A Quick Week with a Girls' Day Out

Blake being Blake (picture by Abby)

Abby after taking her piggy for a walk.

This week has gone by so quickly. We are finally done with our inspection at work... our unit got an outstanding (Whoo-hoo). Hopefully, things will slow down a bit now that we're done with that. I am almost finished with this semester of school and Steve's just begun his new semester. I count the days until we will both be done. I always remind the kids how important it is to go to college right out of high school so that when they are moms and dads they won't have to do homework over the weekends.

Mommy & Abby getting ready for Girls' Day Out

Abby after her haircut (with her lollipop)


Yesterday, Abby & I had a girls' day out. We left the house around 11 o'clock and did not get home until after 5 o' clock. On the way home, Abby counted and we went to ten places. Some of the stops included Books-A-Million, Old Navy, Cracker Barrel and Sweet 'n' Sassy for Abby's haircut. We had such a nice time running around shopping. When we got home, Steve turned on the sprinklers for the kids and they played in that.

Abby dancing and Jacob running through the water.


Poor Buddy, he does not want to come inside from the sprinklers.


Today, Blake and Jacob stayed home and Steve, Abby and I went to lunch and Target. Then, when we got home Steve, Blake and Jacob played baseball while Abby and I sat on the porch and read books. Later, the kids played freeze tag. We've had a nice weekend. It just goes by so fast and before I know it I have to get ready for the week again!

Is it mid-April Already?

Jacob playing in the rain (after eating chocolate egg-free cake)!

I can't believe I have not written since March. We've had a lot going on. Blake went to see his mom for Spring Break. He had a great time visiting up there. While he was gone, Steve and I took Abby and Jacob to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. It rained ALL the way up to Atlanta. Despite the icky weather, we had an awesome time. All Jacob wanted to do was find the sharks. Then, he was very excited when he got to try and "pet" the stingrays. Of course, Abby would have nothing to do with that! Her favorite thing was the giant play area with the slide. We wanted to head over to the Coca-Cola museum when we were done, but we were all too tired. We were going to bring some flowers to my Neenie's grave, but the weather kept us from doing that. We had a wonderful time and look forward to exploring more sights in Atlanta.

Steve and I have been really busy at work because we have a huge inspection this week. I actually had to work yesterday and have to go in today from 2 until 10! I am not looking forward to that, but that is just part of life in the military.

The other night, Steve and I took Abby and Jacob to a pizza place called "My Father's Place." Well, Jacob was so cute. Before we left, he kept saying "I want to go to your father's place." He just couldn't understand it was the name of the restaurant. Steve has been teaching Jacob and Abby to play baseball. Jacob loves it. Everyday when we get home from school the first thing he asks is "Can we play baseball, Daddy?" Of course, Daddy loves taking him out. Abby is a bit like her mama and a little scared of the ball. Once she gets warmed up she is pretty good, too!
Look at his little face... how does he hit the ball with his eyes closed?

Blake is doing very well at school. He is ready to complete his freshman year and move on up to his sophomore year. Steve has been taking him out driving. Blake is very confident... we will leave it at that :-)

Bowling with Dylan

Most of the time when Dylan visits he always asks to go bowling. So, this time we were able to fit it it. Steve, Dylan, Abby, Jacob and I went out to lunch and bowling. Blake decided to stay home and play Dylan's PSP instead of going with us. Above is a video of Jacob (just press the play button). He had such a great time. Even if he did not hit any pins, he would jump and high-five. Halfway into the first game we remembered to ask to have the bumpers put up. So, Jacob WON the last game!!!

Easter and a visit with Grandma

My mom has been visiting us and we've been having a nice time. Abby, Grandma and I went out to eat dinner one night and my mom raised her hand to get the server's attention. She had her fingers bent and Abby asked her why she did not have her fingers straight? Then she answered her own question by saying, "Is it so they don't think you are stretching?" It was very funny. Jacob's latest thing is to come right in your face, look up at you and say 'ello! It is hysterical. Blake got his learner's permit, so Steve has been driving around with him nightly. Dylan is here for Spring Break. Steve took the week off work so they can hang out and do guy stuff. I think Steve, Blake and Dylan are going to a movie tomorrow afternoon. Next week, Blake is going to spend his Spring Break in S.C. He is looking forward to a break from school and spending some time with his mom!

