What can I say besides 2018 was a little wild. Isn’t every year when you’re involved in baseball? There were many moments I just scratched my head in disbelieve like “Did that really happen?” It was a year full of random adventures from Atlanta, Binghamton, NY, Des Moines, IA, New York City, Las Vegas to vacay in the Smoky Mountains. Sutton is pretty much a pro flyer now! Speaking of flying… can we please talk about how airlines give moms zero time to break down a stroller and grab a seat before “the herd” topples, pushes & rushes you all while your toddler is running around crazy. Airlines, moms need MORE TIME!!! (Ok, off my soap box now). Sutton traveled so well… he went from an apartment to hotel rooms no problem. I had so much anxiety before my first flight with him alone, and he did so well with the help of in flight WIFI and of course Mickey Mouse.

There were times in 2018 I didn’t know if I would survive. S moved so many times it made it impossible for Sutton and I to travel. So, I stayed at home doing single mom life and let me know tell you it was not easy. I learned I’m so much stronger than I ever thought imaginable. People say to me a lot “I don’t know how you do it.” Well when you have no other choice you just do it and go to sleep at 9:00. I run on sleep, coffee & a messy bun!

I could tell you so many wild stories about this past year, and your mouth would drop. From me flying to Atlanta last minute without a return flight to construction workers helping me push my cart to a taxi in NYC to taking the subway with a stroller (BAD IDEA) to Citi Field to a random desert storm in Las Vegas, I couldn’t have done it without the help of my fellow Americans seeing a mom that needed a hand. Random acts of kindness like this made all the difference in the world to me and now I make sure to do the same for others.

 

 

 

 

Pictured above is our trip to the Hoover Dam while we were in Las Vegas. It was gorgeous, but the heat there was no joke! 107 degrees is HOT!!!

Sutton started his first year of school at the Learning Depot through Temple Baptist Church, and he loves it. I recommend the Learning Depot to any parents looking to get their kid in a school to learn. They had a “Farmers’s Day” at school and as you can see in the top left pic, Sutton loved the horse…. NOT! Am I the only mom whose child just isn’t into animals? He could seriously careless.. he shoos our cat away!

 

End of September, we took our first trip to the Smoky Mountains. We found a super cute cabin with a hot tub, 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on AirBnB. We went to Cade’s Cove, Dollywood, the Island, the Hatfield & McCoy show & Anakeesta. We had a blast and surprisingly the drive wasn’t bad at all. I’m curious if there are package deals for shows and such?

 

 

 

Dollywood was having their “Great Pumpkin LumiNights,” and it was so cool with the lights and all the decor. We went at a time when no one was there! I literally rode a ride by myself… no joke I was the only one on the ride. S and I would rotate getting on rides, and Sutton loved the splash pad and the kiddie rides! I plan to do a whole post about our trip to the Smokies with details on things to do and stay so stay tuned!

 

After this trip, we enjoyed being home as a family of 3. The season brings so much separation and travel. Being able to be together and not have to drop dad off at the field is all the “heart eyes!!” This is a very short catch up of 2018, and we couldn’t thank y’all enough for all the support you have shown our family. We are beyond thrilled to have signed with the Washington Nationals, and the opportunity they are giving S! 2019 has already started off with so much excitement for the Cope Clan. We will be headed to West Palm Beach early February (if your headed there February or March be prepared to sell an organ for a place to stay). Our verse for the year is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

 

 

I’m going to try my best to keep you all updated and write more this year! If there is anything specific you want me to write about comment below or email me at hillarybcopeland@gmail.com. I’m so thankful for all of you who read my thoughts.

 

Happy New Year from the Copelands!

Xoxo,

HC