New Year's Eve 2009

We had a laid back New Year's Eve this year. We went out to dinner with Mac's mom and my dad and had some yummy Mexican. It was my dad's last night in town before starting out on his long road trip back to Iowa. We loved having a lot of our family here this year for the holidays and hopefully we can all get together again soon. Mac & I are looking forward to the New Year and all that it will bring. We are especially excited about this summer. Mac's brother, Wes and his family will finally be returning to the states from Germany. He is going to be a Blackhawk trainer in California and will be close by. We haven't seen them for almost 3 years, so we are looking forward to seeing how big our niece Lucy has gotten (she is now 3 1/2) and meeting our nephew, Boswell (13 months) for the first time. We hope the New Year is filled with good health, happiness, and new experiences for all our family and friends.

I love to jump!

Cooper finally tried out his jumper. I think you can tell from the video how much he loves it!

Hanging out with Papa & Mommy

World Wildlife Zoo

We all went to the World Wildlife Zoo in the West Valley of Phoenix. Even though it was a little bit of a drive to get there, it was definitely worth the trip!

We all had a great time and enjoyed seeing all of the animals up close.

Cooper, Nicole, & Elizabeth

Scott, Ruth, & Paige on the SkyRide

Mac & I by the flamingos

Opening Presents

Cousin Ruthie loved helping Cooper open his gifts! He had fun too. :)

Getting ready to open presents

More Christmas PIcs

Paige & Cooper

My brothers, Andy & Scott getting snuggles from the kiddos

Andy & Cooper

The cousins (Ruth, Nick, Elizabeth) trying out some of their new toys

Cooper & Ruthie

Christmas 2009

The Cavanah side of the family came from Iowa and Illinois to Phoenix this year for Christmas. We even had my dad's sister, Jeanne and her husband, Richard join us from California. It was so wonderful to be all together for Cooper's first Christmas. It was also our first Christmas without my mom. Despite the feeling that someone (the heart of our family) was missing, we managed to enjoy each other and have a good time celebrating the reason for the season. Having Cooper's eyes light up at seeing all of his extended family, lights on the Christmas tree, and presents with pretty bows reminded us that with the passing of someone so loved and dear, comes the endless possibilities and hope of new life in our baby boy.

We hope all of you enjoyed your holiday as much we enjoyed ours!

Papa and Cooper

Mac & Cooper

Ruthie

Our family

Elizabeth & Coop hanging out

Going for a walk

Last bath in the sink

Well, tonight was the last time Cooper got his bath in the sink. He absolutely loves to kick and splash! He was getting so good at it that he was splashing water all over the kitchen.

Definitely time to move to the big bathtub!

I love Puppy & Mr. Octupus

Getting Ready for Bed

Hanging out with Grandma before bed

Getting in his snuggles

Playing In My Exersaucer

Cooper really loves playing with all of the toys on his exersaucer.

We love it because it keeps him happy and entertained for awhile.

Waking up happy

Cooper wakes up almost every morning in a great mood. He is always smiling!

Showing off his new party trick....spitting! He thinks it is hilarious.

Having fun with Mr. Octupus

One of Cooper's favorite toys is his Octupus that he got from Mommy's cousin, Laura. Thanks Laura, he loves it! He especially loves to put it in his mouth.

Cooper 5 months old

It's hard to believe that our little guy is now 5 months old. He is now 17lbs, 10 oz! He is really growing fast.

Hmmm....let me think about this...

More Peas

More Peas Please

Cooper tried vegetables for the first time tonight and we went with peas. He wasn't too thrilled at first, but then quickly gobbled them down.

Here Daddy, let me help you with this.

My little Hawkeye

We are hoping that the Hawkeye's will come to visit us in Phoenix for the Fiesta Bowl in January. Go Hawks!

Putting up the Christmas Tree with Daddy