The Cooper Family: 2014

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Christmas Crafts and Activities

Brayden really enjoyed making Christmas cookies and treats with me this year. He loves to be a part of what I am doing and help me, but I think most of all, he loves to eat the treats when they are done!

Both kids had a great time with our Christmas crafts this year too.

First up, candy cane ornaments...

Second up, marshmallow snowmen.

I think some of the enjoyment in this craft might have been eating the marshmallows ;-)

And some birthday party fun at Boomer's!

23 Months - Brooklyn

I know I say this every month, but I really can't believe that Brooklyn Louise (aka: Little Miss Independent and Lovebug) will be two next month! When you ask Brooklyn how old she is, she responds "I be two in January" while holding up her index finger on each hand. It is the sweetest thing!

Brooklyn can pretty much say everything these days. Some words are easier to understand than others, but she usually gives all words a try. Brooklyn still loves to play Mommy with her dolls, but she enjoys playing with her dollhouse, her little people, and Legos too. Brooklyn also enjoys doing crafts, playing with play doe, and dancing!! Anytime, anywhere, as soon as this girl hears music, she immediately stops what she is doing and starts dancing! We just love it! And she can sing lots of the songs too!

Brooklyn has been very independent lately as well. She insists on using pull ups and putting them on herself. She also insists on getting herself dressed (socks, pants, and shirt) and putting on her on her own shoes, coat, hat, and gloves. It is wonderful that she is learning and wanting to do all these things on her own, we just need to make sure that we are allowing plenty of time!!! ;-)

Brooklyn is also beginning to potty train herself too. Over the past few months, she has shown interest in the potty, but would never really go on the potty. However, the past few weeks, she has started to go on the potty more and more! We will see, no rush, all in her timing!

Brooklyn is our Lovebug! She loves to snuggle and give hugs and kisses. And boy does she adore her big brother!!!!

Happy 23 Months Baby Girl!!!

Daddy Time

Such a good dad staying up late to sort his son's legos...

And build a lego table and space shuttle!

Such a good dad taking the time to play battleship with his son...

And build train tracks with his daughter!! :-)

Thanksgiving 2014

Keeping with tradition, we spent Thanksgiving morning at home and then traveled down to Dan's grandparents at the kids nap time. We then spent the afternoon and evening with Dan's family and enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner too!!

The kids always love playing the piano at Great MomMom and PopPop's house and Aunt Lisa enjoys "teaching" them!

Thanksgiving 2014 with a 22 month old and 4 year old

(And a happy husband because the Eagles won)

Thanksgiving Show

The week before Thanksgiving, Brayden's preschool hosted the kids Thanksgiving show! It was beyond adorable to see the kids singing and dancing to the festive songs! However, I think the most priceless thing was listening to them one by one hold up their drawings and tell the audience what they were thankful for!!! :-) Following the show, there were yummy treats and some time for fellowship. It was a wonderful morning!!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Brayden - November 2014

Some Brayden moments from November...

Enjoying our new favorite treats from Kilby's - Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Balls - a local creamery that delivers farm fresh milk, eggs, cream, ice cream, and meats.

Discovering Nana's jewelry box! :-)

And introducing Fleece! Fleece was given to Brayden at Sunday School last weekend and is his best pal! Brayden loves to snuggle and play with Fleece !!!

Brooklyn Louise - 22 Months

On November 6th, Brooklyn Louise was 22 months! I feel like she will be two before we know it...the months of November and December always seem to fly by with the holidays! Everyday Brooklyn amazes us with the words that she can now say and the sentences that she is starting to put together. Brooklyn still loves her babies and is such a great "mommy" to them! She also loves to play "house" with her little people and the little people dollhouse! Brooklyn usually plays so nice with her toys and is starting to show an interest in her brothers legos and trains too!

We love you sweet girl!!! :-)

I pray each and every day that you two always choose to love each other, laugh with each other, and enjoy each others company! May you always realize what a special bond siblings share!!!

Drawing and Crafts

I love capturing pictures of the kids artwork...especially when it is something that they have created completely on their own!!!

This is the first time that we have seen Brayden draw a person. He has been able to draw a few shapes for awhile now, but he has never had the desire to draw a person. I just love his first stick-figure drawing of himself! :-)

I really enjoy searching for, planning, and preparing fall and holiday crafts for the kids. First up for the month of November (fall and Thanksgiving theme) was Corn Maze.

I opted to have Brooklyn stick with stamps for now :-)

Brayden's completed corn!!!

Family Fun

On November 1st, we had a family fun day, which included checking out the new trampoline park in Wilmington and then taking the kids to the mall for lunch and to get new sneakers.