Events
Travel & Vacation: Homewood Suites & Paddington Movie (Atlanta, GA)
Swimming at the pool
On a recent trip to Atlanta, Georgia we stayed at the Homewood Suites. The girls were begging to go swimming so on the first day we were there we wrapped up early and headed back to the hotel so they could swim. It was in the high 70’s that day, however, they had just filled the pool a couple days before we arrived so the water was freezing cold. Both kids got into the pool, but Brina was done after a few minutes. Karlie stayed in a little longer, although it wasn’t much fun swimming by herself. The entire time we were at the hotel we didn’t see one other person in the pool….I wonder why?!
Since we scrapped our pool time activity we decided to look for some other activities that we could do together that night. We headed back to the room to re-group and figure out what we wanted to do that evening. While the girls got dressed Jake and I made dinner in the hotel room. It was nice having one with a fridge, sink, dishwasher, microwave, and oven so we could eat at the hotel!
Jake found a movie theater nearby where you can get movie tickets for $3 each and they were showing some good kids movies so we decided to check it out. It was only a few miles away inside a open shopping mall and market. We chose to watch the movie Paddington with the girls at the Venture Theater.
It was a cute movie. I seriously cannot remember the last time our family went to the movie theater so this was a special treat for the kids. Usually it is so expensive just to go to the movies so we usually wait until it comes out on video. It was a nice activity for the four of us and only cost $12! The kids enjoyed the movie. Jake and I had a couple good laughs too. Thankful for a fun evening with the family. Sometimes even the best of plans don’t go as expected so it’s always a good idea to have a Plan B.
Ready for the movie to start
Karlie is focused
Our kids typically don’t sleep in very late so one morning after breakfast we spent some time playing games until the place we were going to that day opened. During the evenings after dinner if we had time and everyone wasn’t too tired we would play some card games too. It’s always a good idea to bring card games because you never know when you’ll have a few minutes of down time to relax and have fun.
Karlie relaxing on the couch at the hotel.
Brina setting up the game
It didn’t take them long to crash after a fun filled day in Atlanta!
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!
School: STEM Club & First Lego League (FLL)
An awesome and delicious brownie cookie made by one of the Mom’s!
As the school year comes to an end I want to share with you a few highlights over the last couple of months. I was going through my pictures recently and realized I hadn’t posted on some of the kids big activities for the school year. We have been so busy trying to wrap up everything that needs to be done with the end of school some things just got away from me.
It is hard to believe that my babies will be finishing up 4th grade in just a couple of days. Although they put in a lot of work, time, and energy this school year we managed to learn a lot and have some fun along the way too. I am thankful for the teachers and administration who helped our girls throughout the school year.
The girls had a blast in STEM Club this year! It was a great year of learning, working together with other students, competing, and many other wonderful activities. It was a big time investment especially at the beginning of the year when they were meeting twice a week after school, but it paid off and they won a trophy and the golden ticket to state competition (a picture below)! Very proud of their hard work!
First Lego League: Robotics STEM Competition – Solar SySTEM!
Party celebrating their achievements at district level!
They went on to compete at State and did very well. This was their first time at state (the club started last year). They competed not against a lot of other elementary schools, but also against middle schools as well. It was neat seeing all the kids work so well together. The coaches did an amazing job encouraging the kids. Grateful for this opportunity to our kids to learn and compete!
They won the judges award at State Competition! First Lego League (FLL): State STEM Lego Robotics Competition
Cute treat made by one of their coaches for their Congratulations Celebration! STEM Club & Lego Robotics
Thankful that the girls had the opportunity to participate in STEM Club and First Lego League competitions this year. It was a lot of fun yet big learning experience. They couldn’t have done it without the assistance of all their coaches who invested a lot of time into the kids. It has sparked the girls interest in robotics and technology as well as developed more team building, life skills, and so much more!
School Field Day
Water relay races
Recently the girls had their year end School Field Day. I was able to go and watch them compete in the various activities during their event. Thankful for an opportunity to spend time with them during the school day. Glad they were able to have fun, spend some time outside in the fresh air, get some good exercise, and enjoy the sunny day with their classmates.
Brina running in a chicken relay
Karlie doing the chicken relay for her class
Wheelbarrow race
Soccer race
Brina in the water cup relay
Karlie on the run!
