Travel & Vacation: It’s a Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise at Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Orlando, FL)
Brina and Jake riding on the boat through It’s a Small World
The lines weren’t too long so we were able to get onto several rides, however, we had a couple hiccups with some as well. The kids liked It’s a Small World so much that we did it 2 times. The Pirates of the Caribbean was a little bit of a disappointment because we stood in line for an hour and were 10 people from the front of the line when it broke down so we didn’t get to go on it. It took us another 30 minutes to get back out because we had to wait for all the people behind us leave. The girls did well and had a great attitude despite the long wait time. The Jungle Cruise was a fun boat ride with lots of neat sights along the way. The kids really enjoyed it.
Smiling and soaking in all the sights at It’s a Small World
It’s a Small World banner as you go in
Fascinating!
Always something to look at on the boat ride
Still smiling while waiting in the long line for the Pirates of the Caribbean
Catching up and chatting while in line
Yay, found a place to sit while waiting
Going on the Jungle Cruise
All smiles on the Jungle Cruise
Beautiful waterfall
They loved looking at all the animals and sights on the Jungle Cruise
So much fun!
Travel & Vacation: Train, Dumbo, and Winnie the Pooh Rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Orlando, FL)
Brina having a blast and laughing.
We had the opportunity to go to Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, FL recently. The girls and I headed out first thing in the morning while Jake was at his conference. He was able to join us in the afternoon after the conference ended which was really nice. We packed in as much fun as we could while at Magic Kingdom. We were there only one day, but we had a blast!
Karlie all smiles as we ride the train to our next stop!
We walked onto the Dumbo ride that morning with no lines.
Enjoying the ride!
Something is laugh-out-loud funny to Karlie!
Playing in the garden while waiting for the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride
We got onto the ride pretty quickly and now we are all set to go!
Silly tigger
Tigger pounced on Winnie the Pooh
Travel & Vacation: Swan & Dolphin Resort Pools (Orlando, FL)
Beautiful view and we almost had the pool to ourselves!
During our time at the Swan & Dolphin Resorts the kids had to check out their pools. Yes, they have several pools and a playground. We had a blast swimming and splashing around in their pools on the hottest day. The girls can spend hours swimming around.
Brina floating around!
Karlie having fun!
Being goofy under the water!
How long can you hold your breathe
Brina coming down the slide next to one of the pools.
That was fun, let’s do it again!
Karlie ready to go
Karlie moving right along!
I barely got a shot of her coming around the corner! They loved the slide!
A pool with a waterfall. How awesome is that!?
Hanging out by the waterfall.
This pool was much quieter, but one of their favorites because it was easier to dive for items since it was less crowded. That’s our hotel in the back ground.
Swimming around
Brina loves her goggles and her eyes don’t get nearly are red from the chlorine.
Taking a break to chat
Stopping for a few minutes to relax.
Rainbow Confetti Snowman
Introducing the kids snowman for 2015 – Rainbow Confetti! Shortly after this picture I was beamed with a snowball (can you guess from who?!) Look at the person in the picture holding a snowball waiting for me to snap the picture.
The last snow day we had the girls decided it was time to build a snowman. It was perfect packing snow so they got started. The only probably they had is the originally started the snowman ball at the bottom of the yard and rolled it uphill. It wasn’t until they reached the driveway did they realize that they were not going to make it into the front yard so they came inside requesting help. Between the three of us slip and sliding the big ball of snow across the driveway we managed to get it into the front yard.
It isn’t the most beautiful snowman with the leaves, sticks, and dirt sticking out of it, but for the most part it is one that was built primarily by the kids with only a little assistance getting it into the front yard. They did a great job and had a blast. They “painted” their snowman with a mix of water and food coloring in a spray bottle then named him “Rainbow Confetti”. Skipper was there to supervise the construction! I do have to say their snowman lasted for several days and was one of the last ones in our area to completely melt so they did a great job packing in the snow plus they built him under a tree so it was a little more shaded.
They would roll up more big snowballs and break them down next to the bottom of the snowman to build up a strong base. I think the “breaking” and jumping up and down on the balls of snow were the real fun, the snowman just had the benefit of all the extra snow around it.
Rainbow Confetti was a mix of random colors from red, yellow, green, and blue. They decided to use the fox hat. Rainbow Confetti’s face was made completely out of vegetables that the critters running through the yard could eat. Cherry tomato eyes, carrot nose, and an orange pepper mouth!
The kids colorful snowman. They did a great job!
Skipper Being a Good Sport
Skipper claiming a new bed on the back porch!
Earlier in the day the girls were out on the back porch coloring and drawing in a couple big boxes we gave them to play with. The girls get so excited about getting large boxes to play with around the house. Every time we get a box or a group of boxes of any size they usually ask for permission to use them for their play time. Jake and I try to give them as many opportunities to explore creative play, but sometimes the boxes hang around for longer than intended or can get in the way or make a mess with all the “decorating” paraphernalia scattered around.
Sometimes when the boxes are big, taking over the house, and it is going to be a sunny day we will send the kids with their goodies outside. They have been know to play with boxes building various forts and structures for hours. Skipper loves it any time the kids are outside playing. She usually hops right in the middle of everything and at times is in the way, but the kids and the dog love it!
