A belated Father's Day

A late father's day shout out! My dad is currently in Florida with my mom and brother at a baseball tournament, and I'm in Virginia. But he is definitely the best. He's a fantastic European travel partner, knowing all the cool places to see. He is every bit the fun-guy, or fungi (as us kids like to call him. Happy Father's Day, Padre! I love you!



I am doubly blessed to not only have a fantastic father, but also a GRANDPA! My grandpa is a Godly man and strong influence in my life. He and I are very close and I love talking to him on Skype! Yes, he's 81 and an avid skyper! Because of his advice, my vegetable garden is alive and well. Often I am accused of being too much of John Cooley...focused, creative, and a perfectionist. Not necessarily a bad thing I don't think.

My skunk Grandpa drew for my 3rd birthday and made a frame for it. It has hung in every place I have lived, including college. Now it's in our apartment.

Happy Father's Day (a few days late) to the great male influences in my life! Y'all mean so much to me and I love you!

Cooley Family Reunion

This past weekend Eric and I traveled to South Carolina to meet up with 35 members of the Cooley Family. This reunion was started many many many years ago when my GREAT grandparents still lived on Little Blue Pond, outside of Panama City, FL. Their kids would bring their kids of a weekend of swimming, fish frying, and watermelon. As the family grew, the reunion grew. In the late 90's, Granddaddy passed on to his Heavenly home and the reunion was moved. For the past few years, we met in various locations depending on which family decided to host that year. My uncle and aunt in South Carolina decided to host the reunion this year, so we made the 8 hour drive south.

If there is one thing the Cooley's do well, it's EAT! And eat we did. Fried chicken. Mashed potatoes. Cornbread. Pound cake. And, of course, S'MORES! Then we sit around and catch up on everyone's lives from the past year. It's such a precious time that our family can share.

John and Mavis Cooley Family, to include 6 great-grandsons

My cousin's brand new baby! So sweet

The best grandparents ever. So blessed to have them.

PopPopPop and Ethan showing off their artistic skills

Precious times

My family!