Happy 5th Birthday Kooper!!!

I can’t believe Kooper would be 5 years old! Sometimes it feels like yesterday and then there are moments when I wake up in the morning and think, was it all a nightmare, did I really have a son that died? And then I am back to reality and it did happen. I miss him so much. He is a special part of our family.  I found this quote and I feel that it is soo true! I can’t remember who the author is.

When your child dies, everything hurts- every part of your mind, your body, your heart, and your soul – every cell in  your body aches from the tips of you hair to the tips of you toes. It’s as if every tiny molecule within you is screaming to protest, “No, no, no this can’t be true!”

I am glad that the pain I felt is gone. I never knew how to describe it until a few months ago when I read this. Every once in a while it comes back but only for a short time. A good cry and talk with God or a close friend or family member makes it feel much better. I know that I will see him again. I know that he is in a better place just not the place I wish he was in. I know that there is nothing I could have done to change what happened. I know that things happen for a reason and he is up in heaven doing work that couldn’t be done here on earth. He is my son. I am proud to be his mom and I look forward to the day that we will be reunited and I can hold him in my arms again!

 

For his birthday we decided to go to the movie Despicable Me 2 as a family and then we went to the cemetery to let balloons go. Luckily the guy gave us an extra one because one popped on the way there!

 

Yes, Kade is sitting in Kamryn’s booster! Kamryn wanted to sit in the back in Kade’s booster!

      Keegan let go of his balloon a little early, so I let him do mine!

        

We ended our night sharing the cake I made for his birthday with our friends the Dunn’s. They just welcomed a new baby girl Mallory into their family and we are so happy for them and the safe arrival of their baby!

Kade’s Baptism

Kade wanted to wait until we went up to Utah to get baptized so that more family could attend.

  

Ryan’s Mom and stepdad Jeff were able to come along with his Grandma and Grandpa Simmons all the way from Montana!

  Kade with our family and my parents. We had lots of family come and we are so glad that could be here for Kade’s special day!

Ryan baptized Kade while my uncle Terry and my Dad were witnesses and made sure he went all the way under the water. Then my Dad confirmed Kade a member of the Church. It was a very special day and we are proud of Kade for making the decision to get baptized. He didn’t make the decision lightly and took his time really thinking about his decision. He is such a special boy and I am so glad he is part of our family!

Had to get a pic with Grandma John since we only got to see her for a couple days!

Utah Part 2

WE went to Boondocks and swimming in Ashley’s pool at her apartment complex and also to the Logan pool while we were up in Utah! The kids had a blast! Kade spent all his time on the Go-carts or playing laser tag so i didn’t get many pictures of him.
       
We were sad to go! The kids love the weather and love to see family and cousins!

Independence Day!

On July 3rd the kids played in the sprinklers and then we were off to the fireworks!

The next morning we were off to the parade. My younger sister Ashley has a friend Kasey that lets us come watch the parade in front of her house!

     

VEGAS BABY!

Soooo I get to be a part of this fun adult dance group! We went to a competition in Las Vegas. It happened to be the same week we were in Utah so I flew down to Vegas for a couple days!

 

Me and my roomies! And then Bradie and I in our Granny gear waiting for awards!

 

 

And we did win this trophy and were invited to perform our Granny dance again the following day! I sadly couldn’t stay and perform the next day! Missed my girls! I think we won most entertaining?? I can’t remember!

After the awards we went to lunch at of course…a BUFFET and then went to hang out by the pool before I left! THe pool was sooo nice, wish I could have stayed longer!

Utah Trip Part 1

   

CJ and Harley were so excited to see each other! Hard to tell but Yes, Harley is actually sitting on the couch!

The kids LOVED to be outside! The weather was warmer than normal but to us Arizonans it was PERFECT! The kids worked on their swing!

I got to hold my new niece! She is such a sweetie! Love her! The kids loved holding her too! 

Kamryn, Keegan and Maleaha are little buddies! They have lots of fun playing together! Keegan calls her Lee-ya. So silly! And yes this pic is taken at Crown Burger! YUMMY!