Coppin Family Website

Party like it's your birthday....

2009-11-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

The Bast Family; Paul, Amy, Sam & Emily

Kim and Teya

Playing with my new dress up clothes, Giddy Up!

Ahhh.....My new Baby Doll!!

More Party Fun

2009-11-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

Avery loves Dora so Mommy made the cake

Singing "Happy Birthday" to me!!

My friends: Brayden, James, Katie, and Brailey

Happy Birthday our Little Princess!!

2009-11-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, 2 years have already flown by with our Baby Girl!!! She not so much a baby now but a full on Toddler! Avery has brought so much joy to our lives. She is constantly making us laugh and be on our toes. She loves to do exactly everything her big brother does. She is starting to talk so much now. Of course her favorite word is "no"! She loves her baby dolls, shoes, and Mom's make up - yes a true little girl. Tonight when she was putting her dolls in the stroller I asked where she going and she replied, "Shopping, bye Mom, Love you"......let's not let Joel know that one yet!! She is just a little doll herself. It's so much fun to see her grow into a little girl and to see her and Brayden play together. We love you so much Avs, you are our little princess!!

For Avery's birthday we went to Little Monkey Buziness and had a few of her little friends there. She had so much fun and was so cute singing "Happy Birthday" to herself! Here are some pictures of her big day.

In the morning she opened a few presents from the family. She loved the Princess Jewelry set!

Tasting the frosting.....yep, it's good!

Mommy, this is so awesome!!

No Fear, Head first I go!

We are ready for Candy!

2009-11-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

We have Batman, The Bad Fairy, a Pink Poodle and a Knight - getting ready to rock!

Avery was so excited, she realized that all you have to say is "trick or treat" and people just give you candy! She was so cute.....she was also trying to say the "Trick or treat, smell my feet" saying but could only hum the last part.

Brayden and Avery (from across the street) lead the way

Our neighbors; the Hillbilly Greg, Cowgirl Becky, a little Monkey Jake and Princess ballerina Avery

Let it snow......bring it on!

2009-10-29T16:39:00.001-07:00

That's right, as of 10am this morning we recieved 21 (you read that right) INCHES of snow! I will give you the official later as it's still is snowing!! Pretty much all schools and businesses are shut down. It was nice to have a snow day with the kids.

Our patio set

This is the cars this morning......after I had shoveled and cleared the cars off...

Looking out our bedroom window...

Looking up to our 2nd story window ....

and seeing it from above! Don't want to be standing under this one when it falls.

Congratulations, Crystal and Evan!

2009-10-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I went for my second time away from the kids to San Fransisco where my girlfriend Crystal (Milnor) and Evan were married. They had a beautiful wedding and the scenery was stunning! Congratulations!!

This is the gazebo where they were married in front of....

Milnor Girls represent: Jessica Lee, Kim Moore, Lisa Bershok and me

Denver represent;

Kim, myself, and Lisa all now live in Denver and still best of friends!

A beautiful wedding!

Little things....

2009-10-29T16:38:00.001-07:00

Avery loves Harley so much, she was trying to pick some grass for him to eat after she wacked him with the golf club! ..........she felt bad

Making Halloween cookies!

I told you I was the #1 decorator!

Art, it takes time....

Happy Birthday My Big Boy - 4 years old!!!

2009-10-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, it blows my mind that Brayden is 4! It feels like yesterday when we were bringing him home from the hospital. He's truly a sweet little boy. The conversations he can have with you are like you are talking with a little adult. I have no idea where he comes up with the stuff he does but it is sure cute. He adores his little sister and always is telling us how much he loves us. His new thing is to put on "shows" for us at night. It's almost like a little stand up show and he cracks us up. He is also into any type of Super Hero, whether it's Batman, Superman, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, or doctors, he says he going to be each and everyone of them when he grows up. Everyday is becoming more fun with him as he learns to do math, read and write. He amazes us every day. We love you so much buddy, Happy Birthday!!

We went to a place called "Pump It Up" for his party and he had a blast. He really wanted to have a Batman birthday party.

Eating pizza, my favorite!

This is before, licking the frosting to his cake.

Our home-made Batman cake! Egg-free and make with love!

The night before, making the cake. He was so excited to help Mom make his cake that he almost fell over.

At Pump It Up, signing to Brayden (he was a little shy)!

Having so much fun playing around!

Climbing up the big slide!

Trying to get all the kids to take a picture, impossible!

Having the time of your life; priceless....

more pumpkin fun....

2009-10-29T16:37:00.001-07:00

Bradyen and Avery "from across the street" (and that's what he really calls her)

Three Muskateers!

Brayden loved the "spooky" pumpkin theme

A little creative art time...looks like Mom asking for a picture interrupted the "creative juices"

I am doing just fine...

Go VIKINGS!

Pumpkin Patch time!

2009-10-29T16:37:00.000-07:00

The next weekend my neighbor Becky, her two little ones (Avery and Jake) and my kids went up north to the Pumpkin farm. It was a little chilly that day but the kids had a blast finding their pumpkins and running around.

Wow, look at the see of orange!

I think I found it, Mom!

I did!!

Whoa, what do you guys think?

We are still here in CO.......

2009-10-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a really long time since I have posted anything.....I haven't fallen off the face of CO but we've just been extremely busy! I don't know people can "do it all", it's tough but at the end of the day when you come home to your 2 beautiful kids, it makes it all worth it in the end!

A lot of things have been happening. I will start you back to September 18th when I went back to ND to help celebrate my sister's wedding shower and bachlorette party. We had it at my parents farm and it was in Western theme. It was so much fun!! I would show you the bachlorette pics but they are not "G" rated.

The beautiful Bride and me

The weekend after Paul and Moni came to visit for the weekend. We went to Thomas and Friends' at the Railroad Museum and the kids had a blast.

The girls on the Choo-choo

And the boys...

Vacation

2009-08-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

Party at the Lake

2009-08-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

I miss the pontoon already

More Vacation Pics

2009-08-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

More Pics

2009-08-08T21:25:00.000-07:00

First night in Minnesota with the old gang

Avery likes our new addition to the family

Last day of school at Rachel's

Chef Brayden

Summer Fun

2009-08-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

Supper at the Howards

Watching some tube

Goofy Brayden

Otter Tail

2009-08-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hanging out at the cabin

Mom and kids

Lovebirds

Avery having fun with grandpa

Fun at the Lakes

2009-08-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Brothers

Driving the pontoon with Great Grandpa

Cousins

Hiking out Back

2009-08-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

Avery Likes Pudding

2009-06-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

Casey, Jamie and family came to visit last weekend, but we somehow ended up with no pictures. Here are a couple pics of Avery, at least, lovin the chocolate pudding.

Spring Fun

2009-06-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

Mom and Brayden

Our little cowgirl

Hangin out in the back yard

Avery loves the slides

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa

2009-06-03T23:24:00.000-07:00

Going for a cruise

Having fun with grandma and grandpa

Avery thinks Grandpa's feet smell

Avery loves smiling for the camera

2009-05-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

Avery's first haircut

No Brayden, jumping fences at Zoos are not a good idea.

2009-05-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

\
Brayden, Avery, and mom at the Zoo

Avery looks like she has never seen tigers before...

Brayden loves taking pictures...

So cute...

2009-05-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

Avery loves to wear mom's big glasses.

Brayden thinks he is cool getting his haircut

Don't let that cute smile fool you.

This week Brayden started riding his bike, he is a fast one.

2009-05-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Brayden at the school graduation.

My little sweetie

Look at that, they are trying to act cool already...

Brayden is liking the ratio at this party!

2009-05-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Since Andrea has completely abandoned this site I figured I better start making the updates. I'm not as verbose as her but at least we'll have some new pictures up here.

Brayden with Grandma Mugsy

Avery is always digging in dad's books

Happy Girl

2009-05-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Brayden making a batman snowman

Avery is supervising the shoveling

Mom and Brayden working hard

Largest Marshmallow Ever

2009-05-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Avery loves to make a mess

She also loves our new vacuum cleaner

Brayden & Annie having some chocolate malt

Brayden with his monster trucks

2009-05-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

Me with my just-married brother

My wife, Jenica and Heather

Fun in Breckenridge

2009-05-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

Avery loves her babies

Happy Kids

Brayden had a mishap with the sugar

Such a goofy girl

We are back! Happy New Year!!

2009-01-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Wow, people are probably wondering what in the heck has happened to the Coppin family?! Well, a lot actually. Since my last blog, 2 months ago, we've had a few changes around the Coppin household. We first went to back in Mid November ND to help Joel's grandparents, Mary and Jerry Meyer, celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. We got back and I started a new job.

