Family Outings

  • Family Outings: All Star Greenville Drive Baseball Game

    Karlie and Brina in their Greenville Drive All Stars Shirts

    Karlie and Brina received their Greenville Drive All Star TShirts for completing the reading program through the library.  They were super excited to get the free Tshirts, to walk in the parade, and to get free tickets to a Greenville Drive baseball game!

    Brina and Karlie walking in the "All Star" parade before the Greenville Drive game

    The girls were loving the “parade” around the field before the Greenville Drive game.  They were amazed at all the dents in the scoreboard from all the baseballs hitting it.  I think it surprised them that the balls would hit it so hard.  The shirts were really big (one size fits all) so they had a hard time figuring out how to wear them without them being a dress, in this picture Brina is just holding hers up and Karlie has her tied up.

    Watching the Greenville Drive play baseball!

    The girls loved watching the Greenville Drive baseball games.  They really started getting into the games, really cute.  It was a great activity with the family and we had extended family join us for this game (Luke, Kristen, and Hudson) as well making it even more fun!

    Hanging out at the game with Daddy

      Thanks Daddy for getting us great seats!  The girls got free tickets for finishing the reading program and Daddy was able to get the rest of us seats through work!  We had a blast even though the Greenville Drive didn’t win that night!

  • Travel & Vacation: Swimming Pool Fun on Daniel’s Island

    We got to try out a few hotel pools this summer with all our travel adventures.  The one in the pictures below we visited more then once and the girls love it.  The Hampton Inn on Daniel’s Island, SC (actually the only hotel on Daniel’s Island) was one of the girls favorites I think because we went to it several times over the summer and it was really close to everything.

    Brina and Karlie swimming in their “favorite” hotel pool!

      The pool usually had some shade any time you were in it plus it was relatively quiet during the day.

    Brina Bee swimming in the pool.

    The girls did really well in the pools and ocean this summer.  When it was just Mommy and the girls swimming I made sure the girls wore floaties or their life jackets as an extra precaution.  When Jake was with us they could go without the floaties or life jackets because each of us could spot one of the girls.  You really cannot be too safe when it comes to swimming pools.

    Karlie showing off under water

    Love this picture of Karlie and the pool.  As you can see from the picture we were literally the only ones in the pool at this time.  The girls would swims for hours.  We had a blast swimming and playing.

    Brina smiling at me under water

    Cute shot of Brina under water.  She did great swimming, splashing and playing in the pool.  I was thrilled to see her willing to take off her life jacket and floaties for a few minutes too.  She loves the water!

    Karlie ready to jump

    Karlie would wait to make sure I was looking before jumping.  She loved jumping off the side of the pool into the water.  The cannon ball was her favorite because it did a big splash.

    Brina playing in the swimming pool!

    Brina had a blast swimming and diving under the water.  She thought it was funny that she could see under water better than Mommy.

    Karlie in mid air

    Karlie’s face in this picture makes me smile.  She loved jumping, diving, cannon balling into the pool.

    Brina getting ready to jump

    Love her little tongue sticking out as she contemplates the best way to jump on her unsuspecting noodle.    Brina’s favorite way to jump into the pool was to target her noodle and jump in on it.

    Karlie holding her breath under water

    Karlie wears her goggles almost the entire time she is in the pool.  She loves being able to see “clearly” under water.  One time she even found another kids diving stick for them!  The goggles are on a little off center  in this picture but the girls did really well putting them on by themselves.

    Brina laughing at her noodle.

    Sometimes it is the simplest things in life that are so funny.  Even though we were really busy filling our days with activities it was wonderful to have play time were we could relax, play and just have a blast together.

    Karlie in mid jump.....her target is her blue noodle

    Karlie loves jumping into the pool.  I was surprised at how high she was able to get on some of her jumps.  Thankful for this time together and seeing my girls growing up.

    Pretty Brina Bee holding her breath under water in the pool

    It takes talent learning how to hold your breath under water.  I think over the last several months the girls have become water bugs.  They love swimming!

