• Flashback Friday: Celebrating & Fun with Family

    Flashback Friday - Brina reaching for Rachel's cakec

     Brina trying to steal a piece of Rachel’s birthday cake!

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to September 2005 when the girls were eight months old.  We celebrated my brother Lee’s birthday with several of our cousins who were still going to college in town.  The girls learned how hold their bottles on their own.  They loved being silly and playing together.  They could easily make each other laugh.

    Brina watching Uncle Lee playing with her toyc

     Brina hanging out with cousins Rachel, Alecia, and Jordan.

    Everyone enjoying a game of Cranium at Lee's Birthday Partyc

     Playing a game….fun times!

    Karlie liking the cool whipc

     Daddy gave Karlie a bite of Uncle Lee’s birthday cake.  He let her lick off one of the candles.

    Opps, Karlie has cool whip on her nosec

     Ummm….Karlie….I think you might have some frosting on your nose.

    Flashback Friday - They think they are so funny - Brina and Karliec

     They think they are so funny…silly girls playing around before drinking their bottles – Brina & Karlie

    Brina loving her treasurec

     Brina happy and playing on the floor

    Karlie smiling for the camerac

    Karlie smiling at all the fun toys around her

    Flashback Friday - Brina checking out the walls, Karlie still trying to figure out what's going onc

     Two babies in a bucket, they were ok with this until Jake spun them around.  Then both Brina and Karlie didn’t like it.

    Brina with her feet up on Karlie's walkerc

    Brina in the Johnny Jump Up with her feet on Karlie’s walker tray.  They thought they were so funny in this position!

    Flashback Friday - Karlie thinks she is funny with the bull's eye stuck on her nosec

    Karlie you have a bulls eye target stuck to your nose.  She didn’t care.

    Flashback Friday - Brina so proud of herselfc

    Brina laughing and making some noise.

    Brina thought she was so funnyc

     Silly Brina it’s time to get dressed not time for playing!

    Morning bottles - Brina and Karliec

    This was a big moment for them.  They officially can hold their own bottles.  It was an exciting and sad day for Mommy.  I was glad they could do it and it saved me a lot of extra time, but I did miss some of the morning snuggles with them.    I was able to squeeze in plenty throughout the day though.

    Karlie really enjoying the book Guess How Much I Love Youc

    Daddy and Karlie reading a book together.  Karlie LOVED reading books!

    Flashback Friday - Brina so pleased with her slick blue ballc

     Brina was thrilled to find the blue ball and that she could pick it up and throw it by herself.

  • Flashback Friday: Silly Girls, Dargo, and a Fall Festival

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie watching Daddy, he just brought out the trainc

    Watching Daddy bring in a train toy!  What is it!?  Looks like fun!

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to when the girls were 8 months old.  They would get so excited to play with various toys.  If you pulled out a new toy that they haven’t seen before they would eagerly check it out.  The hard part was when both wanted to play with it at the same time.  They were pretty good at sharing back and forth with only a few exceptions at this point.  If one would take a toy away the other one would just play with another one, no big deal.

    Choo, choo, here comes the train - Brina and Karliec

    Fascinated by the moving and musical Mickey Mouse train – Karlie and Brina.

    Isn't life just GRAND - Brina and Karliec

    Goofy girls – Brina and Karlie

    Flashback Friday - Karlie being silly with her shirtc

    Karlie loved to “talk” with you as you changed her clothes.  Her little babbling and smiles were so cute.

    They could play no more, but they are still clutching the toys they were playing with - Karlie and Brinac

    We have one thumb sucker (Karlie) and one two finger sucker (Brina)….oh boy.  At first we thought it was “cute” until it was time to break them of it.  You can take away a pacifier, but it is a little more difficult with fingers…

    Flashback Friday - Brina - oh my Dargo what big teeth you havec

    “Dargo what big nose and teeth you have!” – Brina

    Dargo and Brina face off as Karlie provides a head rest for Dargoc

    Dargo thought Karlie’s belly was the perfect chin rest.  He was so gentle with the girls.  They could do anything to him and he would just lay there enjoying the attention.  He was a big black lab, but was so sweet with the girls.

    Karlie gets sleepy as Brina and Dargo continue to playc

    Karlie more interested in relaxing, but Brina wants to talk and play with Dargo

    Karlie proud of her stashc

    Where are my Oreos?!  Sneaky Karlie….  She had no idea it was food and was more interested in the crinkling of the container.

    Flashback Friday - Brina looking prettyc

    I wonder who has been watching Brina…..  Daddy put the stickers on her face and it didn’t bother her at all.

    Karlie and Brina with address label stickersc

    My sweet babies, Brina and Karlie, playing away and totally ok with the stickers on their faces.  Don’t worry we didn’t leave them on long.  They weren’t easily upset by that type of stuff.

    Happy Karliec

    Happy Karlie Kool Kat

    Karlie enjoying her toy and Brina smiling at herc

    They loved any toys that made noise.  It was hilarious when they discovered it made noise for the first time.  They both stop and stare at it confused by the noise. Karlie proud of her noise making skills and Brina watching.

    Flashback Friday - Brina waiting for her fishing teasure at the George's Creek Fall Festivalc

    Their 1st local Fall Festival.  They were fascinating just watching all the activities around them.  Karlie got a flower and Brina got a butterfly painted on their face.  They did much better with this face painting session.

