This picture is so special for several different reasons: First, I thought Cassie had taken this picture, but come to find out little two-year-old Kennedy actually took the picture with her mother's cell phone. It was the best picture taken all day--she was on his level and he loved it! Secondly, this blanket was one that we brought back from Jerusalem called "The Bethlehem Blanket." It was actually made in Bethlehem--such a special meaning behind this little blanket coming from the city of Christ's birth. And then thirdly, this little guy already means so much to everyone in the family. We're surely glad he came to the Copeland family!
Craig and Cassie with their three little ones--they definitely have their hands full! Riley, age 5; Kennedy, age 3; and Dawson, age 3 months.
This is Dawson's, "Seriously, how many more pictures are you going to take?" pose. Hah!
Three generations: Cassie's mom, Cassie, and Dawson
Grandma Laura and Grandpa George with little Dawson.
Craig and Cassie were so kind to give George the honor of giving little Dawson his name and blessing. It meant so much to George.
Memaw Gloria
A giant yawn . . .
Kennedy is always like a little princess--so fun to take pictures of. Her smile just makes everyone around her smile!
Cassie's brother, Trevor; Cassie, Dawson, and Memaw Gloria
Kennedy really loves her little brother. She was doing this without anyone telling her to kiss him, and I was lucky enough to catch it.
Such a sweet little guy who allowed us all our fun to take so many pictures--but,
finally, he had had enough. Still no crying--just a giant yawn, so we said, "That's it."
After the meeting, we went over to Craig and Cassie's home for a little get-together. I had to capture this picture of some of their beautiful flowers in their yard.
Cassie and her mom had fixed a great lunch.
We all enjoyed visiting with family and friends.
The kids always have such a great time on the swing set at Craig and Cassie's. (Gavin, Kennedy, and Lola)
A few more pictures of Dawson on various days.
Lola loves her little cousin, too.
Other activities and events we were able to participate in while in Dallas were:
A Giant Surprise!
When we first got to Dallas, everyone was there to greet us after we got back from the airport. We were all talking and enjoying seeing each other again when the doorbell rang. Some of the kids ran to the door, then told George and me to go to the door. What we saw there was so puzzling: A giant two and a giant seven. We both said, "What does this mean?" We wondered if it meant 72, but neither of us is 72--hah! We thought 27--but what does 27 mean. Today just happened to be our 47th wedding anniversary. Could someone have gotten it wrong. There was no one at the door, but there was a little white box connected to one number and a little envelope connected to the other.
After reading the letter and seeing a little pair of boys shoes in the box, we started crying and everyone was clapping! Jeff and Amy are expecting Grandchild #27 in November!!! Lola will be 6 1/2 by the time they have this little boy. We are all so excited for them!!!
Sydney Finishes Middle School
When Cameron came to get us at the airport, he told us we had to stop off at the middle school because Anne said she would meet us there to watch Sydney come out of the middle school for the last time. What? We had never heard of making this such a big event. Anne had suggested that Cameron get her flowers, but Cameron thought he was much wiser and knew she would probably be hungry, so he got her chicken nuggets from Chick-filet. Boy, were we all wrong. This was a BIG DEAL!!!
As we drove up to the school, there were so many cars, and even a stretch limo!!! There were so many people crowded throughout the halls and walkways, we could hardly find a place to stand!
As the kids came in a procession by, we saw Sydney in tears. She has had perfect 4.0 all the years she has been at Middle School, been in band, been in theater and starred in plays, helped with school announcements, and just been one of the busiest young ladies ever. So, she has had wonderful experiences, but now she is on to high school. We had to wait until she got out the door to congratulate her.
Such a sweet young lady. We are so proud of her!
Her whole family was there to congratulate her: Her dad Cameron, her mom Anne, and brothers Jaxon, Mason, and Gavin
Bowling
It's kind of become a tradition that we go bowling in Dallas with the grand kids. It is such fun to watch their reactions!
Watching Lots of Ballgames
George and I have always enjoyed watching our kids in sporting activities. Now we get to watch the grand kids. Gavin and Riley are on an indoor soccer team. We haven't watched much indoor soccer action, so we really enjoyed it. It is fast-paced and lots of fun! We got to see two games. The first game ended in a tie, and the second game the "Lazers" won! Both boys played so well! Mason and Lola came to watch.
Kennedy came to this game. Not too much watching of the game, but she always has a good time!
