Raising Multiples

  • Fun Around Town: Baby Animal Barn & Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)

    P1420970c

    Someone came to say “hi” to me!

    It is no great surprise to us that the Baby Animal Barn and the Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park were a big hit with the kids.  There is something extra sweet about interacting with a soft fluffy baby animal.  The girls could have spent even longer petting and feeding the goats.  They were very entertained by them.

    It was fun to watch them bottle feed the goats.  Several of the little goats had obviously had some red juice earlier that day because their faces and mouths were covered with red drips.  It was a great spot to have the kids interact a little more with the animals.  You can’t pet every animal (like the lions, tigers, and bears for obvious reasons), but you could pet and feed some of them which made the experience more fun for the kids.

    For more information about our adventure at Hollywild you can check out our other blog posts:

    P1420971c

     They had the most beautiful face and big eyes!

    P1430016c

     One of the parents with the little baby named “Marshmallow” they were so soft!

    P1420925c

     Saying “hi” to the crowd of goats!

    P1420942c

     Brina petting and talking with a friendly goat!

    P1420982c

     Jake got the girls bottles to feed the goats.  They loved it!

    P1430003c

     Love the pink/red bottle drippings all over the face of this little goat.  Too cute!!!

    P1430052c

    “Hey, do you have any treats for me!”

    P1430064c

     The hot pink tongue cracks me up.  So adorable even with the hot pink spots on its face!

    P1430086c

     Karlie feeding a little one.

    P1430104c

     Brina feeding one of the goats while chatting and laughing at some of the other goats in the pen.

    P1430113c

    Brina feeding and petting the baby goat at the same time.

    P1140919c

    She probably could have stayed all day.  Brina loves her goats and they are pretty entertaining to watch!

    P1140924c

    No matter where you stood there was always a goat friend nearby to greet you and see if you had any more treats to share!

    P1140931c

    Karlie loving it!

    P1140944c

    Having fun with my family.  Thankful for a good time together learning about a variety of animals at Hollywild.

    P1140969c

    Brina would be content to do this everyday.  She loves animals!

    P1140971c

    Trying to make sure everyone gets their turn with the treat!

    P1140985c

    This one looks super soft!  He must have gotten enough to eat and is now taking a little rest.

    P1140990c

     Bottle feeding the goat.

    P1150015c

     Karlie giving a little goat a treat!

    P1150040c

     Smart goat!  A kid dropped a bottle inside the pen which got kicked around a few times to where it was unreachable.  This goat picked up the bottle off the ground walked over to the fence and propped it up so it could easily drink from the bottle.  Hilarious watching it, but very resourceful if you want a little sip.

    P1150060c

     The newest baby in the group.  Super soft and cute!

    P1150068c

     The little guy decided to take a rest in the feed bucket.

    P1150092c

    Karlie petting the zebras and animals next to the goats

    P1430143c

     Brina giving him a good rub!

    P1430206c

     It was cute hearing the girls talking with the animals.  I really liked how the animals were very active and friendly.  All the ones you could pet always came to the fence which made the kids happy.

    P1430392c

    We got there a few minutes early so relaxing for a minute while we wait for the Creature Feature Show to start.

    P1150330c

     “Speedy” the turtle!

    P1430381c

     “Marshmallow” not sure about all the people looking at her.  She was still a little bit timid.

    P1150342c

     Talking about Marshmallow

    P1150348c

     Another soft one to learn about and pet.

    P1150379c

     Petting the turtle

    P1150380c

     Petting the turtle and talking with the worker about the animals.

    Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):

    • Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with youLimit one per family. $8 Value. This coupon is valid during our Park Season which is open Weekends in March, Daily April through Labor Day, and Weekends from Labor Day through the end of October. Please visit our website for seasonal hours prior to your visit. Coupon not valid during our Holiday Lights Safari Benefit.  Expires: 10/24/2015.

    A special thanks to U.S. Family Guide and Hollywild Animal Park for offering a special discount to our readers.  Any specific product information was provided by Hollywild Animal Park and U.S. Family Guide, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own.  We did receive tickets so our family could visit and share our experience.

  • Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)

    P1150154cccc

     Our family visiting Hollywild Animal Park

    Recently our family made a trip across town to visit Hollywild Animal Park in Wellford, South Carolina.  We already had a couple events earlier that day on that side of town so we just drove a little further and spent the afternoon having fun at Hollywild Animal Park.  It was a beautiful day and it was great seeing as well as interacting with the animals.

    Even though our girls are twins they have very different interests, however, they both share a interest in anything pertaining to animals.  They love animals so this trip was a lot of fun for them.  All the animals seemed very active which was fascinating to watch that day too.  You could tell they were enjoying the Spring sunshine.  The newborn baby animals were very adorable!

    The only problem we had is between my husband and I we took a lot of pictures so it was hard to narrow down some of our favorites.  We consolidated, but will probably highlight Hollywild in a couple posts in order to give you a full view our trip to this fun place.

    If you live in the Greenville area you should check out this Hollywild Animal Park if you haven’t already especially if you have kids who enjoy being around animals.  There a good variety of animals and you have opportunities for more interaction with the animals as well.  It’s a great family event to do together.  Not to mention it is educational for the kids.

    After spending an afternoon at Hollywild the girls first comments were – “Wow, that was a lot of fun!”  and  “I wished we lived closer so we could go more often!”  The kids give it a big thumbs up!

    Here are some of the pictures from the animals we met while at Hollywild Animal Park:

    P1430168c

     The Canadian Geese were very friendly.  This one decided to pose for me.

    P1430173c

     Brina talking with the bird.  She loves all creatures!

    P1430176c

     Karlie found a rock to perch upon.

    P1430180c

     On the run….Karlie doesn’t want to get left behind!

    P1430157c

    Jake and his girls by the pond.  Right behind them in the water you could see all kinds of turtles (including Red Eared Sliders like we have at home) and fish swimming around.

    P1430190c

     Beautiful cluster of ducks, the girls tried to get them to say AFLAC (guess that’s one commercial they remember, ha).

    P1150101c

    Karlie had to stop and pet the pony!

    P1150105c

    Having fun with my girls!

    P1150266c

    This little donkey was hoping we had some yummy treats still to share.

    P1150284c

    Brina soaking it all in.  She wanted to make sure we didn’t miss any of the animals!

    P1150303c

    This Baboon was talking up a storm.

    P1150317c

     He really wanted something on the outside of the cage.  We watched as he grabbed a stick to try and bring the item closer to him so he could grab it with his hand.  He was very determined to get it!

    P1430423c

     Brina petting the pigs.

    P1430461c

     Beautiful iris flowers that caught my attention when I turned to walk to the next animal exhibit.  Makes me think of my Grandma and Jake’s Grandpa.

    P1150455c

    Someone’s got a tasty treat and digging in!  It was fascinating to watch him eat.

    P1150466c

    Looks like a sharp set of teeth in its mouth!

    P1150469c

    Intently watching the other one eat.

    P1430497c

     Pretty bear!

    P1430508c

     This one is getting a little closer!

    P1430543c

     Brina loved petting this super soft dog named Andorra!

    P1150537c

    Andorra was enjoying a good petting and laid down so Brina could continue!

    P1150544c

    Up on his rock jungle gym.  The girls think we need to build a climbing rock structure for our goats too.  I have a feeling the goats wouldn’t be the only ones climbing around on it though.

    P1150549c

    A little one….so cute watching him run after his Mom on long wobbly legs.

    P1150556c

    The camel watching us approach!

    The camels were featured in the following:

    • Christmas Play – Evangel Cathedral
    • Myrle Beach Christmas Production – Dixie Stampede
    • Living Christmas Tree – Jerry Fallwell Ministries

    P1150564c

    More content watching the kids.

    P1430594c

    This picture makes me smile…

    P1150576c

    Beautiful  Leopard Appaloosa was featured in the following:

    • Movie – The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
    • Many live appearances and promotional events

    P1150580c

    So pretty! I think it is hoping for a treat!

