Exercise time

Last week the physical therapist gave Randall a list of specific strength exercises to do 3 times a day for his arms and wrists (Randall had carpal tunnel and ulner nerve entrapment surgery in December). Cooper, always wanting to be like his Dad, was observing and decided he needed to make his arms stronger, too. So, Randall cut off a small piece of band so Cooper could have his own; now they do their "exercises" together. What can I say... Like father, like son!

Vroom, Vroom!

The other day I came into the room and found Cooper and Carson playing together. It was so cute! They had their matching backhoes out and were driving them back and forth on the floor. I wish they could play this well together all the time!

Ouch!

Just had to share this pic of Cooper's lip from a few weeks ago. Minutes before Randall left for Oregon, Cooper fell off the chair and bit his lip. At first I thought he bit clear through his lip, because it was bleeding from the inside and the outside. But we later decidede he must have had his lip in between his top teeth and bottom teeth. Cooper asked me to put a bandaid on it "so blood wouldn't get on him anymore"---it's kind of hard to put a bandaid on a lip! Needless to say I began to wonder if staying home with 2 crazy boys and no husband was such a good idea. The saddest part is that Cooper has bit his lip, resulting in blood, no less than 3 times since I took this picture 2 weeks ago. After the last time it happened (2 days ago) I was comforting Cooper with a hug and he said, "Mom, I'm gonna have to be more careful." Oh really?!

Dad, I've been watching you!

Cooper is a total Daddy's boy, and this picture portrays that quite well. Cooper likes to line his boots up with his dad's at night. What a pair!

Wanna play in the rain?

This picture is so funny I just had to share. The other day it was raining, and Cooper wanted to go outside and play. I told him we couldn't go outside and play, because it was raining and we'd get all wet (why do mom's have to be so practical?). So Cooper ran into his room and came out a few minutes later looking like this. "But mom, I'll wear my rain boots!" (Thanks little Mandy for the gift!) He had the rain coat on to match, but Randall came home and saw him wearing it, and of course made him take it off before I had a chance to take a picture.

OK- so I've been promising to get this blog updated, and we FINALLY have our internet hooked up now, so I can make good on that promise.

We are all enjoying life here in Idaho. Randall is really enjoying his job. A few weeks ago we were able to spend a week in Paisley, Oregon with Randall at the ZX Ranch while he did some work over there. We had a great time. We stayed in what they call the "barn house." It's an old barn that was on a remote area of the ranch. The previous owners (before Simplot) had it moved above the Ranch Headquarters and made it into a guest house. It was pretty cool. They have a swimming pool outside, but it was a bit too cold for that. We're hoping we get to go back sometime in the summer or fall, because there are some cool things to see over there that were still closed due to the snow.

Happy 1st Birthday Carson!

April 18, 2008 was Carson Dean Raymond's 1st birtday. We love Carson for so many reasons:

• He's mommy's huggy buddy (he's such a cuddly little guy!)


• He has an adorable laugh


• He likes to tease Cooper by stealing his toys


• He's the speediest little crawler you've ever seen! (But still not walking yet)

We love you Carson!