    Karlie having fun at the pool

    The girls could play all day at the pool.  After several hours of swimming and several layers of sunblock Mommy decided we better head in so Daddy wasn’t waiting on us.  The girls loved swimming in the pool and going on adventures.  Most of our activities were simple (swimming in the pool, playing in the park, etc…) yet they were enjoyable for everyone.  We made a lot of fun memories together this year.  Thankful for my camera Jake gave me for Christmas because I can take it with me in the pool, ocean, or rain and not worry about the camera being ruined.  The girls loved that I could take the camera into the pool with us!

    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: Angel Oak Tree and other Family Adventures near Charleston, SC

    Canopy of trees on the way to the Angel Oak Tree

    The girls and I ventured out a little ways to check out the Angel Oak Tree while Jake was working in Charleston one day.  The picture above is the beautiful canopy of trees we saw on the bumpy country road that led to our amazing tree adventure that was recommended to us by my friend Janet.

    Facts about the Angel Oak Tree

    In case you cannot read the sheet above here are some of the details –  The Angel Oak Tree we visited is said to be between 300 to 400 years old, 65 feet tall, the circumference is 25.5 feet, area of shade 17,000 square feet and the largest limb is 11.25 feet in circumference and 89 feet long.  It is located on John’s Island near Charleston, SC.  Some people believe that the tree is over 1500 years old.

    Angel Oak Tree near Charleston, South Carolina

    The Angel Oak Tree is massive, it was really hard to get a picture that truly shows it’s size.  I took a few pictures from different angles but I couldn’t get the entire tree to fit in one picture.  It was simply amazing to see such a huge tree.

    Beautiful and huge Angel Oak Tree

    If you look closely you can see the supports helping hold up the limbs.  The girls and I were nearly speechless at the size of the tree.  We walked around it several times just in awe!

    Brina inspecting the large carrot we picked out at a local Farmer's Market

    We stopped at this really neat local Farmers Market store on our way back from the Angel Oak Tree adventure.  Their carrots were very BIG, the girls have never seen carrots that huge before (not sure I had either).  They must have had some great soil for carrots.  We picked out a large carrot and nibbled on it for a couple days (I didn’t think to weigh to but I am think it could have been over a pound).

    Great quote the girls and I discovered along our adventures

    The girls love traveling with Jake and I on road trips.  We are always on the look out for neat ideas or something interesting to share.  Of course one of the areas we frequently visited in our travels were a variety of restrooms.  Sometimes the girls were in dire need of a restroom by the time with found one.  The girls wanted me to read this sign in the Farmers Market restroom, we all had a good laugh at it as we reminisced together of some times just in the last few months we felt like a minute was a very long time as we waited on the other side of the door.

    Walking down one of the girls favorite piers.

    Some days the water is low and all the greenery is out of the water other days it is complete under water.  Love the little “sand” trail that you can see under the water.

    The guy fishing off the pier caught a little one!

    As we were walking down the pier we notice a guy fishing.  We asked if he had caught anything yet and he showed us his catch of the morning.  The girls thought it was such a cute little fish!  They were very excited for him.

    Daddy brought us a blue raspberry slushy.

    After a fun day at the park and pool Daddy brought his girls a blue raspberry slushy.  It was amazing!

    We had blue tongues after just a few minutes.

    The blue raspberry slushy made all of our tongues blue!  I think the girls drink more of the slushy based off their tongue color, ha!

    Cannon outside the hotel.

     The girls always hoped that our room was never in the line of fire.  Thankfully our room never faced the cannon.  The girls always loved looking at it!

    After dinner we took a little walk together and found a pond with turtles.

    I am not sure how long we watched these turtles but it was a lot of fun.  The girls were mesmerized by these cute little turtles.   According to the girl there was a whole family of turtles (we did see quite a few).

    Crashed on the pull out couch after a few minutes of chitchat about their "super fun" day

    We got back to the hotel, gave the girls baths and they spent a few minutes talking and giggling about their “super fun” day before crashing.  They were exhausted but in good spirits.  We really did pack a lot into one day!

    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: Visiting Daniel’s Island and More

    View after going over the Cooper River Bridge on our way to Daniel's Island

    We always love the views on our way to Daniel’s Island, South Carolina.  This picture was taken shortly after going over the Cooper River Bridge.  Just one of the beautiful pieces of scenery in the Charleston area.

    Almost there.....one more mile to Daniel's Island.

