, and I never want to forget those thighs!

Cooper is the ultimate beach bum. I swear it is in his genetic make up, there is a connection that can't be denied. And, he has the hair to play the part. I don't know who will miss the the beach more, it was so fun to watch him in a state of pure bliss.

Kortney

2011-07-31T22:43:00.001-06:00

It was an event worth paper chaining. We couldn't wait. How many more days? We knew for two weeks that she was coming, and it took forever, but the day finally came. Kortney came to town! I had been planning our activities from the second she told me she was spending her vacation time with us.

This was not on the itinerary, so I kept talking to Korty and keeping her up even though she was falling asleep and so tired from traveling. Didn't she know sleep wasn't on the list?!

Kortney became my extra arms, which meant this little lady was always in them.

And then boot camp started. Kortney was determined to get that Berkley moving.

The beach was one of our first stops.

Kortney said to me when we pulled up, "I don't even like the salt water." I laughed outloud! She was already tanner than everyone there, so she was happy to hangout under the umberella with her buddy.

Many sweet treats were consumed...

And much shopping was done. We hit up all my favorites.

GAP

Norstrom (Semi-Annual Sale, woot-woot)

Forever XX1

Basically filled up her extra suitcase with lots of goods, and then some.

Ate at Five Guys.

Went to Harry Potter.

Got some waxing done.

Laughed hard.

Said good bye.

Missed her as soon as we dropped her off at the airport.

Kortney, if only I could afford you as my personal assitant. I'd keep you around always.

Then again, your diva ways may rub off on the children. Wait, too late!

Thanks for coming to TX, we love your guts!!!

The Fourth Continued

2011-07-21T16:17:00.000-06:00

The church had a pancake breakfast in the morning, so Ryan got to come with us. We were one of the first families to get there, which is a little embarrassing considering we are always late for 9:00 church but early for 9:00 breakfast! The kids got to ride in a mini parade afterwards. Cooper says to me when he saw his bike that morning, "Mom, look! Look, my bike. I looooove it!"

That night we loaded up and drove to Kemah to watch the fireworks from the boardwalk.

Cooper and Jack with their light-up swords.

Laura and I rode The Pharaoh's Furry, which instantly turned me into a 12 year old. I laughed so hard I cried. Screamed lots too.

Love Ryan's pose. He was making fun of us girls. Why do we always bend and lean for a picture?

He got to ride the airplane twice. He was over the fireworks in like 20 seconds, but is still talking about this ride.

Cooper was in Ryan's arms all night and Berkley was in mine. I loved getting to soak up the night with my lady.

We had a happy Fourth of July!

Fourth of July Celebrations

2011-07-21T15:26:00.002-06:00

The ~~Fourth~~ Second of July was kicked off with a super fun carnival that was TOTALLY FREE. Cooper jumped on blowup toys, tested out the fire truck, rode a pony, and loved the petting farm.

We ate, and ate, and ate. More sugar was consumed that day than on Halloween x 10! Cooper was happy to say the least. I can't even remember how many sno cones and ice cream bars we ate, all I could think about was the blazing heat, so why bother counting?

Cooper and Jaycee got their faces painted and ran all over the place together. They will hold hands all by themselves and couldn't be cuter together. We are missing them since they've left, Cooper says to me, "Mom, I lost my Jaycee. I lost her. I no can find her." Berkley was a gem, and hung out eating watermelon and sno cone ice. She is our little sweetie (except for when she locks her grip on Cooper's hair) and makes outings like this so easy with her mellow personality. We had a great time and didn't spend a dime, can't beat that in my book!

Special Delivery

2011-07-20T12:31:00.000-06:00

We went to check the mail.

Found TWO packages!!!

Felt like Christmas for me and the kids.

First Time Ever Eating a Fruit Roll-Up

First Book Just For Berkley

Snack-Aholic

We were over the moon with all of our new stuff, but even more special was the feeling that we were remembered. I cried, of course! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa and The Tolmans, we will never forget it!

My Babes

2011-07-08T14:57:00.000-06:00

Isn't this what summer is about? Berkley and Anna say "yay!"

