Kids
Flashback Friday: NICU Graduation Celebration
Ready for the NICU Graduation Celebration
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to September 2005 when the girls went to their NICU Graduation Celebration. It is hard to believe they are now 7 months old. We are thankful for all the doctors and nurses that helped our family during the time when the girls were staying in the NICU. They took good care of our babies and we learned a lot from them during their stay. It was a great event to celebrate. Glad the girls were still growing and healthy.
Relaxing while we pack up the diaper bag and get everything ready to head out. The super cute dresses are from my Aunt Mary Ann, Uncle Rick, and cousins Renelle & Laurel in Colorado! Thanks guys, they are adorable!
Karlie’s 1st Face Painting experience. She was not too sure about a stranger touching and putting stuff on her face even though the rest of us were right there.
Karlie made it through the face painting, but was not happy with us at the end. She was not a big fan of it. Her legs were kicking, arms waving, and was about to burst into tears to let us know that she was not impressed with this whole face painting adventure. A little TLC and snuggle calmed her down quickly and she was fine for the rest of the event.
Brina getting her face painted for the 1st time at the NICU Graduation Celebration. She didn’t seem to mind it at all.
Brina was relaxed and just let her paint her face. She figured Daddy was there it must be okay.
Karlie is all smiles now. She doesn’t even remember that her face is painted with a smiley face.
For some reason Brina loved chewing on this dress. Must of tasted good or had an appealing texture.
Brina talking and happy even though her pink heart is completely smeared all over her face from her fun NICU celebration adventure earlier that day!
Karlie is glad to be back home again. Her smiley face stayed on for several hours after we arrived back home.
Karlie and Brina are very lucky girls. During the NICU Graduation Celebration they won a door prize for some toy blocks and shapes. They are playing with their new toys now. They have no clue they won anything, but were happy to play with the new toys. So exciting!!!
Travel & Vacation: Colorado Rocky Mountain Wildlife
Elk lounging around near where we parked
I was going back over some trips that we had taken in the last few years when I came across a trip we took with my parents from Kansas to Colorado. There were a lot of fun activities and adventures from that trip so I thought I would share a little bit with you and maybe you will see something you might want to do with your family. I grew up going to Colorado for summer camp and vacation so I have made a few trips through the Rocky Mountains.
On this particular trip it was the girls first time in the Colorado Rockies. They loved it and thought it was amazing the number of animals that we saw on the side of the road and near where we were walking around. All of these animals were in their native wildlife settings, however, some were pretty close to local towns and hiking trails. They didn’t seem disturbed at all by us taking their pictures. We did keep a safe distance away just in case (we didn’t want to upset any of the animals).
The one on the left is the same one as in the first picture, but if you look closely to the right under the tree is another elk. These were spotted next to the parking lot where our car was in near Estates Park.

Mountain goat must have found something tasty to eat on the side of the road.
He looked up briefly to look at us and went back to eating again.
This little bird was making all kinds of noise on our hike and picnic.
There are chipmunks everywhere. You are not suppose to feed them, but they are very commonly seen around picnic areas scavenging for bits of food.
Two chipmunks hanging out on a ledge together
The girls want to pet or pick these little cute chipmunks up, but they are not tame and it wouldn’t be safe either. They were fun to watch scurrying around.
Elk sitting at the edge of the mountain looking down on the valley. It didn’t even turn to look at us.
Two elk eating food near where we were hiking.
Several hours later after our hiking, exploring, picnic, and other adventures we came back down the mountain and it looked like the same goat was still eating from the same area near the road. He must have found a lot of good food in that area!
A lot of places in the area have hummingbird feeders. If you want a few minutes you will see them coming and going. They are fast and pretty neat to watch.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Flashback Friday: Visit From Grandma
Grandma Kay and the girls at Falls Park
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to September 2005 when Grandma Kay came to visit for a few days. The girls were almost 7 months old and are a lot more active than they were when Grandma was here a few months ago (they were actually still in NICU). We packed a lot of fun into the weekend.
Our family at Falls Park – Karlie and Brina obviously were not impressed or we wore them out already because they were fast asleep in the stroller for their first picture at Falls Park.
First visit to Falls Park! Brina and Karlie were so excited they fell asleep as we walked through the park.
Karlie and Brina are ready for a fun stroll through the park.
Karlie, Brina and Grandma Kay at GattiTown
Karlie and Mommy and Brina with Grandma Kay on the carousel. They loved it and were fascinated by all the lights and sounds.