    The girls always look for this sign and know we are almost to Daniel’s Island.  They know that it is Exit 24 and in between two big bridges.  It is a lot of fun traveling with the family!

    One of my favorite signs in the Charleston area.

    A sign we have seen many times this year that the girls always wanted me to read whenever we go to the Waterfront Park under the Arthur Ravenel Bridge.    I grew up in the country hearing coyotes so this smile makes me smile.  One of the girls questions the first time we read it why can we “never feed coyotes won’t they get hungry?”

    Snacks at the park

    The girls were really good about remembering to take their drink with them to the parks.  Most of the places we went had water fountain and restrooms which was really nice too.  I had made some cookies for Jake’s co-workers that week so I put in a few sugar cookies with sprinkles for the girls too.

    Stopping for a quick snack

    I was able to convince Karlie and Brina to stop for a few minutes for a quick snack and more importantly a drink (it was over 100 degrees and we had been out all morning).  They were so fascinated by all the other kids at the park.  Sometimes we would be at the park with a handful of kids and a daycare would show up to play making the the area buzzing with little ones having fun.

    Refueling with Powerade on a very hot day

    On one of our trips it was over 100 degrees and the girls (and Mommy) spent the day outside at parks.  I was worried about them getting dehydrated so we stopped by CVS and picked up a “Powerade”.  The girls thought it was great and it tasted like lemonade.

    Karlie worked up enough courage to go down the big pole.

    Although the pole probably would have been a little easier sliding down in pants I was very proud of Karlie for trying it out.  It takes a little bit of guts to reach out over that gap between the jungle gym and gap to go on the pole.  She was very excited of her accomplishment.

    Brina spinning in the red seats at the park

    I really don’t know how she could sit in those seats and just spin!  The couple times I braved it and did a couple of spins I was ready to loose my cookies.

    Brina and Karlie testing out a new ride

    One afternoon during our Charleston adventures it decided rain so the girls and I hang out for about an hour at the Outlets.  The girls thought this car was HILARIOUS and spent several minutes checking it out.

    After picking up Daddy from work Brina crashed

    We picked up Jake after a full day at the parks and playing.  A few minutes later I looked back to point out a rainbow I saw in the sky and Brina has fallen fast asleep.  Not sure how she can sleep like this (it looks very uncomfortable) but all our pillows and stuff was already at the hotel.

    Karlie was sleeping too

    Looking back at both of them sleeping made me laugh.  They are so different even when they sleep in the car.  After a busy nap the few minute cap night was very nice for both of them.  Thankful that they both travel so well and enjoy exploring different places on our trips together.

    Watching the sun set as we crossed over the bridge.

    One of the questions the girls asked the last time we were in Charleston….”Is Charleston made of bridges?”  There are quite of few there.  We enjoyed watching the sunsets, sunrises, and seeing the beautiful scenery from the many bridges we crossed.

    Walking with Daddy near downtown Charleston

    The girls loved learning about history and just walking around Charleston.  We actually wore out one pair of flipflops on this trip with all the walking and playing.  They love asking Daddy a lot of questions about the town and Jake is so good about answering them.

    Sign from one of the guns / cannons near downtown Charleston

    We went through the Battery Park in Charleston again and looked at all the guns and cannons.  This is a sign from one of the guns that was used to attack Fort Sumter on April 7, 1863.  The girls loved learning about the variety of different cannons and the history behind them.

    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!

  • Raising Twins: Multiples Party at Shipwreck Cove

    As I was going back through some of the pictures the last several months I realized I never posted anything about this great event (better late than never right!?).  I have the privilege of being a part of the Upstate Mother’s of Multiples Club.  It is a great group of Moms and families that have been supportive from the days when I was on bedrest and beyond.  Once a season we get together with the families (Moms, Dads, and all the kids) and enjoy some fun activities.  Here is a little taste of our adventure at Shipwreck Cove in Duncan, South Carolina:

    Karlie ready to go down the slide.

     The girls love pools, water parks, and the beach (really anything with water, including splashing around in the tub).  They had a blast swimming, sliding and tubing at Shipwreck Cove.

    Mommy had a blast too!