You Never Know What You'll Get At Costco

2011-07-01T22:17:00.000-06:00

We are regulars at Costco. The security guard even knows us. There are the samples, the hotdogs, the churros. Can't forget the shopping, and it's air conditioned. So, I'm down for a trip most anytime, except Saturdays. It's like bumper cars, but not as fun. Well, guess where we ended up the other Saturday. Coop was asleep in the cart, but it didn't last long. I grabbed a sample for him, hoping it would be my save-all because he was not happy when he woke up. It went from bad to worse when he dropped his spoon. I couldn't flip the cart around with all the people, so I pulled the cart to the side and ran back to grab a new spoon. It couldn't have been more than ten steps away. As soon as I turned around, I looked to my cart but couldn't see it. I keep looking. My heart starts to race. I am pushing past people. Oh, I see my cart, but I can't see Berkley. I am feet away, still pushing past people, and no Berkley. I get right up to my cart and I still can't see her. What I do see is the back of a little old lady wearing a hat, with both arms wrapped around my baby and her face smothering Berkley. I kindly (I think I was soft, but I was pretty much stunned at this point and couldn't honestly say) pulled her off my baby. Berkley, whose face was COVERED in pink lipstick kisses, literally cheek to cheek and forehead to chin, well she was all smiles. And the affectionate stranger didn't think there was a thing wrong with what she was doing. She wanted to have a conversation about Berks, even though she didn't speak much English. There was a Costco employee in the crowd of onlookers, and he was more upset than me. He walked with us until checkout and went on saying,
"...THAT is not okay," "you need to wipe her face really good on the left side, ugh she just kissed all over her." "What if she is allergic to her make-up?!"
Oh man, I'll admit that it took me until the car to actually laugh about the whole thing. But with Berkley, it's like she has a sign saying "Love Me" on her. She is always winning people's affection. I guess for some, kissing comes before small talk, or introductions for that matter.
Lesson Learned: take a picture of the kissy face before I wipe it clean.

These Two...

2011-06-16T15:46:00.101-06:00

...make Father's Day special. The kids have just been so fun, Ryan and I both have found ourselves wishing we could just freeze Cooper and Berkley at this stage right now. So the perfect gift for Father's Day was my best effort to do just that, with a tribute to their Dad for the occasion.

Ringing the Bell on Year #4

2011-06-14T07:15:00.003-06:00

1,460 days of marriage.Each one has taught me something. We are always learning, but together. And I am happy to start and end my days with the man I married.

Berkley tagged along for our date this year, and this is the only picture that we took. Guess who has Ryan's heart these days.

Beach Bums

2011-06-07T11:14:00.001-06:00

We spent the day at the beach on Galveston Island this weekend. It was Cooper's first beach experience, and to say he was in heaven is an understatement! He could spend every day there. We all had a great time. Funny thing is I thought I didn't take very many pictures while we were there, but this picture overload says otherwise.

Gator Tales

2011-06-03T21:50:00.009-06:00

The other weekend, "Alligator Park" was our stop. Alligators roam free and you get right up close and personal with them. Cooper LOVED it.

Looking at this picture gives me the same terror I felt just thinking of him ending up in the water! Cooper was feet away from the water's edge every time I turned around and those alligators were within an arm's reach at times!

Cooper's new thing is to avoid eye contact with the camera when you tell him to "SMILE."

He does a good job at it :)

Referring to the gator under those lily pads, He says to us, "I punch him with the stick"
Is this how Steve Irwin got started? Crikey!

Palming that watermelon

Evie, Jaycee, Cooper
Total buds this summer, we are so glad they are here.

Cooper was all about petting the babies. "Pet him Mom, he's not mean, he's nice."

Right before the attack of the wild turkey! That pic cracks me up.

There's those rolls I know and love!

Armadillo - "little armored one"

2011-05-29T22:22:00.002-06:00

Met an armadillo today. As out-of-towners, we were captivated. He couldn't have cared less about us. That is until he realized we were actually there (armadillos apparently have terrible eye sight). Then he panicked, did a surprisingly springy jump, and made us scream like a bunch of little girls! Ryan and I spent the evening looking up armadillo facts. I know so much about them now that I am too embarrassed to share.

