New Playground

I found a used swing, toddler see-saw, and tiny slide for Megan totalling $7. Sometimes her interest in "real" toys wanes quickly, so I didn't know what she'd think of them. To our surprise and delight, these outside toys have beaten the odds and seem to have consistent entertainment value. I almost wish I were tiny enough to enjoy them, too.

Victoria's BIG now. She said so.

Carol invited us to Victoria's sixth birthday party. We joined the rest of her family-who-lives-close-by to celebrate this once in a lifetime milestone. I think the cap guns that went to both Victoria and Calvin were the biggest hit of the evening. Princess dress up dolls and all the accessories that went with them came in very close second, though. :)

Happy Birthday, contin.

Megan got an extra-special birthday package from Miss Rachel. Her new outfit was cute enough to try another photo shoot. These are the two pictures that turned out decently (I thought). Enjoy.

Father's Day 2007

After debating the pros and cons of yet another weekend trip, we decided to head for Nebraska for Father's Day. All the kids (minus the much-missed Kim and Ross) and grandkids got to be there for Curt's dad. The out-of-towners enjoyed meeting Jonathan, Jr. (born June 7), for the first time. We also treasured the extra time we were able to spend with Janice before she headed home for Russia.

Spring Calves

Just a few minutes before we left for a Nebraskan Father's Day, Megan had the opportunity to help Mr. Aldo feed the calves.

Gwin Reunion

Aunt Joan and Uncle B graciously hosted a week long mini-reunion at their home in honor of Grandpa Gwin's 90th birthday. Children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren came and went as their schedules allowed. Curt and I were able to be there from Wednesday night (actually, Thursday morning) through Sunday afternoon. Curt reconnected with aunts, uncles and cousins he had not seen for years. Sarah and Megan had fun meeting many for the first time.

Megan Turns Two.

Trumpet fanfare and ticker tape parades did not accompany Megan's second year celebration. We were in between trips to IL and not sure where we would be on the day, so we opted for low-key. She got candles on a brownie and strawberry ice cream for dessert at home. She also went to her first week of Sunday school (no more nursery for this big girl). We got to use Happy Birthday plates and blow up several balloons; Megan seemed to have a good time. May all her birthdays be so simple to put together. :)

Memorial Day

We were glad to catch most of the Cooper Memorial Day celebration. Grandma and Grandpa Cooper have now been married for 55 years. Their consistent example of love and faithfulness provides their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with an incredible heritage. As many of us as could make it gathered at their home for good company, conversation, and (of course) food. Megan especially enjoyed observing new bugs with Miranda. The hallmark of this particular holiday was a host of ever-clicking cameras. Every single moment was captured digitally by at least one person. Even Delaney's bee sting and a string of half-empty plates were preserved for posterity. We should have headed for home before we did, but the extra time seemed worth the tiredness at the end of the road (at least, to me...but, I wasn't driving).

Icing on the Cake

I got to see my friend, Faith, at Katie's graduation. I hadn't seen her in years, and the unexpected reconnection was sweet.

Katie's Open House

Graduation took place Friday night with a short receiving line for all the graduates shortly afterwards. Mom and Dad hosted Katie's actual open house the next afternoon at First Baptist. Many friends stopped by to congratulate the graduate and sample the delicious food. Megan took her afternoon nap in Mom's classroom across the hall from the reception. People gathered around the window to comment on her sweaty curls. (I thought about charging admission, but we never got around to actually doing that.) As was fitting, Katie was the true star of the day. 'Twas a pleasant afternoon.

Tiny is the top of her class, too.

Megan wants to be just like Aunt Katie when she grows up. :)

Katie's Graduation

We were excited to be able to attend Katie's graduation. She did not enjoy everything about her high school experience, but she finished strong. During the graduation ceremony she gave a well-crafted valedictorian speech and performed beautifully in a piano duet with one of her classmates.

We're so proud of you, Katie, and we look forward eagerly to whatever God has for your future!

Katie's Dream Job

During the lull between Hobby Lobby duties and the full-time responsibilities of her summer factory job, Katie got the chance to do something fun for profit. She played the mall piano in front of the coffee shop for tips. By all accounts she did quite well at it, too. We got to stop by and hear her on her last Friday gig while we were in town for graduation. Megan encouraged elderly patrons to part with their hard-earned money by dropping change into Katie's jar herself. She also kept asking to "dance with Aunt Katie." (Please note, that Aunt Katie was too busy playing the piano to do any of this alleged dancing. :) Katie's impressive repertoire included many different genres. Most Fridays she played for four hours or so with few repeats. We all enjoyed opportunity to listen. Way to go, Katie.

Milo and Otis

Megan's favorite movie, hands down.