    P1150153c

    We had a great time at Hollywild Animal Park!

    Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):

    • Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with youLimit one per family. $8 Value. This coupon is valid during our Park Season which is open Weekends in March, Daily April through Labor Day, and Weekends from Labor Day through the end of October. Please visit our website for seasonal hours prior to your visit. Coupon not valid during our Holiday Lights Safari Benefit.  Expires: 10/24/2015.

    A special thanks to U.S. Family Guide and Hollywild Animal Park for offering a special discount to our readers.  Any specific product information was provided by Hollywild Animal Park and U.S. Family Guide, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own.  We did receive tickets so our family could visit and share our experience.

  • Travel & Vacation: Exploring the Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Atlanta, GA)

    P1140440cc

     We’re having fun at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History!

    We had a blast working our way through the various sections at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.  They had one section that was very interactive, a lot of science, experiments, brain teasers, heritage, and more.  We ended our visit at what I call the “fun zone”.  It was like a giant indoor jungle gym with lots of things to do, see, and learn about.  They did are really great job with this museum.  Our kids really enjoyed it.  We made it through the entire museum, we were there when they opened and left as they were closing.  It was a full day of fun and learning.

    P1410116c

     Brina making a huge bubble

    P1410118c

     Jake made an hour glass shape bubble, neat!

    P1410122c

    Whoa Dad!  That’s so cool!  They loved this bubble activity!

    P1410128c

     Karlie giving it a whirl!

    P1410135c

     Brina stretching it out a long ways.

    P1410137c

     Opps that one popped before she got too far

    P1410143c

     Wow, Karlie!

    P1410192c

     Awesome bubble Brina!

    P1410194c

     Brina flipped the bubble ring over her head and she was standing inside the giant bubble

    P1410198c

     Karlie had to try being inside a bubble.  Pretty neat.

    P1410200c

     Karlie having fun with the bubbles

    P1410146c

     Brina and Daddy trying out the next activity

    P1410148c

     Jake helping Brina do this one!

    P1410156c

     This one was pretty cool because I could stand on the other side and watch her do the whole activity.  Karlie trying to figure it out.

    P1410160c

     Karlie doing the activity while Brina watches.

    P1410167c

     Brina doing the “Mirrorly A Window” activity

    P1410174c

     Karlie sitting across the room chatting with Brina – super cool!

    P1410180c

     Brina talking with Karlie from across the room.  Even though it was noisy with others doing various activities and they were across the room from each other they could hear perfectly fine speaking in their normal voices because the acoustics were set up to carry the sound perfectly.

    P1410184c

     Weather station.  Brina watching the tornado

    P1410211c

     Brina and Karlie checking things out

    P1410218c

     Brina wanted me to go up with her into the huge tree house so she could show me some of the neat stuff they had.   It was really nice play area for the kids.

    P1410227c

     Brina jumping onto the swinging bridge just as I was about to cross….crazy girl! She makes me laugh.  At least her dramatic jump give me a little bit of a warning.

    P1410232c

     Brina found this book in the tree house library, she thought it was so hilarious she had to show it to me.

    P1410235c

     As I was talking with Karlie and looking around for a few minutes I went to find Brina.  This is where I found her back at the library reading another book.  It makes my heart happy when I see my kids reading voluntarily.  Love catching Brina enjoying  a good book on her own.

    P1410246c

     Karlie and Brina exploring the ocean section of the play area.

    P1410274c

     Baby turtle coming over to say “Hi”

    P1410282c

     Karlie on the look out

    P1410286c

     Brina and Karlie had a great time at the museum.  The time went by quickly, but we squeezed a lot of fun into the day together.

    P1140456c

    Karlie thought it was so cool she could sit in a dug-out canoe like the Native Americans used to do so many years ago.

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  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!

  • Travel & Vacation: Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Atlanta, GA)

    P1140394c

    We’re ready to explore the Fernbank Museum of Natural History

    On one of our recent trips to Atlanta, Georgia we visited the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.  We had never been to the Museum, but were looking for fun and educational activities to do with the kids before heading home.  Since it appeared to have some great items we decided to give it a try.