Introducing...

2011-05-22T20:43:00.019-06:00

On December 2nd, Berkley officially joined the family!
7 lbs 15 oz of sweetness

She came 5 days late, but she was worth the wait.

She was the longest newborn, just a string bean!

I started playing dress-up with her and haven't quit, and I don't plan on stopping.

3 weeks old at Christmas

Family of four now!

Our little lady didn't get any down time to adjust to this new world, she just got thrown into our busy life and was toted around to 7 different states in just the first 4 months of her life. At this rate, she'll have traveled the world by age 2!

Cooper missed out on one of those trips. We left him in Idaho with Grandma (where he had a full schedule of fun, and his mom had the harder time being away from him)

And we jetted to Hawaii!

Berkley was a quick learner, takes after her mom's hobbies already

Can you believe she came with ready-made-pigtails?!

Next, we said good-bye to UT and Ryan headed to TX for work...

and we took off to ID for one more rendezvous with the fam before we headed south.

Baby B's daily agenda was to get over her RSV, but you would never know she was so sick with that smile always on her face.

Our Cooper was pretty sick too, but with those fun cousins around he seemed to be distracted from it all.

We gave sickness the boot and flew to our new home sweet home,
Houston, TX

We are really enjoying it here. We have been busy, basically, we are professional time burners.

Ruling from her throne

Studying up on his genealogy

Proving that rolls are in fact a stylish accessory

Getting too close for comfort

Living the lifestyle of the rich and famous

5 months and growing out of her carseat

Happy to be together

A Little Hiatus

2011-05-16T20:49:00.034-06:00

I can't believe it has been over a year since I posted. It has been decided that we are really great at making memories, but pretty much terrible at recording them! At least it's never too late to change. So here is to a new and improved me because I have the internet again (oh how I've missed you World Wide Web).

Cooper has turned into a little man, and for my memory's sake, this is how it happened. Here is last year on fast forward.

We packed up and moved to Colorado for Ryan's work. We were never short on family with the Jones Clan close by!

These boys ran wild

Museums were frequented

Cousins cleaned up for memorable photo opps!

There were many firsts for the Coopsters...

First bike, or should I say trike

First bowling night, disco ball present

First major battle wound, that chin made him look tough all summer

First campout in the wilderness of Grandma's backyard

First love. Cooper still includes Remi and Tank in his prayers.

Summer is my favorite, and last year's was full of the classic events.

Faces were painted

Storytime was held

Favorite outfits were sported

Grandpa's "tractor" was tested

Boating was most enjoyed

Protein shakes were consumed

And muscles were built

In short, we had a BLAST! Then it came time to move back to Utah. We said good-bye with a baby shower to top off our summer.

September meant Cooper turned 2

October brought the cutest beach blonde giraffe we've ever seen

Then November rolled into December. Grandma came and we waited for our latest and greatest addition to come. Of course, like her mama, she came late.
To Be Continued.

We've Been Busy With Fun

2010-02-10T13:50:00.006-07:00

As of late, we've been loving winter. This year has been one to remember. Partly because of Cooper's age, and then so many fun things to do, each week seems to just fly by.

All of the family (well, almost all of them... we missed the CA serms, Grammpa, and Kort) spent the day bording in Idaho. The kids did great... it was like a day at the cabin, except it was a lodge! Thanks Gramma for watching them so we could go!!!

We stink at taking these kind of pictures! Okay, I stink at it, I'm the one holding the camera.

He doesn't have to try, he is just CUTE!

So happy that Mom is making him do a VDay craft and then takes 100 pictures to document it.

Handled shots like a champ. Barely cried. Ryan and I both had to hold him back from kicking and hitting the nurse, makes us proud that he is a fighter.

He refuses to take these mittens off. We ventured to the mall yesterday sporting these. It was almost 50 degrees.

Strawberry Pocky makes zero messes. Chocolate Pocky makes HUGE messes. Learned that one the hard way ;)

Snowboarding, again!!! We've been tons this winter. I think I need to plan all future pregnancies around this activity, it has been SO MUCH FUN!

