Shannon's World

Libby took this picture and for some reason it resonates with me . . . a quick, unplanned glimpse into our lives. Mike’s headed out to check the steaks that are cooking on the grill and I’m changing Cooper’s diaper.

We’ve been having a lot of fun visiting with my mom’s two brother’s that are in town. We enjoyed a big family dinner at our house, lunch with the ladies (and Cooper!), a visit to the farmer’s market and lots of good times and laughs (picture a 62 year old with his first iphone).

Special thanks to my Mom for having Libby over for a slumber party on Friday night while Mike was out of town. It was a treat for Cooper and I to have some 1:1 time! Special thanks to Mike for coming home a day early so we could enjoy a lazy Sunday as a family.

Here’s Cooper in the Red Sox onesie he wore for his Great Uncles Mike and Mark.

Mike braided Libby’s hair before bed the other night and unlike other times he’s done this, she actually kept it in. The next morning I asked her if she wanted me to redo it and she did. I did a quick (messy) french braid and she liked it. She even wore a french braid to school…if only I can get her to wear pig tails again – I miss them dearly!

Libby got the cutest flip flops from our friends the Cartwright’s – I just love them and think I’ve figured out how to copy them (I make hairbows that are similar for Libby).

We added a 4th chair to our porch and I think it looks perfect.

We’ve had a lot of special memories over the last 8 weeks, but I think this is one of my favorites. . .I’ve never heard Cooper “talk” so much – he’s crazy about his big sister!

While I was capturing this serenade this song (Luckiest by Ben Folds) was running through my head…it’s so, so true: I am the luckiest!

Cooper made his first trip to Oliver Winery and the IU campus today. My Aunt and Uncle are visiting from Rhode Island and we thought they might enjoy some tasting at Oliver…we had a lot of fun. I was able to try the Sangria I mentioned a few months ago and it did not disappoint; I bought two bottles. It was a treat to be able to enjoy one of the bottles with Betsy. I added a peach, raspberries and blueberries to our glasses and it was delicious! Betsy and family were driving home from a long weekend in Tennessee and stopped at our house for a break. It was great to see everyone and introduce them to Cooper.

My dear friend Laurie (I think I’ve known her for 20 years which is just freakin’ scary to think about) made these adorable shirts for the kids – she took a sewing class and practically the next day was making amazing creations. She’s thinking about doing a craft fair and needed pictures…we’re always up for a photo shoot!

We had a great visit with one of our favorite sitters today. Miss Lauren leaves for college this weekend and we are sad to see her go. This was Lauren’s second time meeting Cooper and he was all smiles for her!

Cooper’s making the Grandpa Cross face in this photo..cracks me up!

Thanks to my sweet girl for reading to her little brother while I ate my lunch and read some emails. . . she is the best and I am so thankful for her everyday. We enjoyed a busy day for a non-school day. Splash park in the morning with friends (Avery, Grace, Henry) and story time in the afternoon with many of the same friends.