    The girls were very excited to check out this museum.  They have a variety of activities and events that you can do as well.  If you get hungry during your visit there is a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat.  We had packed our sandwiches before leaving the hotel so when we got hungry we headed out to the van for a picnic lunch then went back inside to finish exploring the museum. We had a lot of fun and spent a lot more time going through it than we initially planned.  The kids probably could have stayed longer, but they were closing for the day and we had to get back home.

    For more information, directions, and other details about the museum you can visit their visit at  Fernbank Museum of Natural History.  If you happen to be in Atlanta and it’s a rainy day this would be a great place to take your family.  Plus you might see and learn some new stuff along the way too.

    P1400983c

    They had this massive dinosaur in the lobby of the museum.  Pretty neat!

    P1400990c

     Hey who let the turkey inside!?

    P1400993c

     Checking out the different regions of the area.

    P1400997c

     Brina and Karlie having fun.

    P1400999c

     Cute fox, made you want to pet it!

    P1410010c

     Oh dear Brina, there’s a deer behind you!

    P1140405c

     That’s one big dinosaur footprint.  Brina was impressed.

    P1140407c

    Brina checking out the dinosaur. Not sure I would want it running at me though.

    P1410017c

     Jake and the girls checking out the different dinosaurs.

    P1410021c

     Always something interesting to read and learn about

    P1410024c

     Brina looks small next to this one

    P1410025c

     Relaxing and having fun

    P1400976c

     Looks like a cute kid on the tail of that dinosaur.  Silly Brina!

    P1410036c

     Hammerhead shark

    P1140420c

     Our crew at the museum

    P1140411c

    Sweet Karlie loving her time at the museum (if you look closely there is a racoon right behind her too).

    P1140425c

    That’s some strange looking dinosaurs.

    P1410038c

     They had a section on “Poison” and a presentation that we went to while we were there.  It was very interesting!

    P1140428c

     Our family  learning about different types of poisons and how they are used

    P1410043c

     Jake and Brina checking it out

    P1410049c

     Daddy reminding Karlie of the saying….What was it again “Red and yellow kill a fellow….”

    P1410057c

     This was a really neat book / display.  As you turned the pages different items would show up and it was interactive too.  Pretty fascinating!  Brina especially liked the information on goats!

    P1410072c

     Brina, Karlie, and Jake playing a game to see if they can figure out what poison the dog ate and save it!  They all 3 won!  Must have learned something today!

    P1410091c

     The Astronomy Picture of the Day was on Saturn.  Karlie’s favorite planet.

    P1410102c

     Went to an animal show and demonstration (love their huge frog on the wall, neat and colorful).

    P1410105c

     Brina always wants to interact and learn more about any living creature.

    P1140436c

    Karlie saying “Hi”

    P1140438c

    We finished a level.  Where are we off to now Brina?!

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  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!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    We made it through the last full week of school.  Only two more partial weeks than they will be free for summer break.   The girls are ready for summer vacation.  Jake is still busy with work, but he is good about taking time in the evenings and weekends to spend with us.  I am blessed!  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful that our termite inspection came back normal with no problems.

    Tuesday – Thankful for all the hard work the girls did on their Science Fair Projects.  The girls both were both selected as the top in their class.

    Wednesday – Thankful for a thoughtful, understanding, and loving husband who takes such good care of me.

    Thursday – Thankful for an opportunity to go to my nephew’s 4K graduation celebration.

    Friday – Thankful for Brina’s tutor and the time she has invested in helping her.  Also thankful for time with my family!

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Flashback Friday: Meeting Extended Family Members on 1st Trip to Kansas

    Grandma Doris and Brinac

    Great Grandma Doris holding Brina.

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to when the girls were just over 3 months old.  It was also their first airplane ride and visit to our Kansas family.  I have a lot of extended family members in the Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado area.  It was an adventure flying with two little ones on heart apnea monitors.  Thankfully my brother Lee flew with us and was a big help getting all the kids and their stuff into the airport.