Abby and Jacob got bikes for Easter (and allergy free chocolate bunnies), so we've been spending a lot of time outside with them on their bikes. We also got the 4-wheelers back from the shop and have been riding those each evening. We hope everyone had a nice Easter.

Trip to see Dylan

Steve, Blake, Abby & Jacob went to Rome, Ga to see Dylan in a Tae Kwon Do tournament (I had to work and missed all the fun). They spent two nights so they could spend some time with Dylan. It snowed while they were up there, but did not stick. Dylan won 2nd place in forms and board breaking and 3rd in sparring. We are all so proud of him! Now, Abby and Jacob run around the house doing "Tae Kwon Do like Dylan."

Things here are moving right along. Grandma is here for a two week visit. She has only been here two days and I am spoiled having someone cooking dinner and cleaning up! The kids are excited to spend time with Grandma and think it is so neat that she is my MOM!

Today, Abby & Jacob had a field trip to the fire station. I was able to take some time off of work and go with them. They had a great time in the smoke house. When dispatched called in a 9-1-1 call, some of the kids were scared of the noise. Jacob yelled "I wasn't scared." It was very funny. He also told the fire safety instructor "If your pillow is on fire, don't touch it." When the firefighter dressed up in all of his gear another firefighter asked "Would you be scared of Figherfighter Will if you saw him?" and Abby answered "Yes!" It was too cute. I had a great time with Abby, Jacob and all of their friends.

Granddaddy & Granola Visit

Granddaddy & Granola came for a quick visit over the weekend. The kids were so excited to see them. They brought everyone hats and cute shirts for the little ones. Saturday, we headed out to Perry to the Fairgrounds and watched a horse show. There was also a llama show, so we got to see a few of those walking around. Granddaddy & Jacob even pet one (Abby was not interested in that). Abby & Granola played with Abby's Barbies and had a parade with them. Jacob, Abby & Granola spent lots of time playing basketball with Jacob's goal. Of course, a favorite past time of Blake's is to play computer games with G'daddy and Granola. They had lots of fun. Granola even cut Abby's hair! We really enjoyed the visit and hope they will visit again real soon. Grandma comes for a visit next week, so the kids are getting really spoiled.

Easter Decorations & Bubble Baths

Well, Abby & Jacob are ready for Easter. I picked up some Easter window clings from Wal-mart so the kids could stick them to their windows in their rooms. They decided they would rather hang them on the back door, so that is what we did! They are excited for the Easter Bunny to come. Next weekend there is an Easter egg hunt on base and we may head out to that.

The kids have discovered our garden tub. The other night they took a bubble bath in our tub and the bubbles multiplied when we turned on the jets. They pretended to be Santa with their bubble beards.

Abby's latest thing is to tell us things are either "y-correc" (meaning "yes, correct") or "incorrec" (incorrect). She still loves to play school and sets up her stuffed animals and dolls as students. When she gets home from school the first thing she does is take off her shoes and socks and put on her glittery pink flip-flops. She is a funny little one.

Jacob is Jacob. He is ALL boy and loves to kick, jump and scream. He absolutley hates to get up in the morning and Steve and I are always trying to come up with new ways for him to get dressed. He usually fights me to the last knot tied in his shoe!

Blake is doing well. He is taking mostly honors classes and is bringing home all A's. We are so proud of him. He is adjusting well to the move.

We will get to see Dylan this weekend for his Tae Kwon Do tournament in Rome, Ga. We're very excited. Keep an eye out for the post about our visit with him.

Dylan's High Purple Belt

Dylan had a belt test and ceremony last weekend and Blake was able to go because he was visiting his Mom. He thought Dylan did a great job. Dylan put on high purple and now only has brown and red to go before he will test for black belt. He will be in a tournament next weekend and we are going to see it because it is in Rome, Georgia. I may have to work, but Steve and the kids are going to go either way. They can't wait to see Dylan. See Traci's blog for more pics of the belt ceremony!

Handsome Little Jacob

Just a quick blurb about something cute Jacob said...

The other day he & Abby were playing with playdough and he ran up to me and said "Look Mommy, I made you a handsome, little Jacob. Isn't he sweet?" In his hand he had a little ball of yellow dough with some red on it. He had made a little statue of himself. Very cute!

