Family Activities: Fall Pumpkin Carving Fun
The girls carved pumpkins glowing on the front porch! Can you guess who designed which one?
It has been a tradition for our family to carve pumpkins around Halloween. A lot of times we carve the pumpkins the weekend before Halloween, but with everything going on this year it was a little later this year. On Halloween afternoon our family went out to search for the perfect carving pumpkins. After stopping at three stores we started to wonder if we were even going to find any pumpkins to carve. Finally, we ended up at Publix and thankfully they still had a lot of pumpkins including some huge ones. All the pumpkins, not matter what size were $5! Of course the kids picked the biggest ones they could find. We came home with one 25 pound and one 26 pound pumpkin!
This year instead of dressing up and running around doing trick and treating the kids decided they would rather spend the evening as a family celebrating Halloween. So thankful that the girls wanted to hang out and spend a relaxing evening with us. We let each kid pick out their favorite bag of candy, a pumpkin to carve, some fun games, and family activities to do Halloween evening. For Halloween dinner we picked up Chinese take out as a special treat.
My brother and sister-in-law brought my nephews came by dressed up as the cutest little lion and minion! It was the first year we had trick or treaters because usually we are never home for Halloween! It was great getting to see them and spend some time hanging out with them on Halloween!
The pumpkin is fresh, washed, and ready to be carved!
Cleaning out their pumpkins! They did the majority of the cleaning, designing, and cutting on their own!
Brina saw a cat designed she liked online and used that as an example to draw one on her pumpkin! We used wet erase marker to draw on the pumpkin before carving it out.
Karlie couldn’t find a design she liked online so she drew a rough draft of what she wanted on a piece of paper than drew it again on the pumpkin! She really wanted a rocket, Saturn, and a star on her pumpkin so this is what she created!
Brina carving her cat pumpkin out!
Karlie carving her space pumpkin out!
We have a space and cat pumpkin glowing on our front porch!
The girls chose more non-traditional pumpkin designs. Brina got her cat idea from another pumpkin she saw. Karlie designed her rocket, Saturn, star, and space one completely on her own (and fit her personality and interests perfectly)!
The pumpkins! I am pleased with how well the girls pumpkins turned out and they really did most of the work on them!
Travel & Vacation: Splashing Around at Lake Milford
Grandpa’s ready to go swimming!
We spent the majority of our day in the water at Lake Milford. On our final full day at the lake we swam near the cabins so everyone could come and go as they wanted. It was a lot of fun being able to swim and splash around in the water.
Nicko having fun at the lake!
Karlie using her balancing skills!
Brina using Jake’s shoulders as her diving board so she could spring into the water!
Karlie preparing for another big splash!
Karlie flying through the air!
Look out! There goes Brina!
Hanging out with Zachie as he enjoys his blue Lollipop!
First Aid Kit! Yes, Karlie discovered that zebra muscles on the rocks were not her friend (quite painful actually)! Ouch! Thanks Aunt Amber and Daddy for coming to her rescue!
All the kids (and some of the big kids too) enjoyed digging in the sand on the beach!
Becky and Zachie having fun!
Karlie hanging out with Grandma and Uncle Lee!
Decorating the Christmas Tree
A picture of our spinning Christmas tree all decorated at night!
The girls LOVE helping us decorate the tree for Christmas and can barely wait for us to get all the stuff out of the attic. Over the years they really have become a huge help when it comes to decorating, not to mention that their excitement is contagious!
When we decorate the Christmas tree we like to turn on the Christmas music and have fun. While our tree will not win any award for the “most professionally decorated” or “color coordinated”, it is packed full of memories. Christmas ornaments I had as a baby, items the girls have made for us, and many other fun family treasures. In all fairness it is the perfect tree for our family because we did it together.
Karlie all smiles as she wears the “tree skirt”!
My little Brina helper! All smiles as she listens to music and helps put up the Christmas decorations.
Taking a break from tree decorating to drink some Eggnog!
Our Christmas tree, decorated by the whole family!
Throughout the Christmas Season you can often find our family reading a book together near the tree, sitting on the couch next to it talking about our days, or even enjoying a cup of hot chocolate while looking into the tinkling lights. I am thankful for my family and the opportunity to celebrate yet another wonderful season together.
Family Activities: 3 Big Pumpkins with 6 Different Faces!