    The biggest disadvantage to flying with twins is that you cannot sit together.  There is only one extra air mask per row on the airplanes so you cannot sit in the same row, you have to sit either behind or in front of each other if you have a “babe in arms“.  Something we were not aware of until flying with the girls the first time.

    We also realize that a lot of airport workers are not used to seeing babies on heart apnea monitors.  At one point they delayed the plane from leaving and brought the monitors up from the storage area to put them on.  Per the Doctors if we are holding them they didn’t need to be on any monitors, however, the workers insisted that they have them on.  It made one of the security guards at one airport so nervous when we took the monitors off the kids that he pushed all our stuff through without stopping to thoroughly inspect everything and immediately said “please put those monitors back on!”   I guess having tiny ones on monitors makes some people nervous.  To Jake and I it was pretty normal, we had to deal with them from day one.

    We had several family celebrations and gatherings during our long weekend in Kansas.  The girls got to meet a lot of Great Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins for the first time during this adventure.  They met many new faces on both the Hendrich and St. Clair sides of the family.  Thankful for kids that travel well, safety, and for time with family.

    Thankful for these precious pictures.  The girls are blessed to have so some many wonderful memories with their Grandparents, Great Grandparents, and many more extended family members.

    Grandma Willa and Karliec

    Great Grandma Willa talking with Karlie

    Renelle, Karlie and Grandpa Verlync

     Renelle, Karlie, and Grandpa Veryln being silly!

    Flashback Friday - Aunt Tracy and Karliec

    Aunt Tracy with Karlie.

    Aunt Vick, Karlie, Alecia,  Emily, and Brinac

     Aunt Vick and Alecia with Karlie and Emily with Brina

    Brina and Karlie getting ready for a napc

     Snoozing on the bed at Grandpa Russell’s and Grandma Penny’s house!

    Cousin Nathan being goodc

    My fun and cute nephew Nathan!  He is the girls oldest cousin on that side of the family.

    Daddy and Brinac

     Jake relaxing for a few minutes with Brina!  Thankful for all his help and willingness to travel all the way out to KS with the little ones to visit my family.  Love him so much and he is an amazing Dad to our girls.

    Lee and Jordan at Jordan's graduationc

    We got to go to my cousin Jordan’s High School Graduation while we were in KS.  Jordan’s pictured above with my brother Lee.

    Renelle and Brina at St.Clairsc

    Aunt Renelle holding a sleepy Brina.  Renelle is super good with kids.  She was my “partner-in-crime” while growing up and probably the closest thing to a “sister” I had while growing up in a house with 3 brothers!

    Whitney and Clairec

     My cousin Whitney and her niece Claire!

  • Organized Chaos: Keeping Track of Water Bottles

    Organized Chaos - Water Bottles - P1410648c

    Labeled Water Bottles

    Since we have two kids the same age and gender they have several items that are identical.  A common identical item that both kids have are their water bottles.  Like the blue water bottles with the owls on the outside pictured above.  A few months ago we had some issues with everybody using whatever water bottle they wanted (even if it was their sister’s), however, during the course of the school day their sister’s water bottle would get dropped, dented, scratched, broken, or misplaced. The next time that sister wanted to use her water bottle it was gone or had additional marks on it.

    I know it seems crazy, but there have been some serious discussions between the two kids in our house over damaged or lost special water bottles.  I am pretty sure no other household has these types of discussions in their home, but there were a few times I had to intervene in these conversations.  Although, items will get dropped or damaged the more they are used I had to find a solution so that these discussions would not be happening on a regular basis in our house. Prior to this year neither child cared which water bottle they took, but the older they get the more they want their items to look good and last longer.  I am happy they they want to take good care of their items we just had to find a method to track which water bottle belonged to who.

