Friday Night Adventure

Brasstown Bald

4,784 feet above sea level is the highest point in Georgia called Brasstown Bald. The climate here is more akin to Massachusette's climate than Georgia's. The highest recorded temperature year round is 84-degrees. The lowest temp recorded is -27-degrees.

From the peak you can see mountain peaks from 4 different states.

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Anna looks out the life size bird house at the fairie houses of Sleepy Hollow.

The Hobbit Hole

Front Porch Sittin

The kids explore the fairie houses of Sleepy Hollow. Note the attention to detail on these handcrafted houses. This is on Highway 76 just south of Hiawassee.

Fairie Houses of Sleepy Hollow

Among the places we visited while in Hiawassee was "the fairie houses of Sleepy Hollow." Here Aaron and I sit outside the porch of one hobbit hole. It looks just like one of the housese from Tolkien's writings.

Hiawasee Travel Log

Yesterday we spent the most of the day touring some of the north Georgia mountains. Beginning at the Lollipop Store in Hiawassee, the kids loaded up on candy of all sorts.

We left the Lollipop Store for a place that creates fantasy fairy houses. I was with the girls, ok? While it sounds "chick-ish," the houses were quite interesting. The craftmanship was impeccable. I'll post some pics a little later.

We left the fairy houses and went to a place called "Pappy's Riverwalk." Lots of shops and mountain nick nacks. Anna even had an opportunity to feed the gigantic carp from the deck overlooking a mountain stream. These fish were gi-normous. We speculated that none of them could live in the wild anymore since they were so used to being fed from the deck.

We went to a restaurant there at Pappy's. I ordered a BBQ sandwich. Expecting authentic BBQ, I got something that was straight out of the can. Aaron (we call him Mr. $10.99) ordered the most expensive 10-piece wing dinner he could find with hot wing sauce. He had acid reflux the rest of the day.

After our exciting venture into Pappy-ville, we went to Georgia's highest point, Brasstown Bald. (pics to come soon). Towering at 4,784 feet, the temperature there was in the low 70's. Brasstown Bald affords visitors an opportunity to see 4 states. You can hardly make out which mountain is which but the serenity was worth the price of admission ($4) + a ($3) shuttle ride up the steep slope.

Back to the cabin after a full day for steak and baked potatoes on the grill.

I'll post some pictures soon so come back to see.

Hiawassee, GA Mountain Retreat Video

This is the life!

The Hiawasee Cabin

Here's a view of the cabin from down at the pool. Notice the waterfalls. At the top of the falls is a hot tub.

Geronimo!

The pool at the cabin in Hiawasee is a terraced pool. It begins at the top with a hot tub which spills over into a picturesque waterfall that finally empties into the pool as you seen in this picture.

Here Aaron cannonballs his way into the swimming hole.

Baby Alex Hanging Out

John Hood pictured here hanging out with Baby Alex. This is the front porch of the "cabin." It's more like a mansion.

A View From a Hill

This is the view from the balcony at the cabin in Hiawassee. As you can see below, there is a swimming pool and a pool house. In the distance is a lake overshadowed by a majestic mountain.

Angie and I are sleeping in a queen size bed in a loft complete with its own bathroom. Anna is on a pull out sofa outside our room, Aaron is sleeping somewhere downstairs (I hear there's like another house downstairs), and Alex is sleeping with us.

Today, we'll try some hiking, some swimming and general exploring.

This is home for the next couple of days.

Alex First Swim

Alex went swimming in his inflatable floatie. Watch for his expression.

When All Communications Fail ...

Have you ever seen license tags that say "amateur radio"? You may have wondered what amateur radio is all about. This video gives you a quick glimpse into an emergency preparedness drill that "hams" all over the USA participate in on the last weekend in June.

When all communications fail ... ham radio gets through.

FDR Camping Trip

Watch a quick review here of our camping trip to FDR State Park, May 29-31, 2009. This will always be remembered as a very special camping trip not only because of the beauty of the outdoors we experienced but also because this was the very last time we visited with dad before his sudden tragic death.

I will always remember that dad came with mom on Saturday afternoon. He showed Aaron how to sharpen an axe, helped Aaron build a fire, held his grandson, Alex and loved on his granddaughter, Anna.

Dad was an avid outdoorsman so I consider it a privelege that we were able to spend our last time together in a place we both enjoyed.

Miss you dad. I will continue the Copeland family camping tradition. That's a promise!

Granny Cope's 95th Surprise Birthday Party

My sister, Becky Copeland Russell, pulled off a surprise birthday party this past weekend for Grandma Eunice English Copeland's 95th birthday.

Grandma was so surprised. In fact, my nephew, Jay Russell, said not only did she have tears in her eyes but he said her ears turned red which was automatic that granny was very happy.

Thanks to all her friends and family who came and made her 95th birthday so special.

