Two Great Weeks in Texas

Leaving for the last two weeks of October for Texas accomplished so many purposes--and besides that, we had a great time!  We left about 2:00 p.m. on Boss's Day, so George came home with a gigantic card from those in the Business Department, plus his secretary had put together a huge bag of goodies that she knew we would like as we drove the 16 hours there, including crackers, granola bars, apples, water, assorted nuts, and of course, some Diet Cokes and Diet Dr. Peppers.  We were set!

 It's been a long time since we drove on a long road trip like this, so it was fun to see the country side and beautiful sunsets which you don't get to see when you fly.  The first night we stayed in Mobile, Alabama.

 The next day, we drove into New Orleans.  After all the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, we were anxious to see how they had cleaned up so much of the city and surrounding areas.  George had made two trips with the men in our church to go over to Gulfport, Mississippi, right after the hurricane and wondered how those areas would ever get back to normal.  But, as we found out, they have done a tremendous job!

 We have gone to many cities in the U.S. and Europe and done their Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus, so we decided to do it here in New Orleans.  Although we had been there several times, we hadn't ever really done a tour, so we found it so interesting.

The cemeteries in New Orleans are some of the most unique sights you'll see.  These are mostly 18th and 19th century burial site where the dead are actually entombed above ground. 

Because there are actually little streets between the rows of tombs which look like little houses, these cemeteries became known as the "cities of the dead."  Most of these have many family members entombed in them.  The rule was they had to wait one year and one day before opening them to put another family member in.  If someone died before that, there were holding places until they could do so.

Notice over to the left hand corner that there is a gray pyramid-shaped super-tomb.  This is actually 9-feet tall and awaits the remains of actor Nicholas Cage.  He purchased the last two side by side plots back in 2010 for an undisclosed amount.  (There are mixed feelings from the people living in the area if they approve or disapprove of this structure in their cemetery, but nevertheless, when Nicholas Cage dies, it is his final resting place.)

This bronze statue was a gift from the people of Venezuela in 1957 in honor of Simon Bolivar, the South American

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military and political leader who, together with José de San Martín, played a key role in Hispanic America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire.

The Saenger Theatre opened on February 4, 1927. The 4,000-seat theatre took three years to build and cost $2.5 million.  The top ticket price was 65 cents, and the bill for each performance included a silent movie and stage play.  Through the years it went through many changes, but in 1977 it became a national landmark.  When Hurricane Katrina came in 2005, it suffered significant water damage with water a foot above the stage area.  Now, eight years later and $51 million worth of renovations, they have put it back to what it started in the 1920s.  It just opened and look at the first Broadway play it was showing!   

One sight that never gets old is the street cars which have been running for 150 years.  Can you believe the cost is only $1.25 to ride throughout the city?

The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is the largest fixed domed structure in the world.  Depending on the event, anywhere from 73,000 to 82,000 spectators can be inside.  After Hurricane Katrina, it suffered much damage and was closed for many months in order to repair the damage

The architecture in New Orleans is reflective of the history of the multicultural heritage it has enjoyed.  From colorful creole cottages . . .

to mansions with the European influence.

Boutiques and quaint shops - Zuka Baby on the far left end is owned by John Goodman's wife.  They live in New Orleans along with many other well-known personalities.

New Orleans is famous for its Mardi Gras.  You can actually take a tour of the huge warehouse where most of the items are made for the entire event. 

The signs read:  "We're jazzed that you're here."

Riding by the huge Harrod's Club Casino.

On the street outside Jackson Square, you see cars right along side horse and carriages.

We hopped off the bus to get a feel of the city by walking some of it.

One experience Amy told us we couldn't miss was going to Cafe Du Monde and try some of their beignets.  She said she had hoped this was one place that wasn't destroyed in Hurricane Katrina because it is such an icon for everyone who lives there or tours there.   

And yes, they were divine!!!  Messy, but divine!  This is the only thing they serve besides something to drink with them.  They have made an entire business around these fantastic tasting "scones."

George is always such a good sport to let me take his picture eating ice cream, so I guess I'd better include this one he took of me with my beignet!

Everywhere we went, there were jazz players.  We wouldn't expect anything else from the city considered the "birthplace of jazz."

People relaxing in front of Jackson Square, while listening to the young men playing fantastic jazz.

Although this looks like a castle, it is actually St. Louis Cathedral overlooking Jackson Square.  This is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. 

The interior is absolutely exquisite.

We walked through a lightening shop with some of the most exquisite chandeliers I have ever seen.

We sat for a little while inside the Square, then paused to take a picture with one of the carriage owners.  A half hour ride would only cost $80!  Wow!  The picture was enough.

Looking at the bridge spanning the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans.

I took this one for Cassie--one lone LSU flag.