    My initial solution to the problem super easy, took only a couple seconds, and was very inexpensive.  I wrote their names on the special water bottles with a permanent black sharpie.  The names were written on the bottoms and / or sides of the water bottles so that each kid could easily see if it was theirs before taking it out of the drawer.  It was amazing how quickly the issue was resolved, however, after a several washings the permanent marker would wear off making it harder to tell whose water bottle it was again. Now I use several different methods to identify or keep track of the special water bottles:

    • Write the Names on the Water Bottles with Black Permanent Marker (easy and inexpensive, but washes off over time)
    • Use a washable Label with their Individual Names Printer on it – My personal favorite are the thin Lovable Labels ones because they stay on through MANY washes (anywhere from a few months to years as long as your kids don’t try peeling them off)
    • Purchase water bottles with their Names printed or engraved on them (usually more expensive, but works really well). My favorite place to get printed or engraved names on water bottles is Oriental Trading.

    There are several generic water bottles that anybody can use at any time in the drawer, however, the special ones have each child’s name on them.  The special water bottles usually have the child’s name written in permanent sharpie on the bottom and a label (or name printed / engraved) on the side of the water bottle.  Occasionally someone accidentally picks up the wrong water bottle, but for the most part everyone uses their own or a generic one.

    Now if they lose or damage their water bottle then they are the only ones inconvenienced by their actions.  One of our kids tends to be a little rougher on water bottles (clipping or tying them to her book bag which is bumped against everything in its path, dropping, or just forgetting it).  She has gotten a lot better as she is getting older, but I have to smile when she brings home just the water bottle top because I know that means the water bottle itself did not survive it’s nose dive to the concrete floor at school.

  • Travel & Vacation: Fernback Science Center (Atlanta, GA)

    P1400575c

    Karlie excited to be standing by the Apollo 6

    We had the opportunity to spend some time in Atlanta, Georgia recently.  Actually we have had 2 recent trips to Georgia in the past couple of months!   Georgia is not too far away from where we live so it was nice to get away as a family for a little bit and hang out for a few days together.

    On this particular trip to Atlanta we visited the Fernbank Science Center for the first time.  It is part of the same association as the Roper Mountain Science Center.  It was already free admission, but since we are part of the association we were able to get free tickets to the IMAX shows throughout the day (we could go to as many as we wanted).  We were only there for a couple hours so we just went to one of the shows.  It is smaller than our local Science Center, but the kids still enjoyed learning and exploring the different items they had on display.  The Apollo 6 was Karlie’s favorite while the animals were Brina’s favorite.

    The Fernback Science Center is located at 156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307.  Phone number is  678-874-7102.  They also have an observatory open some nights and a library where you can relax and read some books (which the kids enjoyed).  For current events, programs, and shows please visit the Fernbank Science Center website.

    Museum, Atlanta, Georgia, Travel, Vacation

    Karlie trying to get the light bulb to glow.

    P1400564c

    Jake and Karlie checking out the Apollo 6

    P1400576c

    Apollo 6 Command Module

    If you look under the capsule you will see a series of holes.  The holes were drilled to investigate how the heat shield held up after this capsule re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Apollo 6 was the last unmanned Apollo mission and was launched on April 4, 1968.  The purpose of the mission was to test, for a second time, the Saturn V rocket.  At the time of the launch (one second past 7 a.m. EST) all five engines operated normally, then a series of sharp vibrations shook the rocket.  Minutes later two of the five rocket engines shut down.  For the next 80 seconds the Saturn V behaved like a drunk driver lurching back and forth, as NASA flight controllers decided whether to abort the mission or not. 

    After two earth orbits it was time to re-light a smaller rocket.  CS-IVB, to stimulate injecting the rocket into a path toward the moon, but this rocket failed.  Using a series of smaller rockets on the Service Module NASA scientists completed most of the planned maneuvers.  The spacecraft was returned safely to Earth.

    P1400580c

    A monkey on the inside!

    P1400594c

      Brina working on her balancing and building skills

    P1400599c

    Her buildings with stood the Earthquake

    P1400591c

    Karlie and Daddy working together to build a giant carbon nanotube.

    P1400601c

    It was almost as tall as she was!

