As you begin to think about how to celebrate our country's birthday this weekend consider this... http://www.bouhammer.com/2009/06/someone-more-important-than-michael-jackson-died/
This Fourth of July please remember to pray and support our troops.

The Cooper 50th Wedding Anniversary - Raystown Lake, PA

This past weekend I was blessed to fly to Pennsylvania to join in the celebration of my aunt and uncle's golden anniversary. There were over sixty family members attending including many of my aunts, uncles and cousins who I had not seen in twenty years. It was a very happy and special reunion with them all. I will be posting more a lot pictures later more later.

This morning we are up bright and early to get on the road to Corry, PA near Lake Erie.

Having a fun motorcycle ride with Uncle LeErin!

Little Sycamore Canyon Hike

Yesterday after getting off work (Short Fridays) I joined Abby, Michael, baby Kate, Jeri, Chrystal and Paul for a nice hike. We drove over to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park to hike in Little Sycamore Canyon. It was cloudy but not too cold. The trail took us by Barbara Lake and up to the top of a hill with a spectacular view. It was nice to hang out and enjoy the afternoon with friends. Baby Kate is getting bigger and bigger every time I see her. Up at the top of the hill Abby fed her some yummy squash and cereal. After we got back we drove to Fountain Valley to have dinner with the Henigmans. It was good to see them again! We had dinner and then enjoyed talking and playing the piano. It was a fun fellowship time.

Today was the twentieth day in a row with lower than average temperatures. June gloom is in full bloom! I am beginning to think that this is the year that forgot summer. I miss the warm sun!! Regardless of the lack of warm weather and sunny days I am trying to make the most of it.

Last Friday the whole "gang" came up for the weekend. It is always fun to have everyone around. After a late lunch at Margie's favorite restaurant, Chick-fil-A we all headed up the hill for a nice walk and fun evening together. The highlight of the day was Margie losing her first front tooth. She is getting so big!

Saturday was a lazy day. Our original plan was to go to the beach but since the weather was not cooperating we had to change the plan. So David, Timothy and Jon went for a bike ride, Aunt Sara took Christine and Abby to a play, and the rest of the girls ran a couple of errands at the mall and browsed a couple stores in downtown Fullerton. We ended the evening with a yummy barbecue at Grace and Jon's. Sunday we all went to church and then enjoyed lunch together at Soup Plantation. Mom, Christine and Abby stayed on since they are on their way to Pennsylvania for the summer. They were up bright and early (5 AM) to get ready to go to the airport. I will be flying out there too soon. I'm really looking forward to it =)

Memorial Day Weekend

I am so thankful for the many brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I am humbled and so grateful for your service and sacrifice.

Along with celebrating Memorial Day I spent some wonderful days with all the family. Saturday was a fun and relaxing day with the kids. We first went shopping for Monica's birthday and then when to Grandma's to spend the rest of the afternoon in the pool. The weather was really nice since it only got into the nineties. Early Sunday morning I drove to Yuma and went to church with Frank, Greg, Donna and the kids. That afternoon we had a wonderfully, delicious barbecue and met some new friends, Sharon and Mark. We had a great time in the pool and sharing a meal together. Monday drove back to Imperial for lunch and to celebrate Monica's birthday. Thankfully, the traffic was very light coming back and I made it home before 9 p.m. tired but happy.

Congratulations to Vernon!Vernon delivers packages and office supplies to us from Central Stores everyday. He always has a smile on his face and a very pleasant and joyful spirit. Well, he has just completed the adult degree program and will be graduating this Friday with his Bachelor's degree. At work today we all surprised him with a delivery of our own...a gift and card for his graduation.

Ladies Spring Tea at Grace
It has become an annual tradition for me to help plan and be a part of the Spring Tea at church. This year the theme was "A Moments Rest". It was exciting to be part of all the planning and to almost sell out on the first day tickets were on sale. One hundred and four ladies were able to attend and we had enjoyable time of fellowship. Rose Marie help me host a table and together we had a great time decorating it and setting it all up.

Celebrating Mom on her day!
This Mother's Day weekend Grace, Jon and I drove down to Imperial to celebrate. We all gathered at Timothy's place for delicious "sancocho de gallina" (a delicious traditional Colombian soup). It is always so fun to get all of the family together. We cooked, ate and laughed together. Later on Saturday night we drove to Yuma to have a nice relaxing time at Donna and Greg's. Sunday lunch was back in Imperial for more yummy sancocho. Happy Mother's day to all the amazing moms in our family. Love you all!

Busy, busy, busy...

Life has been very busy... or should I say work has been very busy. It's sometimes hard not to think of work as "life" but there have been a few occasions to celebrate. Yesterday, amidst all the Banner training we managed to get away for lunch to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Also, this week Dave, Megan, Steve, Robert and Don all had birthdays! This weekend is Mother's Day so Grace, Jon and I will be driving down to the desert to celebrate with all the moms! I am really looking forward to that =)

Happy 15th Birthday Christine!

I love you very much!