The painted "real" people always fascinate me.  How can they stay that still for that long?

Voodoo was brought to the French colony of Louisiana from Africa and from the Haitian exiles after the Haitian Revolution.  There are many superstitions that go along with this, and its influence can be seen quite often in the town.

Back on the bus, we passed the flea market while our tour guide told us how to barter there.  George was looking at me because he knows I'm terrible at bartering.  I just want to pay the price they say, but the guide says that's half the fun and those who sell items expect it!  I'll just leave such things to George!  He's great at it!

The Louis Armstrong Park is dedicated to one of the City’s most celebrated native sons and to the tradition of jazz in the City.   It has concerts and small stands where people sell crafts and items to eat.

Back we were to where we started--the Visitors' Center.  We had to take a look at this coffin with all the hearts painted on it.

It is actually a permanent monument for the 1,464 people who lost their lives in Hurrican Katrina on August 29th, 2005.

We then toured the museum inside the Visitors' Center. 

We finished our tour at the end of the day, and started out again for our next stop:  Houston.  Although we didn't quite make it that day (we ended up staying a couple of hours from there), we loved seeing the beautiful rivers and waterways as we headed from Louisiana to Texas.

The next morning we arrived in Houston.  It is huge!  Our purpose in going to Houston was to meet up with some of our kids to attend the Brigham Young University - Houston game.  We stayed with our oldest son, Kevin, at a Marriott Hotel and had a fun evening going out to dinner and a movie.

The next day, we headed over to the stadium.  It had been raining hard the day before, so I was afraid of windy, cold weather, but I forgot--we were going to a beautiful enclosed stadium and they said they would keep the roof closed.  Fantastic!

George, with two of our sons:  Kevin and Kent, along with Kent's friend Dan, who had been on a Mormon mission with Kent in Guatemala when they were 19 years old.  They have been friends all these years!

Kent had stayed with Dan, and we met them at the stadium.

Just before the stadium, we saw this beautiful little park area with a statue of a horse.  Kent's little girl, Ella, is absolutely a horse fanatic, so I took this one of her daddy with her favorite animal.

When you go with a Copeland to a game, you have to get there early to watch the warm-up and pre-game activities.

See the enclosed roof and the huge television?!  The best!  And we were on the 50 yard line only about 10 rows up.  Thanks, Kevin, for getting us such great seats!

This was a tribute to "Bum" Phillips who had died the day before, I believe.  He was such a major figure in Houston football, and such a well-respected coach

We were so glad that Jeff and Isaac drove down that morning.  Not only is Jeff a huge BYU fan, little Isaac at only six years old is a football fanatic.  He can tell you every statistic of almost every college and NFL team there is.  It is absolutely amazing.  He never left that seat one time, even when Grandpa was going to take him out for treats!

I can't begin to tell you how exciting the game was, but in the end--we were victorious!!!  BYU played fantastic!  We were so proud of them.  Way to go, team!

Afterwards, we had our picture taken with one of the ushers.  Although he liked us a lot, he still wouldn't let us down on the field.  Hah!

We were all definitely hungry, so we headed for a barbecue place that Kent read on-line was supposed to be fantastic.  The people were lined up all the way through the building and outside.  It definitely was a local favorite, and we loved it, too!

Jeff and Isaac stayed at another Marriott, and then the next morning, we all headed for Dallas.

Activities in Dallas

Since we had just missed little Kennedy's one-year-old birthday, we brought her present with us.  All of the kids were so excited, you would have thought it was their birthday. 

They all wanted to help her open it.

Do you see how she's just sitting back watching them so amazed!

I hope she likes her birthday toys.

Whenever Lola calls Papa, she always tells him she wants him to "bug" her, so every chance he gets while he's there, he's happy to accommodate her.

Waiting for her dinner so patiently.

After a wonderful meal that Craig and Cassie planned and prepared, we had a little talent show.  Sydney played her flute for us.  She is trying out for the Regional Band.  We were absolutely floored at how good she is getting.

Then Lola showed us some of her ballet moves she has been learning.

I really wanted to get a picture of George and me with five of our seven children.  We have such a difficult time getting all seven together with them all being so spread out, but this was really a rare treat to have this many.

Kent's reaction when Kevin does his regular "goosing" whenever we try to take a picture.  Notice his hand behind Kent?!  Yes, I have the proof Kevin! 

The next day, George and I rode with Craig and Cassie and their kids to a place called Gainesville, Texas, where Craig and his partner are setting up a new dental practice which will be opening within the month.

Dr. Copeland and Dr. Stewart

This will be the reception and bookkeeping desk area as you come in.

It will start out with four dental chairs.

One of the bathroom areas.

This is going to be the children's playroom with a huge tree for the kids to climb and slide down, along with video games, and a theater.