Skipper snacking on a treat from the kids.
Even after the girls came inside Skipper decided to hang out in their box.
Waking up from a nap in the box. She slept in the boxes for several hours in the sun that day. I am not sure who enjoyed it most the kids or Skipper.
Hiking Through the Woods
The girls love going for hikes in the woods!
Recently the girls and spent a couple hours outside having a picnic, hiking through the woods, climbing on trees, raking our campsite, playing with the animals, and more fun. Thankful for some quiet and relaxing time with them out in nature. They love spending time outside. Hiking through the woods is always an adventure with them!
Skipper is always willing to join us!
Karlie hanging out by the big tree!
Waiting patiently for us as the girls play around and climb a couple trees.
Enjoying our time outside!
Hiking deeper into the woods!
Raking and trimming the thorny bushes at our old campsite. The girls are ready to go camping again!
Brina having a blast!
Outdoor Summer Activities – Pool, Games, and More!
We spent a good bit of our summer time in the pool when we were home. Last year I got a blow up seesaw for the pool. It was a big hit with the kids! The hardest part was staying on when you were all wet!
Having fun in the pool!
We put crepe paper across the two doors with kids sleeping in them. They thought it was hilarious when they woke up and were barricaded in the room. They had a blast running through it that morning!
Karlie reading the “clues” for the treasure hunt that morning.
Looking for another clue!
The girls came up with a bunch of outdoor games for the whole family to play. One of them was a relay race in the side yard. The Dad’s even participated!
Another game required the teammates to hit the baseball.
Now were ready for the bike and scooter races!
Hula Hoop contest!
Noah thought he was pretty smart doing it on his arm instead of around the waist!
The youngest had the best hula hooping skills! She won hands down as the best hula hooper in both families!
Aunt Mirm braiding the girls hair. The thought that was pretty cool having all the fancy braids!
A lot of girly chitchat, giggles, and silliness going on in the back of the van.
Sledding & Exploring the Woods
Pausing for a moment by the creek to snap a quick picture of the girls. They are thrilled to have the extra snow days!
Fun times together sledding and exploring the woods. One day Jake was able to come out a little bit over his lunch break and go sledding for a little bit with the whole family. We had a lot of fun!
Thankful for some fun time together!
Oreo was not entirely sure about the sledding adventure. Several times as we were flying down the hill on the sled the goats and dog would go bounding out of the way or almost jump into our laps!
Brina heading down the slope!
There goes Daddy!
Oreo finding some yummy leaves while Brina and Daddy decide on the next hill to go sledding down!
On your marks…..get set…..Go!!!!
Every day the girls wanted to take a hike through the woods. Today, Jake joined us on this fun adventure!
She’s looking mischievous….probably forming another snowball to toss my direction when I am least expecting it!
Jake helping Brina up onto a fallen tree covered in snow in the woods.
It was fun to spend some time outside with everyone for a little bit!
Brina having a blast!
She’s definitely getting ready for a surprise snowball attack!
Brina was pretty proud of this one! Love her face! Let’s just say this one took me by surprise and hit square on the camera and in my face! Silly girl!
Snow Animals!
Skipper jumping up to catch a snowball that was tossed into the air! She was having as much fun as the kids!
Our outdoor pets were not quite sure what to think about the snow at first, especially the goats since the snow covered all their delicious leaves. They did enjoy having the kids and the family outside more often this week to play! The goats and Skipper followed the kids around the yard joining in the fun as much as they could. Sometimes it was a little crazy riding a sled down the hill and having goats and dogs almost hopping into your lap, but it gave us a good laugh!
Skipper trying out the sled as Oreo watched. She wasn’t overly excited about being on the sled by herself!
Our South Carolina dog enjoying the snow!
It was amazing the amount of snow that piled up on these two! It showed up better on Oreo, but Snowball definitely had a thick layer too. They didn’t see to mind the cold from snow at all!
Snowball hanging out with the family! He was more camouflaged this week!
We always had a trial of critters following us through the woods. The goats especially liked it when we rustled up some good leaves for them!
Snowball peeking around the tree at Skipper
Skipper still guarding the front porch!
Snow Day!
It’s snowing!!
Since we live in South Carolina, when it snows during the winter it is a big deal, especially for the kids. The girls have been waiting all winter for the snow to come to SC. They were so very excited when we finally got a snow storm and they got a day off from school so they could play in the snow. The pets enjoyed some extra play time with the kids too. We packed in a lot of fun activities during their time off of school. We even got to try out their new sled!
Brina so excited that it is finally snowing this winter here in South Carolina!
Karlie running around in our first snow!
Brina’s first rainbow “snow” cone
Karlie loving her rainbow snow cone!
The goats are not really sure about all this white stuff.
They made a mini snowman!
Brina loves sledding down the side yard! Fun snow day adventures!
She’s laughing, but trying to avoid hitting the tree at the same time!
The goats with their thick winter coats were more concerned by the snow covering their food (leaves) on the ground then the cold!
Karlie was a little more cautious on the sled, but she zoomed down the hill several times!
Brina having a blast!
So excited to play in the snow!
“Hey Mom! Let’s go sledding!”
Very excited about having a snow day off from school!
Karlie all smiles!
Skipper loved having the girls home and playing outside for the day!
