Cooper & Parker's Blog: Summer & School Starts!

This summer was quite eventful! The boys started their summer off with one of their favorite trips to Michigan to spend time with their Meme & Papa and enjoyed fishing, going to the lake, swimming and South Haven! A few weeks later, Cooper went to Washington DC to attend the National Young Leaders Conference. He was nominated by his teacher back in September because of his leadership skills and academic achievements. What an experience that was for him! We sprinkled a few camps in June as well. Cooper did 2 soccer camps and Parker did a sailing, golf and sports camp.

The boys then traveled to Colorado for our annual trip with my family. It was an adventure and Cooper & Parker were fortunate to have had the opportunity to try a few new things this year, such as panning for gold, a rodeo and horseback riding. Although, I don't think Cooper will ever horseback ride again (long story)! We also went white water rafting, hiking, paddle boarding and lots more.

The kids started school this past Wednesday. It was off to middle school (6th grade) for Cooper and 4th grade for Parker. Open house was a bit overwhelming for Cooper, as it's his first year getting a locker (well 2 actually---one for PE!) and changing classes for every subject. However, I'm happy to report he got his locker opened on the first try and absolutely loved his first day of school. Parker was not too happy about returning to school, mostly because he had to put real clothes on and do his hair. He spent most of his summer in pj's with messy hair. But he had a great first week.

Cooper has been practicing with his new travel soccer team since June, but the season officially just got started. They have had a few scrimmages and will participate in their first tournament Labor Day weekend in Sarasota, FL. He has his end of season show for guitar next weekend and cannot wait to perform! He is playing 5 songs and has one solo! He will also start Cotillion here soon (I don't think he'll ever forgive me for signing him up for this).

Parker continues to do athletic training at Redline Athletics. He is fully committed to achieving a 6-pack and he's well on his way. I admire his desire to be uber fit! He will begin golf lessons next month and is looking forward to improving at the game and wearing his new golf shoes!