Brina playing with Grandma Kay
Having fun with Grandma Kay
Taking a siesta in their bassinets. Karlie and Brina both have their legs hanging out as they sleep. The bassinets may be getting too small for them now.
Karlie and Brina playing with their toys.
Grandma Kay, Karlie, and Brina playing
Jake and his girls
Someone woke up from her nap all smiles – Karlie Kool Kat
Brina Bee woke up with sweet smiles and laughter too.
Brina and Karlie hanging out with Grandma Kay
Karlie and Brina kicking and pushing the ball back and forth across Grandma Kay’s lap
Brina crashed and Karlie’s not far behind
Giggling girls – Brina and Karlie
Bath time Brina!
Karlie was more interested in chewing on the bath toys
Karlie and Brina are now squeaky clean and ready to get in their jammies
Brina sporting a bowl as she supervises Daddy’s game of Settler’s of Catan
Karlie isn’t sure about the bowl thing, but relaxing with us as we play a game!
Travel & Vacation: Midwest Dust Whirlwind
Midwest Dust Whirlwind
On one our road trips while in Kansas the girls saw their first Midwest Dust Whirlwind. Some people also called them Dust Devils. In the past few years Kansas has been pretty dry so sometimes when a farmer is working his field or something else is stirring up a large amount of dust you’ll see a dust whirlwind pop up.
When the girls first saw it they thought it was a tornado. It does look like a tornado touching down, but usually happens on a dry sunny day. We were driving along Highway 34 West near Platner, Colorado when we saw this dust whirlwind. Hopefully, the Midwest will start getting some nice rain soon so these dust devils will not be as common. The Midwest is a large producer of crops for our nation and around the world. We have a lot of farmers in our family from the Midwest who could use more rain for their crops.
A dust whirlwind (or commonly referred to as a dust devil) is caused when a vortex forms from the dust that is being kicked up into the air. The dust will often form a swirling column that reaches up vertically through the air. The dust devils could last for several hours and can either be small or large enough for people to see for many miles. They are typically harmless other than you can get dirt in your eyes and hit by small particles of dirt if you walk or drive through one.
Dust Devil off Highway 34 West! Looks like a tornado, but it is made of dirt.
The farmer working his field is kicking up enough dirt to create this Dust Whirlwind that can be seen for miles.
It was amazing to watch the swirling column of dirt raising high up into the sky.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Flashback Friday: Growing Up
Brina trying to figure out how to get across the floor to Daddy!
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back 10 years. The girls were 6 months old and starting to learn so much every week. They are more mobile and on the go. They love babbling back and forth to each other and to others. It is fascinating to watch them explore and learn new things. Our family is blessed with these to sweethearts.
Brina is the more mobile one, but Karlie is only a day or two behind her. Karlie is the more verbal one, but it doesn’t take Brina to catch up. They challenge each other and neither one wants to get left behind so they do a lot of their fun activities together.
It is cute to see them working together like a small team. Some of their jibber jabber we don’t understand, however, they seem to understand all of it and will randomly bust out laughing about some inside joke they share.
Sweet Brina pausing to say “Hi” to Mommy!
Karlie is always quick to offer a sweet smile which makes my heart happy.
It’s only been a month since they started eating rice cereal and “solid” food. The first time we had a lot of tears because they didn’t like it and wanted their bottles. Now they are all smiles when they get into their high chairs . They look forward to meal time (I think they consider it another form of play time only messier)! Oh, how quickly things change in just a few weeks.
Having fun with Brina as we get her dressed for bed. She doesn’t look too thrilled, but puts up with her goofy parents anyway.
Brina – “Quiet Karlie, it’s my turn to talk now….”
Karlie – “What are you laughing at Daddy?” She is all smiles and has no idea she has tape on her forehead!
Brina so proud of her standing ability.
Karlie and Brina, they had such pinchable and kissable cheeks at this age.
Daddy’s unique way of giving Mommy some cash. Brina wasn’t too sure about this new toy in between her toes.
Brina would get very upset if she tipped over and couldn’t get herself back up again. This time when she fell over I think Karlie was concerned about her crying because she stuck her fingers into Brina’s mouth (maybe to make her be quiet, who knows).
Brina’s first ride on the rocking cow (with pillows on either side and Daddy next to her just in case).
Sweet Karlie
Karlie’s first ride on the rocking cow. They were a little unsure about this moving cow at first, but as they got older it became a popular toy at our house. They loved it.
Happy Karlie girl
They are learning how to use a sippy cup. Karlie sometimes would “act” like she was drinking or play around instead of actually drinking so we had to make sure she was getting enough water.