One side of the pumpkins had a Mr. Potato Head type face on it! Karlie’s “serious” pumpkin, Grandma Penny & Great Grandma Willa’s “silly” pumpkin, and Brina’s “puppy dog” pumpkin! This side of the pumpkin took a lot less time to do. It was super easy and if you don’t want to mess with carving or cleaning out a pumpkin this is a great alternative. The girls loved picking out the pieces for their pumpkins and designing a face.We were super excited to have Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa come visit us for a few days in October. During their visit we were able to squeeze in a lot of fun activities. One of the activities was carving pumpkins! The girls had a blast hanging out with both Grandmas and have a lot of great memories of their time with us. Thankful that they were able to come visit us. 🙂
The other side of the pumpkins had the carved version on it which was perfect for the evening. Karlie’s “scary” pumpkin, Grandma Penny & Great Grandma Willa’s “cat” pumpkin, and Brina’s “happy” pumpkin sitting on the front porch.
The PROCESS……
Scooping out the pumpkin seeds
Gross……slimy pumpkin hands!
Karlie designed her own “scary” pumpkin face complete with eyelashes! She drew her face on a piece of paper and Jake helped her transfer it to her pumpkin. So proud of her scary pumpkin!
Brina wanted a “happy” pumpkin!
Trying to get Skip-A-Doo to pose with them in front of the pumpkins…..ha! Skipper wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but I have to give them credit for trying to get her to cooperate for the picture!
The girls had a lot of fun doing the pumpkins with Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa. They thought it was neat having a “2 sided” pumpkin with different faces on each side. The jack-o-lantern that they carved was their night pumpkin and the silly faces were their day pumpkins. We used the pumpkins seeds to make 3 Seasoned Pumpkin Seed recipes. Did you carve or decorate pumpkins? I would love to see your pumpkins, feel free to post a link to your pictures in the comment section below!
Travel & Vacation: Charleston Food, Lodging, & Fun (Part 2)
Jake, Karlie, and Brina shivering in front of the pineapple fountain downtown Charleston.
The girls REALLY wanted to see the fountain that we had been reading about in our book Very Charleston, however, the day we choose to check it out it was freezing. This was by far our coldest day in Charleston, earlier in the week it was in the 90’s and now it is 40 degrees outside. The kids were freezing because I didn’t bring jackets but thankfully it was our last day in town.
Brina snacking on Green Apple Rock Candy as we head to our next stop
Karlie munching on her Root Beer Rock candy
Next to the Chic-Fil-A in Mt Pleasant is a little pond with a fountain and……..
TURTLES!!!! The girls love watching turtles!
The girls were so excited when we parked next to the Charleston Creamery “Herby” that they insisted I take a picture! Oh how they love their ice cream and this store!
Charleston Creamery – a place the girls always request to visit when we are in the area!
Ice cream made by a robot is always more fun to eat!
Are you getting full yet Brina?!
The girls had their own bedroom and TV. It was pouring outside so we gave the kids a bath and let them watch TV for 30 minutes before going to bed.
Another great trip to Charleston with the family! The girls had a blast. It was very warm the first half of the week but by the time we left it was in the 40s. Thankfully we did a bunch of our outdoor activities and swimming the first part of the week so when it got cold we found other things to occupy our time. Jake got a lot of work done while we were in Charleston as well as created more great memories with the family.
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: Charleston Food, Lodging, & Fun
Spending some time in the hotel room. Karlie is lounging as she listens to me read.
The girls are always excited when we go to Charleston! They have a blast spending time relaxing and exploring. We typically go to many of the same places but always try to squeeze in a few new adventures as well. The kids make the trips more fun. These pictures are from a trip earlier this year. We stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Mount Pleasant. It was a little further from Jake’s work so we had to drop him off in the mornings but it was located near a lot of fun activities. We tried out some new restaurants this time too.
Brina’s turn to read a book to us
We ate downtown Charleston so we would have plenty of time to walk through the market and go to Battery Park. Brina and Karlie enjoying their BBQ wings
Messy….messy…..messy….BB (I think she’ll need a bath tonight)
Karlie licking her lips after finishing my homemade & delicious she crap soup
Karlie and Brina sitting next to the moon in the “Moon Pie” store in downtown Charleston.
Jake & I had our own bedroom in the hotel room. It was the last available room in the hotel and it was a huge 2 bedroom suite (with a doorbell). This was our first time staying at the Marriott in Mount Pleasant and it was awesome!
Our kitchen in the hotel room, loved having all the counter top space.
Goofy Karlie…..she must be the “cream” in the chair!
Wonder where Brina could be? Oh yes, in between the cushions!
Dress Code sign outside a store in downtown Charleston. Made me laugh! 🙂 Some are listed twice. My three favorite ones are:
“Bottom of Shirt Can’t Be Past Wrist”
“No Gold Teeth”
“Doorman has final say”
Jake picked up ice cream sandwiches for the girls. We had a fridge but no freezer so they were a little softer than normal. Karlie eating the one of the last melting ice cream sandwiches
Brina getting the last little bit from her wrapper
I am thankful for the many opportunities to create special memories with my family. The girls are wonderful travelers and love to explore new areas so it is always fun having a few days to relax and check out an area. When we go to Charleston we typically stay either on Daniel’s Island or in Mount Pleasant so we have found a few fun things to do.