Giggling the whole time she is running
On her way back! Laughing because she just got her teacher wet with her bucket of water.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Happy June 1st! This year is flying by so quickly still cannot believe we’ve hit June already! This is the girls last week of school! WooHoo! I always love it when they are on summer break. It is a great time to spend together doing a lot of fun things that we don’t always have time to do doing the school year like summer reading, swimming, hiking, biking, traveling, hanging out with family and friends, and so much more. We are looking forward to a lot of fun over the summer and making some treasured memories. Jake had to travel some last week for work, but thankful he is back home this week! There is a lot I want to get done this week before the kids are out of school, hopefully I will be able to accomplish most of it! Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Finish reading The Trumpter Swan by E. B. White to the kids– we did some extra reading this week since they didn’t have homework and finished this book. They loved this classic story!Plan one special activity with the family– took the girls out for dinner one night while Jake was out of town and went to the library to check out some good books to read together.Play a Game with the Kids– we played a classic this week Sorry! More than once!Prepare for Upcoming Spring EventsSpend time Tuesday –Friday helping the kids with Homework– No More Homework this year! YAY!Attend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforePrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)– lots of fun in store the next couple of months!- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break – getting closer to getting most of the details finalized
- Ride Bikes with the Kids – need to get my bike down off the rack
Work on special projects with the kidsKids orthodontist appointment– B no longer has to turn her expander every night! Yay!STEM Club Meeting– last one of the year, the kids learned a lot and did well!
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – a little behind, my app isn’t updating so it is harder to track the days
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals – so close
Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day– the girls did laundry from start to finish so it took more than one day this week, they did a good job!Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Pantry Cleaned Out & Organized)– got it done and looks much better now!Organize Chaos (Focus – Organize and Re-Fill Snack Bins)– the kids were happy to get new snacks in their drawersYard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Outside Containers Cleaned, Organized, and Put Back in Place) –they are cleaned and organized and put away except the ones on the deck because we need to do another coat of stain on the flooring before putting items back on the deck (waiting for a rain-free 2 days which has been hard this week).- Pet Care (Focus – Mix Extra Vitamins in Goat Food) – hoping to get it mixed and transferred into the bin soon
Repairs – (Focus – Jungle Gym)– we re-stained the jungle gym, need to work on the sandbox next
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clientsPrep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch– thankful for family and friends who take the time to hang out and speak truth in my life.
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills – working on it
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt) – made an extra payment this week, it wasn’t much, but every little bit helps!
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget – went over this week
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading The Pet Patrol #1 – Puppy Love by Betsy Duffey book to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Family
- Prepare for Upcoming Spring Events
- Spend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with School Items
- Attend After School Activities & Events
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break
- Ride Bikes with the Kids
- Work on special projects with the kids
- Get kids Summer Workbooks Ready and Started
- Attend Kids Awards Ceremony for School
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Laundry Room)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Storage Room Cleaned & Organized)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Mow)
- Pet Care (Focus – Mix Extra Vitamins in Goat Food)
- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Prep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Medical Bills
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
Flashback Friday: Celebrating at My Youngest Brother’s Graduation
My youngest brother Josh and my parents
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to my brother Josh’s High School graduation in May 2005. It was also the girls first trip to Kansas. It was a lot of fun being able to celebrate with my brother on his special day. A lot has happened in the past ten years, but it is neat to look back on this fun day.
Thankful for a chance to spend a long weekend in Kansas with my family. It was an adventure and exhausting with two little ones in tow, but we had a great time. It’s not every year your little brother graduates from High School.
Josh with Grandma Doris and Grandpa Verlyn!
Josh with Grandma Willa and Grandpa CE
Grandpa Russell and Jake handing the girls for Josh to hold.
My oldest brother Jeremy and his wife Amber (who was pregnant with Brandon at the time) with my youngest brother Josh.
Jake, and I with my two younger brothers Josh and Lee.
Jake, Josh, Karlie, Brina, and I at Josh’s High School Graduation celebration
Congratulations Josh!
As you can see Karlie and Brina were SUPER thrilled to be celebrating with Uncle Josh!
Cousins – Lee, Alecia, Josh, myself, Jordan, and Rachel
Siblings – Lee, Josh, Me, Jeremy
Josh with Uncle Sam and Uncle Paul Uncle Sam recently passed away (about a month ago). Thankful for the memories and times together. Cherish the time you have with your family while you can.
Fun Around Town: Big Celebrity Cats at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
“Mandela” the white lion!
Our family had a great time at Hollywild Animal Park. Upon entering the park I was given a packet with a very nice “Welcome” letter from Kim along with a map, her business card, a bracelet for each of us to wear, and other park information. The workers from the Safari Bus driver to the Creature Feature Show to the Gift Shop Clerk and the various ones we encountered throughout our journey through the park were always willing to answer any questions we had along the way (most of the questions were the kids asking about various animals). It was a wonderful activity to do with the family.