I think little Kennedy likes George to "bug" her, too!

We really enjoyed going through the new dental office and wish them well.  When we move to Dallas, George will be keeping their books for them.

One of the main reasons we went to Dallas is because Anne was having back surgery, and we went there to stay with them a few days and help out.  This was taken minutes after she returned home from her surgery, and they had given her pills to make her rest.  Little Gavin climbed right up in bed with her to help her feel better. 

We are so grateful that everything went so well for her surgery.  This was taken a few days later and nothing made us happier than to see her smile back without all the pain she was experiencing before.  It was truly a success!


When we stayed with Jeff and Amy, we got to know their new puppy "Frisco" a little better.  As you can tell, he is a real hit in their family.  Lola's mommy had just finished doing her hair for school pictures--the reason for the tears.

We, also, got to go to Lola's ballet-tap lesson.  She takes it so seriously and works very hard.  She absolutely loves it!

After her lesson, me giving her a big hug!  This brought back memories of hours spent in dance studios and gymnasiums!

Attending the boys' sporting events is always so much fun for George and me.  This, also, brings back memories of special times on the field, court, or wherever the sporting event was with five active boys.

Jaxon is on a very good soccer team that he has played with for years.  He's right in the middle with the yellow and orange shoes.

We were so proud when he scored a goal!

We, also, got to watch Gavin play soccer.  His daddy was his coach that day.  Notice how he is standing right next to his dad as the teams match up.

Cameron giving a few instructions.  I quit counting after Gavin made six goals.

One of my favorite pictures.  "What do you want me to do next, Dad?"

Such a sweet little smile!

While Gavin was out for a short amount of time from the game, he went over with the other kids to play "Duck, Duck, Goose," one of Lola's favorite games.  The kids all had so much fun playing that.

This game was 8:30 a.m., and it was still very old and windy, yet do you see Mason?  That kid never gets cold!

Sydney brought her blanket, it was so cold!

The "Congratulations" arch the kids walk through after the game.

From the soccer field to the football field to watch Isaac play football.  But during the warm-ups, Papa has to "bug" Lola a little more.

Frisco came along to give his encouragement to Isaac.

Isaac is one scrappy little guy.  He really goes after the ball and is a great little football player. 

Now, back to the soccer field to watch Mason play soccer.  Mind you, it was at least a 20-minute ride between each of these activities, and us not knowing the city real well, let's just say it was quite a challenge, but we made it to all of them!

I think Mason scored at least two goals, too!

The last few nights, we stayed with Craig and Cassie.  Let's just say, Kennedy's eyes really light up when she sees Papa with his Diet Coke!

 Riley loves to have his Grandma play cars with him.  We did this for hours.  He connects a little track to the window and then sees which car is the fastest.  He has done this so many times, he absolutely knows which car will win in every situation.  


Their cat, Mia, just watches in amazement, too, until Kennedy comes too close.  Then she disappears pretty quickly.

 Mealtime was really an experience.  Kennedy absolutely loves all kinds of fruits--especially any kind of berries.  Can you tell?

 So, one night we were all getting together and in comes Cameron's kids with their newest pet:  a bunny rabbit named "Thumper."

 Sydney was so proud.  She had bought it with her own money that she had earned.

 All of the kids were fascinated by the new pet in the Copeland household.

I didn't take pictures of the day-after-day searching we did for a home when we do move to Dallas.  We absolutely went from one end of Dallas to another in our search.  Seriously, I am so mixed up, I don't have any idea where or what I saw, but I think George got some great ideas, so I'm just going to leave it up to him!

On the afternoon before we were leaving (it had now been two weeks since we left home), Amy and the kids had a little birthday party for George since his birthday would be in a couple of days.  She made pumpkin muffins and they gave George this fantastic Jenny Oaks Baker CD which we played for hours on our way home.

 Then we went outside to play for a few minutes before we said good-bye.

 George and Isaac were throwing the football.

 Frisco came to play soccer with them.

Then we went by Cameron and Anne's to say "bye" to their kids.  Bunny rabbit Thumper was doing great.

 They were all so cute and wished Grandpa a Happy Birthday.

 Riley and Kennedy were so sweet and fun to play with.  


That night, those who were able to get away took George and I out to eat at Cheesecake Factory for George's birthday.  We had so much fun together.

 When we left the next morning from Craig and Cassie's home, Riley wasn't feeling very well, as you can tell by this picture.  Thankfully, he got feeling better the next day after we left.

Wow!  I can't believe we were gone for two weeks, but we kept busy the entire time and enjoyed our stay with each family so much.  We were treated royally wherever we went.  Thanks to all of you for all your help in trying to help us re-locate when the time comes.  We look forward to being able to participate more often in family events by living closer.