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!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
The girls did great on their first full week of school. Everyone is doing well but still adjusting to the school schedule (Mom included). On top for all the school fun we had doctor appointments, after school activities, and surgery keeping us busy this past week. The good news is we have today off of school and work to catch up on items around the house and to spend some extra time together as a family.
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
Read regularly to the girls and have them read to meGreenville Drive Baseball Game with Family– the girls earned their tickets from the library by reading books this summerDaily School Activities & Homework Completed– homework is more time consuming with them being in different classes but we managed it pretty well this week.Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDoctor AppointmentsAfter School ActivitiesENT Surgery & Recovery
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – didn’t stay on top of this one
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center) – I started it again! 🙂
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule – hoping to get to this next week
Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Get caught up on blog items – getting started
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Team Meeting Notes
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4– only got a few items this week- Payoff the Van – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Go to the Upper South Carolina State Fair
- Work on items around the house & yard together on Labor Day
- Spend quality time together on Labor Day since everyone is off work and school
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center)
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Get caught up on blog items
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
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.
Travel & Vacation: Leaving On A Jet Plane….
Karlie and Brina watching the airplanes coming and going from the Greenville Spartanburg Airport
Do you remember the John Denver song “I’m leavin’ on a jet plane, Don’t know when I’ll be back again….”? I don’t necessarily love the entire song but every time I fly that phrase pops into my head. Our family, especially the kids, love traveling and flying! The last time our entire family flew was back in January out to Kansas (the pictures are from that trip). It was the first flight the kids were big enough to sit in their own row together without one of us beside them. We sat in the row right behind them so we could monitor them and they did very well. I love seeing their excitement over traveling and flying, it’s contagious!
We are currently gearing up for another fun flight to see family soon. The girls have already started packing their backpacks, talking about all the places we will go and who we are going to see. Here are a few pictures from our last adventure on the plane:
Karlie reading the informational sheet for the airplane!
Karlie is all about flying and learning more about airplane. Every time we fly she reads about the airplane, the safety manual, and anything else she can get her hands on. The whole experience is a grand adventure for her!
Brina all snuggled up and asleep in her seat on the airplane
Brina loves to fly but when it is a couple hours past her bedtime after a super busy day once the flight is in the air she tends to crash. Glad to see her sleeping. If only I could curl up and sleep that comfortably on the airplane seat.
Karlie loves flying!
Karlie turning around to see what Dad and Mom are up to and sneaking a peek out our window too! She loves gazing out at all the city lights and watching as the plane lands.
I am truly grateful that both my girls love to travel and fly. They have always been excited about going on various adventures. It is a blessing to be able to travel to see family and friends. The items they pack in their back packs keep them busy for hours while on the plane or at the airports. I am thankful for the amazing memories we have created throughout our years of traveling together and look forward to many more.
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.
Family Outings: Ice Skating
Karlie and Brina ice skating for the first time with Daddy!
There is a local ice skating rink in our town that is open all year. The first time the girls went ice skating was for a friends birthday party and they had a blast! Even though ice skating traditionally is a “winter” sport it is a wonderful way to spend a couple hours cooling off during the heat of the summer too! If you look around you can often find tickets to your local ice skating rink as well. Who knows you may even run into a friend or two (we have) which makes it even more fun!
Here are some pictures from another fun ice skating adventure!
Brina skating backwards?! No just turning around to look at Mommy
Karlie getting around on her own….with a little help from the wall!
Daddy pushing his girls around the ice skating rink
Daddy and Brina skating
Mommy pushing Karlie around the ice rink!
Book: “Swiss Family Robinson” by Johann Wyss
Before I headed out on my India adventure I started reading one of my favorite books as a kid to the girls, Great Illustrated Classics The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss. My Mom finished reading the book to the girls while I was away and then watched the movie with them. Karlie was convinced that she was ready to live on an island in a tree house after reading the book and watching the movie (although she said it would be ok if the pirates didn’t come).
It has been a lot of fun reading the girls some of my favorite books as a kid. They love listening and enjoy the adventures the stories take us on. This book is about the Robinson family that gets shipwrecked on an island. The family learns to live off the land, build a home in the trees, and their journey. It is full of great adventures as the family explores their new home. If you have kids that love being read to this is a fun book for the whole family. Plus after reading the book you can watch the movie which is always something great to look forward to as well.