Yes, I am back in the workforce! After 3 years of staying home, I decided that I might need to get back to work. Not for any financial reasons (but it will help) but mostly for myself. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and staying home with them and it has been wonderful and I am so thankful that I was able too. It was just time and I believe things happen for a reason. I had put my resume out there online and applied at a few retail HQs (not to many retail HQs in CO) but that was my extent of searching. Not really looking too hard. A recruiter called me from an accounting and finance recruiting firm called Accounting Principals, for a position within as a recruiter. They specialize in accounting and finance positions on a contract/contract to hire basis. Having a basic understanding of what recruiting was I thought I would go in and find out more. After less than a week of interviews and job shadowing I was offered the position and accepted. Wow, this is all happening so fast. A change of industry might be good. I knew if I didn't try it, I would regret it. I really had nothing to loose. I started the day after we got back from ND, Nov 19th. So far, I am loving it. It's hard because it's a slow time of year but I have already had success placing a few people, not too bad for a month of work I am told.

We were so fortunate to find a lovely in-home daycare, which Rachel (Brayden's pre-school teacher) refered us to. It happened to be that she had 2 openings for a total of 8 kids. We really loved the fact that Brayden and Avery would not be separated in different rooms like a care facility. The second best part of it is that Brayden will continue his pre-school on T/TH and Rachel will take him to daycare, just a few blocks down the road. Brayden just loves Michelle's house. He has 2 little boys there his age and they have a blast. Everyday Brayden tells me how much fun he is going to have at Michelle's house. As for Avery, she's had a little harder time adjusting. Mostly in part due to her molars coming through. She was not just fussy there but at home and on the weekends. They finally popped right before Christmas and she's been a very happy little girl. Back to herself :)

Since we went to ND in mid November and will be going back in March for Jamie and Angie's wedding we decided to stay home for Christmas. This would be our first Christmas not being back in ND. My entire family; Mom, Dad, Bryce, Jenica and Nate made the trek to CO! They came early Saturday morning (20th) around 1-2am all driving. Next time you see my parents and brother, just ask how Loyd and Harry did on the trip (Dumb and Dumber) and why John Denver is full of *hit. We'll just keep it at that :) Saturday mid-morning we headed up to Keystone for a few days. We got to our condo and enjoyed hanging out together, sledding, and skiing. Brayden tried skiing for the first time. We figured he was free for lift ticket and the skis were only $13. Let's just say, it wasn't very fun for either. He told me "Momma, I don't want to ski until I am a big boy". We headed back Tuesday morning to our home and got settled in for the rest of the week. Mom, Jenica and I went to a bridal shop that night to pick out bridesmaid dresses. We had so much fun and were able to find the dress! It's going to be beautiful! Save the Date : November 28th, 2009! Christmas Eve day we headed to Hobby Lobby and found some incredible centerpieces and other items for her wedding. That evening we went to Christmas Eve service and had a wonderful meal of crab legs/fillet mignon. The kids were so tired we didn't open gifts that evening! The next morning they were so excited to open their gifts and play. Around noon; Kim, Anthony, and Teya stopped by to visit as well as Tom and Mitch. We enjoyed cheese fondue and card games. That evening Joel and I served another fantastic meal. We were all so exhausted and the "family" (as Brayden refers to them as) prepared to leave bright and early the next morning. We had so much fun and were so thankful they were able to come and spend time with us!

So, as you can see, a few changes have happened and therefore our blogging had ceased. We are now on a schedule and things have been running well. It's always an adjustment and I was worried our house/family life would fall apart. But the opposite has in fact happened. We are truly a team now working together to make our family operate. And as for me, the time I get to spend with my kids is so special and we enjoy every single minute!

Here are pictures from the last 2 months so you can see how our kids have grown and what we did for the Holidays. Happy New Year and Peace to ALL!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

We had Kim, Anthony, Teya, our neighbors Becky, Avery, Ben Alyssa, Vaughn and Isakk over for the night. The kids had a blast playing while we enjoyed fondue!

The kids in their New Year hats and blowers~

These are just a few random shots from the past week:

I got Avery's hair in a little pony on top, she was loving her babies up.
She loves Cocoa Wheats...and it shows!
Brayden was being goofy and put his shirt on as pants.
My two little treasures! They light up our life!!

Merry Christmas!!

2009-01-04T14:12:00.001-08:00

Avery loved Nate!

Loving her baby dolls!
Peaking inside!

Christmas Eve!!

2009-01-04T14:05:00.001-08:00

Got home and Avery found a cookie on the table. She was so proud of herself for her prize!

The kids got to open one present. Avery wanted to just eat hers.
Joel's fillet mignon was lit on fire w/ brandy. Yummo, but dangerous!

They got to open one present before supper. Avery just loved her baby dolls!
B was so excited for Candy Land!

Yeah, I hit the slopes pretty hard today.

2009-01-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

I am so mad this is the only picture I got of him. But it wasn't much of a good first skiing experience.

Tubing down the hill!

2009-01-04T13:56:00.001-08:00

We all had a blast tubing down the hill. Especially Brayden!

Uncle Bryce, what are you doing to me!!

Oh, I see how you all play!
The Race is ON!
The tubing crew!
After a while Brayden wanted to tube all by himself down the hill.
There he goes with Nate and Jen!
We must be still kids at heart doing this crazy stuff!
Jenica
Bryce

Colorado Christmas!

2009-01-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

We are having a Colorado Christmas this year. My family make the trip to spend it with us.
Here we are in Keystone for a few days of mountain fun!

The guys were seriously into the pinochle!

Aunty Jen and B snuggling.....maybe we should have gotten them a "Snuggie" for Christmas!

Relaxing!

B is getting ready for hot tubbing!!

OK you two "outlaws", computers on vacation??!!

Avery getting upset b/c Papa won't let her continue on w/ her cookie!

Holiday goings & doings

2009-01-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

Making Christmas cut-out cookies. Brayden said he needed to wear a hat like Daddy and this is the one we found!

Rolling, rolling, rolling

Yes, they were a success! Very Yummo!

Wow, this is pretty good!

We put the train set up under the tree, B was the conductor.

Brayden Christmas party at school. They made the snowman and tree.

Doing a little art project

Santa @ the Lindig's annual Holiday party.
Avery was really scared of Santa so no pictures with him. She did find a piano to play a few holiday classics.

Putting up the Christmas decorations

2009-01-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

Putting the Angel on the top. This is our first real Christmas tree. It was about 8ft tall and smelt so good!

Helping Mom!

Brayden putting on the ornaments

Brayden accidentally put on Avery's pants.....???

Even Harley gets into the spirit!

Our first snow of the year!

2009-01-04T13:27:00.001-08:00

We didn't have a drop of snow until 11/29 which set a record for Denver.

Wow sis, look at the snow!

Here I go!

Oh, and there I went! A little cold!Just a little deep for me.

Yeah, I would say it's cold too.

But I like it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-01-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Heather, Brayden, Tom and Avery @ the Howard's for Thanksgiving

My two little sweeties sitting on the couch drinking chocolate milk!

Our neighbor's were moving and gave us this jeep for free. It just needed a $17 part to make it work and it's been the best thing for Brayden.

He's a driving machine!

Pictures from trip to ND

2009-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

He's my Superman hero!

Papa Paul, really?

Enjoying the cake and the anniversary party!

Showing Great Grandpa Jerry my cars.

Mommy is making Avery's cake for her party back in ND

The girls: Jen, Angie, Andrea and Avery
I'd like to see what's in there....
Sheyenne, you don't like my kisses?
Yes, It's my Birthday!~
Are you singing to me?
Wow, this cake eating thing is great!! Opening my cards so nicely.
Brayden playing with Bryce and Lexi.
Avery just loves the piano, maybe she'll be my musician!
Avery got to see Squirty up close, maybe too close for her!
Papa Tom and I are checking the cows.
Brayden went with Papa Tom's to Uncle Orvin's (or Orby as Brayden says) and they were eating some apples.

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!

2009-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

November 15th, 2008 Joel's grandparent's, Mary and Jerry Meyer celebrated 50 years of marital bliss in Wapheton, ND at the Vet's at a party thrown by their two children. It turned out to be a wonderful event and the guys were able to get out of the field for the day to enjoy it :) Congratulations to you and we love you!!

***Picture to Come** having problems w/ my scanner

Happy 1st Birthday, Little Sweetie!!

2008-11-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for my Big Day!

Wow, I can't believe that our little girl turned one! It's amazing how fast time has flown by. She is really quiet the little sweetie. She always has the biggest smile on her face and just lights up our life. Right now, she's into everything! Walking, running, climbing, you name it she tries to do it. I am pretty sure she's just trying to keep up with big brother :)

On her birthday, Saturday, we had our family from out here over (Howards and Lindigs) and Kim, Anthony, and Teya. Avery was so excited that it was her birthday. We had a "Happy Birthday" sign up since Brayden's birthday and she's always pointing at it and I believe trying to say Happy Birthday. Every time she says it, it sounds the same. So....she does! But she would just beam when you'd say it to her and she LOVED her cake!

Here are some pictures from the big day and from the rest of the week!

