Well, it’s a week later, but I had to wait for all of his birthday presents to arrive in order to post properly about Coop’s 15th birthday.  The FedEx man is making a daily stop at our house this week to drop off box after box from Nike.com.

 He requested the same gift as lat year….cash.  All he wanted was shopping money and a trip to the mall. (Who can blame him?) So, after a breakfast of coffee cake and BACON (his one food request), we sent him on a scavenger hunt.  He found green stuff at every location.  Money was anticipated to arrive in the mailbox later that day, thanks to the faithful tradition of Grammy and Paw-Paw, and arrive it did ~ right after lunch at Cooper’s favorite Chinese food restaurant and just in time for our trek to the “big” mall.

 He also received money from Aunts and Uncles and was rolling in it by evening time!  We picked up Coop’s good friend, Dustin, and headed to the mall.

 I’ve received quite an education in all-things-basketball over the last year, namely the strict rule about not being able to wear the same shoes on the outdoor court as you do on the indoor court.  I’m not really sure how this justifies THREE pair of shoes, but at least now Coop won’t ever go to jail for breaking this cardinal law. Fortunately, my running shoes perform well anywhere, because I certainly can’t afford THREE pair.

 Grandad would not let us leave Texas until he had played his championship game with Cooper….

Can’t believe he’s 15!  And he’s an amazing kid, whom I’ve loved watching grow up.  He’s come so far in ALL of his abilities ~ not just his mad ball skillz, but also in taking responsibility, working hard at school, chores, and pursuing spiritual growth and the answers to his questions there.  Really looking forward to all that the Lord has in store for this one!

Happy 15th Birthday, Cooper!  We love you and are so glad you’re ours!