Brina tipped over Mr. Octopus while playing and couldn’t get back up. She was not happy! Once I sat her back up again she was fine and her happy self again.
Surprised Karlie woke up to a massive stuffed animal on the swing with her. Where did this come from?! “Butch” was a large stuffed dog I got as a kid from Grandpa CE and Grandma Willa. The girls loved to roll around, climb, and play with it when they were little.
Life is good – Karlie
Brina is fascinated with the new toy which we called “Giggles”. It would giggle and move around the room. She loved to followed it around the room and knock it over so it wouldn’t run away.
Karlie on the other hand was a little suspicious about a laughing and moving toy. She was fine with it at a distant, but the first time it bumped into her arm she was hysterically screaming like it attacked her. After watching it a few more times she eventually got used to it and enjoyed it.
Brina riding the “Hungry Hippo”! They could ride on the hippo and as it moved it would pick up block and other toys off the floor and put them into a storage bin under the seat. It made “clean up” more fun for the kids. They both loved riding on it or being pushed around the house picking up scattered toys.
Playing together on “Mr. Clown” mat. They initially would both fit (with all their toys) and stay on the clown mat now they are getting older they never stop moving so even though they might start there they don’t stay very long.
Karlie is happy to play music for the rest of us.
Brina talking and showing off her belly button while Karlie sits there nicely for the picture.
They loved talking (or babbling) to each other. This was one time while I was getting them dressed. Karlie was talking away so I sat Brina up on the changing table with her and they talked back and forth for several minutes. Who knows what they were saying, but they were having fun. They were fascinated by the words and noises coming out of each others mouths and would stick their hands inside the others mouth trying to figure out how it all worked. Loved these little interactions and the cute gibberish they made.
Daddy let Karlie borrow his hat. He was concerned about her getting a sunburn.
Karlie sitting quietly, but not entirely sure about this thing on her head.
A whole lot of Brina mischief was found in my laundry basket. They used to love playing in our laundry baskets. Once they were older they made it a game to climb in and out, wonder how that started? Sweet Brina is distracted me from doing the laundry, but hey that can wait until tomorrow, right!?Flashback Friday: Fun with Friends and Bath Time
First trip to GattiTown with Mandy, Jack, Danielle, and Riley (Brina & Karlie)
Today our Flashback Friday is in August 2005 when the girls were 6 months old. It is quite an adventure packing up and heading out to visit family, friends, or do errands, but we are getting better at it. The process of just getting out of the house, into the car, and on our way is usually several minutes long.
The girls have been enjoying going out and about more. I try to do at least one fun activity outside of the house each week with family or friends. They are usually exhausted by the time we get home, but we have fun. It is good for me to spend time with other Moms too.
Thankful for family and friends to hang out with. The girls are really good and for the most part do really well when we are out and about. They love watching everything. It is neat to watch them soak everything in during our adventures.
Mandy and Jack on the carousel
Danielle and Riley on the carousel
Brina very excited about driving Riley’s cool car! Vroom…vroom….look out people here I come!
Josh carrying Brina
Karlie hanging out with Kari
Christy holding Karlie
Aunt Vick hanging out with Brina as she bounces around
Cousins Jordan and Rachel feeding Karlie
Brina watching cousin Jack open his birthday gifts
Jack opening his birthday gifts.
Karlie starting to zone. She didn’t like the party hat at first, but soon forgot about it.

1st Bath together after being out with friends and having sunblock on them. It was too hard to safely bath two wet babies at the same time before now. They could sit up on their own and each had a place to safely sit in the tub now. At first they were not sure what to do? You mean we can play in here!?
Getting use to the bath time fun.
Flashback Friday: Sleepy Kids
Brina crashed in the middle of chewing in the ring
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back 10 years when the girls were 6 months old. They were exploring more and falling to sleep in random places. Sometimes in the middle of playing with a toy. I tried to move them a few times, but every time I did they would wake up so I just decided to leave them and let them rest. Usually the random naps were small power naps and they were back to playing within a few minutes anyway.
They are beginning to be more mobile and it took more energy to keep up with them. It is so precious watching them sleep peacefully even if it is in their high chair at a weird angle. Oh to be that flexible again.
At this time they are still sleeping in the same crib. As they grow and move around more in their sleep the crib it starting to get a little more chummy, but they look so sweet sleeping together I wasn’t ready to move them into separate cribs quite yet. Occasionally we would come to check on them in the morning and we would see that during the night they scooted down in the crib until their feet were hanging out. Not sure how it was comfortable, but they didn’t wake up or seem to mind it.