Avery in her little Princess hat eating supper

Seeing her cake for the first time! She was so excited she dipped her hands in it!

Wow, that cake looks Yummy!
We had to relight the candles a few time b/c Brayden wanted to help blow them out!

This is so good!

OK, I have had enough!

Present time! Mom, LOOK, I got my first purse!

I love my new dolly and stroller!Argh, I am a pirate!

Bath time is always fun time!

I love my new kitty towel from my MN friend Annie!

Brayden loves his new froggy towel too! Thanks Leventhals!!

I found Mom's keys and I am trying to run away with them!

Avery was being so silly. I told her to lick her plate clean....and she really did!

I love my Harley! Pretty sure the feeling is not mutual here.

Happy Halloween!!

2008-11-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

We had a great beautiful Halloween! 78 degrees that day and by "trick or treat" time it was around 65 and all the kids were out. Our neighborhood is so much fun! We had kids, kids, kids!! I wish I would have taken a picture of all the kids and neighborhood. After the all the treating by Brayden we went across the street to our neighbors in lawn chairs and handed out candy.
Here are some pictures from Halloween and the last week:

Brayden painting his pumpkin at his friend Addi's house. Quiet the messy experience but he loved it!

Very serious stuff!

Brayden and Avery were trying on their costumes. Avery is supposed to be a princes kitty (she wore something else for Halloween). She was loving it!

Mom, I am really not making a mess here!

Brayden loves puzzles! He got this Thomas puzzle for his birthday and puts it together every day. Good Job, Buddy!!

Happy Halloween @ School party!

Doing some sand funnels.

"Hulk" Making a masterpiece! Not letting my big muscles (or boobies as he told me) get in the way! I think he told me they were boobies several times.
Little Miss Muffin getting into everything!

Trick or Treat!!
Mr. Hulk and TinkerbellAvery "Tink" is checking out all the action
Brayden and his friends' Nicholas and Brooke
Brayden is really into his coloring (as you can see from his face)!

Pumpkin Patch!

2008-10-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we went with our neighbors Alyssa, Ben, Vaughn and Issac to the Denver Botanical Gardens at Chattfield to get pumpkins and take some pictures of the kids.

Avery was a littl tired after the big party.

Brayden, Vaughn, and Avery admiring the pumpkins.

just walking through the patch

Two Best Buds. They were holding hand b/c they were in the parking lot.

Our Little Man is 3yrs old!!

2008-10-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast 3 years has gone. Brayden is such a good little boy. He's full of mischief and adventure. Every night after Brayden goes down for bed, Joel and I talk about how amazing he is. He's using such adult little phrases and says the sweetest things.

Friday was his big birthday! He wanted a Monster Jam birthday and so I made him his cake and when he saw it he told me, "Mom, this is the most awesomest cake ever, good job!". Although it wasn't my best he loved it and that's all that matters. We had quiet the exciting day. At 4pm guests started to arrive. We started out with Moster Jam tattoes, moved outside and decorated pumpkins, jumped in the bouncy castle, ran around, ate pizza and spaghetti, cake and ice cream, opened gift......exhausted!!! We didn't really plan on getting as big as it did. And thank GOD the weather was an impeccible, 75 degrees! We had 20 kids (including my 2) and probably close to 30 adults!! Yikes.......we went through 6 pizzas,3 packs of spaghetti noodles, 24 garlic breads and 1 1/2 cakes! Crazy, Yes! But it was a lot of fun and Brayden told me how much fun he had at his home. We might do it again...we'll see.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you so much and thank God everyday for you!~ You are a true blessing!

Singing Happy Birthday

The trick candles were a hit! Thanks, Nana!

Avery was such a good little girl at the party

Decorating Pumpkins

Playing in the sand box and blowing bubbles
In the Bouncy Castle
Cute little pumpkins!
Opening gifts (Brooke and Nicholas)

Avery's 11 months old!

2008-10-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

My Little Goofball! She loves putting things on her head.

Avery is such a sweet little girl. She's 11 months old and walking, talking, climbing,and lighting up our lives with her sweet little smile. Here are some pictures of the last week:

Brayden sitting on top of Harley's cat perch.Avery sitting in Harley's bed. I think the kids were bulling the cat?!

Is this a glimpse into our teenage future?? Busted! Wasn't me, Mom!!

Brayden and his best buddy Vaughn. Or as B calls him "Baughn with a V". We are having a hard time with our Vs.

What kind of "Dino" nuggets are these??

Brayden and Vaughn
Little Miss Indepenent always wants to feed herself!
B in his "Hulk" costume.
Avery trying on a pumpkin (see she likes to put things on her head!).

Brayden and Ms. Rachel at school celebrating Brayden's a3rd Bday!Trying out the Bouncy Castle before the big party!

Avery tackling Brayden?!!

Beautiful Fall!

2008-10-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday we headed to the mountains to see the beautiful colors. We ended at the Moffatt Tunnel and into Nederland. We were trying to get some good pictures with the kids but it just wasn't in the cards that day. Within 10 minutes Brayden was a little pig pen and Avery was so tired that all she did was cry the entire trip. We still did manage to get a few good pics in. The best news of the day, Miss Avery took her first steps! She was so cute!! She took her steps and was so proud of herself that she couldn't balance very well. Good job, Sweetie!!

Brayden had to be the leader on the trails!

Just admiring the colors

Wow, this is beautiful!

Did you hear the train??!!

There it is!!

Going for a little ride on Dad's shoulders

Hugs for Mom

How can a boy get so dirty, so fast?

Last Sunday, my two Vikings fans!

We've been waiting!!!

2008-09-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

Finally, Nate asked my sister to marry him!! Yeah, we've been waiting for a while now :) Nate surprised Jenica with a trip to Boston. Monday morning he asked her and she said yes. Not sure of a date yet but they are thinking first weekend in September. Congratulations you guys!! We are so happy and excited for you!!

Thomas and Friends!

2008-09-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

This week has flown by so fast. Not sure where time has gone but we always remain busy. Today we took the kids to Thomas and Friends again at the Colorado Rail Museum. It was amazing, Brayden remembered last year that we had to take a bus to get to Thomas. That was a year ago and he was barely 2! So needless to say he was really looking forward to this year. Tonight when I was putting him to bed he said this, "Thank you so much Mom for taking me to Thomas today. I really loved it. It was so exciting!". Talk about melting your heart!!!

Here are some pictures from this week:

Avery was jamming to music on Joel's phone, it was so cute!

I love my Daddy!
Riding on Thomas!!
Brayden and the Conductor
Look Sis, isn't this awesome!
I love my Mommy!
Avery was really in love with Fifi the Flower
Thomas!!
Hey there little llama, whatcha doing?
This is the cutest little pony I ever have seen! He's just my size.
Ok, listen goat, last year you knocked me over into your poop. Let's not replay that one.

B loves the firefighters

G&G Coppin come for a visit

2008-09-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Joel's parents called to see if it would be OK to come over the weekend to visit. They were on their way to Wisconsin to a brewery/golfing vacation and wondered if they could see us...... I know what you are thinking, Wisconsin via Colorado?? Anyway, they came on Friday afternoon just in time for Joel and I to take off to Colorado Springs for Hilary Schutt's wedding. It was perfect, they could spend time withe kids and we got a free night out!

Hilary and Angus had a beautiful outdoor wedding. The weather turned out for them as it had been raining and cold all day. Congratulations!!!! It was a great surprise also to see an old college girlfriend, Heidi, that I hadn't seen in 6 yrs! Another great note from the night is that I saw a gal from high school that I hadn't seen in 10 years. To make short, we had been friends then things happened and were not. It was so nice to be able to put the past in the past and we both said our apologies and life moves on. Looking back, it all was too bad that it happened because we could have been friends this whole time. I guess you live and learn and somethings are just not worth a grudge! Life is too short!!

Saturday morning Momma wasn't feeling so good! Let's just say I had fun Friday night. But I did buck up and we went to Boulder to the Avery Brewery. Yes, our daughter is named after the brewery. Long story is that I had picked out the name Avery right when we knew she was a girl. We were in Boulder with Joel's brother Jamie and his girlfriend Angie when we went to the brewery last October. Joel fell in love with the beer and the name. So we joke that she was name after the brewery. We had so much fun and they were so great to us. We got a big Avery metal sign and everything. That evening we went out for dinner and crashed! Sunday came and Joel's parents left. Thanks so much for everything and have a great trip!

Here are some pictures from the last week:

Go Vikings!

Scary Monster!!
Little Scary Monster! She didn't even flinch at the sight!
Getting the Fall things out and Brayden loved all the Pumpkins!
He even brought one to school for show-n-tell!
Avery Brewery
Miss Avery loving the slide
She is really starting to get around now and loving the playground!
Papa, I love it!
Brayden was so cute, he was working on his computer, just like Daddy.
He wanted me to take lots of pictures of him "working".My two Sweethearts!!

