Bye Job

Early May I learned that my internship at R&W would be over at the end of May and that they weren't hiring any new employees. I was so disappointed. I took it personally, of course, even though everyone says 'it's just business' and felt completely dejected. Then 3 days later I went in to say goodbye to Toby and he asked me if I would consider working for him in the fall. He wondered if I'd consider going after the CFP (certified financial planner) certification. I would, so I did. It was a nice exit from R&W - take the summer off, get Madison into kindergarted, Kenz into 3rd grade at their new school, travel to grandma's, not have to ask time off from work, study financial topics that are actually interesting, NOT have to study for another actuarial exam (whew, relief on that one!). What I learned from my internship is that I do not want to be an actuary - I need to work with people, not just numbers. The consulting actuary works way more with the numbers than the people. I want to do both. It was hard for me to switch directions because it felt like I was quitting (I am NOT a quitter) - but I guess sometimes God has to smack you in the face sometimes to redirect you. Financial planning is in my future...

Easter Cruise

Last minute as always, we planned an April getaway that started Easter Sunday. We got Grandma Linda to come down and go with us on a 7 day cruise out of Galveston. Avoiding airfare for the Cooper family is a bonus. We sailed on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas (April 24-30). The ship had a rock wall, Johnny Rockets diner, and a putt-putt golf area. The only thing we actually visited of those 3 was the Johnny Rockets - twice. There were too many other things to do! We visited Conzumel (girls and Dave swam with dolphins), Grand Cayman (saw turtle farm), and Ocho Rios, Jamaica (went to a local beach and played in the sand). But we did take advantage of the ice skating. Mackenzie especially liked it. It was a wonderful vacation!

Cirque, the Fair, and Moving In

In March, we went to see the Cirque Dralion show with the Andertons. It was awesome. Afterwards, we had dessert at Kirby Lane and Brady ordered sauteed spinach. Who knew they served it at 11pm? Good times... The fair and rodeo come to Austin during Spring Break. This year instead of going on a vacation we stayed home and moved in to the new house. As a reward, we all went to the fair and rode rides, ate junk, saw pig races and rode ponies. We love the fair!

Mackenzie's Baptism

February 26th was another big day for us. Papa Tim and Grandma Teddy, Grandma Cooper, Grandma Linda and Papa Steve, Uncle Wade and Uncle Jeremy had all come down to attend Mackenzie's baptism. It was a very special event and we appreciated all our friends coming to celebrate with us: the Andertons, the Tambe's, the Genzers, the Broughs, and Lisa and Meredith Lannan. Thanks to Teddy for all the amazing food and hard work. It was a lovely event and celebration.

Wendy Got ENGAGED!!!

We got the call on Valentine's Day. Mike had proposed at the Valentine's Roller Derby bout in front of the entire crowd. He completely surprised her by talking the announcer into doing an "Ask A Derby Girl A Question" game. Wendy sent us the local news video footage (she's kinda famous around there, ya know!) of the entire thing. She tackled Mike after she said Yes. It was very Derby and it made me cry. That Mike loves that Wendy. I am so happy for them. Wedding date: tbd, but not too long!

Snow, Orlando, and Mackenzie's Birthday

On February 4th, the girls woke up to SNOW! School was cancelled. Meredith came over and the girls sledded and played all morning. Meredith's dad Michael had a bunch of folded up boxes the girls used to sled down our driveway (Mackenzie kept saying how much she would miss that driveway when we moved). I will not miss that driveway - it's quite steep. Here we captured the day. It was a special surprise. The next day we all flew out to Orlando. Dave had a conference there and we talked Grandma Linda into coming out and hanging with us too. We did Epcot first - kicked off by the Princess Breakfast. Later we went to the Magic Kingdom and the next day, Animal Kingdom. For our first time ever (except for Dave), we actually went to Universal Studios. We really wanted to see the newly opened Harry Potter part of the park. It was amazing: the Hogsmeade sign, the train, Honeydukes, the wand shoppe, butterbeer vendors, and singing Veela girls in school uniform. Great rides - loved, loved, loved it!!! Mackenzie decided instead of a regular birthday party to have a sleepover party. She invited Meredith, Kaitlyn Genzer, and Sophia Tenreirro. They made cupcakes, watched movies and got along really well. Happy 8th Birthday Mackenzie!

Remodel Before and After

This is the master bath right after we found out about our sewer leak. Yuck. Coming along and almost done - finally!

Madison's 5th Birthday and Party

January 19th Madison turned 5. She wanted her party at Pump It Up where you move from one bouncy room to the next and then get to sit in the bouncy throne. Done! She invited all the kids in her Canyon Creek Preschool class and all the girls in her dance class. She had lots of friends come and celebrate with her: Addy Fort, Linley Pittman, Jazzy Davis, Emma Johnson, Sadie Cannon, Eden McCall, triplets Aiden, Kylie, and Ashby, Sophia Standerfer, Samantha Genzer and more...