A little late but...

I don't get around to blogging as often as I should...
Thursday evening before the kids got out of school I was working on some primary stuff. I usually never go into our office after 7pm because Seth sleeps in there, but I really needed to print something, so I went in. To my horror, the ceiling was leaking water in several spots. I yelled for Ryan and we panicked for a minute or two and called the plumber. Now, 2.5 weeks later, we are almost done with all the restoration. It was such a pain to deal with the dryers and construction etc over Christmas. We replaced a big chunk of ceiling and the wall above the door, the pad under the carpet (not the carpet....bummer) thankfully Seth was fine as was all our stuff in the office, and they were able to repair the crack in our tub. Now all the workers are gone and just one last job for Ryan--replacing the drain. I can't wait to have our nice big shower back!!! We've definitely learned some lessons in patience and time management dealing with only the kids shower. :)
So that was Thursday. Friday, Olivia broke her arm, and Ryan graduated with his masters. Way too much excitement this year!
Anyhoo, amidst all the chaos we had a wonderful Christmas. Our dining room is still a maze to walk through since I haven't had a chance to put all the office stuff away yet. And we got to move out all the furniture and a Christmas tree and presents etc on Dec 23 for the carpet cleaners to come, but the kids were great sports and we had everything back in place (in the living room--dining room still a disaster) on Christmas eve.

The nativity by the Hoopers...Seth-Joseph, Isaac-lamb, Grant-Shepherd, Olivia-Mary, Mom-camera lady, Dad-narrator
Seth sat still holding his baby the whole time...just don't try to put a towel hat on his head. lol

All the gingerbread houses

Ryan and Grant's house...with chimney and gargoyle...lol

Isaac wanted to do his own this year.

Olivia would have liked to do her own, but with the broken arm, I had to help, but it was completely her design. Balcony and pool included. :)

Seeing the lights at the temple

For me, its just not Christmas 'til you go see the temple lights. They were beyond amazing, as always.

So, crazy but fun. Olivia is still waiting to try out her pretty pink roller blades. We loved having our "LAZY DAY" (this year it ended up being new year's day...only requirement is teeth brushed...heaven). We visited family, Ryan took the kids hiking a few times. I'm still sweeping up pixos and Legos. Good times. We are blessed. :)

Merry Christmas!

I decided to post a family letter here...much easier than sending it with the cards.

Dear family and friends,
How are you? We are fine. (just kidding lol)
We had a wonderful year. Here's what we've been up to...

OLIVIA is doing great in gymnastics and school. She enjoys reading, singing, and piano as well. It is very frustrating for her to have a broken wrist since most of interest involve her arm. She is such a great helper at home. She is enjoying being in the 4-6 grade honor choir at school too. She is in 4th grade

GRANT is having a great year too. He does excellent in school and likes to read too. He is a green belt in karate and will be moving up soon. He did a basketball camp over the summer and had tons of fun. He also likes video games and riding bikes. Grant is in the 2-3 grade honor choir at school. I LOVE going to the concerts! :) He is in 2nd grade

ISAAC loves finally getting to go to school with Olivia and Grant as a mighty kindergartner. He is doing great and we are so proud of him. He is also a green belt in karate. He did great on his last belt test, so we are exited to see him move up. Isaac loves to play outside and ride bikes. He is a great helper.

SETH has reached the momentous 18 month age!!! He is so much fun. He loves to make as many messes as possible through out the day, but we wouldn't have it any other way. He loves music and dancing. He responds best to Mozart and the chipmunks (go figure) He can also sing back songs if you use a simple syllable instead of the words. He is a talker and great sleeper. :)

MISTI I love staying home and being a mama. I have been super busy with kids and church etc, but I LOVE IT!

RYAN just finished his masters!!! What will he do with all the extra time with no studying, homework, class and research??? :) He works hard, and plans wonderful vacations for us. Ryan has been into hiking and canyoneering this year. He is determined to climb half dome (in Yosemite) next year.