10 Months Old!

2008-09-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Avery is 10 months old! I can't believe how fast it has gone. She's so darling, if we don't say so ourselves, and smiles from sun up till sundown. Avery is trying so hard to walk right now. She can stand on her own for a few minutes before she realizes what she's doing and gets so excited that she tumbles. She is waving bye-bye, blowing kisses, saying MaMa, DaDa, puppy, bahbah (bottle), and UhOh. Everyday is something new and exciting.

Prayers for my Aunt Mary & her family

2008-09-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

This blog posting comes with much sorrow. Yesterday morning my Uncle Dan Sinner passed away. If you read my previous blog from our ND/MN vacation you read that he had massive strokes the days following my cousin's wedding. He really never came out of that and earlier this week his family decided to take him off life support. Dan was only 70yrs old.

I will always remember my last time seeing my uncle. It was like it was meant to be. We sat for a hours at my cousin's wedding and visited. We had the drink we had so many years ago, finally, we were elated that the waitress knew what we were talking about! As we sat with our coveted drinks we talked about life. His grandchildren; Lyle, Jeff, Shaun, Paige and Alexa and how proud he was of all of them. Health; Dan has gone through a few rough years as far as health issues, mostly from working on his feet all his life (knees, feet, back). He didn't want to go through the same back surgery that one of his buddy's recently had and didn't come out of very well. But what I remember most is almost is this: He said that he's done a lot in his life, and given, would he go back and change some of the choices or things he'd done? No he said, I don't think I would. Life's been pretty good to me. Never second guess things you'd done in your past. Just be thankful for the future. Never be afraid to try something, even if you don't know if it's the right time or choice.

Here's to you Uncle Dan: May life's journey lead you down your road and only you can be the driver of your own destiny. Never look back, for it was all worth it in the end.

I will miss seeing you at holidays and family gatherings. Love ya!

Please keep my aunt Mary, her son's Dan Jr (Barb), Scott (Mary), and daughter Mary, and all the grandkids mentioned above in your thoughts an prayers.
http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=214189

A long list of Congratulations go out.............

2008-09-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, what's in the air this week? We've been hit with great news all week. A few babies and an engagement.

First news; Congratulations to my friend Crystal Gibbon who was engaged over the Labor Day weekend to her long time beau Evan. We wish you the best in your engagement and all the planning ahead of you! Enjoy it, it will go fast!!

Second; or double news, goes out to 2 of my girlfriends from back in Minneapolis. Neither of them know each other but they did share the same due date and odd enough, the same birthdays for their babies!! Amy and Jason Warnock had a little girl, Elise Signey who was born at 6:32am on September 3rd. She was 22 in. and 8lbs, 15oz. Kim and Nate Graff also welcomed into the world that same day a baby boy, Evan Vernon, at 12:02 AM. He was 8 lbs 3 oz and 22 inches long. Congratulations to the new parents!! Enjoy your new little bundles of joy!!

Third news; our other friends from Minneapolis, Kari and Erik, found out they are having a little girl on Friday. Everything looks good and healthy for a January 15th due date! Congrats guys, a boy and girl, how lucky!!

Back to School

2008-09-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

Brayden and Ms. Rachael

Last week Brayden started school again. It's been about 2 months since he was in school. He was looking forward to going back and seeing his friends and Ms. Rachael. This year he is the oldest and the only boy on Thursdays so he's the leader. On the way home from school the 1st day he told me he was really sad and when I asked him why, his reply......."Cause I miss my friends and Ms Rachael". I told him we'd be back again on Thursday and he was elated!

Other Pictures from the week:

Labor Day....trying to get both to smile and look at the same time, impossible!

Brayden swimming in the little pool at Tom and Mitch's

Brayden and Tom
Avery loves the trucks too!
A Viking Fan! Just because we are in Denver doesn't mean we succumb to the Bronco bandwagon.

Happy Labor Day Weekend & "Unofficially" Goodbye to Summer!

2008-08-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day to all you hard working souls out there!! This is usually a sad weekend, it's the "unofficial" end to summer. I think here in CO it feels like summer till the first snowflake! Anyway, this weekend we were not at the lakes getting it all packed up for the winter. Instead we were here in CO enjoying our beautiful state. Saturday morning we checked Priceline.com and William Shatner helped us negotiate a hotel room up in the mountains. Good deal. We headed up to Summit County. We started out in Vail and walked around the village. Vail is a walking town which was quiet beautiful!! Lots of posh shops and not to mention there was a Food and Wine Festival going on (that would have been so much fun had it just been Joel and I). We went up the gondola to the top of the mountain. It was so beautiful! Brayden really wanted to go on this bouncy trampoline thing (look at pictures) so we let him do it. He had to be 30lbs so he barely made! He had the best time in the world. He jumped so high and then he was trying to do back flips but really could get himself around. It was worth the $ to let him do it. Afterwards we went down the mountain we head to Frisco. We went out to eat and then to our hotel. Sunday morning we went and explored the little town and had breakfast before heading up to Breckenridge. We, of course, had to stop at the Breckenridge Brewery to eat lunch and sample the selection. I had the Agave Wheat beer which was quiet fabulous!! We drove around the area before heading back through the scenic Loveland Pass. Everything was so beautiful and green unlike here in the Eastern Slope. It was about 76 yesterday but felt a lot warmer due to being so high up. We plan on going back very soon to do lots of biking and exploring! It will be so much easier next year when the both can ride happily next to each other in the Burley (am I kidding myself??).

I melt my Daddy's heart with my little smile and puppy eyes......yes I can already get out of trouble this way (I was trying to go up the stairs).

Brayden was in awe of this car made completely out of Legos at Vail.
There was a dunk tank to dunk the local firefighters for charity. Brayden actually hit the target!
Enjoying our walk to the GondolaThe top at Vail!
Getting the gear on to jump.
Oh yah, I am ready!
Jumping so high!!
Trying to get his legs to go behind him to flip
On the way down, the kids were so excited!
The cute main street in Frisco
We love each other!!
Me and Daddy at the Breckenridge Brewery.
I want to get Physical, Physical.....yes my headband looks like I am from the 80s, thanks guys.

Just playing with my cars at lunch time.
Loveland Pass

End of August, already??!

2008-08-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

Where has August gone? Not really sure either. We've been getting back into a routine and enjoying the last part of summer by going to the park and pool a lot!

Mom said I would like peaches......but I love them!!

So Happy! Look at all my teeth!!

Now Avery, this is how you properly load the dishwasher, the JetDry goes here.

So excited trying to walk. She always makes a funny snorting face when she's excited.

Mom, were you looking for me?

Brother, you are in my kitchen!
Avery, you told me to start supper. Make up your mind woman! (It's already started, I guess it's in us from the beginning)

Um, sand isn't as tasty as I was hoping for!
Hi Mom!
Just call me Slugger!
Happy 32nd Birthday, Daddy!I don't think they noticed that I had a taste of frosting!

Brayden was trying to lick Daddy???
I know it's under here somewhere!!
Oh yes, found it!

Back Home!

2008-08-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

The posts haven't been happening because we've been back to ND and MN the last month. It's amazing what can all happen in a month. Avery has started crawling, pulling herself up and moving around furniture, two more teeth, and more hair! Here's a short novel on what we've been up too.

Joel, the kids, and I took off Wednesday July 2nd at 6pm and arrived at my aunt Cindy's cabin on Lake Sacajawea at 7:30 am Thursday for a fun filled 4th of July weekend. Yes, we drove thru the night! We were going to try it out and the kids slept the entire way!! We were there helping my parents celebrate their 50th birthdays, my brother and cousins Carley and Sarah's graduation, along with my aunt and uncle (Andy and Nancy's) 25th wedding anniversary. We did celebrate all the June and July birthdays too (there is a ton of them). There were over 30 of us, every single person made it. It was so much fun to be with everyone again!! Sunday we left and headed to Fargo to stay with Joel's parents for the night before going to Ottertail Lake, MN for the rest of the week. It was so much fun to be back at the lake. The first thing we did notice.....the humidity! We didn't realize we were so acclimated to the CO dry weather until we arrived at the lakes. We had lots of fun swimming.....but no boating due to windy conditions.

July 12th my cousin, Brian Freeland married Rynelle up at Grand View Lodge on Gull Lake in Nissewa, MN. My parents, brother, sister and Nate, Joel and I drove up for the wedding. It was so beautiful!! Congratulations you guys!! The weather did cooperate that day. They had a tornado warnings and no electricity the night before. It was a bitter sweet day. My aunt Ione, that passed away in December, it was her youngest son who was married. I know that she'd been looking forward to that date for a long time. It was very touching and fitting that during the ceremony for 1 minute, the sun was shinning and it started to sprinkle. I think it was Ione's tears of joy from heaven. I was very happy to have made it to the wedding since I wasn't able to come home for the funeral.