As I have mentioned in a couple other posts several of the animals that reside at Hollywild have been stars in Movies, Commercials, Print Ads, Sport Events, TV Shows, events, and much more. The animals seemed friendly, content, and interactive with the people passing through the park.
It was great that even the lions were up and active while we were at Hollywild! Usually at the zoo and other places you don’t often see the lions moving or playing around too much in their pens. The white lion paused while moving around so we were able to get some shots of him, but the brown lion didn’t ever stop moving for a good picture.
We ended our trip through the park about the time they were getting ready to close. The workers were starting to feed the animals their dinners so that was pretty cool to watch some of the animals munching down on one of their favorites treats.
For more information about our adventure at Hollywild you can check out our other blog posts:
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Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
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Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
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Fun Around Town: Baby Animal Barn & Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
He looks very serious!
He hears the worker getting his dinner meal ready and started pacing.
On the move!
Relaxing on his rock
Look at the length of those whiskers!
Peaceful and relaxing
Beautiful tiger
Love how his tail is sitting on the rock below him. He was curious about us watching him though!
Those eyes are looking directly at us!
Siberian Tigers – he looked so serious, but colorful up on the rock. Not an animal I would want to meet in the wild though he looks amazing. Featured in the following:
- Movie – Man Hunter
- Movie – Betsy’s Wedding
- Movie – Reversal of Fortune
- Movie – Price of Tides
- Movie – The Real McCoy
- TV Ad Campaign – Land Rover
- Gallery Portraits – Valerie Shaff Photography
- Countless live appearances at special events
Cougars were out and walking around. These cougars featured in following:
- Commercials – Lincoln-Mercury (1983 to 1991)
- Movie – Date With an Angel
- TV Program – Rescue 911
- Movie – Reversal of Fortune
- Movie – Last of the Mohicans
- Movie – Miracle on the Mountain
- Commercial(s) – Coca-Cola
Black Leopard was busy eating its dinner time treat. Not sure what it is, but fresh meat of some kind. Seeing it’s eyes watching us through the grass gives me goose bumps. The leopards were featured in the following:
- Calendar – Great Cats
- Print Ad Campaign – Kemdura Paper
- Audiovisual Production – Leslie Advertising
- Score Boards – Carolina Panther
- Caesar, a Black Panther, has been a star in the National Football League for the Carolina Panthers
The white tiger just finished his dinner and is taking a walk around his pen.
So pretty!
Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):
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Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with you. Limit 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.
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Fun Around Town: Baby Animal Barn & Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
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:
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Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
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Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
They had the most beautiful face and big eyes!
One of the parents with the little baby named “Marshmallow” they were so soft!
Saying “hi” to the crowd of goats!
Brina petting and talking with a friendly goat!
Jake got the girls bottles to feed the goats. They loved it!
Love the pink/red bottle drippings all over the face of this little goat. Too cute!!!
“Hey, do you have any treats for me!”
The hot pink tongue cracks me up. So adorable even with the hot pink spots on its face!
Karlie feeding a little one.
Brina feeding one of the goats while chatting and laughing at some of the other goats in the pen.
Brina feeding and petting the baby goat at the same time.
She probably could have stayed all day. Brina loves her goats and they are pretty entertaining to watch!
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!
Karlie loving it!
Having fun with my family. Thankful for a good time together learning about a variety of animals at Hollywild.
Brina would be content to do this everyday. She loves animals!
Trying to make sure everyone gets their turn with the treat!
This one looks super soft! He must have gotten enough to eat and is now taking a little rest.
Bottle feeding the goat.
Karlie giving a little goat a treat!
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.
The newest baby in the group. Super soft and cute!
The little guy decided to take a rest in the feed bucket.
Karlie petting the zebras and animals next to the goats
Brina giving him a good rub!
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.
We got there a few minutes early so relaxing for a minute while we wait for the Creature Feature Show to start.
“Speedy” the turtle!
“Marshmallow” not sure about all the people looking at her. She was still a little bit timid.
Talking about Marshmallow
Another soft one to learn about and pet.
Petting the turtle
Petting the turtle and talking with the worker about the animals.
Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):
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Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with you. Limit 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.
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Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
Heading out on the Safari Ride at Hollywild
The kids loved the Safari Bus Ride at Hollywild Animal Park. They had a grand time feeding and petting the animals that walked up to the bus. It was neat to see a variety of animals on the trip.
We have come to Hollywild for their Holiday Lights Safari Benefit as well as a couple times when they were younger. Once we were there for a party with friends which was a lot of fun. It was neat watching the kids and animals interact on the Safari.