When we checked on this morning their were two sets of titty bitty toes sticking out from their crib. It was all I could do not to squeeze those cute little toes, but they were sleeping so peacefully.
Brina fast asleep in her hair chair. Such a rough life. Love how she folds her hands together sometimes when she sleeps.
Brina and Karlie – sleepy babies.
Taking a snooze during their play time with Mr. Octopus – Brina and Karlie
Playing is such hard work for the little ones – Karlie and Brina
Brina fell asleep while playing in her exersaucer!
She woke up with some sleepy “toy lines” on her face. Poor baby!
Playing in the exersaucers is exhausting. Both have crashed during their play time.
How can that be comfortable Karlie!? Not sure how she was still sleeping so soundly with her legs sticking out like that? I think my feet with get cold and go numb. Guess that’s the fun of being a baby.
Flashback Friday: First Trip to the Zoo
First trip to the Zoo
Today’s Flashback Friday was the girls first trip to the zoo with our Moms group back in August 2005. We went to the Greenville Zoo. The girls looked around, took a nap in the stroller, and hung out. They got some fresh air, vitamin D, and wore themselves out even though they did not get out of their stroller. Thankful for friends and a chance to hang out at the zoo for a few hours. We have had many trips to the zoo since this day!
Brina sleeping in the front. Karlie still looking around, but starting to suck her thumb so she’s not far behind Brina.
They were great on their first trip to the Greenville Zoo, however, the two critters I brought back home with me were very hungry and ready for lunch by the time we walked into the house. Once it was lunch time they were ready to eat and my happy babies were in tears if there happened to be a delay that day!
Flashback Friday: Celebrating Jake’s Birthday
Brina and Karlie were fascinated by the cool new toy on the floor.
Today we flashback to Jake’s birthday July 2005 when the girls were five months old. It was his first time celebrating a birthday with two little munchkins with us. They made the day quite entertaining. They enjoyed the new things to explore and see throughout the day from birthday banners to candles to rice krispie treats and more.
Jake with his two girls on his birthday. They were intrigued by the candles, but didn’t touch them. Pretty sure they didn’t help blow them out either.
This is cool new mat to lay around sucking our fingers on….
Brina sitting at the kitchen counter. So Mom…..I hear their might be some kind of special treat for Dad’s birthday, can I try it first, pretty please!?
Oh no….too much excitement for someone. Who did it this time!? Brina is feeling better now and Karlie is thankful it wasn’t her this time around.
Daddy’s giggling girls helping him celebrate his birthday.
Our little rolly pollies saying “Happy Birthday Daddy! We LOVE You!”
Organized Chaos: Cleaning the Top of Kid’s Dressers
Messy dresser top
There comes a point when certain areas start to accumulate too many random items that they need to be cleaned. For some reason in our house any available flat surface becomes possible game for these types of items – from the kitchen counter tops, dresser tops, table tops, the floor, and more. I am hoping this is somewhat normal for most houses and if anyone finds an airtight solution to this problem please let me know. After awhile the little things piling up on flat surfaces really starts to bother me whether it is in the kitchen, bedroom, or somewhere else in the house. Honestly, I lose track of how many times a week (or a day) I clean off the kitchen counter tops and other places.
In the bedrooms the big spot for these types of items to accumulate is on the kids dressers. I want them to be able to keep their treasures, decorate, or show off special items, but at some point it needs to be cleaned and organized. Sometimes a lot of the clutter items are just things that are not put away in their proper place. Instead of putting them away they just lay on the dresser top for awhile. Other times it is some fun trinkets they got at a party, won, or received. No matter what it is or why it is there the chore of keeping the dresser tops clean, organized, and dusted pops up quite frequently around our house.
While the kids room is the one I am talking about today I have to admit our dresser tends to get hit with these items as well. Jake and I are as guilty as the kids in loading up the dresser top with items that do not belong on it. Even though this area tends to get messy more quickly if you clean it off regularly it won’t take very long before it is looking good again.
Cleaning off the dresser is quick, easy, and makes the room look so much cleaner:
- Take everything off the dresser
- Dust the dresser off
- Put away the items that did not belong on the dresser
- Straightened up the special treasures you decide to keep or that belong on the top of the dresser
Looking good Karlie! It always makes me smile to see what special items they specifically choose to keep on top of their dressers.















































































