I also am very thankful that I was able to spend time with my uncle Dan that evening. We had a great time visiting and having the waitress bring us a cocktail that we'd had many years ago and always had talked about. The next day when they were driving back to Fargo he started to feel ill, throwing up, etc. He went into the hospital and was kept over night. The next morning at 6 am he had a massive stroke. Since then has had several major surgeries and is now in a nursing home in recovery. Please pray for him and my Aunt Mary and her family as they are going through this that they may have the strength and will to get through. It's so amazing how things can happen so fast, without warning. Be thankful for everything in your life because you never know what the next day will bring!

The following week, Joel and his Dad, brother and Uncle Mark went to Madden's Resort in Brainerd for their annual "brother's" golf outing. The kids and I headed back to the farm. Brayden was so excited. He had been talking about the farm from the moment we left our house in CO. He was so excited to see his beloved "Crusty" the pickup truck (Dad's old beater pickup that B is totally in awe of...for some reason??), Squirt (Mom's horse) and all the things the farm has to offer! That Friday we went to Great Grandpa Allen's(Coppin) farm to take a 4 generation picture and to exchange Joel for my kids. Paul and Moni took the kids for the weekend while Joel and I spent our 1st kid-free weekend back in Milnor for the 125th celebration and my 11yr class reunion. We had so much fun! Thanks Paul and Moni!
My class reunion was a success! We had 11 out of 20 show, pretty good. It was fun to see everyone again. We had a good time in Milnor seeing all our old friends and family.

We picked the kids up at the lake and headed to Minneapolis. The first time we'd been back since we'd left! It felt like we could drive back up to our old house and things were going to still be the same. For the most part it was. It was weird to think that we'd been gone for a year already. I can't believe how fast time has flown. On Monday night we had a happy hour at the Sunshine Factory (our old stomping grounds) and had a fabulous turnout! We were so happy to see our old friends and neighbors again. Thank you to all who came!! It meant a lot to us that you could make it!! We stayed and Jen and Nate's for the evening. Joel headed back to CO that following morning. It was my first long drive with 2 kiddos back to ND but I made it in 6 hours. 3 1/2 hours of driving and 2 1/2 of stopping. Not too bad. We spent two days back at the farm before making our last stop to the lakes.

We had the most beautiful weekend at the lakes. It was perfect weather. I skied again for the first time in 2 summers. I did OK, but I think I am getting old :( We pontooned all day on Saturday with my parents and Paul and Moni. We got back late Sunday night to the farm to pack and get ready to head back home.

Tuesday morning we left for the Black Hills of SD (Nana, me and the kids). We stayed the night in Rapid City. We woke up early the next morning and headed out to see the sights. We made our first stop at Bear Country USA. Brayden just loved it. We drove through the park and at the end got out to see the baby bears and animals. Then we made our way to see Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore. We then made a scenic byway to Hot Springs, SD through the Needles Highway. It was beautiful but a bit scary along some points. When we got to Hot Springs we checked into our hotel and headed over to the Mammoth Site. It was really amazing to think how many thousands of years ago these creatures roamed our land. Brayden really liked it too. From there we headed right back to CO.

It was wonderful to see the mountains as you came down through Wyoming to Colorado. We got home late Thursday afternoon and the kids (Brayden mostly)were so excited to get back. His toys were strewn everywhere. Friday we just stayed around the house to get the kids acclimated. Saturday we all headed up to Pikes Peak and Garden of the God's in Colorado Springs. It was amazing! I can't believe we could drive that far up. 8,000 miles higher than where my house is sitting. Sunday Mom and I did a little shopping, an extreme of two worlds if you will. We first headed to the Mile High Flee Market to check it out. It was OK but I don't think it was what I was expecting so I won't be back for a long while. Then we headed to Cherry Creek Shopping center which is very posh. So totally different places.
Monday morning we took Mom (Nana) to the airport. It was sad to say goodbye after a month of being around each other. Thanks for traveling with us and taking time to stay! We really appreciated it and had lots of fun!

So that's the end of our month long journey. Here are some pictures from our trip. I had 700 pictures and here's just a sampling.
Dad and Brayden snuggling before we left.

My uncle Andy and Brayden with their Donny Schatz t-shirts. Andy brought it for Brayden.
Joel and I enjoying our morning bloody mary's -hey we are on vacation!
Brayden and Peighton (my cousin Justin's little girl) playing in the dirt.
Brayden all full of dirt and excited to fly the plane!
Mom and her little sweat pea- Happy 4th of July!!
Happy Birthday to you!!! Papa Tom, Nana, and crew!
I just love this picture of Avery, she looks like she's being all innocent.
Brayden and Bryce enjoying the pontooning!
On Lake Sacajawea, the wild horses come down for a drink.
Brayden, Peighton and Sally...too cute!!
Yes, Auntie Cindy's letting me captain!!
Papa Paul's teaching me how to golf, next Tiger?
Papa Paul and the kids
This picture was neat, the sky was clear to one side and the storm approaching on the other. Brayden and Linda Martinson watching Bryce wake board.
Go Uncle Bryce!
Wow, I am all wet! (after the storm went through)
The kids loving the lake!
Miss Avery, 21 means 21!
Happy Centennial Mom and Dad! We went pontooning one evening with the Ellefson's and Martinson's to celebrate their 50th B-days.
What a beautiful sunset on the lake!
Congrats Rynelle and Brian!
Joel and I at my cousin's wedding.
Granny Franny Open, the ladies at Zorbas afterwards.

L-R, Angie, Me & Avery, Mitch, Mary, Moni, Tammy and Megan
The Men, Mark, Jamie, Tom, Brayden & Joel, Paul, Lance and Jerry
Miss Avery loved the water!
Finally, at the farm! Do I look like a little farmer or what?!
Visiting with Great Grandma Helga
Mom, I can pull myself up!
Seriously, I am so cute!
Kissin' Cousin's - Brayden and Sheyenne
4 Coppin Generations - Great Grandpa Allen, Papa Paul, Brayden and Joel
4 hand prints
Grandma Moni and Avery
Running around Aunty Squeeky's yard
I am so exhausted, I couldn't put my bowl down.
This was taken in MPL the morning after our happy hour. He was so tired!
Miss Avery enjoying the swing

Higher Auntie!

Loving the pontoon ride with Great Grandma Mary!

Nana and Grandma Moni
While Captain B is sleeping I am going to take over this ship!
I have these two wrapped around my little finger!!
Taking 5 with Papa Tom
I am going to catch a big wave!
Back in the captain's chair again! Zorbas it is!!
Just a little snuggle with Grandma MoniI am so silly!

Crusty the famous pick up truck!!

I am so happy to see you!!
(yes, we know, pulling a Brittany Spears....but that's how we country folk do it!)
Trying on some new western wear at Wall Drug, SD
Bear Country, USA
Crazy Horse
B &A at the entrance of Mt Rushmore - Brayden to Avery "Can you name me all the presidents?"
One of the one lane paths through the Needles Highway. I tell ya, you were on pins and needles some times!At the top - Pikes Peak Elevation 14,110

What a view!
On the way down from Pikes Peak
Brayden and Nana enjoying the view
Good Bye, Nana! We'll miss you!!
I am a moving and a shaking!!
We are two snuggle bugs!
Helping DadLook at all my little teeth and my booboo on my nose!

Just taking a break. All this modeling is killing me.
Wait, I found another hole!

Congrats to Jamie and Angie!!

2008-06-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

Yea.....we've been waiting for a while now but it's finally happened. Joel's brother Jamie asked Angie Strege to marry him. It happened yesterday at the lake, how sweet! We are so excited to have Angie apart of the Coppin Crew!! That will be a fun wedding! :)

Last Week

2008-06-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Miss Avery was having so much fun playing "peak a boo"

My 2 zombie's watching Dora

I'm really thinking about it...I really want to get that dinosaur!

Watchin' repeats of Hawaii 5-0

I was thinking about taking up guitar

Brayden thought he could swing too
Loved her expression and hair. We were outside all day on Saturday running through the sprinklers and having fun. It's been in the high 80-90 here for a while!
Not sure what kind of pose that is....too cute!

This last weekend we went to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park for the day on Sunday. It was so beautiful! I asked Brayden what was his favorite part and he says "the Elks and the scary road". There were tons of Elk everywhere and the road up to some of the highest points were pretty steep and scary!

June updates

2008-06-20T14:45:00.001-07:00

Oh wow, so I am really bad about getting these pictures up! Sorry!! It's been a nice month to be home and not have too many plans, although that never seems to be the case. Nights and days get filled non-the-less.

Avery is getting so big, she's 7 1/2 months. She's got 2 teeth on the bottom. She's pulling herself up onto her knees. Hasn't figure out to pull her whole body up yet. She's trying so hard to crawl. She'll get on her knees and rock back and forth and lunge to her tummy. She's got such a cute little personality always happy and smiling. She beems every time Brayden is around and just giggles at him. She is doing So Big and clapping. We are working on waving right now. It's so much fun to go through all these milestones again!

