To camp or not to camp that is the question...

Well for those of you that know us it will be no surprise that our plans to rest at home over Memorial Day weekend have changed. For those that don't, this small section of the Cooper clan has a really hard time staying at home on the weekends, relaxation to us, means go and see something. So instead of relaxing at home we will be relaxing in a campsite off of a US Forestry Service Road in the mountains of North Caroline on what I am assured is beautiful Lake Chatuge. Hubby is excited because this means the possibility of at least 2 full days of fishing, to me it means two full days of trying to read while I keep Boogie from falling out of the boat and into beautiful lake Chatuge while he fishes. Should at least prove from some interesting photos if it dosen't rain.

Now hubby and I were both frequent campers as kids, and really before we had Boogie we were pretty frequent campers, but well a baby tends to put a halt on things that you enjoy doing. However, we did get adventurous last summer and not only went hiking with Boogie but also went on an over night camping trip. Poor hubby got to carry the pack up and down the mountain with a 30lb toddler in it. She did great as did hubby, and loved it really, but she was still only slightly mobile and easy to catch up too, and pretty attached to Mommy or Daddy.

This year finds an entirely different Boogie preparing for our camping trip. One that is very independent, and doesn't mind heading off on her own. Not to mention that that little booger is fast. So while I am elated to that Hubby and I get to share our love of the outdoors and camping with our daughter I am also terrified that I will turn my back for one second and she will find the closest bear to befriend, or nearest tree over a gorge to walk out on, or god forbid something that looks interesting to put in her mouth (she is a very orally inquisitive child, NO clue where she might get that from. :D).

So as we pull down the Coleman tent, stove, lanterns, chairs, sleeping bags and backpacks I can't help but wonder if Coleman might make a leash or at least a Toddler Tether specifically designed for the camping enthusiast that doesn't want to leave their child at home. I'm sure that hubby can come up with something but if not look for the pictures of a panicked hubby trying to delicately extracted the 2 1/2 year old from the largest patch of poison ivy ever found by human kind in North Carolina located directly under a buzzing wasp nest on the edge of a deep ravine. I guarantee if a place like this exists up in North Carolina Boogie will be able to find it and put herself right in the middle of it. Alas my sanity I knew it well......

Hello Margaret......it's me.......Happy Mother's Day....

I'm here I'm here and I know that I have a ton of updating to do and I am working diligently on getting homework done before the weekend so that I can dedicate a bit of time to posting some pictures to let you know how things are going in our little world.

I did want to give a quick high five to all the moms...you work tirelessly, love endlessly and unconditionally and give selflessly. Be sure to take a little time for yourself this weekend to appreciate what a great job you do in raising your family. Look at your children's faces and know that you have done your best. Congrats on doing such a great job raising the next generation to be loving, responsible adults.

For all you Dads out there don't forget about mom, she works hard everyday, and I promise you that in June she will not forget you. Times are tough and maybe a bouquet of flowers and brunch out is not in the books, but how about homemade breakfast in bed and the whole day to herself. Serve her her favorite food and then tell her that you and the kiddos will see her for dinner. You'll be amazed at the gratitude she have for just a little personal time to herself, and you'll get some good quality time with your kiddos. For those who are friends to a single mother, invite her over for dinner and tell her to pick a night/day that she would like some free time and offer to watch her kiddos. There is nothing more valuable the time to yourself, and one of the perks is... it's free. Moms can be better moms when they are relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. A little free time to not have to worry about changing Jimmie's diaper or brushing Susie's hair or cooking dinner for 5 people while writing a grocery list and keeping little Tommy from eating dog food is just what the doctor ordered.

Happy Mothers Day!!!

Oh and to my Mom....I think you're the Bee's Knees. :D Love you very much come and visit soon!!