The madness has begun.....

Can I just say I have really grown to LOVE March Madness. Despite it being during spring break every year. Despite the fact that Lexi's birthday always lands during the games. Despite the fact my husband takes two of his precious vacation days for the first two days of March Madness. Despite kids running around, making messes and trying to yell over the games. Despite the fact that I spend much of my time cleaning up and preparing the food for the day. Despite the fact that we spend more money on our March Madness party than we do for our anniversary, birthdays, valentines....etc, etc. Truly, I am getting into the Madness almost as much as Jeff does (if that is possible).

This morning I got up early, quickly got the girls dressed for the day sporting the cheer leading outfits of the teams we were rooting for. I finished off the shopping list that Jeff made for me, and headed out the door. I gathered everything that we needed for the big games and rushed back home. When I arrive, the kids want food, my husband needs my help putting up the large bracket and we still have a load of groceries in the car. This is just a little sample of what my day was like. Let's just say, it will be like that for the next three weekends! March Madness is too literal around here.

Jeff goes all out. First of all. We get all 4 games at the same time. This is made possible to Directv and their March Madness package which we have to have.
Jeff also gets a bracket blown up to about 32'x48" for one of our basement walls. Everyone who comes to watch the game signs the bracket and a ball.

Our door is open to anybody that is daring enough to come over and endure the madness!! No really, it's not that bad. In fact below are some pics of family and friends who came over today (sorry Matt R. we were charging the camera when you came).

.









We really could dedicate an entire blog to Marchania (that's what we call it in our home). Since, I have so much I could write about the games today I will have to narrow it down. I thought it was fun that the three teams we root for: Kansas, UNLV and BYU were playing today (I know you Mountain West Confrencers will not understand how you can like UNLV and BYU). Unfortunately, only Kansas and UNLV won their games. Of all the teams to face off against each other, these two teams will be facing off on Saturday. We will have a divided house. Most of us will be rooting for Kansas. Jeff, who was born and raised in Vegas will always be loyal to his child hood team. He roots for KU his Alma Mater but, will have a hard time doing that against UNLV. The last time I remember them playing in a tournament (a little over 10 years ago) we almost broke up. I remember Kansas beating UNLV and Jeff saying that the officiating was unfair (of course). I had to stick up for my team! I wont go into details but, let's just say it got heated!! A repeat of that night would not be fun, especially with guests!

Well, this is just a glimpse of our Cooper madness. Come see it for yourselves. Our house is always open for every game!! ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK.........

Playing catch up....

I know many of you have given up on us! I told Jeff that when you don't post frequently enough that people stop checking your blog and then it doesn't even matter any more. Well, we are going to try to be more consistent (that's the story of our lives). I wanted to post some pics from Disneyland back in January. We went with Jeff's family for one day and met up with some of our best friends, the Geddes family on the second day.

Our kids with the Geddes kids: Max, Braden, Lauren, Lexi, Ali, Kate, Ashlyn

Cooper and Geddes Girls with Snow White (not to state the obvious)

Coops with Frozone

Ashlyn fell asleep while she and I were waiting for a ride around midnight. We were waiting to get on Alice and Wonderland when it got stuck. We were stuck in a pack of people and couldn't get out of line. I would have held her but, I was holding Reese and Jeff was on another ride with the older kids. Just felt like I had to explain because I felt guilty, though it was funny.

Ashlyn and I riding together. My sis-in-law Aimee was in back.

Jeff and Max in the front. His bro Jeremy and his son Caleb. In the second car was Bryson and Justin.

Waiting in line with the cousins

Ashlyn with her favorite Aunt Annie and Uncle Jutin. Justin puts up with a lot. All of the kids love him and are always climbing all over him.

Needless to say we had a good time. We hope we can do it again in two years! I have lots of great pics that I need to email to the Coopers and Geddes's.

Well, I have a lot more catching up to do. Some recent fun things.

• Lexi got her ears pierced.
• I turned 30!
  
• We finally got new carpet in our front room, that was my b-day present and I love it!
  
• Gearing up for March Madness (an entire blog should be made to cover this huge ordeal in our house).
• Reese had a 9 mos. appointment and they said she is in the 30% . The Dr. and I both think a mistake was made somehow. She is a chunk!
• Jeff was moved to another department at Sprint. He will still be doing Multi-Media.
• Max started Spring soccer, Jeff is coaching.
  

So once again, a pledge to be better at blogging. Get ready for Madness.....Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!