Cooper Dean Carpenter - Day 1

Bath time...

Back to bassinet for nap...

Welcome Grandchild #7

The Carpenter family grew by one more son at 1:59 this afternoon. Cooper Dean weighed in at 8.6 lbs and 21 inches long. He's got a good set of lungs, ten fingers and toes, dark hair and a big brother that thinks he is totally awesome.

Noah commented several times throughout the day that "this is the best day ever of my life". He will be a totally awesome "big brother" and show his little brother the ropes.
Grandpa Larry and Cooper have something in common...they both share the same middle name "Dean".

What a beautiful little boy...we have been blessed...again!

A job well done...

The paint has "cured". I've decided to keep it simple...no more embellishment needed. I like it!

Multi-Tasking

Sorry for the poor picture quality, but I used my cell phone for this one.


Normally Noah is not allowed to read while at a meal...but I was reading a pattern and felt he should have the same privilege.

He is an amazing little boy, LOVES to read...so you hate to discourage him. Here he is eating an "open face" Subway sandwich and reading his newest chapter book.

Home Improvement 101

Larry spent last week-end removing siding from the east end of living room.

and we've replaced the stationary window with a casement window.

Can you believe that someone would build a house with one window in a 15 x 25 room that opens? Can you believe it took us 33 years to decide to change it???

We hope to have the living room "wing" of the house re-sided before the first snow fall. Replacing all of the windows with some that will allow more airflow!

Last summer the front entry door was replaced, opting for one with a window to allow more light in foyer. This door is energy efficient and gives the entrance more character.

This is a project that is better suited for a 30-something...but us 60-somethings are always up for the challenge...and a 15 minute nap an hour...

Spare Tire Cover

After much hesitation I decided to "paint" on our camper spare tire cover. Sister suggested making template on contact paper and using a can of spray paint. Larry thought tracing onto cover then painting in could do it. Of course I looked for the easy way out...spray paint it was!

Design decided...

Template ready...

Paint applied...

Paint curing...

I think it still needs a little more embellishment --- all that boring white...

The true test will come when cover is back on camper and we have our first "rain". Paint was for outdoor plastic furniture...only time will tell?

Fort Kearny SRA

We took our first road trip with the camper this past week-end. Previously we had been camping at area lakes to get the feel as well as getting it stocked properly. This was our first trip outside of our 25 mile comfort zone. The month of July Beth had been staying with the Carpenter's caring for Noah while mom and dad worked. It was now time for her to return to Ogallala. We met up with the VanLaningham's at Fort Kearny for a camping week-end. The ride was uneventful arriving at campsite around 3.

Set up went without a hitch.

Had time to chill out,

have Fairbury hotdogs for dinner,

and await arrival of Michelle, Curt, Jake and dogs from Ogallala later that evening.

Fort Kearny SRA does offer alot of activities - Curt did some fishing early Saturday morning (fish didn't cooperate), kids and Curt did a little swimming Saturday mid-day, and there were several play areas scattered around the grounds for kids to burn off excess energy. The temps over the week-end were very high, alot of humidity and no breeze...so staying comfortable inside was preferred.

Van clan even had time to go into Kearney to do some last minute school shopping...much to Trixie and Champ's dismay...they miss their people...

Late Saturday evening there was a bonfire with s'mores...to dark for photos...but alot of conversation and laughter.

It was a great week-end...and yes a camper advertised as sleeping eight did accommodate seven humans and two full grown chocolate labs...comfortably??? not so much!!! but fun just the same!!!