Mom Retires After 33.333 Years of Teaching

Updated Baby Alex Video

It's been awhile since I've posted an updated video of Baby Alex on the blog.  Here is his sweet self making baby noises and bouncing in his baby seat.

Enjoy!

Praise for Coweta Fayette EMC

I would like to publicly acknowledge the Coweta Fayette EMC work crews that came to my house to restore power after a tree fell across their lines knocking out power to the majority of the neighborhood.

The workmen were courteous and displayed integrity and purpose in their jobs.

So many times we like to complain when the power is off but this time I wanted to send KUDOS to those Coweta Fayette EMC employees working in the Smokey Acres subdivision on Monday.

You guys are GREAT! Tony Sinclair should be proud to have you working alongside him.

Thanks guys!

Mike Copeland
Homeowner
Smokey Acres Subdivision
Newnan, GA

Power Lines Ripped from Home

When the pine fell, it ripped power from our home.

Utility Pole Snaps

Notice the utility pole snapped in half by the falling pine. Power is out to Copee House as well as a large portion of the neighborhood.

Work Crews Clear Tree

Coweta Fayette EMC linemen work to clear the tree that fell with chain saws.

High Winds = Tree Downed @ Copee House

High winds caused an aged pine tree to fall across our yard, the street, and into the neighbor's yard knocking down power lines in the process.

Angie says that one of the utility poles broke in two like a tooth pick as the beast of a tree blundered to the ground.

Coweta County Fire is insuring the safety of the neighborhood until Coweta Fayette EMC can restore power.

Coloring the Easter Eggs

Copeland Family Easter

Aaron Drives

While one of our sons is learning to smile, the other is learning to drive. It's been a few months since Aaron got his learner's permit. He's driving like a pro. He's very cautious and considerate of other drivers. I have no problem having him chaffeuring me around town.

Paw Paw Entertains Alex

It's been a few weeks since I updated the family blog so let's go. Here is a very recent picture of Alex laughing at his Paw Paw (Vic Tanner). Alex's personality is developing every day. He's our little guy.

Alex Laughs On Camera

Angie records Alex's first laughter in this short video. Also congratulations go out to our good friends Michael and Jeanette Kessler on the birth of their son on March 16th, Evan Michael Kessler. Watch for updates on their blog here.

Snow in Newnan

A few weeks ago, we had about 3 inches of snow that fell in Newnan, GA. Aaron and Anna make the most of it by building a very interesting looking snowman or woman (not sure which) and having some pretty fierce snowball fights.

Bathtime For Alex

Alex is a little more than 2 months old now. You can see how he has grown so much in this video. Tonight he had a bath compliments of the mommy (Angie).

Look Ma No Training Wheels

Be sure to click the arrow up button and watch in "HQ."

Hanging Out With Little A-man

Alex just went for his second pediatrician's appointment. Vitals are 9 lbs 11oz, 22 3/4 inches long. Somehow time seems to fly. Alex is now 5+ weeks old. It seems like yesterday that we were all in anticipation of his arrival.

Who do you think he looks like? Is it more Angie or Mike? Your thoughts are always welcome.

Anna Makes A Homemade Apple Pie

Anna Loves Her Little Brother

Anna serves as special guardian for Alex. It's almost like the only way you get to Alex is if you go through Anna. Very protective. And such a huge help to Angie.

Let's Burp the Little Guy

Showing Alex How It's Done

Anna Feeds Baby Alex

Anna has wanted to feed Alex ever since he was born. Angie is breastfeeding so that has kept Ms. Anna out of the loop. Recently Angie began pumping and Anna got her chance. This is the first time Anna fed Alex.

She looks like a natural, doesn't she?

Great Grandma Cope Holds Her Little Alex

My 94-year-old grandmother, Eunice Copeland, recently had an opportunity to meet her new great grandson. Grandma can hardly see and has difficulty hearing but this was a moment that as she put it, "made my day."

Alex was having a bit of a fuss but that's ok too.

Daddy Time

Baby Alex Gets A Bath

Here at Copee House, Baby Alex bath time is family time.

Anna Helped Too

Aaron Helps Bathe Alex

I Got the Call

Pictured here is a very special place. It's the chapel at Camp Fortson, site of the Atlanta South Walk to Emmaus Weekends.

I got the call the other day to work the March walk. This time I'll be serving in the agape shack.

I have seen more men encounter the tangible love of Jesus Christ on these weekends than perhaps anywhere else.

Please pray for the team and the pilgrims who are scheduled to journey on the Walk to Emmaus.

A Bundle of Joy

(photo courtesy of Tori Silva Photography)

It's hard to believe that Alexander Brice Copeland has been with us over a week now. He sleeps alot, eats alot, and poops alot. After all, isn't this the age for all of those things?

Our church family as well as relatives have been so very helpful.

I have never eaten so much good food delivered to us almost every night. You see the church asked for volunteers to bring us "dinner agape" and we have had a different dish almost every night.