Trip to the Air Museum

Robins AFB has a really nice Museum of Aviation, so Saturday we packed up the kids and headed out. Our first stop was Subway where we picked up some subs for a little picnic. We ate ate the covered picnic area and then the kids played on the swings. After that we had a quick tour (Abby & Jacob ran from airplane to airplane). It is a very nice museum with lots of exhibits and aircraft. It was really incredible to have a glimpse into Air Force history. Steve & I plan to return when the kids are not with us so we can spend time reading all the info about each display.

Other than that we had a realtively quiet weekend. Blake is in S.C. and we really missed him, but Steve just spoke to him and he's having a nice time hanging out up there. Jacob got his hair cut at a place called "Sweet & Sassy." I think that will be Abby's new hair place, but Jacob will be more in his element at the base barber shop.

Doctor visits and Valentine's!

Yet another busy week at the Copeland's! Both Abby & Jacob had to go to the doctor. Abby had a small infection on her knee and when Dr. Tuckey came in and introduced himself she said, "Tuckey is a state." Of course, Steve, the Dr. and I cracked up and I told her Ken-"tuckey" is a state. Very cute. Jacob went for his four year check-up. He was such a big boy and after he got his shots. He said they hurt, but was very proud of his three band-aids and two stickers.


All week Abby & Jacob were very excited about Valentine's day. They made cards for their friends and decorated hearts for the wall at school. They had a party on the 14th. I ordered special allergy free cupcakes (very yummy) and candy from divvies.com. They each got a little stuffed animal and a book for V-day. Jacob took his little stuffed puppy to the doctor. Steve sent me flowers and a balloon for Valentine's Day. Blake offered to babysit for us, but Steve and I stayed in and watched a DVD while Blake kept the kids occupied. They did "artwork" which the kids love to do.

A & J making their hearts for school!

Blake was out of school today and Steve and I had the day off. So, the three of us went to eat lunch at Zen (a Japanese steakhouse). The food was pretty good, but we miss Samurai of Tokyo and Benihana! After that we went to the movies and saw "Michael Clayton." It was ok, but some of us found it hard to follow. We had a nice day spending time with Blake.


Tomorrow Blake leaves for S.C. for his winter break. Steve & I are planning on doing some unpacking and taking Abby & Jacob to do some fun stuff. Happy President's Day to everyone!

Busy Weekend (Again)

Friday I had to work until 11pm, so Steve, Blake, Abby, & Jacob had to drive half way to Blake's mom's house to meet Patrick so Blake could go up for Logan's b-day. I felt terrible that Abby & Jacob had to spend so much time in the car. I just could not get out of working late.

Saturday, I had a hair appointment at Awaken Salon. It is always so hard to find a place I love to get my hair done when we move. I think I got lucky this time and am very happy with Awaken (and Jon who did my hair). Then, we took Abby & Jacob to Monkey Joe's, which is a place with eight blow up bouncers/slides. They had a blast. After all of that excitement we were very hungry so we stopped in to eat lunch at a place called "Fatz Cafe." The food was delicious and I had fried green tomatoes... YUM!

Today, Abby & I got up early to go grocery shopping. Steve had to drive back to pick up Blake, so the kids & I did some chores and unpacking. When Steve & Blake got home, Jacob was sleeping so Dad & Abby took a spin on the 4-wheeler. Tonight we will get ready for the week. This weekend went by so quickly... we will be ready for the long weekend next week.

We're Here

Well, it has been a long time and a lot of things have happened since our last post. We had a wonderful Christmas in Arkansas with Meemaw, Grandpa and Uncle Dustin. Dylan flew out and we were able to all spend Blake's 15th birthday together. Steve, the big boys and I went to see "National Treasure 2" on Blake's b-day. Then the whole gang went to eat Mexican and then to visit Grandpa, who had to work.

Christmas was so much fun! Meemaw gave everyone a box to put their goodies in and Abby spent the entire time organizing her box. Jacob and Blake played Santa. Each time Jacob opened a gift he LOVED it... "Oooo, look at this... Thank you!" he would say. Poor Dylan had a terrible cold and he was exhausted.


Jacob had a small 4th birthday party with family at Chuck E. Cheese. Dylan was able to come down from S.C. so that was really nice. I made Jacob some egg-free cupcakes, but they weren't the best.

Once we got to Georgia things became crazy, but everything has worked out and we bought a beautiful home. Grandpa came down this weekend to help us move in. Blake, Abby and Jacob are all settled in their schools. Steve and I are working (not settled in, but working). We miss all of our Texas friends... Now that we're back online I will try to do better keeping up with the blog.

