Mark's Eagle Project

After collecting donations and money, we went shopping to get the rest of the needed supplies. Here Mark is at IKEA counting out close to 300 hand towels.
Then it was on to the dollar store to get 90 tubes of toothepaste.

Mark is overseeing Diana to make sure she is taking the toothepaste tubes out of the boxes. Greg and Al are trying to look like they know what they are doing.

Dad, Kera and Josh are taking the bars of soap out of their boxes and putting them in ziploc bags.

Colin Rogers is part of quality control, putting all the checked kits on the finished table.

Mark had a great turnout of family and ward members assembling the hygiene kits.

All the finished kits in boxes ready for the humanitarian center.

Mark met with Bro. Cherrington to deliver the hygiene kits to the humanitarian center on August 4.

Mark began his eagle project toward the beginning of the summer. He passed out flyers at church and Dad's work asking for donations for hygiene kits. After 2 collection days at the church and people also dropping off donations at our home by way of supplies and money, he went shopping to buy the rest of all that he needed to make 150 kits. Everyone was so generous. Even those that were out of work and hurting themselves found ways to donate, probably from their own year's supply.

Mark was able to finish his project, write it up, and submit it the week before his 18th birthday. WHHEEWW! That was close, Mark. Last Sunday he had his board of review and passed with flying colors. Now it is up to Dad and I, with his leaders, to put together a Court of Honor when his award comes from National Council.

The amazing thing is that besides doing and completing his eagle project during the summer, he also had 8 merit badges to finish. Just look at what one accomplishes when they put their mind to it. Congratulations Mark!

Cooley Fam Reunion 4th of July in Greer

Mark is kickin' back will we wait for the fireworks.
Look at that beautiful form!

Such a little Suzy homemaker!

Greg and Gage enjoying the easy life.

Emmie after a busy day at the Greer 4th parade and lunch at Great Aunt Patty's.

Mark, Dad, and Mom at the Greer 4th parade.

Keith hitchin' a ride with Mark.

Diana trying to get a ringer and beat Josh.

Josh lookin' good!

Diana and Amber seeing who is the queen of checkers.

Zachary, Dad, Josh, and Grandpa unloading sand for the new horseshoe pits.

We had a wonderful weekend in Greer for the 1st biannual Cooley Family Reunion. Hanging out at the cabin, playing games, horseshoes, hikes, eating, and most especially being together, all contributed to a great time. Aunt Patty and Uncle Charles invited everyone to their home
after the parade for a BBQ. It was good to see them and Darren and Rynda. There was also a match or two of badminton. We found a not too crowded spot to view the fireworks, which brought an end to a fun and tiring day. After attending sacrament meeting on Sunday at Darren and Rynda's ward we headed back to the heat of Mesa and home. Home, Sweet Home.

Alicia's Visit June 12-20

Susan, Vie, Alicia, Dakota, Kera and Gage at Gma Cooleys enjoying the water.

Enjoying the backyard in Mesa with Alicia's BD flowers from Tharon.

Oh, how he misses her!

Cousins Dakota and Gage loving their binkies.

Waiting for a table at Oregano's to celebrate Alicia's BD with all the girls. Dakota seems to like Diana's BIG sunglasses.

Gage and Dakota are nicely trying to share.

Gage highchair snoozin' & Gpa with Emmie

Diana's BD - May 30

Happy BD Di!
Swimming fun with the kids.

Giddyup fishy!

We just got back from camp and a few hours later had a swim party at Gma Cooley's for Diana's 21st birthday. She's gettin' up there.

Girls Camp May 27-30

We are the Beekeepers!

And then there are the Bees with the Keys ( Stake Presidency )

And last but not least, the Bees with the Cheese (Our wonderful kitchen staff)

Camp was amazing this year. The activities, food, service, programs, and most especially, the spirit and testimonies, made it the best year yet. We will keep camp 2009 in our hearts and memories forever!

Ready for Camp

Today is the day to run around and get all the last minute preparations finished for Girls Camp. I leave tomorrow and will be back on Saturday. Dad will join camp on Thursday to enjoy all the festivities with the girls. Our theme this year is Bee All That You Can Bee, hence the new background on the blog.

Time to Catch Up

Congratuations Mark!

Our Mesa High School Graduate.

Mark, with another good friend, Ashlee Nicoll.

Our fifth and last graduate from Mesa High School. What a great son, we are so proud of you. Carry On, Mark!

Adam and Jess brought the kids. Greg and Kera brought Gage, but somehow we missed pics with them. I think we were just ready to get out of the rain.

With Quentin Hyde, a friend from our ward.

MHS Graduation was May 21st on the Jackrabbit Stadium football field and it just so happened that it rained the whole time. Last year it did the same, but they divided the student body and put them in the gym and the auditorium and only 2 guests per graduate were able to attend. The kids this year decided they wanted to tough it out and so all of us did. Grandma and Grandpa were there for a while, but after Mark's name was read, they headed home to warmth and dryness.

The Tongan youth in our Stake are so awesome! They are so quick and willing to share and Mark was a willing recipient of two of their leis.

And Kera was there to support Mark while Greg stayed home with Gage. Grandma was able to attend, but had to leave so we missed her for the pics after.

Diana and Josh were there for the big event.

Mark, with two of his buddies, Josh Adams and Zach Carpenter.

Mark's Seminary Graduation was May 19th. Dad was scheduled to conduct and speak at the graduation, but was home flat on his back, sick in bed. So we sorely missed him.

Benton and Emmie were there again to help Jessica blow out her candle when she celebrated her BD on May 8. When everyone gets together it is fun and noisy and always leaves us very thanksful for great children and wonderful grandchildren.

Mark went to Senior Prom with Ashlee Nicoll and a great group of friends. Chef Brad cooked them a gourmet meal, and the dance was fun.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt at G'ma Cooleys was fun for everyone. The kids were able to find lots of eggs and Benton was happy at his stash. Emmie especially seemed to pick up the concept quite fast. Adam, she's going to be a shopper! She's all girl!

Mom's BD was in March and as you can tell by the candle, I'm getting up there!

We can't believe Adam is already 29. Benton was sure a help blowing out that candle and Emmie was just mesmerized.

For Emmie's BD we made the trek to Maricopa and enjoyed it at the park close to Adam and Jess's home. She did get into her yummy strawberry cupcake and was princess for a day!

Greg celebrated his BD at our home with fam and friends. 27 already!