APW - Coop's BIG day!

Coop had been counting down to his twelfth birthday were several months.  He's been SO excited to be done with primary!  Coop didn't have to think long to decide his special birthday dinner - homemade pizza!!

I don't make homemade pizza very often but everytime I do the kids beg me to open a pizza shop.

This is our first lego architecture set.  Coop loves to learn and share his knowledge about the world so this set was an easy decision to get for him.

Some how I got possessed and bought a laser tag set for Cooper.  Until about two years ago we didn't own one gun (fake or real) but somehow we've collected several nerf guns recently and now...a laser tag gun set.  The kids have had so much fun playing together in the evenings.

Making a wish!!

THEN....a couple of days after Cooper's birthday we celebrated A.P.W. (Aaronic Priesthood Weekend)

A day of dozens!!

Inside each balloon was a special note written just for Coop about why that person thought Cooper would be a wonderful priesthood holder.

Headed to church to be ordained with the Aaronic priesthood.  Tyler was able to stand in the circle to ordain Cooper while Birch did the blessing.

Everyone who stood in the ordination circle.

Popping each balloon to reveal a special note. 

 Such thoughtful things were written to Cooper:

• Coop will be a great priesthood holder because he is a great communicator.  He puts people at ease and makes them feel comfortable when he speaks with them.  Congrats Coop.  –Uncle Ryan
• His ability to make people laugh and smile from the joy he feels in life will make him the kind of priesthood holder that others want to be around...and when you are around people, you find more opportunities to serve...and that's what the priesthood is all about: service. – Uncle Logan 
• Congrats Cooper! We are so proud of you and know you will honor your priesthood and work hard at using it to bless the lives of others around you! I was really impressed last year when you're mom said that you had made a goal to read the Book of Mormon and beat your goal by, what? Two months? That was amazing! That diligence and dedication to the Book of Mormon and to completing goals are both such great qualities that will continue to bless you. I know that as you continue to read and study the Book of Mormon you will have the Spirit with you more and more and it will help you as you use your priesthood power. Wish we could be there to celebrate! Love, Jessica 
•  I love Coop for many reasons and know that he will make an amazing priesthood holder! Cooper has an enthusiasm for life that will help him as he serves others in his quorum, at school, in his family and all around him. This enthusiasm is infectious and makes you smile just by being in his presence. As he serves his smile and zest for life can help to lift the down trodden and lighten others burdens when they feel Cooper’s spirit and positive vibes. Heavenly Father smiles down on you! I love you! Sis Cobia :) (I know all the other Cobia’s feel the same way!) – Tara Cobia 
• Coop will be a fantastic priesthood holder because he is inquisitive and learns lots of things about lots of things. love ya bud – Uncle Luke 
• Cooper definitely is qualified to be a holder of the Priesthood because he has a great heritage and  has proved himself to be an outstanding righteous young man that loves his Heavenly Father. Cooper You are loved by Great Grandmother........................ Sister Rose Harvey 
•  Yay Cooper!I’ve noticed that Cooper looks for the good in people and in situations. Seeing the best in people is a very Christlike characteristic!Wish we could be there on your special day! Love, Julia  
•  He’ll be great - quite simply because he is a “son of God” and has a great family who have raised him to know and appreciate that knowledge.  All the best Coop! – Uncle Geoff   
•  Cooper, I think you will be an amazing priesthood holder because you are so easy to like! People won't hesitate to ask you for help because you are so friendly, outgoing, and fun to be around. –Aunt Jenna
•  Cooper-You're going to be such a great priesthood holder. You're kind and thoughtful and you always seem to know the needs of the people around you. Those are such wonderful traits to have as you serve the Lord and those around you. -Uncle Juje  
•  God needs all of us to do his work. As they say in west Africa, "man is God to man". Coop, you are a unique person with unique gifts and strengths, God has called you to this special responsibility because he needs YOU. The priesthood helps us not to be different people, but better people. The world is lucky to have the light, humor and love you bring to it! -Uncle Seth  
•  What a special time this is!  I think one of the reasons Cooper will be a wonderful priesthood holder is because he likes to understand things  so he can then do what is expected of him.  He wants to be responsible and follow through.  –Ami and Poppi
•  I know Cooper will honor his priesthood because of the examples of his own family before and his maturity now in knowing the sacredness of what he will hold.  He's a responsible and loving young man...both things the Lord needs! – Uncle Matt  
• Because he is kind to people and knows how to put their needs before his own.-Uncle Kelly 
•  I’ve always been impressed with how good Cooper is with my babies.  He loves to hold and play with them- that’s a pretty awesome trait for a pre-teen boy! Love you! Congrats! – Aunti Blayre
• Cooper will be a great priesthood holder because is joyful. –Aunti Camilla
• Coop will be a good priesthood holder because he is humble. -Nate
• Cooper will be a wonderful priesthood holder because you are great around people.  Making others feel comfortable around you is an important trait as it will make you more easily approachable and help provide more opportunities to use your priesthood.  –Love momma 
• Cooper! You are a gifted, talented, delightful, kind, and obedient young man.  I am so thankful to be your father.  This next step in your life of becoming a holder of the Lord’s Holy Priesthood will help you in your further development as you become more like Jesus.  Cooper, I admire your ability to have fun and be happy, as well as to make good friends.  Thank you for being a great example.  I look forward to learning from you and helping you grow in your priesthood service.  Love, Dad 
• Cooper is always super happy.  You will be happy to do your priesthood duties. Love, Chloe 
• Cooper will be a good priesthood holder because you recognize when people are in need.  Love, Alysee 
• Cooper will be an excellent priesthood holder because he thinks of others.  He has a natural talent of engaging and connecting on another’s level which will help him be able to serve in a meaningful and specific way to each individual. Love Aunti Emi 
•  I think Coop will be an awesome priesthood holder because he has a creative mind. Being a priesthood is all about serving others, so he will excel in finding creative ways to exercise his priesthood power! –Elder Alex Ditto
• Cooper will be a good priesthood holder because he knows what is right. – Abbey Cox 
• Cooper has been taught by example of what a priesthood holder does and how to honor his priesthood.  Because Cooper has had this is whole life, he is able to follow this example and honor and respect his priesthood.  So excited for him to receive the priesthood and watch him continue to grow into a young man. – Love Brooke Cox
• Coop always tries his best.  He cares for others.  –Tyler
• The Lord needs young men who are not afraid to live the gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness and courage.  Cooper is just the guy to do the job…and he’ll make you smile and be glad you are on the Lord’s side while you’re doing it.  Cooper is a leader, a mover and a shaker!!  He has been ready for this for a long time.  Congratulations Coop!!  Be honorable!  I love you…Grannie