Summer Recap and School Begins!

 The remainder of summer flew by! This summer was more of a "working" summer than ones in the past. Amelia was working to save money for Europe, Cooper was working to save money for the upcoming junior year, and I was working and doing PD for school. But, we still managed to get a few fun activities in. 

For the 4th of July, we went to our usual spot to watch fireworks. Rexburg sets off fireworks simultaneously at three different places around town so you can see them wherever you live. We went to the site near Rexburg Rapids. It was a little chilly, so the kids were bundled up. Don't worry, Cooper poked his head out when the show began.

During the school year I don't have much time to go to the temple. This summer Amelia and I were able to meet Mom at the Idaho Falls temple and do a session. It was so much fun to have three generations do a session together. Also, Amelia was called to be a temple worker in Rexburg. She loves it!

We spent a quick weekend in Lava Hot Springs with Katie, David and their cute boys. The cabin we stayed at was BEAUTIFUL and just what we needed. We explored Soda Springs also, including the geyser and haunted Hooper Cabin. Cooper and Amelia tried drinking from the soda water spring and were less than impressed. 😆

I mentioned in an earlier post, Cooper and Amelia work at the movie theater here in town. With the big release of "Barbie", the staff was given the option of wearing pink that day. It included wearing jeans, so Amelia and Cooper jumped at the chance!

In July we celebrated Linus' birthday! Kate and David came up to Idaho because all his cousins are here. We went to I Jump and had a fantastic time. It was especially fun because we got to snuggle with our newest cousin/nephew, Riggins. 😍

Finally, even though we tried to stop it, the new school year arrived. Cooper is a JUNIOR, and Amelia will start her sophomore year at BYU-I in a few weeks. 😳

Lastly, the Eastern Idaho State Fair was began this weekend. We went down for a quick trip to visit the fair and hang out with family.

We also found out Cooper made the Silver Lift team in ballroom! He's been working SO hard and we're beyond proud of him!

Time is a funny thing...

 Time is crazy. Some days are soooooo long and difficult and I wonder if they'll ever end. Then some days fly by and become weeks, then months before it seems I can catch my breath. The entire month of May is both. The end of the year is a special kind of insane at school, students (and teachers/staff) and DONE, so each day feels like I'm a bouncer/baby-sitter. When I finally hit summer break (as much of a break before summer school begins), I'm shocked how much has happened during those chaotic days. Here's a few highlights:

• Cooper had his final ballroom recital. He was a little sad, he loves it so much. He did sign up to double dance next year though, and he's taking lessons/coaching this summer to improve his lifts so he can make the silver lift team in the fall. He also had a young women ask him to be his cabaret partner, so he'll be practicing that as well! I'm so proud of his commitment to ballroom. He goes to the gym 4-5 times a week, and practices tirelessly. 
• Cooper got a job at Paramount Theaters! He's a responsible member of society now. 😆
• Cooper finished his sophomore year! It's hard to believe he only has 2 more years of high school left. He has an amazing group of friends. They are pretty nerdy, but so much fun.
• Cooper auditioned for Bel Canto choir and made it! It's been so much fun to see him gain confidence and try new things.
• Amelia finished her first year at BYU-Idaho. She had a little trouble with chemistry, but still managed to get several scholarships to pay fully for next year! I'm so proud of her for working so hard. She's working full time this summer in hopes of earning enough money to go on a humanitarian trip to Europe in 2024. 
• Amelia finished another year of coaching for the ballet studio she used to attend.
• Amelia sent off her missionary at the end of May!
• We added to our family--another cute nephew/cousin to spoil. Andy and Desiree had their second boy. That makes 14 grandchildren!
• Lastly, Amelia her first grown-up girls' weekend at Lagoon with her friends--and it poured rain!

Here's some pictures:

Cooper's first day on the job!

14th grandchild! We love you, Riggins!

Cooper's ballroom pictures

Summer has a lot more in store, stay tuned!!

Cooper is datable! Happy 16th!

 Cooper Flynn turned 16 YEARS OLD TODAY! The time is going by so quickly. I remember cuddling this cute, chubby, happy toddler like it was yesterday.

Cooper is full of charm, mischief, wit, and outright fun. He is such a happy, kind, funny, thoughtful young man and we can't imagine life without him. There is never a dull moment with him and I love him more than words can say! He is still in choir, has an amazing friend group at school, has worked SO hard in his ballroom classes and loves lift!  

He's been a charmer since birth, still loves to never wear pants, has an AMAZING sense of humor, and a smile that is contagious and gets him out of a lot of trouble! Happy birthday, Coop! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Last of the teen years for Amelia!

Amelia turns NINETEEN YEARS OLD today! How can she almost be in her 20s?! I know I've said it before, but Amelia is such a sweetheart! She is SO happy, optimistic, cheerful and non-teenagery. She might be small, but she's mighty. I'm so impressed with what she's accomplished in life, and I'm excited to see her navigate adulthood. She is a mature beyond her years but still loves to be silly and laugh. She's rarely without a smile.

Nineteen years ago, at 9:11 pm, I was blessed with the most beautiful, caring, talented, loving, smart, funny, determined, and kind-hearted, 8 lb. 6 oz. girl I know. And everyone else who meets her agrees with me. :-) Happy birthday Amelia! Enjoy the end of the your teen years.  WE LOVE YOU!!!

 P.S. I was looking back and realized I didn't post for her 18th birthday! Oops. All I know is it was a CRAZY senior year. 

Quick Utah Trip

 Last weekend we had a quick trip to Utah for Cooper's competition. It was a fantastic time because we got to see Katie, David, Linus and Ladd again! Mom hopped in with us, so that made it even more fun. 

Cooper did an AMAZING job! He danced two routine dances, the group lift routine (he and his partner nailed the t-press!!) and three syllabus dances. He was pretty tired by the end of our marathon day. I'm so proud of him for working so hard. He loves ballroom and it's been a fantastic experience. Here's a few pictures and a video:

Licensed Driver #2!

 Cooper did it! He passed his written and driving test this week! He's officially a licensed driver! And I'm officially paying insurance for two teenager drivers! 😢 He's much more excited than I am. 😂 

Kidding aside, I'm so proud of Cooper! He's wanted a license for a looooong time and he studied so hard to make sure he only had to take the test once. Congrats, Cooper! 

Wrapping Up 2022!

 Wow! Two months have passed since I wrote. SO MUCH has happened. Here's a quick rundown of the last 8 weeks:

• Amelia visited the surgeon and found out surgery will not be needed. Hooray! She just needed to finish a few weeks of physical therapy and wear a brace until May. In addition, she can't do any strenuous exercise or activities (dancing) that may twist her knee until October.

• Cooper continued with his ballroom and lift class, performing at Dancing with Rexburg's Stars. He was amazing! He has been so good to continue with his gym workouts regularly. 

• Cooper performed in The Nutcracker and was fantastic! He made me cry with his talent and hard work. His pas de duex with Abby was beautiful. He loved performing and is looking forward to next year. (Dianne booked him until graduation!) 😂

• Amelia finished her first semester of college and did well in all her classes! She's moving home to save money for a Europe trip with the college she's taking in a year.

• We had a fantastic Christmas!

• Amelia went through the temple to receive her endowment. It was such a special day! My mom and all my siblings and most of their spouses made it. A few close friends from our ward made the day perfect. I'm blessed to have such a kind, wise, and mature daughter.

• We held the Call Christmas. It. Was. Insane. 

• Cooper rang in the New Year with friends at a dance, and Amelia went to a party. I partied at home in my pajamas with my favorite movie. 

Here's a few pictures:

Here's to 2023!