    Honestly I am not sure had more fun….the little kids or the big kids!  I enjoyed the many trips down the big slides, catching up with friends, floating along on the lazy river and swimming just as much as the girls did.

    View from the top of the big slides (part of Shipwreck Cove Waterpark).

    When we first arrived at the water park it was pretty quiet other than our groups munchkins running and swimming around.  As the day got later more people arrived, but we still had a blast.

    Karlie going down the big slide all by herself.

    So proud of the girls for going down the big kid slides.  I had a mixture of excitement and sadness to see how much they had grown up over the last few years.  It was a wonderful day of memories for the whole family.

    Brina going down the red slide again.

    Glad to see them having a blast at the water park!  Brina’s favorite slide was the big red one that was open at the top, but she did try both slides.

    Karlie getting sprayed by a water canon while floating on the lazy river.

    Karlie thought it was hilarious when she got sprayed by the canons as she was floating by.  We went around the lazy river several times that day.

    Brina waiting to go down the slide.

    This slide was on the “palm tree island” and a favorite to play on in between going down the big slides and floating along on the lazy river.

    Karlie waiting for another turn on the big slides.

    The slides were a HUGE hit with Karlie girl!  She didn’t mind standing in line to go down the slides again and again and again and again.

    Brina enjoying the water jets.

    The water park was really nice.  It did surprise us to find out the that water was “salt” water not fresh water.

    Having fun in the water.

    Brina enjoying her time at the water park.

    Pausing for a moment to let me take a picture.

     Glad for those quick pauses to take  pictures.

    Thankful for a great time playing with my family!

  • Travel & Vacation: Fun Day at Isle of Palms Beach

    Beach day with my three favorite people!

    I love my family and am thankful for the amazing opportunities we had the past few months.  It was wonderful sharing so many great memories together at home, the beach and traveling!  One of our favorite spots to visit was the beach at Isle of Palms near Charleston, South Carolina.

    Crazy crew at the beach.

    The girls have such different personalities!  Karlie has to wear her goggles in the ocean where Brina prefers not having anything on her face in the water.

    Swimming in the ocean.

    It always amazes me how long the girls want to stay at the beach.  Usually Jake and I end up decided to go because we are exhausted not because the girls are asking to go.  It is not uncommon for us to stay for 6 to 8 hours swimming, building sand castles, collecting sea shells and eating our picnic lunch.  Although, the girls typically crash on the way back to the hotel or home.

    Karlie Kool Kat having a blast

    Enjoying her time swimming in the ocean.  Thinking she is pretty cool swimming on her own (at least until the next big wave comes)!

    Mommy and her girls

    Swimming together at Isle of Palms.  Love spending extra time with the family at the beach.

    Brina Bee swimming in the big ocean by herself.

    Brina all smiles swimming on her own in the big ocean.

    Digging around in the sand

    Sometimes just digging around in the sand is the most entertaining.  We typically do a sand castle and just let them play to their hearts content.  One of those times playing in the mud is just plain fun!

    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!

  • On the Farm: Recipe for Acorn Cookies

    Fresh Acorn Cookies

    Now I am going to share with you a couple of recipes that you can make using fresh acorns.  To learn more about acorns check out On the Farm: Acorns Are For Squirrels and how process fresh acorns so you can use it in recipes here is a post On the Farm: How to Prep Acorns for Cooking.

    Once you are ready to use your fresh acorn meal or flour here is one of the recipes you can try:

    Acorn Cookies:

    • 2 cups All Purpose Flour
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • 1 cup Brown Sugar
    • 1/2 cup Shortening
    • 1 large Egg
    • 1 cup Acorn Flour
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.  In a larger bowl cream the shortening, egg, and sugar together.  Gradually add the flour mixture to the cream mixture.  Blend in the acorn flour.  Add the vanilla extract until blended well.  Take a medium size ice cream scoop and place onto a greased cookie sheet.   Use a fork to slightly flatten the balls.   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

    Freshly scooped cookie dough.

    Cookie sheet full of cookies ready to go into the oven!

    The cookies are not as moist as a Chocolate Chip Cookie but not as dry as Shortbread Cookies.  They are a little dryer then I expected but they turned out pretty well.  We shared this recipe with our Community Group and people at Jake’s work.  It was a fun recipe do make and share with others.  I would make sure that those eating do not have a nut allergy.  It provides an interesting conversation started and you are sure to be the only one at the event with Acorn Cookies!  Now if I can just find an acorn cookie cutter.  Stay tuned for some more of our acorn recipes in upcoming posts!