Two BDay parties in one day.... Reagan's Clown Party

And Logan's Dinosaur one. They were so silly, and Cooper was beyond happy to be hanging out with all of the older boys.

We can be found at the pool at least once a week. Only once did I forgo the schedule because I was worried his hair was looking a little green that week. Cooper absolutely loves the water!

They have these sack-swings at IKEA and I want one for Coop's room, how fun would that be to have?!

The best thing about living in UT is that there's always a reason for family to stop in. I had a blast with my mom and sister last trip... come back soon!

Logie-Doegs We Miss You!

2010-01-27T12:51:00.004-07:00

We had my 4 year old nephew, Logan, stay with us last weekend. It was a trial run at being a family of four, and, I'm proud to say I think we could do it! He's so cute, I'd just take him and call him my own. We had a blast... I miss the sound of him and Cooper laughing down the hall!!!
We love you Logs!

Wiz Kid

2010-01-12T13:00:00.002-07:00

He already acts too cool 4 school. Every single day he amazes me with how smart he is... Our current subject of study, going "poo-poos" in the toilet. He does it at least once a day!

Our Favorite Christmas Gift

2010-01-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

He is all we could ever ask for.

Hibernation Break

2010-01-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

"Hey Cooper, want to go outside today?"

It's been awhile since we've had any vitamin D, so we opted for a day out in the snow.

New snow boots? Got em

Walking in them? Took some practice

(Getting boots was a crazy story, but thanks mom for shipping us some! Note, do not wait until it snows to buy boots in UT, the children's capital of the world, they will be non-existent, extinct... only remnants of what might have been a shelf full of them will be found.)

Four layers later, we are ready to hit the hill!

Baby Gap, are you hiring?

It was one of those sunny winter days with the mountains covered in a fresh snow, and we thought, "why not try out Cooper's sledding skills?" Check out how this 1st timer did...

Oh shoot! Better luck next time I guess... maybe we'll save the jumps for trip #3 or #4

Roll Call

2009-12-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Super Heros? Check

Wild Animals? Check

Mystical Creatures? Check

Do you remember, the 31st day of October?

You would if this little monster came knocking at your door,

And if you laughed so hard, you got the hiccups,

And if you saw the BEST pumpkin carvings ever (inspiration for next year's competition, watchout)

And if you got to spend it with some pretty fun people,

then you'd remember.

We had a Happy Halloween!

Just don't judge us for being 2 months behind, we've been busy having too much fun... you'll see!

Someday...

2009-12-01T20:01:00.001-07:00

There will be time for THIS and blogging. Until then, au revoir!

I MISS YOU ARIZONA

2009-11-19T13:49:00.001-07:00

This is for all you' alls (you know who you are)!!! I am counting down until we are together again, making up "new moves" (I'm all out of contributions for at least a year, someone else's turn!)

There's more AZ pics to come, and maybe I'll even get so caught up that I'll put some pictures from HALLOWEEN in.

Cooper's Wedding Dance

2009-10-26T14:20:00.000-06:00

Like I had mentioned, Ryan's younger brother, Tyler, got hitched this last weekend! The day was jammed packed and it flew by. There was dancing at the reception, and I caught this of Cooper during one of the slow songs... he wasn't done with the fast song that had just ended right before!

Always Half Dressed Or In A Mess

2009-10-26T14:14:00.000-06:00

We went to CO for Ryan's little brother who got married there, it turned out beautiful. But, in the process of packing to go Cooper was left to roam so that I could get things done...

the cost of packing = a roll of toilet paper

He didn't know I was watching yet...

Caught in the act! The face of my criminal... and believe me, he KNOWS not to play with the toilet paper. Doesn't the stunned look tell you so? DunDunDun.

This is the noise that goes with this shot, "uhh, uhh, mama, mama" How is he ever going to get into trouble when he is this cute? Not today anyway!

Like I said, always half dressed or in a mess! These slippers usually stay on, and maybe a diaper if we're lucky. Usually, he is pretty close to the nude, these are the modest shots ;)

This is the pre-wedding attire... he sported it while exploring Ry's house in CO. He loves all the new decor to get into trouble with!

