Ice Cream and a Red Head

 Today, Annie asked me, 

"Mom, can we have some ice cream today?"

No need to ask me twice when ice cream is involved. 

"Yes!" I responded.

With that kind of response, Annie asked for more,

"Before Dinner?"

"Why Not!"

After all, it is raining today. AND, we went on a 6 1/2 mile walk this morning. We definitely deserve a treat.

That's my que... Shae's done.

I found this picture on my camera...

The older Shae is, the more curly her hair gets, especially when it's wet.

I love my red head. I want more!

We went to park the other day.

I snapped a few pictures on my phone.

Just thought I'd share.

It's incredible, the enjoyment a 3-year-old and a 1-year old can find with bark. It's a new found treasure, every time they see it.

 Annie found a stump. It quickly turned into a drum.

 Then of coarse, they had to take turns standing on it.

Nights like this...

Poor Shae has a bad cough. On top of that, she has a molar coming in. We threw away our filter for the humidifier because it was dirty. We figured, it's not winter time anymore, they won't need it... Wrong. Nathan just left for Walmart (it's 11:30 and he was asleep) to buy a new one.

Nights like this, I am grateful for so many things. Our health is a big one. Modern medicine is another. I feel so blessed to have a baby who only gets sick with a cough here and there. I'm grateful for a husband who will go out in the middle of the night to buy something that MAY help shae sleep a little better.

I may get stressed sometimes and a bit overwhelmed, but nights like this, I realize how easy I really have it.

We went shopping today!

We bought of few summer things we needed. Annie and Shae were excited to play on the toys.

Annie LOVES school buses. It's always been a big dream of hers to ride one. Three-year-olds are so easy to please :)

Shae is the more adventurous type. She chose to ride the alligator.

The Big 26

Nathan had a birthday yesterday! Typical him, he didn't tell anyone. He doesn't enjoy being the center of attention... we balance each other out :)

Our day went like this:

7:30 - wake up call with GINORMOUS breakfast burrito

8:00 to 12:00 - work

12:00 to 1:00 - quick lunch together

1:00 to 7:00 - work

7:30 - dinner (homemade lasagna, french bread, salad) 

8:00 - lots of "Happy Birthday" singing and CAKE!

Nathan's been looking forward to an upcoming backpacking trip, so I decided to bring a little bit of that outdoors craving, inside.

He liked it.

26 years old!

 My attempt at getting a picture of us together...

I'm so proud of this guy. Not only is he an incredible husband and daddy, but he is also graduating with his bachelors degree in JULY! He continues to impress me daily. The amount of hours he is able to work while juggling his school work, amazes me. With all of that, he is still able to find the time to spend with his family. Nathan is the hardest worker I know and I feel privileged to be married to him.

Annie is 3!

A few updates about our Annie -

Her favorite color is blue, because it is the same color as Cinderella's dress.

She can read books with us or by herself for hours on end.

She loves showing off her new "tricks" and "silly poses".

Her biggest fear are spiders, snakes, and bugs (yes, even a little fruit fly).

She enjoys swimming, going to the park, and accessorizing her barbies.

She likes anything that sparkles.

Her hugs can make anyone's heart melt.

She is pretty much convinced that she is Shae's mother too.

She is the best helper around... I would not survive with my Annie!

Shout Hooray!

Annie's birthday is TODAY!

... And she wore this princess dress all day. In fact, the entire day was pink and princessy. Annie was in heaven.

Nathan treated her like royalty this morning with a gourmet breakfast (aka - waffles, cinnamon syrup, and caramelized bacon). Then, he surprised her with a bouquet of princess balloons.

Later that day, we threw a princess party for her. We had pink cookies and pink milk.

 We even got a little crafty and made some princess wands.

A few of Annie's close girl friends came dressed in their princess best with coordinating crowns.

 Annie opened some fun presents, thanks to generous friends!

 Olivia gave Annie this Tinker Bell tent. They all attempted to fit in it... Annie was a bit claustrophobic :)

 Beautiful Olivia

 Showing off their princess wands...

 Later that evening, we opened presents from family. Annie insisted on a picture with all of her presents BEFORE she opened them... she keeps us laughing.

 A few of Annie's favorite presents included her princess bedtime stories,

 Minnie Mouse,

 and her Belle Barbie.

 Shae was content playing with the bags and tissue paper.

Brad and Katelyn came over to party with us. Katelyn read Annie a few bedtime stories before she hit the hay.