Thank you New Life Christian Fellowship. You are truly a blessing to this family.

My mother-in-law, Mary Ann Tanner, has been AWESOME! She comes over while I go to work to watch over recovering Angie.

She's cooked.

She's cleaned.

She's done laundry.

And today, she went grocery shopping for us.

Thanks mom. You are the ABSOLUTE BEST!

My parents went to Fayetteville, GA and bought us boxes and boxes of diapers. You have no idea what a blessing that is to us. Thanks mom and dad.

I am so amazed at the love that has been sacrifically poured out on Alex and our whole family.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Everyone has truly taught me so many lessons about servanthood. I am thankful for my schooling. I have some great teachers who surrond me.

Until next time ...

Note For the Tooth Fairy

After we got home from the movie theatre, Anna made this special note for the Tooth Fairy. Notice that dollars or coins are acceptable but both are preferable.

Anna Loses Another Tooth

It happened moments before cousin Abby, Anna and I entered the movie theatre to see "Bedtime Stories." I ordered the popcorn and the drinks. The girls went to the ladies room. When they returned, there was a space missing in Ms. Anna's mouth. Fortunately, Anna maintained control of the tooth at all times so that she could deposit the tooth in the tooth fairy box when we returned home.

Anna says while waiting for the snacks at the counter, she felt like a tooth was coming out so Abby and Anna rushed to the ladies room to check. She knew that it was a tooth coming out. She was right.

Rock-A-Bye Alex

Angie rocks Baby Alexander to sleep in the glide rocker. He is such a good baby.

Alexander's First Bath

Here's a tradition that lives on with each birth. Grandma Tanner (aka Gaya) always has the honors of giving our children their first bath when they are home from the hospital.

Here "Gaya" does her thing just as she did with Anna and Aaron.

Birthday Boy Aaron With the Kitty

The kitty has been banned to the back porch with the homecoming of Baby Alexander. Here Aaron gives the kitty a little lovin'. Bailey the cat thinks that Aaron is purrrrrfect.

By the way, Aaron just turned 15 and has his learner's permit. He drove home from school a couple of days ago. Tomorrow we practice parking in the school parking lot.

Gaya's Special Time of Day

Paw Paw Still Has the Touch

Paw Paw Getting Baby Alexander Time

Mommy's Little Helper

You have never seen a big sister that watches after her little brother like Ms. Anna. She constantly is concerned about Alex's pacifier among other things. She wants to make sure his diaper is dry and she watches after mommy to make sure she is healing nicely.

Anna says that she is Alex's guardian person.

John Stirzaker Pays A Visit

My good friend, John Stirzaker, drove down from Marietta, GA to see brand new baby Alex. Here "Stirzi," as he is affectionately known, still has the touch even after 14 years.

You see baby Alex was squallin' before Uncle Stirzi got ahold of him.

Notice the calm demeanor that Alex has in Uncle Stirzi's arms.

Stirzi and I work together at 104.7 the Fish.

One of My Favorites

I absolutely love this picture. I know, I'm gloating a little but what can you expect from a brand new daddy?

Copee in Scrubs

I scrubbed in for the c-section. Of course I stayed near Angie's head until the doctor said, "Dad, you might want to look now." I saw little Alex come out of the womb into the world.

What an amazing miracle of God.

Did I Mention I Was a Very Proud Papa?

Angie's Sister With Alexander

Adrienne Tanner Rigney lovin' on her new nephew.

Daddy Suited Up For Delivery

Because Little Alex was born c-section, I had to wear a sterile covering into the OR. What you cannot see are some very comfortable (need I say sylish) blue booties.

Here is my sister, Becky Copeland Russell.

The Entire Family Looks Into the Nursery

Thanks to my sister, Becky Copeland Russell, for some really awesome pictures. While I was busy being new dad, my sister was capturing all the moments with her new digital camera.

My First Little Guy is Not So Little Anymore

Aaron was 5 years old when Angie and I married. He was my first little guy. Here at 15 years old, he congratulates his Copee. He's a great kid.

Anna almost cannot contain her excitement.

How big was he?

I stepped out of the nursery after the c-section to let the family know that little Alexander was 8 lbs 1 oz, 20 1/2 inches. Notice Anna's reaction. She's excited about being a big sister for the first time.

Interesting note ... several weeks ago, Anna says, "Daddy I'm nervous." I asked her why she was nervous. She replied, "I've never been a big sister before."

Anna will make the best big sister ever. And her brother Aaron will use the baby to pick up chicks.

Mimi Holds Alexander

My mother, Dianne Copeland, filling the role of grandma nicely.

Behold a Child is Born

Baby Alexander Footprints

The Grandparents

Dianne Copeland, Darrell Copeland, Vic Tanner, Mary Ann Tanner.

Proud grandparents of Alexander Brice Copeland