Cooper, what does a duck say?

"cack, cack"

He learned the ASL sign for flower because of this arrangement... he kept going to it and touching his cheeks the whole weekend. The Coop's is pretty smart!

Do You Here the Pitter-Patter of Feet?

2009-10-19T13:19:00.000-06:00

Hmm-hmm, so I know it has been awhile since I've updated the blog, and if you have tried to email, or even call, you probably haven't gotten a response... SORRY! Busy? Yes, we had double-trouble knocking at our door, we were moving and sick! Oh you better believe we were riding the self-pity bus, it stunk, royally!
But, I am happy to report that the moving pains are fading, and the sickness has transformed into the occasional cough (cross our fingers it stays that way).

Since our last post, Cooper has started sporting da' SWAGGER of a kiddo who can now keep up at the playground-- he is walking! It's pretty cute, but I still haven't gotten used to having him on my heels in every room of the house, that little stinker follows me everywhere. That is, until we get outside, then I am the one chasing him... I believe we have just ushered in "the chasing years." Does this count as working out at the gym regularly???

Here are a few pics of last month's highlights, prepare yourself, they are exciting!

We go to the park daily, please winter never come!

We got ourselves in over our heads with the canning this year... if anyone ever asks you to can their boxes of peaches while you're at it, kindly refuse ;)

At this point we are obviously slap-happy, too much inhalation of syrupy-fumes!

Oh yeah, Cooper has discovered the fridge... His snack of choice, apples from the bottom drawer, I keep it stocked because I couldn't be happier! Thankfully, he doesn't ever notice the Mt. Dew...Disclaimer, it's Tyler's

Love this pic... we were at the new Draper Temple for Jac's wedding

1 Year Old.... We Did It!

2009-09-16T11:53:00.000-06:00

One Cute Birthday Boy!

Let the festivities begin!

Party Favors of Choice: Cupcake Pops

(Someone please stop me from eating the leftovers!)

Some of our attendees, thanks for coming!

Opening gifts was so funny. Every toy was LOVED by EVERY child there... at exactly the same moment in time! Sharing? A concept for 2yr olds?

Don't worry, he isn't timid... Cooper + Cake = Great Friends (Or Big Mess)

Happy Birthday Cooper Mason, We Love You!

2009-09-02T13:37:00.000-06:00

We have become regulars at the petting zoo this summer, so I thought I should post a couple of pictures this time because it is one of Cooper's favorite things to do. He was super cute on the pony, he'd lean forward and pat its neck and point to me and point to the pony, talking excited jibberish the whole time!

Mia came along with us this time, she knows almost all of the sounds the animals make so she had us laughing!

If Cooper could talk, I know he'd ask if we could take this lil guy home... and I would say YES! So stinking cute!

What you can't see is that Cooper's nose is just as runny as the cow's

This would be the infamous cow who licked Coop's face last trip! It was the biggest tongue I have ever seen... GROSS! What do you do? Cooper just froze and looked stunned, haha!

My Muchkin :)

The Countdown!

2009-09-01T21:48:00.000-06:00

12 days until The Coopsters is 1... Oh, I didn't know it would go this fast!

Forever 23!

2009-08-27T14:47:00.000-06:00

Usually, I try to keep my posts focused on the most interesting member in our family, our nino... you know, like if he is growing another tooth, saying another fake word, or making us laugh; however, I decided that the amount of fun I had on a particular day this week just couldn't go unnoticed. So, I am going to be a one-way street and talk about me this time! It was muah's BDay this week, the big 23, haha! I seriously had the best time this year.

Confession: I am that person who pretends to not like all of the attention, but truthfully, this going to be a shock to most of you, I revel in it! That was hard for me to admit, haha.

