My 38th Birthday Trip to Charleston

Friday May 20th I escaped to visit Wendy for my birthday. I am also going to go see my first derby bout with Wendy as the star, Red Dread. Me, Wendy and Mike hung out at the beach, ate out, played at the derby, and celebrated me turning 38. Awesome trip - love you guys!!!

Madison Graduates from Canyon Creek Preschool

It is truly the end of an era: after 6 years of traveling to and from Canyon Creek Preschool around 4 days a week, Madison is almost done. She has loved her teachers this year, Ms Lindsay and Ms Kirsten, and her room full of boys (10) and a few girls (4 - including Madison). I was hesitant to leave her is a boy-filled room (again!) but it worked out okay. I am looking forward to kindergarten but am not overlooking the fact that the baby-days are over. Madison enjoyed the graduation cap and all the attention. She is a sweet, sweet love of a daughter.

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!