We were very blessed this year, and we are so thankful for it! We have enjoyed spending time together and with our families as well this year. We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Love,
the Hoopers

Master + Disaster

He did it! He's a Master!!! We are super proud of Ryan and so glad he is DONE (at least for a while :) Also, he just had his 5th patent issue...good times.

Here is Ryan at his graduation.

Materials Science and Engineering.

The boys in there ASU stuff. So proud of dad

So that was a HUGE day for Ryan. So why were Olivia and I not there???

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I was in the ER with Olivia. She fell off the monkey bars at school and broke her wrist. Poor girl. She was so brave, I know it was hurting, but she never complained, even during the x-rays. This happened the day before her gymnastics show, if you know Olivia, you'll know that is the saddest news ever to miss out on any bit of gymnastics. So sad.

When Olivia was released, we hurried over to ASU to try to catch the end of graduation, but when we got there, they were walking out.

Here we are all together. Olivia and I didn't have time to go change into our ASU stuff, so we'll have to fabricate the moment again, so I can get a picture the way I wanted it.

Thankfully Ryan's mom and dad came down to see the graduation. They took the big boys with them, so Ryan did have some fans to cheer for him there. Thanks Aunt Lori for rushing over and watching the kiddos for us so we could go to the hospital! Love ya, and we owe you big time!!!

According to Isaac...

"On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me....a cat stuck in a pear tree."

I love it! :)

Ryan

So here's what my hubby has been up to lately...
Besides preparing for his LAST final for his masters, and being a great dad etc. Ryan has really been into hiking and canyoneering. This week he climbed Weaver's needle. So cool, wish I could do it!


At the top

This is Weaver's Needle from far away. (I was watching twilight the other day, and they show that when she is leaving AZ...SO COOL) :)

They camped at the top of it. Her is its shadow early the next morning

I am totally telling my self that he isn't standing on the edge of a 600 ft drop off right there...yikes!

I just like this picture. :)

Thankful

Thanksgiving was wonderful. No surprise, we forgot our camera, so no pictures to show for it. Its always fun to hang out with family, and doesn't hurt that there were 28 PIES!!! either. :) So here are my thankful lists. A serious one, and the every-day-life-practical one :) neither can ever be complete because there is so much to be grateful for, but here's a taste...

MY FAMILY
Ryan- is the best. What can I say, I married UP in SO MANY WAYS!!!
Olivia- my best-est girlfriend and example. She is really as good and sweet as she appears...no put-ons with her.
Grant- my little gentleman. Always helps me, always smiles, always happy.
Isaac- Brave, concerned and faithful.
Seth- Sweet as sugar, pure joy with eyelashes!

THE GOSPEL
Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ
My testimony
The Scriptures
Prophets
My kids primary teachers

EXTENDED FAMILY
We are blessed with wonderful families and are grateful for everyone one of you!

GOOD HEALTH
'nuff said



also I am thankful for....
nap time
Big Sexy Hair products :)
the stevia plant which produces natural sweeteners so I can have treats and still fit in to my size 3s :)
car seats
karate
gymnastics
inspiration
music
dancing
Christmas decorations
Penne Rustica (from Macaroni Grill)
Lost and 24--DATE NIGHTS
shoes
money to buy shoes
scented candles
Good examples
Hawaiian tropics suntan oil
Bulwark exterminating--scorpions?--GONE!
the smell of rain and clean baby
brand new crayons
snuggly pj's
vacations
Celtic women Christmas CD (how can I get in that group--I love their singing)
hugs
Ryan's LONG socks that he lets me steal when my legs hurt
memories
coupons
bubble baths
traditions
FHE


I could go on and on, but its Seth's nap time (which I am thankful for!)

Larson Reunion '09

It was our turn to host the Larson Reunion. I learned (and re-learned) something important...I'm not a very good party planner--I'm a good helper, I'll bring whatever and help set up or clean up, but PLANNING...not so much. We procrastinated the whole year, and had lots of different ideas come and go. We ended up going really easy and having a pot luck at the park. Thankfully, lots came, and we had fun. Family is wonderful. And also what is wonderful is that in 9 years when I'm in charge again, Olivia will be just the right age to take over for her boring mom!!! Thanks for all the fun and help family, love ya!