Anyway, this year I had turned over a new leaf (not on purpose), and I wasn't even counting down to the infamous 08/25. Must be the effects of good 'ol motherhood. Yet, it was the BEST 25th of August that I can recall! My mom and lil' sis came down to celebrate, and, SURPRISE!!! They brought me the gift that keeps on giving.... canning supplies! It was the 1st thing they put into my arms, even before a hug, and I'll admit I wasn't at all excited. In fact, I couldn't even fake it and hide my lack of interest. I had always been a fan of the canned goods, but being already canned was one of my favorite parts about them. When I woke up on the main day (to a hubby-cooked breakfast), my mom and sister had already been out since 6:30 a.m. to buy fresh beans for the morning event!

I'm sure you've already guessed it, but I had a change of heart! I LOVE CANNING!!! We made delectably delightful dill beans. If you are a pickle-lover, and you like-a-da-spicy foods, then these little green fellas are your friends! Mmmm,mmm.

Who knew so much joy could come from a pint sized jar???

The fun didn't stop there, we went out to lunch, shopped, and came home to Ryan's thoughtful festivities! 1st off, he didn't just wrap up some gifts, but he hid them around the house to build up the suspense. Funny thing you should know, Ryan's pet peeve is bad breath... Dill beans don't come as a flavor for Crest Toothpaste for a reason. He got me, among other things, a toothbrush and mouth wash! Touche' hun.

To end the evening, we went to the park where Ryan had invited a group of our friends to play... (in the voice of Nacho), volleyball, one of my favorite things to do ebberyday! It was a little humbling because we were all horrible, but we stayed until we couldn't see the ball anymore... So much fun! Thanks everyone for coming and sharing with me! And thanks Mom, Korty, and Ryan!!! It makes me want to be XXIII forever!

Going Private

2009-08-20T23:10:00.000-06:00

So I had a girl's night out tonight, and some scary blogging stories came up that have convinced me to make our blog private... better safe than sorry. Just send me an email so that I can invite you to view it still, charliemjones@live.com

2009-07-28T15:16:00.000-06:00

Rewind, Here's the Highlights

2009-07-28T15:01:00.000-06:00

I feel like I've been playing catch-up for way too long now, maybe I should just accept that this is my new permanent state of being! The summers get a little crazy at our place. We have had maybe 2 weekends alone this summer, we are either out visiting or have visitors every week. Just call us Hotel Jones-- don't get me wrong, we LUV-LOVE it! But, 4th of July (you know, like almost a month ago) was so fun that I couldn't not write about it! We had 2 b-days... shout-out to Grandma & Grandpa!!! We went boating, ate lots of food, ate more food, took a pregnancy test... which came back as a "NO," but I took two just to be sure... wonderful news! :) Hahaha, but to Corrine, Debbie, and Mamie who are expecting, CONGRATS!

I am laughing looking at that picture of us because a week ago it would have been a polar opposite! "Why," you might ask. No, it is not because we are standing instead of crouching. No, it is not because Cooper is tan and we are white. All good guesses; however, it would be because we came down with a mad case of Hades-sent food poisoning, Ugh! This happy family was pleading to give up the ghost all in the name of relief! Well, I might be exaggerating... actually, I'm not. It was horrible! I would give you all the gorey details, but I'm not sure we are that close... only a select few get that privelege ;) Lucky, lucky.

2009-07-19T10:38:00.000-06:00

June, July? Where'D You Go?

2009-07-18T12:52:00.000-06:00

So, we have been gone so much this summer that I don't even know where the months have gone--Seriously! Between our time in Colorado, Lake Powell, and Idaho, we have hardly even been in Utah. It has been super fun, and I wish I could write about every detail, but I can't seem to find the time, so this will have to cover it!

Let's see, Cooper took his 1st tubing ride in Lake Powell, and no surprise-- he loved it! If you know Cooper, you know that he is lacking in the fear department, which has concerned his parents... Yesterday he threw himself out of his crib, at 10 months old! So, having a kamikaze for a son has lead us to believe that extreme sports could be in his future ;)

I never knew that Ry was such a great fisherman... too bad I don't like to eat fish, and I really don't like carp! Maybe next trip we can catch fish that don't eat our leftovers!

It stormed almost every day we were there, and one of the worst ones took our lil' kungfu panda! We watched it get thrashed down the canyon, thinking we'd never see him again. Yet, he survived-- a good samaritan returned him to us!