    Recipe adapted from Grandpappy

  • Local Activities: “Dine Out for Mom” Event on Thursday, October 20th

    There is a special event going on tomorrow, Thursday, October 20, 2011 called “Dine Out For Mom” which is a part of the “Let There Be Mom” organization.  As a Mom with small children it is important for me to remember that life is precious, sweet, and short.  We never know what joys and trials life will bring our way.  You may know of a friend or family member that has gone through serious illness and given only a short amount of time to live.   This event is to remind us to celebrate life, create memories, cherish our family, and help others because our life here on earth is not forever.

    What is “Let There Be Mom”? It is an organization that provides help to Moms when they or their spouse is diagnosed with a serious illness.  How was it started?   “Let There Be Mom” comes along side the family going through this difficult time to preserve memories.  They do this through a variety of services tailored to meet the needs and wishes of the individual families. Some examples of ways you can get involved – photography, scrapbooks,  journals, videos, meals, errands, special events, care packages, family cookbooks, and many more wonderful activities.  The “Dine Out For Mom” event tomorrow is designed to help raise funds for this great organization.   When you eat at one of the participating restaurants they will donate a portion of the proceeds to “Let There Be Mom” so they can continue to help families that are losing a loved one.

    Take some time out of your busy day to meet a friend for lunch or take the family out for dinner.  What a great way to spend time with those you love while helping a wonderful organization that is committed to preserving family memories.

    For more information about the “Let There Be Mom” organization, their services, and how to get involved please visit their website.

  • Travel & Vacation: Places to Stay and Play in Charleston

    Pizza picnic at the pool in Charleston!

    We got Domino’s (they had a buy 1 pizza get 1 free coupon) and brought it back to the hotel to eat. The girls wanted to check out the pool so we ate by the pool then went swimming.  The first night we stayed at the Holiday Inn in Mt Pleasant, it was literally a block away from Waterfront Park.  It was a busy weekend with a lot baseball tournaments, American Idol tryouts, and a couple other community activities. We still had a blast together and Jake was able to get his work done as well. The biggest down side to this hotel is their breakfast was pretty expensive for families but there are plenty of restaurant chains nearby you can get a breakfast for a great price.

    Swimming with Daddy in the pool.

    The girls enjoyed having some time to swim in the pool after a very hot day at the parks around town.  Thankful for an opportunity to spend some time relaxing together as a family.

    Karlie relaxing and snacking in her makeshift bed.

    Baths were taken and pedicures were done so Karlie decided to take a few minutes to relax and snack in her bed before brushing her teeth and going to sleep.  Glad the girls enjoy going on adventures and are flexible during the trips.

    Karlie, Brina and Mommy's fancy hot pink and purple pedicures!

    On one of our trips this summer I surprised the girls with bringing finger nail polish.  It soon became a tradition when we went on a trip for me to bring a couple “wild” colors and all the girls get their fingernails and toenails painted the first evening in the hotel.  The girls loved spending the time together and getting beautiful in the process.  Sometimes it is the little things you do together that make the most impact.

    Karlie ready to try out a new pool.

    We stayed at the Rodeway Hotel the second night of our trip to Charleston, it was literally across the street from the Holiday Inn so we didn’t have to go too far!  I was so thrilled to see the girls confidence in the water increase over the past few months.  They loved their noodles but were okay not having on their life jackets in the pool.  The hotel had a really great hot breakfast every morning, plus ice cold lemonade any time of the day which was a huge hit with the hot kiddos!

    Brina talking and motioning with her noodle.

    The noodles were great in the water but I remember getting bopped with them several times outside of the pool.  The girls were good about making sure to bring them to the pool but sometimes in the process of walking and talking the noodle was more like a weapon, ha!

    Relaxing at the hotel before crashing.

    We introduced the girls to the show “America’s Funniest Home Videos” on this trip.  They thought it was hilarious and as you can see from this picture they were completely captivated by the show.  Their favorites were the silly animal clips!

    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!