Heading Out Thursday

Saturday night Dylan had his belt ceremony from the test that was held that morning and it was combined with his Christmas Party. Dylan is now a Purple belt and is doing so well in Tae Kwon Do. His mom says he really loves it! We are all so proud of him (check out Traci's blog for all the pictures). We can't wait to see him Thursday night!

Today I went to Spa Bella for a massage, facial and pedicure (a b-day gift from Steve). Then I had lunch with the girls at one of my favorite places, The Renaissance Pear! I sure will miss Kim and Nikki (I posted this pic of the three of us taken while our friend Hope was in Iraq).

We head up to Arkansas Thursday! We are so excited to see Meemaw, Grandpa, Uncle Dustin (and Dylan who will be flying in that night). Abby and Jacob are hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Love,

Steve, Amy and the Gang

Busy Week

Abby and her Christmas tree we made for school (she decorated it herself and it took all night for the glue and glitter to dry).
Blake and Jacob playing with balloons... Blake does a great job keeping the kids entertained.
Sister Abigail wearing Blake's cool, new hat!
Big Boy Jacob Ryan riding his 4-wheeler in the yard!

Well, the movers are supposed to be here tomorrow, but we are expected to have an ice storm/freezing rain tonight, so we will see. We've spent the weekend getting ready for the movers. Jacob wants to move our whole house to Georgia and Abby wants to know if there are dogs there. It is interesting to watch them take in the whole moving process. They are both sad because we don't have an Christmas lights on our house. I took Jacob on a drive around the neighborhood to look at all the lights. Everytime he would see some he would say "Ooooh, look at those... I want some of those." It was too cute. Grandpa puts up some great lights and decorations in his yard and I know the kids will really enjoy those. Yesterday, Jacob told me he wanted to see Dylan now. He told me he had a dream about him. I know he is really looking forward to spending time with him.

Today, while I was packing, Jacob came through the livingroom and said "How's the packing going, mom?" He sounded so grown up. I put a sign up on our closet door that says "Stop, do not pack" and Abby saw the sign and read it to me. I am not sure how she knew the words but she promises no one told her what they said. I may have told her a few days ago I was going to do that... she has quite a memory. Blake has been such a great help this weekend and I know he will be ready to be settled in Georgia. We are all a bit sad to leave our friends. Steve and I both had going away luncheons this past week and they were really very special. We've been here four years and it will be strange to leave.

I am not sure when I will be back on here to blog (maybe tomorrow if the movers don't come). We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

Love,

Amy and the Gang

Great Job, Dylan!

Yesterday Dylan entered his first tournament in Tae Kwon Do. He won 1st in forms as well as 1st overall in his belt/age group!! We are so proud of him. Check out his mom's blog for all the details.

It's Begining to Look A Lot Like Christmas... sort of

Sunday night at about 7:00, it started to snow. The Abby, Jacob, Blake and I put on our warm clothes and headed out into the backyard. Blake taught them how to make snowballs and how to catch snowflakes on their tongues. We had fun and afterwards had homemade hot cocoa! Of course, the snow did not last very long and it did not stick on anything but the grass. Abby and Jacob were very excited in the morning to see the snow on the ground.

Tonight, Steve and I have our Squadron Holiday Party. I am ready for it to be over because I planned the whole thing. It is at the Country Club and it should be lots of fun. Blake spent the night last night with a friend and is going to babysit for us tonight. Dylan has a Tae Kwon Do tournament this weekend and we are excited to hear how he does. Good luck, Dyl!

Happy Thanksgiving

Abby and Ethan on Thanksgiving.
Jacob on the swing on Thanksgiving.

We had a nice Thanksgiving. The Parker's came over and we celebrated our "last" Thanksgiving together (at least in Texas). We had a great time and entirely too much food for the eight of us. I made a delicious ham and Travis and Kara brought a turkey. After dinner we took the kids out to play. Finally we have some cold weather, so it really feels like the holidays are here.

Blake flew up to Arkansas to meet his mom, Dylan, Logan and Patrick. He had a nice time and was happy to see some of his family that he hasn't seen for a while. He came back this morning and has spent the day playing with Abby and Jacob. We had about two minutes of snow and by the time everyone got dressed to go outside it had turned into rain.

We are counting down until we leave... it really is right around the corner. We're all excited to go to Arkansas for Christmas and to see Dylan!