First Day of 6th Grade

Its hard to believe that Madison is 11 and going into the 6th grade. She will be returning to the same school she attended last year and along with her normal class schedule will be taking band. She is quite excited to play the baritone just like Aunt Beffie :)

Looking forward to this years adventures and learning.

Cooper Tantrum

Zoo Fun

Before summer ends we wanted 1 last trip to the zoo.

The weather was perfect (breezy and 79F) and the company fantastic.

The kids enjoyed all of the animals. It was the first time that Cooper was really into seeing the animals and getting excited to visit each exhibit.

A final ride on the carousal ended our adventure :)

Couch Cooper

My little man now climbs :)

His favorite place to be when he is watching tv with Lillian- On the Couch :)

He climbs on the hearth, then the ottoman and then over the back of the couch. Sometimes he ends up in front of the cushion and some times not.

Oh the adventures that are to come...

Lunch Bunch

One of our favorite things to do this summer is to go to Lunch Bunch at the local park. Each week local businesses provide a free lunch for all kids (pizza, sandwiches, even chickfila) and the kids enjoy eating their lunch out on the lawn while listening to stories or other activities.

Its gotten a bit warm but they still ask to go.

Here they are from this weeks lunch bunch.

VBS Fun

The one and only year all 3 Sparkles could attend VBS.

Cooper did awesome. He loved Snazzy Sunglass day.

Pool Fun

While Mama works, the Sparkles swim :)

Happy Summer

Sleeping Hole

After Church one Sunday, while Cooper was napping I was reading a book and Rob was playing on his phone. The girls were playing in the family room.

When they started to argue, Daddy sent them up the FROG so they would not wake Cooper. When the arguing continued they were separated... Madi remained in the FROG while Lillian returned to the family room. 

After much stomping and whinging, all was quiet. 

This is what I discovered....

Pops and Grann Visit

Thanks Pops and Grann for coming to stay.

We had a lovely visit with you.

Cooper enjoyed snuggles and cuddles with them.

Can't wait to see you next trip :)

Cooper Turns 2!

Its hard to believe that my baby boy is 2 years old today.

We had a wonderful family BBQ to celebrate our special little boy.

Cooper enjoyed opening his gifts.
He received lots and lots of super adorable clothes.

 Digging in the bag for more

 His birthday shirt... Happy Birthday to Me :)

 Yeah its Elmo (the card has Elmo on the front and sings Happy Birthday from Elmo)

 A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle T-shirt to match Daddy

 Hitting Elmo with his new hammer

 Hitting his new bus with his hammer (I thinks its Cooper's way of saying- I like it)

 A lion pillow to match his bean bag lion

 Thanks Aunt Beth- I love Fireman Sam

 Ready to open his big gift- a boy and his tools

 His first hint

 Choo Choo's and Cheetos

 Cake Time
Look at R2D2

 One happy boy

 Ready to blow out the candle with Mama

 Sneaking a taste of frosting

 Getting ready to eat his slice

 Yummy :)

 R2D2 cake baked with Love by Mama and designed by Daddy

 Of course Cooper's favorite part of the party was playing in the ice chest- just like his Mama use to.

Feeling blessed and looking forward to the next years adventures.

House Projects

There have been a few changes around Casa de Sparkman :)

We have re-arranged and re-hung almost everything in our downstairs since our original move.

We have even painted our entry ways and hallways.

Our own little touches to make it feel like our home.

6th Year Anniversary

Its hard to believe that 6 years ago this past Sunday I married my best friend and our families joined together.

We celebrated with a bit of browsing, dinner at Bonefish Grill (bang bang shrimp and a grilled salmon and asparagus salad- YUM) and ended our evening with a movie.

It was a wonderful evening celebrating us with things we enjoy.

We came home to this surprise on our drive-way.

Thanks Aunt Larissa for watching the Sparkles and helping with their master piece :)

Madi's Teeth

The week before vacation Madison was driving me crazy with her loose tooth. She was constantly wiggling it, avoiding eating on that side of her mouth and being slightly concerned about when it would fall out (would be be in Florida, would she able to find the tooth, etc).

So by the 3rd day of tooth obsession I had enough. I called for reinforcements- Papa.

Since Madison is a direct clone of my sister I figured the tooth was barely hanging on and could be easily yanked out. I was ready to be done with the tooth nonsense.

Well Papa checked the tooth and reassured Madison he could get it out and after A LOT of convincing she let him pull the tooth. It took 2 seconds, 1 pull and there was no pain :)

As he set the tooth on the counter  Madison asked, "can you check my other loose teeth".

Within 5 minutes, Madison lost a total of 6 teeth :)
Its amazing the kid could still eat.

Of course you would think this is when the fun would end, but not in the Sparkman house.
Now it was time for the negotiations.

Final payout: $3 per tooth and she had to wear the teeth as a necklace while we vacationed in Florida.

All is back to normal at Casa de Sparkman.