Brayden's growing so fast too. He's really become a real good sharer and helper. At school he knows all the rules and shares with everyone so well. He starting to tell me how he's feeling too. We were at the park the other day and he asked this girl to play with him as he held out a Monster truck for her....she screamed at him, he looked at me with the saddest eyes told me that the girl was mean to him. I explained that it was OK and that we'll find another friend who would like to play with him, not everyone will want to play and that's OK. Shortly after a little boy came along and Brayden asked him if he wanted to play with him and again offered his Monster truck. The little boy happily played with Brayden. Sometimes the rejection is harder on the parent than the child. I guess the lesson for a parent to learn is to explain things to your children but let them go on their own to experience these things. Do not shelter them and coddle them through life, give them the wings and let them fly!

Here are a bunch of pictures from the last month:

The first weekend in June we went to the Denver Zoo with Lisa & Joel and her family. Her parents, sister, and nephew, along with Joel's friend Tristen and his 3 little girls all joined. We had a lot of fun!

Daddy and Avery at the Zoo

Brayden hanging out with the girls, Terran and Reagan.

Laura & Bryce Heitkamp and Mommy and Avery

Brayden's loving Reagan!

Super Brayden!!

Such a happy little girl!

Just too cute!

I love popsicles, Mom!!

Brayden's flexin' his muscles

Playing in the sandbox with Dad

Head west little Sister

Brayden's hanging out with his friend Nicholas down the cul-de-sac. They were on the slip-n-slide all afternoon.

I love making pizza with Daddy!
Playing so nice together
I found Avery rolled under the coffee table one morning. She was having so much fun!
SO BIG!
Look Mom, I can stand!!
Brayden and Katie Lindig over at Tom and Mitch's in the water fountain....they found where it was cool!
We went to see Lisa & Joel's new place and went for a walk. Brayden loved Max and wanted to ride him.
My first sippy cup!
Happy Father's Day! Brayden made this plaque for Joel at school and couldn't wait to give it to him. It was so precious!
Ok, I am on all fours.....now what do I do??
Sitting so pretty in her new jammies and robe
Just having a drink and relaxing... I had a rough day at pre-school.
Bradyen made Daddy another gift at Lakeshore Learning.
Just lounging eating some food.
Climbing up to see Elmo
I can almost pull myself up, Mommy!!

2008-05-17T12:29:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, Mother's Day, the kids and I took off for ND caravaning along with Mary, Jamie & Angie while Grandma Moni help me along the way. We stopped over night in Kearney, NE and then in Sioux Falls, SD. My girlfriend from college, Stacy and her family live there. Brooke and Brayden are the same age (she was born a week after Brayden) an they played together like they were best friends. It was so cute! It was so much fun catching up with them. Thanks for having us!!!

"Reunited and it feels so good!"- you know your are singing the song now

We arrived in ND on Tuesday around noon. I could tell that something was wrong with my little man. He didn't want to go outside and see the cows, tractor, nothing....just wanted to watch cartoons. That whole week he had a stuffy nose and a temp. So Sunday afternoon I took him to Fargo to the walk in clinic. It ended up that Brayden got a double ear infection and then to top that off Avery got her first cold (nasty) and was teething at the same time. My poor babies. Especially, Brayden who couldn't stop talking about going to the farm. We still did manage to have some fun in the mean time. The meds really did help, fast! We got to stay with Shanna, Ted, Sheyenne and Taylor for a night. Then Brayden got to stay with Grandma Moni and Pappa Paul and spend the afternoon in the Hankinson area with Pappa. They saw Uncle Mark's farm and Great Grandpa Allen's place.

Nana is teaching me how to play the piano

It feels great to be outside!

Brayden loved this singing Packer doll. It played the "Monday Night" song....it got a little old after the millionth time but he LOVED IT!
Outside again watching the horses and cows!
Love this picture! He would take the wagon around the farm to see the cows, tractors, to play in the sandbox, everywhere.
Me and Uncle B
My first bath sitting up on my own.....Mom you could have done this a long time ago!!
Brother thought he would join me!
Brayden and Sheyenne jumping on the trampoline. He was in heaven over this thing!
He loves Sheyenne! He was telling her that she looked so beautiful!! Romeo??!!
Taylor's got me, Mom!
Mom and Avery at Bryce's awards ceremony
Mom and her "not so little" brother!
Brayden wanted to snuggle his sissy
Am I looking Hot or What?!Auntie and Brayden with their sunnies.
We all had to get the sunnies on!

That Thursday night, 22nd, Joel flew into Fargo from Denver. He went right thru the Tornadic weather that affected us here in CO......and of course, on a prop plane. He didn't think they'd make it. His plane was late and he was in desperation for a drink! I don't blame him!
Friday we went back to Milnor and watched my brother's graduating class get spanked by the Milnor High faculty in a friendly game of softball. It was quiet fun to watch! My grandparents (Downs') came from Langdon for the night. They had 3 grandkids all graduating on the same day & same time! We all got to meet Bryce's girlfriend Lexi (Wahpeton) that night as well. Saturday we had big plans to have a bon fire but the weather wasn't so nice. We helped Mom and Dad get the school ready for the big Graduation.

What's going on, Nana and Papa?

The ladies; Me, Jen, Nana and Great Grandma Muggzy (and Little B is getting inthe shot too), enjoying some vino!

Loved this picture of Grandpa Ron and Avery, the same facial expression!
Going out to ride in "Crusty" and help Papa with chores, Mom!
Crusty is Dad's old silver pickup that he and Brayden named.
Avery and Auntie snuggling

Sunday-CONGRATULATIONS little Brother!! You finally did it & we are so proud of you! It seems like only yesterday we were going to Wapheton to the hospital to see our little New Years baby! 18 years flies by so fast....especially now once you have your own kids. The party went well and everyone had a good time. That evening my parents had their possy of friends over to the house. It was fun to see everyone. My sister, Nate and I ended up going to the graduation party. All I can say is that it was close to my parents' house and that I thought we'd be the oldest ones there..........no we were not. Thank goodness! Oh my, did that bring back memories of HS. We didn't stay too long b/c we were leaving for back home the next day.

Sweet Siblings, so proud of their little bro!

Randy Johnson (classmate of mine) and his daughter Cecila. The girls are exactly a week apart.The crew; Taylor & Avery, Brayden and Sheyenne and Bryce

We made it back in 1 day! We got to Valentine and tought we could handle another 4 hours in the car, it was late and the kids slept the whole way. It was a fun trip, tiring, but fun! Thanks to everyone!

A little man in a tux......melt my heart!

2008-05-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

This past week was a lot of fun. Thursday 5/8 our friends Brian and Ginny from MPL came to visit us. They were in town for a graduation up in Boulder. We had so much fun catching up and visiting with them. The next morning, all of Joel's family came over. We had Andy and Heather's BIG Wedding over the weekend. Jamie, Angie, Moni and Mary all drove down while Paul flew in Friday morning and Mark, Tammy and Jerry all flew in on Saturday. The rehearsal and dinner went fabulous. Brayden and the flower girls, Lauren and Erika (Heather's nieces) all got a long so awesome. Saturday was a little long, Brayden was so excited for the wedding that he didn't nap nor did he want to eat. He did such a great job, they started to walk up the aisle a little early but they all made it down. I think Brayden started skipping ahead of the girls and then little Erika took a while because she didn't want to step on the flowers. The ceremony was beautiful, I think... it was a little hard to catch it when I was trying to contain Brayden. He was walking all over, telling me to leave him alone, and just being a toddler. He was quiet the dancing machine as well! He wanted to dance before it even started. Congratulations Andy and Heather!

All getting to know each other! Lauren (oldest), Erika, and Brayden bonding over Avery.

Hanging out by the alter, aren't we cute....wait until tomorrow!

Yeah! We did it!

At rehearsal dinner

Brayden just put on his tux and was so proud of how handsome he looked!

You lookin' at me?

Getting to see Andy for the first time.
Here we go!I don't want to step on the pretty flowers!

I'm not waiting for you guys.

All up there!

Will you dance with me miss?

A month of updates!

2008-05-07T20:05:00.001-07:00

Well since we got back from ND we've had non-stop company, which is good but that is the reason for my slacking of the blogging.

The first weekend back (19th) my Grandma and Grandpa Downs stopped on their way through from AZ back to ND. They got here Friday late afternoon and left Sunday morning. We had a great time. We took them on a little scenic drive through Red Rocks, ate in Golden, and then up to Lookout Mountain where Buffalo Bill's grave site is and then back around the Lariat Loop. We had so much fun with them! It was hard to say goodbye.

Great Grandpa Ron and Brayden chilln'
Great Grandma Margaret Ann and Avery

Sunday was a busy day after they left. We had Izzi's (school friend) birthday party at 2pm and then cousin Katie's birthday at 3pm. We had a great time at the parties!

