Going 'Round the World and Coming up on the Other Side

This past weekend felt just like that--after leaving Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m., returning Sunday night at 6:30 p.m., and going 825 miles, I felt like we had travelled totally around the world.  George had a church assignment in both Tampa and Miami, so I tagged along to keep him company on the long ride.  

After completing his assignment in Tampa, we went on to Miami.  The weather was beautiful there--not too hot, not too cold, just great.  Kevin had given us some points for Mariott, so we stayed in a beautiful hotel there for free!  Thanks, Kevin! 

Looking out our window.  Too bad we didn't have time to even dip our toe in!

I know I have nothing to complain about compared to those in the North, but I am so tired of cold weather--we've had our share in Florida this year, so it was so nice to see some sunshine and beautiful flowers!  Springtime can't come soon enough!  Anyway, I was able to meet many members of the church (which I always love to do) in both Tampa and Miami.  Great weekend! 

Happy Valentines' Day and Birthday, Cassie!

February 14th is such a special day to remember those you love.  George was so sweet to take me to get some new clothes (I never go on my own!) and to lunch on Saturday.  We had a great time.  Then on Sunday, after going to church, Craig, Cassie, and Baby Riley along with Jeff and Amy and their family came to dinner.  Not only was it Valentines' Day, but Cassie's birthday, too! 

Craig said he was getting the birthday cookie--I think they had a few bites during the hour and a half ride over!  Hah!

This was Baby Riley's first car trip.  He seemed to enjoy the events very much!

Lola was dressed so darling in her little Valentines' dress for church.

She loved meeting her new little cousin. 

Happy Birthday, dear Cassie!

All she asked for was a Hershey bar, but we know how much she loves Sour Patch kids.  Craig will surely have some teeth to work on now!

This was Cassie's best birthday present of all!

Since Monday was Presidents' Day, I had no school, but George had work and Craig had school, so I went to Gainesville to see if I could help out Cassie a little and spend the day with her and Baby Riley.  We had a great time and hopefully I did help a little--sorry about dusting the whole house with what I thought was Pledge and it turned out to be Raid!  Hah!  I am still laughing about that one.

A Great Weekend!

This weekend, George and I, Amy and the kids went to Gainesville to watch Craig play a flag football game.  Craig is the quarterback.  Their team played great and won.    It was a little cold and windy, so we sat in the car with Cassie and little Riley and watched from there as George tried to keep Garrett and Isaac off the field.  We couldn't believe how much little Riley was filling out--he is getting the typical Copeland chubby cheeks!

Little Riley is now one week old!  I think Craig and Cassie are finding out how little sleep new parents get--but they are being really good sports and loving being parents.  Doesn't Cassie look so nice!

Today (Sunday), George had an assignment from our church to go to a Regional Meeting over in Bonifay, Florida, so I went with him.  I woke up at 4:30 a.m.  We left about 6:00.  We went within 50 miles of Pensacola, Florida, and we were beginning to think we had passed our destination, because soon we would be out of Florida, but we finally found it.  George gave a fantastic 40 minute presentation to six stake presidents, the mission president, and the area seventy, and then we started for home.  555 miles roundtrip!  But, we certainly had plenty of time to talk about just about everything and anything we could think of!  Having time to do that doesn't come often, so it was very nice! 

HOME AT LAST!

After a verrrry long labor, one would think it would be easy from then on--but not for Craig, Cassie, and Baby Riley.  When he was just barely 16 hours old, they noticed that he was throwing-up that wasn't normal.  So, they had to take little Riley into the Special Care Nursery for about 48 hours to be on antibiotics, monitors, and a tube down his throat which he didn't like one little bit.  But, they feel he is all better now--probably some sort of infection which they feel is cleared up.  And Craig, Cassie, and Baby Riley are now home as a new little family!  We are so glad!