Don't we look like safe drivers?? Infant driving, no seatbelts, dvd player on the dash, and a pillow for when you get tired-- no worries, we were stopped!

Before we went to Powell, we were in CO for Ryan's family reunion. It was fun to see everyone, and for lots of them it was their first time seeing the Coopsters! That meant, I got a break from packin that little load of bricks around ;) Hey, I think we should have one of these every year!!!

Cooper loves anyone his size-- and his cousin Joey is no exception, they are pretty cute together! Next time we see him will be funny because Cooper is now crawling and can follow him... poor Joey!

We stayed up at Stacey and Garrett's house, and their 5 girls LOVED Cooper! A small part of me is hoping they never have a son so that Cooper can always have their affections ;) Needless to say, we had a blast with all of the family and can't believe it's already come and gone!

2009-06-02T11:43:00.000-06:00

AZ In A Nutshell

2009-05-29T09:55:00.000-06:00

"A-to-the-izzo, Z-to-the-izzay"... If you hear me, AZ, I heart you! There's something about swimming with palm trees and desert heat that fills me with endorphins. Combine that with a family that knows how to have a good time, and vwalla-- you have the perfect vacation! Our trip was filled with many-a-highlights, so here goes sharing a few. First off, who doesn't love a herd of friendly giraffes? We made a stop at the zoo, and my affections went out to my fellow long-necked creatures. Let us all pause to admire their long, limber, slender necks--Very statuesque, wouldn't you say?!

Cooper and Truman finished the trip as friends instead of foes, which was a major triumph considering their history! Some passerbyers even thought they were twins, haha... Disclaimer: I never said AZ was full of intelligent people.

Favorite Zoo Moment: Watching the family of Orangutans! The lactating mom was there to put on a show... she shocked us all by quenching her thirst with several squirts of her own milk! Brooke, a fellow lactating mother says to the zoo keeper (with absolute concern), "do they not have fresh water for her?!"

At the children's musem, they had all sorts of FUN stuff, but my fav was the forest of foam noodles! The sign said "No Running," but what child under the age of 5 was going to stop and read that? So, like they say, "when you can't beat em, join em!" We Ran!!!

Cooper had his first swimming pool experience on the trip. It took a while to make sure every inch of his white (or "celestial" ;) skin was lathered in sunscreen before we let him bare it all out in the Arizona sun, but it was worth it. I had to laugh though because my Uncle Larry sat and stared at Cooper the first time he saw him, then after a little bit he looks at me and says, "this kid doesn't have even a hint of hispanic in him!" To understand you have to know that none of my family in AZ burns, they brown!

FAVORITE MOMENTS:

Brooke: Talking to Milo who has just told everyone he wants to marry a hispanic girl so he can keep the blood in the family. Her response, "You'll kill two birds with one stone, you'll get a wife and a maid!" Hahaha, you should have seen my Auntie Frances' face when she heard that one!

Logan: Yells from the back seat as my mom accelerates in crazy traffic, "Grandma! Slow Down!" And what about all of the thug-liners he learned, like "Peace-out" while he flashes a gangsta sign, and "Bweak-it-down" when he starts to dance!

Reagan: Little Reag found his first love on vacation, his cousin Sophia! They touched belly buttons and shared a kiss, or two, or more!

Kortney: "I don't remember driving thru Zion's National Park on the way here." We woke up on the drive home to find ourselves stopped at a toll booth to the Park! Kort had taken a wrong turn (to her credit, my mom was half asleep and told her to turn), and Kortney kept driving in that direction, all the while thinking, "In the 20 times I've driven this route, I don't ever remember these mountains." But, she kept on driving!

Mom: I'm not going there because I want to be invited on the next trip to Arizona!

We had a blast! My cousin Milo graduated while we were out there, so we had an excuse to eat lots of food, stay up late, and make fun of each other! Alas, we made it home to Ryan, who was so excited because Cooper remembered him!

