Travel & Vacation: Picnic and Hike Around Lily Lake
Karlie and Brina hanging out at Lake Lily
We head up to Lake Lily to have a picnic, walk around the Lily Lake Loop, and enjoy the scenery. It was a beautiful day. A little colder than we are used to in South Carolina. We had a wonderful day with family!
Dad trying one of Renelle’s Wasabi Seaweed Strips! Spicy, crispy, and delicious!
Fun at Lake Lily!
Renelle brought these super cool hippo treats. The outside was a crunchy cookie dipped in white chocolate and chips of chocolate. The inside was a creamy chocolate.
Pausing for a picture with Grandma Penny and Aunt Mary Ann on our hike around Lake Lily.
Karlie wanted a picture with these cool fallen tree by the lake!
The Rocky Mountains scenery is beautiful!
Having fun in the Rocky Mountains!
Grandpa Russell by Lake Lily!
Gorgeous mountains around Lake Lily!
Soaking in the scenery around the lake.
Karlie all smiles on the hike around the lake.
Grandpa Russell on a stroll at Lake Lily!
Love spending time with my girls exploring.
Karlie loves being outside!
Fun at the Park with Friends
Climbing on rocks at Herdklotz Park with friends
We met some sweet friends at the park for a picnic and to play! The only time that I could get all four kids to sit still long enough for a picture was after they climbed up on this rock. It was the big rock, but they all managed to get up onto it. Thankful for a great time with friends.
Derby decided to join me on the dash in front on the way to and from the park today. He was on the lookout for a fun adventure! It’s not everyday a horse rides on my dash. The girls thought it was hilarious having him help in the van!
Learning About Manners Picnic Basket Game by Noodleboro
The girls have had the Learning About Manners Picnic Basket Game by Noodleboro (Playskool) for several years now. They love it! It is a unique game with a picnic blanket board, a picnic basket, games pieces, a story they can read, and a cd to listen too. Many times as we are setting up the game someone will read the story and after playing the game the girls like to listen to the cd. It is a cute game about using your manners, being kind, and polite.
- Colorful with neat game pieces (how many games come with a cool picnic basket)
- Book to read during story time with fun character who are learning their manners
- Audio CD with more about the story and songs regarding using manners
- Easy to play (recommended for ages 4 and up)
- 2 to 4 Players
- Object of the game – use your manners and be the first to collect all the items you need at your picnic!
- Learning Benefits – social skills (say “please” and “thank you”), taking turns, listening, reading, and more
We love games! We have found that playing games is beneficial for many reasons. It gives us quality time together as a family. The kids learn that they will not always win (which is not always an easy lesson to learn), but the game can still be fun even if you are not the victor in every game. It provides opportunities for us to talk and create memories together. Games teach and help our kids practice a variety of useful skills like following directions, reading, writing, counting, taking turns, and more.
A Picnic in the Park
Legacy Park in Greenville, SC Recently, I was able to meet Jake during lunch hour since I was in his area after an appointment. I packed PB&J sandwiches and goodies for our picnic in the park. We met at Legacy Park to eat our picnic lunch in the swing over looking beautiful flowers and enjoying a few minutes to catch up. After eating we took a walk together around the park. It was great spending some time with my man relaxing and talking for a little bit in the middle of the day.
If you haven’t been to Legacy Park you should check it out, it is beautiful, quiet, and family friendly. You will see kids playing on one of their two playgrounds, families having a picnic on the grass, kites flying, and people walking leisurely on the paths. It is right off Roper Mountain Road across the road from Embassy Suites.
Go ahead and take a picnic in the park with your husband or family. It is a great way to get fresh air and spend quality time together. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy. Find a location near you so you save on gas and meet even if it is over lunch. Having those extra few minutes to relax and communicate are valuable in every relationship!
Going for a walk with my man at Legacy Park. Be My Valentine: Romantic Dinner for Two!
You have the babysitter lined up for the kids now it is time to figure out what fun excursion to do with your spouse. Going out to eat at a restaurant is a great option, however, going on Valentine’s Day can mean a lot of waiting in lines. If you have your heart set on going to a restaurant go to a place where you can make a reservation in advanced or pick a different evening near Valentine’s Day. As a side note, the point of Valentine’s Day is to spend time together and celebrate with your love ones. If you do it a day earlier or later it can be an even more relaxing and romantic date to remember. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, try going on Friday or Saturday before Valentine’s Day. Going near the Holiday but not on the Holiday allows you to get into the restaurant easier and dinner will be more relaxing with better service because you’re not rushed. It will be less expensive for the babysitter that night since you don’t have to be out as long waiting for a table.My recommendation if you want to go out on Valentine’s Days (or any other Date Night) for less go on a picnic with your spouse. Why is going a picnic a better option:
- It’s Less Expensive – you can pick up food on sale at the grocery store and make it at home.
- No Waiting in Line
- Relaxing Meal Together
- One-on-One Conversation without interruptions
Since it is winter time you may ask, how do we do a picnic in the snow? The last cold picnic we went on together Jake and I found a great spot to park. We took all the seats out of the van except the front two then put a air mattress in the back part of the van. We brought a picnic basket full of goodies and a movie. We had a quiet relaxing meal together, talked, and enjoyed a movie. It was a great evening full of fun and relaxation.
“Be My Valentine” is a series of creative ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love. You can make it a special Holiday without spending a lot. Spread a little extra cheer to those around you this Valentine’s Day! Surprise your loved ones with a fun and thoughtful gift from the heart. It is a great time to reflect on sweet memories as well as create new ones with whole family. May this Valentine’s season be bursting with love for you!