Oh, and we had cake! A pink, princess one with pink ice cream, of coarse.

Annie had a fun, exhausting day.

It is hard to believe I have a three-year-old now! It has been a bitter-sweet day. Makes me happy seeing my baby growing up into a sweet, little lady. At the same time, I am missing that baby stage that she is growing out of.

 Annie is an answer to my prayers in more ways than one. Whether it is her sweet compliments she gives me daily, or her tender hugs, they strengthen me every time. I know she was put into my life for a reason. I love the bond we share. Annie is my constant day-time buddy and I adore her company.

Happy Birthday Sweet Annie!

Wisdom Tooth Out - Check.

I am laying on the couch with an ice pack against my cheek. I am sick to my stomach from those blasted pain meds and my mouth hurts. If you hadn't already guessed, I had my wisdom tooth taken out today. That's right, just ONE tooth, which recently decided to sneak in there. I thought I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have any... No such luck.

In the midst of all of this pain, I am hearing constant squeals and giggles nearby. Evidently, jello that jiggles is hilarious. Seriously, what would I do without Nathan? He is incredible. I love how excited the girls get when they see him. Makes me smile seeing how patient and sweet he is with them.

So, thanks babe for making this painful process so much more bearable. You're the best.

Side note: When Nathan had his wisdom teeth out, he went four-wheeling that same day. Didn't even skip a beat. No clue how he did this. I am convinced that I married a super hero.

Second side note: When I left for the dentist this morning, Annie became very concerned. When Nathan asked her why, she responded, "I miss Mama! She's my best friend." Makes me melt.

So, so tricky.

Easter Morning

They explored their Easter Baskets... It wasn't much, but they were still excited :)

 We dressed in our Easter Sunday best...

 And then off we went to church! You would have never guessed we had a blizzard a few days prior. It is beautiful outside today!

I know that Jesus Christ lives. Without Him, there would be no purpose to this life. I am grateful for His perfect example and most of all, for the Atonement.  May we all allow Christ's Atonement to play a bigger role in our everyday lives.

Happy Easter!

Hunting for Eggs

Yesterday morning, we went to our primary easter egg hunt. Annie loved finding eggs. Shae even found a few herself.

Annie had her face painted... Prettiest bunny I've ever seen :)

After-party pictures of my little bunnies...

Emily's Graduation

Friday, the Guptill's came into town for my cousin, Emily's, graduation. They were nice enough to take us all out for lunch at Costa Vida. Can't get enough of that sweet pork!

Shae sat on Jeff's lap almost the entire time... Her fascination with men cracks me up.

All of us :)

That evening, I went to the Commencement. Elder Ballard spoke and did an incredible job. Emily graduated in Elementary Education and already has a teaching job lined up! Go Em!

 Thanks for a fun day, Guptill Fam!

Vacation Desination

I never thought I would be saying this, but Rexburg, Idaho is the spring break place to be. We loved having visitors this past week! Thankfully, the weather was PERFECT. Not a cloud in the sky. 

Ready for a picture OVERLOAD? Here it goes...

Thursday night my parents and Carmen arrived.

My beautiful mom and Annie, showing off her "silly face". Notice her new, BRIGHT, PINK, clothing? Grandma knows Annie best.

 We spent a few hours at the park, in between Saturday General Conference sessions. Carmen was sweet enough to follow our wobbly Shae around. That girl is SO wobbly, yet so sure on her feet. This leads to an average of one bad crash a day. There are plenty of battle wounds to prove this statistic.

 My independent, Annie did not stop moving. She loved showing off all of her impressive tricks.

 Shae is a Grandpa's girl for sure. She can not get enough of him.

After the Saturday afternoon session, we ventured outside to shake off some of that energy. Notice they all have sticks? Courtesy of Annie.

Katelyn came over during the Priesthood session. Annie greeted her with a kiss :)

 Sunday morning Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Carmen left. We watched conference with Brad and Katelyn. We love their company :)

Monday evening, we had a last minute visit from Nathan's mom and siblings, Hannah and James. Once again, we spent most of our time soaking up the fantastic weather.

Shae loved sitting back and relaxing in these old tire swings. 

This morning, Grammy, James, and Hannah drove home.

It has been a busy few days in the Cope home. Definitely, a GOOD busy. Thanks for coming to see us! We feel privileged to be a new Spring Break Destination!