Abby Lost Her First Tooth

Last night we were out to eat. Before we began eating I was talking to her about the tooth and saw it in her mouth. Well, in the middle of her taco I looked at her and said "Where is your tooth?" She realized it was gone and began crying (I think I startled her). We searched all over her plate, but it seems she swallowed it. We told her the Tooth Fairy gives extra money for swallowed teeth. All evening she ask all sorts of questions about the Tooth Fairy. She was so happy to get her $$ this morning and put it directly into her piggy (which is actually a cow) bank! I can already see her big girl tooth coming in. She is just growing too fast.

June Update

I must start out with the biggest news of all... Ms. Abby has a loose tooth! We keep waiting for it to fall out so the Tooth Fairy can pay us a visit. It was loose the entire time we were in Florida and of course she just can't wait!

Well, we are back from our week long trip to Florida! We packed up the car and headed down to my grandmother's house near Tampa (Steve headed to Orlando for a symposium). The kids and I spent three days there and had a great time. We went to the swimming pool, Honeymoon Island (a beach) and the bowling ball house (a house decorated with all types of bowling balls). We also got to spend time with my Aunt Jean, Uncle Gary and cousin Anna. Abby adored Aunt Jean and was very excited to get to sit with her at dinner. Our highlight at the beach was collecting seashells and seeing a dolphin swimming close to the shore! Jacob liked the birds and shooed them away so they would not eat our picnic lunch.

Abby & Jacob at Honeymoon Island!

Wednesday we headed over to Orlando to see Daddy. The kids were very excited and Thursday we spent the day with Aunt Mary at the pool. The highlight of the Orlando trip was to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. The kids were SOOO excited. Steve & I loved watching their faces light up as they saw Cinderella's Castle as we were arriving on the monorail (which they loved). Abby got to see Ariel and Jasmine which was one of her favorite things besides Goofy's Barnstormer roller coaster. Jacob, on the other hand, had a blast playing in the water in front of Ariel's grotto, riding the Dumbo ride and meeting Buzz Lightyear! They both really enjoyed the Indy Speedway and I think they would have done that over and over again. It was really special to take the kids to the Magic Kingdom for the first time. We look forward to taking them again and again and exploring the rest of the Disney parks!

Abby & Jacob at the Magic Kingdom!!!

Mommy & her Prince and Princess on board the train at the Magic Kingdom!!

We got home Saturday so we would have a day to rest and celebrate Dad before heading back to work. The first thing Abby said to Steve Sunday was "Happy Father's Day." She was very excited to give him his gift and go out to eat. Abby & Jacob made Dad a picture holder/paper weight from seashells and clay (very cool). Steve picked Outback, so we headed out for lunch and then grocery shopping. The rest of the day I spent doing homework, the kids played and Steve watched the U.S. Open... Go Tiger!

Abby & Jacob started swimming lessons at their school yesterday. Jacob can dog paddle, but they are learning the basics this session and will have another session in July. I will keep you posted on their progress. They've had so many summers where their skin has kept them from being comfortable in the water, so we are very excited their skin is doing well and they can begin to enjoy summer.

Watchin' the Rain

We're having a nice thunderstorm tonight and the kids set up their chairs in the dining room to watch the storm. Once I brought out the camera the kids started to act like little hams!



Well, it is official... Abby has turned into a true Georgia Peach! She came home one day a few weeks ago and asked me "Mommy is it DRINK or DRAINK?" I could not stop laughing at her cute little Southern drawl. Yesterday, she asked "Is it TuesDAY or TuesDEE?" Again, too cute. All of her friends and teachers at school are from Georgia and she is going to sound like she is, too!