The following weekend we had our friends from Golden Valley (our old hood), Kim and Pete Lochner, come Friday for supper with their friend Gretchen and her baby Graycen. They were in town for a vacation. We had a great time seeing them and catching up! Then on Saturday we had a couple's (stock the bar) party for Joel's cousin Andy and his fiance Heather which was a lot of fun. Then Sunday we had a graduation party at Brayden's school for all the kids graduating from Pre-school to Kindergarten. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen! They had a little program and B was the loudest little singer. He was so funny. Ms. Rachael was so happy that he preformed well because he does at school and all the kids just look at him in awe. I need to get a little clip of it......next time, Joel can help me with that one.

He's singing his ABC's really well!

This Thursday morning the kiddos and I went to the airport to pick up my cousin Meagan. She flew in for a little visit. The morning she flew in......40 and snowing! The day before it was 80 and I got sun burnt!! We did a lot of fun things. We went to the Aquarium with the kids. Brayden was a little scared at first but then by the end he was talking away about his favorite things....the Shark named Bruce, Dori, Nemo, Crush the Sea Turtle (Finding Nemo). On Saturday Kim and Anthony (thanks again!) took our kiddos so we could go to the Coors Brewery tour. We went out to eat and then started our adventure. We thought we'd take the scenic route to Golden but somehow eventually ended up near Mt. Evans and came down by Idaho Springs. We went through the town and found the TommyKnocker brewery, even better since we love micro brews. So we went there instead of Coors. It was an adventure to say the least!! By Sunday morning it was back to warm weather. Meagan and I took a little walk in our neighborhood that leads to this awesome point where you can see for miles along the front range from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. Monday came too quickly and we had to take Meagan back to the airport. We had so much fun it was hard to say goodbye.

Brayden and Meagan looking at the fish

Avery just observes the fish swimming by

Trying to get our picture taken on the bridge
Meagan and Avery hanging out
Our excursion up the mountain and we saw a lot of mules
Our View as we kept going up....up...up... is there a bar around here?As you look down from close to Mt Evans

TommyKnocker Brewery
Random waterfall outside of Idaho Springs, I love how Joel snuck his head into the shot!
On our walk, this is in our back yard basically, the whole front range

Now we are on to more company tomorrow. Our friends from MPL, Brian and Ginny, will be in town so they will stay with us for the night. We are looking forward to seeing them. Also, this weekend Joel's family will be in town for Andy and Heather's wedding. We can't wait. Brayden's a ringbearer in the wedding! Be looking for pictures! The kiddos and I are going to be heading back to the "Dakotas" (as they call it around here) for a few week and will be attending my brother Bryce's graduation. Looking forward to it!!

As for my little ones lets update you on them....

Brayden and Avery enjoying each other's company

Brayden is 2 1/2 years old already. I can't believe that my 1st born is growing up so fast. He's got such a great little personality. It amazes me the things he comes up with. He'll sit and talk with Avery and say "hey my baby girl, how are you doing?" in a high pitch voice (like I do), he loves to tell everyone that he's a "Big Boy, I am 2 1/2, My birthday is October 17th!" He knows his colors, counts to 10, his name and our names, where he lives, where his grandparents live,loves singing (You are my Sunshine is my favorite), and he loves playing with his cars. We have this brown fur blanket and he pretends it's the mountains and drives his car on it. He's always telling us "I love you so much", "Thank you so much", and"No, I can't do it"(when he doesn't want to do something). He's always full of energy and life. He's my little man. And to us he's cute to boot!

Hiding in his fur mountain

In the morning, he was hugging his milk because he was so happy to have milk again. We were out for a 1/2 day.

He got a kitchen set off of Craig's List, I didn't realize he knew we had it until Joel was out grilling and Brayden says to him " Dad go get my kitchen, it's in Mom's car".
Loving his sister, after he colored on her head!

Now little Avery, she's going to be 6 months old tomorrow!! I can't believe how fast time has flown. She's a great little girl. Always happy and smiling. She's really a dolly. She's been sleeping through the night now for a while but she's so good about it....just lay her down a 7:30 and she's down until the same time next day. She loves putting her little feet in her mouth....I guess right now everything is in her mouth. Teeth coming soon?? She has been rolling around for a while now but she is very determined to get things and she'll get there. So I suspect she'll be crawling soon. She can sit very well and is always looking to grab anything she sees. I need to start baby proofing again! She also has discovered her voice. Her nickname is "Squeakers" because she'll just be talking away and sticking her tongue out and blowing it. She's got the brightest little eye and smile. We love you so much baby girl!

Look at me, I can sit!!

These are my cute toes and they are tasty!

Happy to be with my Daddy!Yes, I realize I have brown marker on my head but my toes need my attention.

Just hanging out!

We are back!

2008-04-12T20:25:00.001-07:00

After a unexpected trip back to ND and 2 winter storms later, we are back safe and sound! It was quiet hairy traveling back to CO. We ended up staying in North Platte on the way back. Lots of cars/semi trucks in the ditch. The kiddos were excellent travelers again! Although our reason for going back to ND was not planned nor what we'd want to go back for but it was great to see all our family again. It's times like that when you realize how important your family is to you.

Here are some pictures from our visit: (sorry these will be in random order)

Uncle Bryce, I appreciate you pulling me and all....but where did all the snow go?

Alright, your turn I guess.

Nanna with the Kiddos

Brayden's new bed

Going for a walk with Papa Tom, no time for pictures, I'm outta here! (notice Brayden in the distance walking away from us!)

I am not in the mood for posing now

Let me get this thing started, I know I saw Bryce do this!

Me and my buddy Bryce

My first taste of peas.....not too bad!

Mom and Dad

Uncle Jamie and Angie

Grandma Moni and Aunt Bev

Great Grandma Helga and Avery looking out the window

Getting ready to go outside, I am so excited to see the animals!

Happy Baby Girl, I love my new outfit!

I work out best in the nude!

Jamie, Joel, and uncle Dale Held

Papa Paul and Grandpa Allen

Uncle Mark and Allen's brother Jack Coppin

I am a big girl sitting in my chair

See what's in here Mom, it's beer!

Discovering Sweet Potatoes, yummy!

In the hotel room in Valentine, NE

Great Grandma Mary and Avery cuddling on the couch

A New Angel Among Us

2008-04-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Allen and Greta Coppin 1957
Allen and Greta Coppin 2007 (50th Wedding Anniversary)

Please say your prayers for Joel's family this week. Saturday morning Grandma Greta Coppin passed away. She was 75 years old. Here is the link to her obituary:

http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=197200&section=Obituaries&freebie_check&CFID=23653720&CFTOKEN=25045900&jsessionid=8830ad64881330685457

She was such a funny lady. I will never forget my first Christmas with the Coppin's. I didn't realize what practical jokers they were until I received a nice white lace thong from Greta. She always made you laugh. I will really miss her emails. She wrote is big letters and different colors (you knew her mood), her personality shined through each one. We will miss her dearly.

Saturday morning Joel and I received a call from Paul. We were all off in the car before noon and made it to ND yesterday afternoon. A little bad weather but it was nothing. We were just glad to be home. The kids were excellent little travelers. 14 hours in a car is not fun for anyone, let alone active little kids.

Last night Joel and I opened a Christmas gift from Allen and Greta, which was forgotten since the last time we were home. It couldn't have been a more fitting gift. Greta had written in the card, "You will have to teach your children how to fly and one day they can fly on their own. Enjoy and love them because you only have them a short time". The gift was an plate with little angels on it flying. We will always cherish that card and gift.

Cherish your loved ones, tell them you love them, and teach them to fly.

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'!!

2008-03-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

Miss Avery is officially a rolling machine! She first rolled over back on March 2nd and really didn't do much since but last Monday she started and hasn't stopped! It's so much fun to see her discovering new things. She's really into grabbing everything within her reach. She loves watching her brother and she just gives him big smiles!!

Brayden is adjusting her bib and she just smiles so big for him

Happy girl! She's always a smiling

Happy Easter~

2008-03-24T21:21:00.001-07:00

Friday around noon, Joel's grandparents Jerry and Mary Meyer arrived at our abode. They were on their way back to ND from AZ. We went out to eat for lunch with Tom and Mitch and then came back to our house to play cards and had supper. For desert we tried my "lovely" Easter cake. I went to a cake decorating class on Thursday night and got to bring home my creation. It's pretty ghetto, I will admit. It did taste pretty good. I wasn't going for looks, I was just practicing all the new things I was learning. Then on Saturday we went to Tom and Mitch's for some more cards and supper. It was fantastic! Easter Sunday came so fast. In the morning we attended church at 8am and still had to sit in the overflow area (thank goodness the kiddos were so good!) and then we went to the Lindigs for Easter brunch. We had such a good time. The Easter Bunny even made a special appearance! Quiet the hit! Mary and Jerry had to head back to ND that afternoon.
We feel so bad, tonight we found out that Papa Paul, Tom and Mary and Jerry all caught the same stomach flu we had! I even disinfected our entire house!! Sorry guys!