    P1400604c

    Pretty bird

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  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: Playing Around the House

    Daddy and Karliec

    Karlie talking to Daddy!

    This Flashback Friday took place about 10 years ago.  The girls loved having fun around the house (well at least we did).  It was nice when we had time to relax as a family.  Jake is always great with the kids.  The girls were still little, but were starting to move around more on their own.

    Karlie and Brina riding Tigerc

    Hanging out on Tigger!

    Karlie's unsurec

    Karlie is unsure about this Tigger animal.

    Flashback Friday - Wiggling Aroundc

    Karlie on the move while Brina rests peacefully on the floor.

  • Travel & Vacation: Federal Reserve Bank, Atlanta Monetary Museum, & Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner (Atlanta, GA)

    P1130697c

    On the steps of Atlanta’s Federal Reserve bank & Monetary Museum (white building on the right side of the picture)

    We had a lot of fun exploring Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum on one of our recent trips to Atlanta, Georgia.  The kids didn’t believe us at first when we told them that we were going to a bank to learn about money.  Although the more we talked about it the more interested they became.

    In order to go into Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum all adults must present a valid ID such as a driver’s license or passport.  You cannot carry any electronics, phones, cameras, purses, or other devices into the museum.  They do have lockers next to the restrooms to put your items into if you need them.  We just put my id in Jake’s wallet and that is the only thing we brought into the museum so he could carry everything we needed.  The admission and self guided tour is completely free.  The only thing we had to pay for was parking since it is near downtown Atlanta and there was not any free parking available at the time (it was just a couple of dollars for parking so it wasn’t too bad).

    It would have been really neat to be able to get some pictures of the museum and some of the items we saw while there, but no photography is allowed.  The employees were really nice and helpful.  The kids learned some cool history about money.

    Probably the kids favorite part was the robots toting the containers of money back and forth between the various rooms.  It was fascinating to watch them carry the bins full or partially filled with money from one place to another.  In some of the bins there may have been a million dollar or more in cash!  Did you know that they shred about 10 million dollars of cash every day?  These are bills that have been crumpled, destroyed, or otherwise deemed as unusable.  You could see people physically counting the bundles of money as they came in as well which was interesting to watch.

    The kids had a little “quiz” or worksheet they filled out as we explored.  It was a neat learning activity and the kids loved it.  At the end we picked up a bag of shredded money to take home (which the kids thought was awesome)!

    We did get some pictures on the outside of the Federal Reserve Bank though to help us remember our adventure that windy day in Atlanta.  You can locate the Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum at 1000 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309.  If you are already at the Federal Reserve Bank you should check out the rock spinner is directly across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank.

    Across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank was the Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner (pictures below) which fascinated the kids as well. As we were waiting for the stoplight to turn so we could walk across the street I happened to read the description on the rock spinner and mentioned for the kids to come over to see if they could move the huge boulder.  They of course thought it was so cool they could spin such a massive rock!

    P1130687c

     Large Federal Reserve Building in Atlanta

    P1130688c

    Where’s Waldo…I mean Karlie, Brina, and I outside the building?  If you look for the specks in front of the statue that looks like spots of “Red, White, and Blue” that’s us!

    P1130698c

     Our family visiting the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta

    Travel & Vacation - Atlanta - Georgia - P1130662c

     Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner!  Once the girls starting spinning the rock other kids stopped to try it out too!

    Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner – is a kinetic sculpture that helps you understand about the transformation of one’s relationship to mass.  This particular boulder weighs 22,000 pounds and would normally be considered immovable, however, with a little art and engineering this huge boulder becomes something fun to move and play with (both for kids and adults).  There is a plague next to it saying  “Take it for a spin!”  YES, you can spin it, stop it from moving, and switch directions, but no climbing is allowed on the boulder (for obvious reasons).

    P1130663c

     Making is move…

    P1130673c

    Brina and Karlie trying to see how fast they can get it to move

    P1130677c

     Who knew that a spinning boulder could provide so much entertainment!?  If you are already in the area it is something neat to check out – Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner  The kids thought it was neat!

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  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!