My Funny Valentines

Valentines happened to fall on Trace's winter break.  They were out of school on Friday and Monday and we tossed around going somewhere warm, but in the end just hung out here and tried to throw some fun in.  Trace would probably argue that point while sitting through 1.5 hours of Keatyn's gymnastics and dance classes on Friday morning, followed up with 2 flip house stops.  Prepare yourself for loud moaning and groaning if you ever say, "we have to go to a few houses" to my kids.  They are over it. Sorry guys, that's what puts food in your bellies. ;)

YAY FOR WINTER BREAK!!

So Keatyn has mentioned a time or two about getting her ears pierced.  There are about 5 little girls in her dance class that have sweet little earrings.  I was on board, but her daddy, however, took some convincing.  Saturday morning we headed out to make an attempt.  We went to Claire's in the mall where we quickly realized a crowded mall on Saturday with the ear piercing chair sitting practically in the middle of the spectators was probably not the best combo for an already shaky client.  WHY do they put it right outside the store, allowing everyone who passes to stop and stare?

On this day, we didn't drum up any business, I promise you.  The little 9 year-old in front of us was kinda pitiful.  Her parents were a little bullyish (is that a word?) and we could tell from the looks of things, she was going to be a screamer.  So I took Keatyn into Gymboree next door and browsed the racks while the boys stood watch outside waiting for this little girl to go first and give us the all clear.  It never came.  After 30 minutes of "pretending" to shop, we made our way back out into the mall to find the girl had chickened out and left.  Trace was visibly disappointed.  He was overly invested at this point.  Finally, it was Sassy's turn.

The big chair. Check
In mommy's lap. Check
Holding the huge lovey for support. Check

Nope. Not gonna happen.

Meanwhile, during all the earring drama, this sweet boy got a haircut and then we headed to lunch at Logan's before a little family bowling.  He was REALLY pumped to see his sister get her ears pierced, so he had to soothe the disappointment with a Dr. Pepper.

After lunch, we headed to Holiday Bowl for some fun. It was cosmic bowling which means black lights and loud music.  We all were aglow.  My plan was to play 1 game and then play in the arcade for a while.  BUT once I beat Jimmy in the first game, he demanded a rematch.  And after I beat him AGAIN, the 3rd game was a must.  I finally let him win because honestly I thought my middle finger was broken and I was beyond ready to go home.  Hee Hee!!

We came home to this... Sparring in the living room and tattoo mustaches.

The next morning, we woke up to lots of love.  These little Valentines have had my heart since day 1!

Uncle Andy and Aunt Kadi came by to give the kids their belated birthday presents.  This girl is all about dressing up!  She loved it.

Pie Face.  Rapid fire photos of how this game works at the Cofer house when the dog is allowed to stay inside...

Keatyn loves to help me in the kitchen and couldn't wait to make a fruit salad just like her and Papaw did down in Florida.  So proud!

Timber loves nothing more than a muddy hole after a good rain, which results in a nice bath afterwards.  Trace volunteered to give him a shower the other day and climbed in with him.  I'm pretty sure he bathed himself and the dog with puppy shampoo, but who cares.  How cute are they?

This is the common sight when I go to get Keatyn from my moms.  Booty shop has taken on a new level.  Nana sure is a good sport.  It took days to get all that glittery lip gloss off her forehead.  Love these two!

Birthdays and Black Belts

What as affectionately been dubbed "birthday week" has ended.  I think I have a birthday hangover.  My 3 loves are now a year older and we celebrated them well..  It started on Wednesday night at our house.  It was dad's 66th and everyone came to eat.  Nanny, we MISSED you and next year your attendance is mandatory. ;)  I nearly caught my hair and the kitchen on fire trying to make shish kabobs, but other than the thick smoke and burned smell that lingered for days, dinner was a hit.

 

I love these 3 more than life itself!  Happy 5th, 66th, and 9th!

 





 

Keatyn's birthday was Thursday so I took cupcakes to school for her friends and then we ended the night with a little Chuck E. Cheese.   I can't believe my baby girl is 5 and starting Kindergarten in the fall.  WHERE does the time go?  Love that little sassy thing so much.

On Friday night, Trace got his black belt!!!  That has been 2.5 years in the making and to say we were elated was an understatement!  I don't know that I took a full breath for 2 hours watching him do his thing.  Having to break his boards nearly gave Jimmy and I and all the grands a panic attack.  He was SO proud! 

And Sunday was the grand finale.  It was Trace's 9th birthday and party day!  We had their party at the UTC Aquatic Center and it was fantastic.  There was a water slide, a little waterfall and a lazy river.  The place is beautiful and spacious and the perfect party place.  There were 34 littles in that huge pool plus several parents.  It was really a fun day!

Things got a little rowdy at the boys table when Alex yelled "PIE FACE" and plunged head first into his cake.  You can imagine what happened next!  Lol!

Some refused even after the pressure of the others chanting, "DO IT, DO IT!!!"  Way to stay strong!

Apparently afterwards about 10 boys ended up in the locker room showers (with swimming trunks on, thank goodness) and I made Jimmy go in there and handle that situation.  He said it was just another party in the locker room.  Ha!   I think they had fun.  Afterwards, we came home and the kiddos opened presents and then we watched Peyton win Super Bowl 50!!!  That was another 2 hours I could hardly breath.  It was a perfect weekend in my book! 

So blessed to call these babies mine and to celebrate another year of their lives.  I told Trace that night that on Febraury 7, 2007 he gave 11 people a new name.  He made Jimmy and I a "mom" and "dad" our parents all "grandparents," he made Nanny, Frank and Ann all "great grandparents" and Andy and Kadi an "aunt" and "uncle."  What a special day and a special boy!

We are blessed.