Playing Cards

My beautiful cake (LOL) Yes, those are little bunny pellets for those of you who noticed.

So Proud :)

Easter Morning, Finding the Easter basket right away!

Mom, I got Maximum Destruction!

Where's Avery? The bunny is twice her size!

Mom and her little Sweetie!

Our best picture of the kids together! :(

The Easter Bunny!!

Whatcha doing, Brayden? Just hanging with my car, Mom.

I am getting to be such a Big Girl!

My two precious babies! Oh, this picture melts my heart!

I'm just chillin'
Helping to make pizza, I made my own!
Yummo! This is delicious!

Finally, A New Camera!

2008-03-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, I have been waiting for this for a long time! Our camera had died in January and we were using our very 1st digital camera which takes great pictures but the batteries kept falling out. Friday afternoon the doorbell rang and it was the UPS man with my camera!!

Puke..............all over..............gross!

2008-03-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Monday night I started to get a stomach ache. Not thinking much of it I went to bed only to be awaken by Brayden crying. I ran to him in the hall and noticed his jammies were all wet. A closer look revealed puke everywhere. He was so confused and crying. We got him changed and grabbed a bucket and put him in bed with me. Two seconds later, more puke, this time all over our bed. Changed the sheets twice and at this time my gag reflex was kicking in full gear. Then I started getting the chills and was trying to hold off my urge to throw up. 4 o'clock came and I couldn't hold back. This was horrible. Joel was down on the couch because he too was not feeling well. How could we all be sick at the same time?! Food poisoning? No such luck. This continued on through the next day. Thank goodness Avery did not catch it and she was such a good little girl. I will say, and Joel does admit this, I was taking care of 3 babies and myself for 2 days. Man, he was worse then Brayden! Basically, we had puke in ever room in our house, the worst was Brayden puking over the balcony down onto the living room. Nice! It was crazy never in the almost 8 years we've been together have we been sick at the same time. Thank god we are all feeling good now!

Lots to report......

2008-03-24T20:30:00.001-07:00

Let's start out with 2 weekends ago. Paul and Moni came to visit us for a long weekend. I think it might have all stemmed from when Avery was born, but the fathers/sons challenge each other to the Highlands Ranch 5K. This being Tom and Paul vs. Andy and Joel. Partly because Paul and Tom were turning 50 and 60 respectively and for bragging rights. So for months all we could hear about was this "big" race and how the dads were going to humiliate team "Hangover" (Joel and Andy's nickname from HS, we'll leave it at that). Soon, Ted joined the forces in the race as so did Moni and I. I think Joel recruited me to "run" with him b/c he had really not been running and preparing for this and I could be at his pace. Well, me not having run at all since college said OK, I can walk/run. Saturday morning, 40 degrees out we all head to the town center for the big St. Patty's race. I pushed Brayden and Katie in the jogger and ran next to Joel. To Joel's surprise, I was not slow and I basically kicked his butt! Yes, me! I have not ran, pushing 2 toddlers beat not only Joel but Paul and Tom. Oh yes, I am competitive. My first 5k and I did it in 39 minutes and I am VERY PROUD of myself. Andy finished in 33 minutes so I was really not that far off for never running. We had so much fun! Afterwards we went home for Irish coffee and then we grilled and had birthday cake. It was a great weekend but it went to fast. Paul and Moni left early Sunday morning. Boy, I really was moving slow that day!

Here are some pictures from that weekend:

Snuggling with Grandma Moni, it was a long day!

The 5 K team

Happy Birthday to Tom and Paul!

I love my Papa Paul!

With the Grandparents

I melt Papa's heart!

Loving to snuggle up with Grandma

A little Sweet PeaPapa brought Brayden's christmas gift with -a very Large JD tractor!

Lots of birthdays!

2008-03-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, between my birthday and next Sunday we've had so many birthdays to celebrate. Some BIG ones too!
March 1st - Papa Paul (Big 5-0!)
March 5th - Tom Howard (Big 6-0!)
March -16th Great Grandpa Allen's (85!)
There are many that I haven't mentioned.....Hilary, Matt, Courtney, Jenica, Kim M, Kim G, Bennett, Meagan, Luke, Ryan & Heather. Happy Birthday to all!!

Big News - Avery rolled over twice last Sunday! She went from her back to her tummy and then from tummy to back. I was even lucky enough to catch it on video! :) She just turned 4 months old yesterday! I can't believe how big she's getting. She's a little sweetie!

Tonight we had Teya over while Kim and Anthony took a well deserved night out to eat. We had lots of fun.

Concentrating really hard on rolling over!

What up?

Hi MOM!!

What a beautiful girl!

Happy Birthday, MOM!

2008-02-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

Last night for my birthday we went out to eat. I would say, with two kids, they couldn't have been better. Then we came home and had the much anticipated "Birthday Cake" made with the help of Brayden and opened gifts. I got to enjoy a lovely bubble bath later that evening. It was a wonderful day! Thank you my wonderful little family!

Happy Birthday to Mom!

I am such a happy baby girl!

Saying good bye to Auntie Jenica - not bragging about how beautiful the weather was that day -63! Back in ND, the high -32!! (not missing that)!!

A month's worth of pictures....be prepared!

2008-02-20T13:09:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me! Yes, today I this if the 1st of many 29th birthdays. Do I feel old? No, not really. I feel still pretty young and very blessed. I have 2 beautiful babies and a wonderful hubby. I have a fabulous family and network of friends. So, with age comes these things and I only expect the best is yet to come. I think it helped that on Monday when my sister and I toured the Coors brewery we had 3 young college guys think we were pretty cute, that will boost your ego a little :)

Ok, on to why my posting has been slacking. We've had such a busy last month. We'll start off by the last weekend of the month of January. We took Brayden and Avery to the Stock show, a very big thing here, to see all the animals and for the Rodeo. It was so much fun! Brayden was all duded up in his cowboy outfit and so excited. The really sad part, I think he's allergic to the horses! He was all runny nose and watery eyed. Poor kid, and he loves them, not to mention he has a cowboy room! The Rodeo was great but we didn't make it to the end. The kids got a little antsy. All is all, it was a great day. Later that week we got FANTASTIC news, all grandma Moni's test in Rochester were OK! What a relief! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!

The following weekend was the big Super Bowl! We didn't do much that weekend but we did have the Lindig's over for the big game. It was Ted's big 39th birthday that day so we celebrated that as well. You know you are in full born parenthood when you miss most of the commercials of the Super Bowl because your kids are making their own attention and you are eating Jigglers instead of taking Jello-shots!

Then that Wednesday morning I was out and got back to 8 missed calls from Reynold's United and Joel. Humm, I wondered what could be going on. Finally I get a hold of Joel and our parents (his and mine) had found last minute cheap tickets for the weekend. So Friday night comes and my parents and Joel's come in to town. We had so much fun Friday night, up until 2:30 partying with the 'rents (another sign of age). The next day we hung out and the guys and I went to the DU Vs. MN Gophers hockey game while the Grandma's held down the fort and babysat the kiddos. The next day we had tickets to MONSTER JAM!! A much anticipated event at our house (we bought the tickets in November)! The grandparents watched Avery while Joel and I took B to the big show. He was in his glory! Grave Digger is his favorite. If you ask him, he'll tell you all about who crashed, why we had to wear ear plugs, and that they go really fast! Joel even caught a t-shirt for him that they threw into the stands. It was so awesome to see my little boy get so excited about something. He still thinks we are going to go every time we get into the car.

Sadly, Monday came too fast and I had to take the parents to the airport. We were very lucky to only have one day in between until my sister Jenica paid us a visit. She took another job and she has some vacation time to burn so she spent it with us. She came Wednesday and just left yesterday. We had lots of fun with Auntie. She took care of the kiddos for us on Sunday night and we actually had our 1st date alone since before we left Minneapolis (sad huh?). It was wonderful, thanks Auntie!! We had so much fun with her, thanks for coming!

Now we have a few weeks before Joel's parents and brother come to town for the big challenge- Paul turns 50, Tom (Joel's great uncle) turns 60, March 1st and 5th, respectively.....and have challenged the youngsters to a 5K here in town. We'll be looking forward to it!

Here are some pictures from the last month. I promise, more postings more frequently will occur!

Getting ready for the Stock Show!

Mom's little sweetie

Avery and baby James Lindig

The Super Bowl 4-some
Katie Lindig (1 1/2), Avery (12 weeks), James Lindig (9wks), Brayden (2)

I'm so sleepy!

Me too!

Dad's prepping their computer skills at an early age.

I'm a big girl!

Watching tube with my brother

"I'm just playin', Mom!"

little grins

MONSTER JAM!! B's in complete AWE!

Grave Digger, B's favorite!

Monster Jam T-shirt!

Listening to some tunes

All the grandparents