2009-05-11T14:40:00.001-06:00

Cooper Loves A Crier

2009-05-11T14:07:00.000-06:00

We were at the hospital this weekend because our good friends just had their baby girl, and Cooper thought it was hilarious every time she would let out a little cry. Whether that was an endearing form of Cooper's affection or a twisted sense of humor, we're not sure, we haven't decided... but it was kind of funny! So here's a video of the tail end of it. Thanks Afton and Matson for letting us visit, and your daughter is BEAUTIFUL!

Cooper Meeting Taylee!

2009-05-11T13:53:00.000-06:00

Bows Anyone?

2009-04-29T10:20:00.000-06:00

There are prolly 100+ things that I should be doing right now, and blogging, sadly, is not one of them. However, I'm throwing my duties to the wind, opting for clean clothes and groceries tomorrow, all in the name of hair bows. I've taken up a new hobby, making hair bows, ugh-em... bebe chica hair bows. Yes, I know what you're thinking. I don't even have a girl, it's true. But, some day there might be a mini-me in the fam, and I'm all for preparedness! Ha, okay... that day is at least a decade off as of yesterday (Cooper blew out of his diaper 2x's). So, I know a lot of peeps having lil chicas, so any excuse for me to create and craft is all I need!

I know, some were better than others... it was rough at first

One of my favs

Pretty cute, huh

The finished product, Afton, this is your gift!

Many thanks to my male model!!! We had to try them on for sizing, I'm so cruel.

Easter Sunday-Funday

2009-04-24T15:38:00.000-06:00

So this Easter was up in Idaho, and Cooper had his 1st EGG COLORING EXTRAVAGANZA! It's the kind of thing that only happens at a grandparent's house because it was a mess (thanks grandma & grandpa for sacrificing your kitchen, it was a noble cause)!!! But he and Cuzin-Tru were so stinking cute... Cooper was mostly interested in crushing the eggs, and Truman wanted to eat them :)

Afterwards, the little men chilled in the bathtub together. This picture just makes me laugh, they look like they know they've been caught doing what their mom's wish they wouldn't do, haha-- they are all BOY!

Coop's 5th Month

2009-03-09T23:48:00.000-06:00

Favorite Place: In Front Of The Mirror!

2009-03-09T12:21:00.000-06:00

Say ,"CHEESE!"

2009-02-23T16:42:00.001-07:00

MISSING CHILD:

2009-02-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Name: Cooper Jones
Description: 5 month old, male infant. Blonde hair (growing in a natural mohawk), blue-blue eyes, and two front teeth. Also, has recognizable rolly-polly arms and legs with extremely dimpled bum and thighs. Usually happy and smiling. Child has been replaced by devilish screaming look-alike who is possibly teething. Large reward for return of our happy Cooper. Please, we are desperate!

Our Beginnings...

2009-02-18T12:20:00.001-07:00

Baby Cooper

2009-02-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

COOPER!!!

2009-02-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

Our lil' man is not so little anymore! He just had his 5 month birthday on the 13th, which means one more month until he gets to eat some real foods! We're going to make a BIG deal out of it cuz he is just dying to have a little somethin-somethin... He thinks it's the best thing in the whole wide world when he gets to munch on those tasteless teething tablets, so I just know he is going to shoot the roof when he tries some squash! Among Cooper's favorites right now are sippie cups, being in the buff, being in the buff in the bathtub, mickey mouse clubhouse, and when Dad comes home (that's one of Mom's favorites too)!

Confessions of a New Blogger

2009-02-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

OK, so I am not quite sure why everyone thinks that "motherhood" is synonymous with "blogger," because it's not, but all you alls have broken me! Here I am, BLOGGING! I can't believe it. Never say, "never," right? I know, I know... I am pretending to hate it and I am secretly going to LUV-LUV it, but that's beside the point. I just figure it will save me the time I'm spending sending out weekly e-mails to family and friends. So, just maybe all of you are right on this one, but not yet-- not today. I still need time to complain.... Wait... Little bit longer.... Well, alright that's enough. Confession, I am totally STOKED!!! I feel like I have a hundred things to blog about, and Cooper only sleeps for so long. So, I will be sparing you the painfully detailed posts about the last two years of "The Jones Crew" life, and I'll work on the short-n'-sweet version!