The Past Few Weeks

The past few weeks have been a great experience for Liz and I. We had a great Holiday trip to Houston. It was a trip that we really needed in a lot of ways. One part was to get almost the rest of our stuff and the other was to get out of Utah and away from Logan and distractions here. We drove down and it was wonderful, we hit no bad weather and had an enjoyable time, until we passed Colorado Springs when i was passed by what we thought was a DUI driver. He passed me and then drove in both lanes and was weaving back and forth, i woke up Liz and had her call 911. She was on the phone with the 911 dispatch off and on for maybe 30 minutes. The cops were waiting in Trinidad, Colorado to get the driver and we saw him get pulled over. The cops called us back about a half hour later to thank us and that they were taking care of the guy. We were really impressed that the cops called us to thank us. That made our night and helped me stay awake an hour longer when we stopped and got a hotel. We got up the next day and started the second leg of our journey to Houston.

When we got to Houston, everyone was waiting up for us and we were so relieved and happy to be there. Here is a little of what happened during our *Wonderful and Relaxing Christmas*

The next day there, Liz and I did some Christmas shopping that we had to get done before the night was through. Then we all went to the Houston Temple as a family. It was a great experience to be there as a family. Liz and I talked after and we both had a lot of the same thoughts and spiritual promptings while in the Temple. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

On Thursday we watched football, played games, X-Box and enjoyed each others company. Then we went to eat at Pappadeuxs. Its a great place. Southern Style Sea food, it was awesome.


Frosting Christmas Cookies

After eating, we all came home and opened up Christmas Stockings, there were gag gifts, inside jokes and lots of beef jerky ( Thanks Stevo and Timee ).


Me enjoying my stocking


Stephen, Mel ( showing off some sweet 5 GUM ), Rebecca, Kyle and Chris.


Liz and her brother Stephen laughing over an inside joke that has gone of for years. And of course Maxo.


On Friday ( Christmas Day ), we woke up and ate a great breakfast and sat around and had a family testimony meeting, it was great hearing everyone. Then we opened presents.



This picture shows a great gift that Mel and Stephen gave to each of us. Mel took the pictures and put them together. Our Sign says FAMILY and the rest says COOPER. They are beautiful. Thanks so much Mel.


After that we were eagerly anticipating the First Annual Cooper Amazing Race. Stevo and Timee planned a race for the kids and spouses with a race around the Spring Branch area. The teams were split up with spouse against spouse. It was great. There was frisbee golf, putting together a puzzle, 5 foot and 10 foot golf puts, running and hot dog eating. It was fun.



My Team was Jordan, Rebecca and Mel. Liz's team was Julia, Stephen and Chris.


On Sunday, we had family pictures taken. They turned out great. There are 2 more who will be in the next family picture and they are due in April.


The Family.


Myself, Jordan, Stevo, Stephen, and Chris


Liz, Julia, Timee, Mel, and Rebecca

We had a great time in Texas and we were so blessed to be able to go. We can not wait until we can go again, but next time we are flying. The drive back to Utah was horrible. Our car was packed full of almost the rest of our stuff that was in storage, and then we hit bad weather in Wyoming, and Logan Canyon. It was not as fun coming back.

Liz and I want to say Thank you so much to her parents for the hospitality and for letting us stay with them. We enjoyed it so much. We love you guys. And we hope that every one of you had a safe and happy Holidays.