Memorial Day Weekend

I love loooong weekends! We are able to relax and enjoy the kids without having to worry about the upcoming week. Friday, the kids all had school (Blake's last day as 9th grader) and Abby & Jacob had field day. Parents were invited to come join the kids for pizza and games. The kids loved the bouncers they had there and getting wet without getting in trouble. We forgot our camera, but Steve took one picture with his phone of Abby playing in the water. Yesterday, Steve took Blake to go visit his mom for the summer. When he got home, Abby & I headed out to the commissary to do our weekly grocery shopping. Today, Steve, the kids and I headed out for lunch, some shopping and a long-awaited haircut for Jakey. We had planned on going up to Callaway Gardens, but decided to save on gas money and stay close to home. We bought some sidewalk chalk today and the kids had a great time "chalking" with dad (great entertainment for 99 cents). I made some jello-jigglers and egg-free chocolate chip cookies for the kids. We really have had a wonderful time just hanging out with each other. I am not sure what we will do tomorrow but I am going to try not to think about the upcoming week. We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day.
Jacob drew a self-portrait!
The Princess drew a princess!

Pre-K Graduation

Abby & Jacob before graduation.
Big girl Abby getting her certificate!
Goofball Jacob!

Last night was Abby & Jacob's pre-K graduation. It was a really cute ceremony and the kids sang songs. Jacob smiled and laughed the whole time, while Abby spent most of her time looking at everyone's parents and grandparents. They were both very excited about the program and could not wait to sing the songs they'd learned. It was a special night. Jacob was able to graduate even though he will get to graduate again next year. Next week Abby & I will go register her for kindergarten. WOW! I can't believe my little girl will be going to kindergarten. Wednesday night, Abby & I went shopping to pick out some new sandals to go with her new dress. We also bought some new nail polish, so we had "Spa Mommy" time where I cut and painted her nails to get her ready for the big night.

Today is field day at school, so Steve & I will go up to the school for that. Today is also Blake's last day of school. We can't believe he will be a sophomore! He leaves this weekend for his mom's. He has had a very busy week finishing up projects. One of the projects was to paint a ceiling tile depicting a book he'd read... his was from "Lord of the Flies." He has all A's so he is able to exempt his finals (which is why today is his last day). We continue to be so proud of what a great young man he is! Dylan won't be here for a few more weeks because he has a church camp he will be going to. We can't wait to see him!

Blake's painted ceiling tile.

Gone Fishin'

Well, we had a nice, relaxing (sort of) weekend. Steve & I took Abby & Jacob fishing to the lake on base (Blake opted for some peace and quiet at home). We spent more time trying to keep Jacob from putting a hook in one of us and telling Abby the ducks were not going to get her. Jacob really enjoyed the ducks and he liked to chase them into the water. We had bought crickets for bait and Jacob & Abby were fascinated by them. I believe their favorite part of the day, aside from their "Cars" and "Princess" fishing poles, was watching the ducks eat the crickets. It really was a nice day and we had a great time enjoying the warm, breezy weather.

Daddy teaching the kids the "basics."

The princess fishin'.

Jacob and the ducks!

Poor Abster... she was afraid the ducks were going to get her.

Happy Mother's Day

My Beautiful Mother's Day Flowers

Well, I've had a very special weekend. Friday, Steve had some beautiful flowers delivered to me at work from him and the kiddos. Yesterday, I went to Macon to visit a friend in the hospital. Afterwards, Steve and the kids took me to dinner at one of my favorite places, Longhorn. I had a delicious fillet and crab cake (my favorite). Last night, Blake watched Abby and Jacob while Steve & I ran to Lowe's and Wal-Mart to get some flowers to plant in the mailbox planter (which will be a nice Mother's Day project today if the weather holds out).

This morning Steve made biscuits for breakfast and Blake played water balloons with Abby & Jacob. Steve is out grocery shopping because he is making Meemaw's chicken enchiladas for dinner tonight. Abby and Jacob made prints of their hands at school for Mother's Day (always a favorite) and they got me a shirt, too. The kids also did a project at school about their moms. They had to answer questions about their moms. Abby did really well. She knew almost everything about me even down to my favorite flower. The only thing she did not know is how much I weigh (thank goodness) and she said I like to shop for jewelry. Jacob, on the other hand, said I was 13 years old, weigh 7 pounds, like to go to Chuck E. Cheese's and eat peas and french fries. I laughed at all of the answers the kids in the class said about their moms. I hope everyone has a super Mother's Day!Jacob running from Blake's water balloon!

Last weekend Steve, Abby and I went shopping while Blake and Jacob stayed home and watched Tom and Jerry. Abby made out with a few new outfits!

Abby in one of her new outfits.

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!