I always love to see our sons coach their sons. They had a great teacher--their own dad. He really knows the game! I can't really remember a year when George didn't coach at least one of the boys. This is Jaxon's team--he is number 10.
Jaxon actually plays on two different teams. He really loves basketball!
Cameron, also, coaches Mason's basketball team. One night, they didn't have enough players, so he put the uniform on Gavin who barely turned five. Here he was playing with seven and eight-year-olds, dribbling down the floor, passing the ball just like a little pro. It was so fun to watch these two boys play together.
Jaxon, also, plays on a baseball team. He plays first base and is a pitcher. They were in a tournament, and the first night, he made five hits--including a triple in the overtime inning which won the game. That meant they got to play in the championship game two nights later.
The Dodgers ended up getting 2nd place, but they played hard, and we were so proud of Jaxon and how hard he worked.
The Padres who won first, and the Dodgers who won second.
Afterwards, the little boys had fun running the bases.
Proud dad and mom.
Proud grandpa and grandma.
Lola's Dance Recital
We were very excited to go to Lola's dance recital. She works very hard each week at three different lessons: Ballet, jazz, and tap. We hadn't ever seen her dance except through a camera at her lessons a couple of times, so we really wanted to see her perform.
This was held at the huge performing Eisemann Center in Dallas. It was such a big, fancy place. We absolutely loved the evening and loved watching Lola perform! She certainly didn't disappoint!
Lola in her ballet costume.
Waiting for their time to go on stage. Her mother said she was pretty nervous at first, but once she got on stage, she loved it!
Not a good picture, but I got a little better on the next numbers. Taken with my phone and you couldn't use a flash.
Here she is in her jazz or hip-hop number. It seriously was the cutest number of the whole night! The audience loved it! It was choreographed by the same girl that does the choreographing for the BYU Cougarettes. It was fantastic!
I got a few pictures again with my phone. Not the best, but you can still get the idea. So cute!
And last came her tap . . .
This was such a cute part where they all chanted out some of the words together.
After the performance, we were so excited to congratulate Lola and tell her what a fantastic job she did!
Way to go, Lola! We enjoyed the evening so much! Just keep up the great work!
Lots of Swimming Time
Cameron and Anne have built a beautiful pool in their backyard, so the kids had a great time swimming often.
One night for Family Home Evening, we had a barbecue and the kids frosted sugar cookies.
They, also, loved the Root beer floats.
Going to Chuck-e-Cheese
We had a great time at Chuck-e-Cheese with some of the grand kids and their friends.
Isaac played on the basketball game and won lots of tickets there. He loves basketball!
A Big Day - Garrett Gets His Braces Off
Garrett started his braces early, so now he is fortunate to have beautiful straight teeth even before he starts middle school this fall. You look great, Garrett!
Working in Cameron's Yard
Cameron and George worked an entire day in his yard using shovels and a pick axe to take up grass and put in trees and shrubs.
They, also, did plumbing for watering the area. They worked so hard!
In the meantime, I was going with Anne to look at fabric and curtain rods to make cabana curtains. With a great suggestion from Cameron's cousin, Michele, who found some pre-made ones at Ikea, we got them and then I had to hem them all. After they were hung, I thought it looked magical! Just like Better Homes and Gardens. See the trees in the corner with the lights on them--everything turned out so great!
Just Having Fun With the Grandkids
While the guys were working in the yard, I was baking chocolate chip cookies--always a favorite. And don't turn me in--but the kids wanted a little bit a cookie dough, which I obliged.
One evening, we were all watching television under big blankets.
Sydney was gone to Girls' Camp for the Week, but when she got home, she and I just sat there talking while she was coloring. Man, did it turn out beautiful!
At Craig and Cassie's house, I loved to watch the kids with their little brother. He has added so much love to their home.
The day before we left, Cassie had the idea of painting rocks. So she, Riley, and I had such fun doing this.
The greatest thing about being retired is having the time to spend with your family that you didn't have before. George and I love getting to know each grand child better by participating with them in their activities and watching them as they develop their talents. Going to Dallas was such a great time for us. Thanks so much to the families of Jeff and Amy, Cameron and Anne, and Craig and Cassie. We loved being there and appreciate how kind you were to us!
1 comment:
After reading about your trip to Dallas, and seeing the pictures, there's no doubt in my mind how much you both adore your grandchildren and treasure every minute you spend with them! You have some beautiful grandchildren, and their parents are doing a wonderful job with their stewardship!
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