In previous visits I don’t remember seeing so many peacocks. They seemed to be everywhere (or maybe we just had the same ones following us around). They were beautiful! The males had their feathers all spiked up and shaking to get the attention of the pretty female peacocks or to shoo away any person or animal that got too close. I have never seen peacocks up their feathers so much. It was fascinating to watch them. The male peacock is the one that has all the bold beautiful colors with a long tail feathers. The female peacock has a lot of similar colors, but not as vibrant and shorter tail.
For more information about our adventure at Hollywild you can check out our post:
These were the only guys you couldn’t feed by hand from the Safari Bus because they have sharp beaks, but you could toss them some treats. They were the first ones to great us on the tour.
Animals on the hill grazing peacefully.
Someone’s not afraid to get right up close to the Safari Bus!
Karlie getting her treat ready for the animals.
She enjoyed feeding the animals.
Hand feeding deer, so much fun!
Brina tried to feed as many as she could.
Look at that tongue!
Brina wanted to pet every one that came by our side of the Safari Bus.
So soft…Brina loved the hair of this one.
Petting the buffalo now
We couldn’t take a picture of our Safari Bus on the ride, but here’s the other bus that went at the same time we did.
The deer was alert and looking for more treats!
“Tank” enjoying the shade
Tank the Rhinoceros was featured in the following:
- Commercials – Blue Cross / Blue Shield
- National Ad Campaign – Land Rover
- National TV Commercial – ZICAM
- Tank is the only working rhinoceros in the United States
Is that a unicorn!?
Not a unicorn just missing one of his antlers.
Cooling off in the pond!
Love this picture of the peacock perched on the fence. So beautiful!
I don’t know if this one was guarding a nest or what because I didn’t see any other peacock around, but he was intent on making sure everyone knew he was there.
Putting down his long feathers. I was surprised how much noise the peacock made with its feathers. It was noisy when he put them up or down as well as when he was shaking them. Very interesting to watch and hear it.
Brina taking a walk with the peacock.
I have a peacock friend nearby. He is curious, yet cautious.
Showing off his big beautiful feathers!
Trying to get the attention of the female peacock in front of him. It was neat to see what his feathers looked like from the side angle.
Still attempting to get the lady peacock to notice him.
Spinning around, it was interesting seeing what the backside of a peacock looks like when it’s feathers are up.
Female peacock walking around us.
Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):
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Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with you. Limit 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)
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:
The Canadian Geese were very friendly. This one decided to pose for me.
Brina talking with the bird. She loves all creatures!
Karlie found a rock to perch upon.
On the run….Karlie doesn’t want to get left behind!
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.
Beautiful cluster of ducks, the girls tried to get them to say AFLAC (guess that’s one commercial they remember, ha).
Karlie had to stop and pet the pony!
Having fun with my girls!
This little donkey was hoping we had some yummy treats still to share.
Brina soaking it all in. She wanted to make sure we didn’t miss any of the animals!
This Baboon was talking up a storm.
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!
Brina petting the pigs.
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.
Someone’s got a tasty treat and digging in! It was fascinating to watch him eat.
Looks like a sharp set of teeth in its mouth!
Intently watching the other one eat.
Pretty bear!
This one is getting a little closer!
Brina loved petting this super soft dog named Andorra!
Andorra was enjoying a good petting and laid down so Brina could continue!
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.
A little one….so cute watching him run after his Mom on long wobbly legs.
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
More content watching the kids.
This picture makes me smile…
Beautiful Leopard Appaloosa was featured in the following:
- Movie – The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
- Many live appearances and promotional events
So pretty! I think it is hoping for a treat!
We had a great time at Hollywild Animal Park!
Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):
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Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with you. Limit 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)
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.
Brina making a huge bubble
Jake made an hour glass shape bubble, neat!
Whoa Dad! That’s so cool! They loved this bubble activity!
Karlie giving it a whirl!
Brina stretching it out a long ways.
Opps that one popped before she got too far
Wow, Karlie!
Awesome bubble Brina!
Brina flipped the bubble ring over her head and she was standing inside the giant bubble
Karlie had to try being inside a bubble. Pretty neat.
Karlie having fun with the bubbles
Brina and Daddy trying out the next activity
Jake helping Brina do this one!
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.
Karlie doing the activity while Brina watches.
Brina doing the “Mirrorly A Window” activity
Karlie sitting across the room chatting with Brina – super cool!
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.
Weather station. Brina watching the tornado
Brina and Karlie checking things out
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.
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.
Brina found this book in the tree house library, she thought it was so hilarious she had to show it to me.
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.
Karlie and Brina exploring the ocean section of the play area.
Baby turtle coming over to say “Hi”
Karlie on the look out
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.
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!
