Last week the time just seemed to tick away. The last week of the school year always seems chaotic, with school parties, going away parties, moving sales, etc. This year was no exception.

Friday was our "end of year" party. Preparing that food was more work than I bargained for. I also prepped the iPads with movies for Jess and the kids' trip back home. Jess. Did. Everything. Else. Seriously. She was like a super-human last week. One of her most amazing feats was going through all of Truman, Henry and Adeline's clothes. It took hours and I'm not sure how she did it in one sitting each. That type of thing is like booking air travel or watching other people's children in dance recitals; it makes me want to poke my eyes out with a sharp object. But, Jess is more patient than I am and so she got it done. It's a good thing I'm so witty or I doubt she'd keep me around...

Also, we got a new rental car. I've lost count of how many cars this is. Likely 10 or so. It's a Skoda (our favorite; I think it's Ted's new favorite also) but this one is a wagon. It's nice. I think I will drive it up to Pamplona in July when I go watch the bulls run.

Olive and I are falling back into our summer routine. We walk more, sleep more, and cook less. So far, she's not a fan. Apparently my wittiness is not quite enough for her.

Why yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is a T-Rex.

Happy Birthday Henry!

June 22, 2015 by Mitch Cooper

Number 12. It seems like such a big number that it can't possibly be right. I'll probably be thinking that when number 13 surprises me next June. It's great to see you growing up and maturing. But don't forget: there's nothing wrong with your parents giving you a hug at school in front of your friends. At least until you're 13. Then it's so not cool. :)

Getting separated, plus a little dessert

June 14, 2015 by Mitch Cooper

Tom, Dixie and the girls left for Italy yesterday so now the house seems a little quiet this morning. It's even quieter because Henry is at a sleep over with his some of his friends. Now that it's summer time there are a lot of fun kid activities going on.

We are starting to feel the pressure of the impending 'summer split'. It's never a fun activity and each year it seems to get harder. This time next week ...

Forget Trumpet, Henry is Going to Take Jujitsu

June 05, 2015 by Mitch Cooper

So ... I put Adeline to bed one night this past week. As part of our going to bed ritual, I ask all the kids "what went well" during their day and "what didn't go so well". When I asked Addi what didn't go so well, she immediately said "everything". This confused me a little because she had a party at school and I was expecting Adeline to still be on a sugar high from all the fun. Maybe the girls at school were teasing her again?

"Mom, I think I'm Ready for More Responsibility"

May 19, 2015 by Mitch Cooper

As usual, I feel like there is so much going on (especially in the past three months) that I don't want to forget. I think Jess is going to write about some of the adoption stuff, so I'm really interested in the day-to-day things that I tend to forget shortly after they happen. It's the small day-to-day stuff that happy lives are made of ...