    Karlie won a pumpkin door prize and Brina instantly stole it from hercc

    Karlie won a stuffed pumpkin door prize.  As soon as they handed it to her Brina immediately swiped it to investigate it further.  Karlie didn’t care she was having fun.

    Pretty smiling Karliec

    Karlie giving us a winning smile.

    Brina and Karlie loving the adventurec

    Brina and Karlie shrieking and laughing as Daddy lifted them up in the air.  They thought it was so much fun playing with Daddy!

    Brina and Karlie playing nicely nowc

    They spent most of their time at home when they were eating or sleeping playing – Brina and Karlie

    Thieves - someone always wants what the other one has - Brina and Karliec

    Brina wants the cool toy Karlie is currently playing with.   Thankful that the were pretty good about sharing.

  • Flashback Friday: Hanging Out At Home

    Flashback Friday - Awful lot of talking and moving for quiet nap time - Karlie and Brinac

    Two little critters, Karlie and Brina, who are talking, laughing, and giggling when it is suppose to be nap time.

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back on October 2005 when the girls were 8 months old.  They have started babbling a lot more and discovered that they could get our attention when they shriek.  Brina especially had a shrill screech she would make followed by lots of giggles.  The first time she did it she surprised herself so of course she decided to just do it more.

    They are happy babies.  We tried to do some fun Fall activities with them this year.  They didn’t understand everything we were doing, but were always up for an adventure.  They were my little cuddle bugs.  Love my sweet girls.

    We love our books - oh yeah - Karlie and Brinac

     Karlie and Brina very excited about the cool John Deere books Daddy brought home for them!  

    Flashback Friday - Brina getting excited and doing her screechesc

    Brina giving one of her shrill screeches….wish I could transfer it into an audio on this picture.

    Karlie giving us a smilec

    Karlie is all smiles as she plays

    Brina is talking this morningc

    Brina talking with Mommy.  While I couldn’t understand what she was saying at this point she loved to happily chat away.

    Karlie loving lifec

    Karlie cutting some more teeth and drooling like crazy, but still a sweet happy baby.

    Brina up close and trying to steal the camerac

    Brina decided that she was going to steal my camera

    Karlie proud to be in charge of Mommy's cupc

    Karlie in charge of Mommy’s water cup, so proud of her big girl duty!  She didn’t even tip it.

    Flashback Friday - Brina on her cool ridec

    Brina loves the riding toys!  Anything to keep moving!

    Hey, what's up doc - Karliec

    What’s up Karlie rabbit!  Not sure about these glasses Mom!

    Sleepy Brinac

    Brina our little two finger sucker.

    Flashback Friday - Daddy's coming back from his first work trip to Plano, TXc

    Daddy’s first work trip away since the girls were born to Plano, Texas!  It was so good to have him back home again.

    Flashback Friday - Awake and ready for their 1st Halloween - Karlie and Brinac

    They are so happy first thing in the morning.  It is cute hearing giggles from their crib in the mornings – Karlie and Brina

    Brina and Karlie taking a nap so they can go out on Halloween nightc

    Brina and Karlie crashed in their seats

    Brina chewing away as Karlie smilesc

    Playing is one of their favorite activities!  Brina chewing on a toy and Karlie looking up to smile at Mommy!

  • Flashback Friday: Fun at Home

    Karlie so proud of herselfc

    Karlie loves hanging out in the Johnny Jump Up and playing with the toys, however, she would prefer spinning over jumping.

    Today’s Flashback Friday takes us back to September 2005 when the girls were 7 months old.  We spent a lot of time at home when the girls were younger.  It was a lot of work to take them out every day and since they were still small they were more likely to pick up germs we tried to keep our errands, doctors appointments, and activities to a minimum at least during the first few months.

    We had a lot of fun hanging out at home.  They loved to play, laugh, and explore.  The weekends and evenings were their favorite times of the week because Daddy was home to play with them.  They love their Daddy and always give him a winning smile.  He was great pitching in whenever possible with the kids.  They were used to having both of us feed, change, and play with them at various times throughout the week sometimes together and other times just one of us.

    Brina just thought she was so cool with her hat onc

    Brina thinks Mr. Octopus is so funny.

    Flashback Friday - A surprised Karlie, she didn't see me coming over to herc

    Karlie didn’t see me walk into the room and I startled her.  Love the expression on her face.

    Brina all smiles as Daddy pushes her in circlesc

    Brina is thrilled to be riding!

    Karlie loving it as Daddy pushes her in circlesc

     Karlie’s turn to ride now!

    Brina so proud that she can standc

    Brina loves holding onto your hands and standing up.  She can stand for longer periods of time now.

    Karlie so cute and smiley this morningc

    Such a happy Karlie baby

    Brina drinking from Mommy's cupc

    Brina stealing water from Mommy’s cup….looks like she had some help from Daddy

    Brina thinks she is so neat riding on Daddy's shouldersc

    Brina loves going for a ride on Daddy’s shoulders.

    Karlie thinks she is pretty cool riding on Daddy's shouldersc

     Karlie’s hanging out with Daddy

    Karlie loving her play timec

    Karlie relaxing, smiling, and playing

    Brina sleeping with her head on one side of the boppy and her feet on the other sidec

     Brina is all tuckered out – fast asleep with her feet are on one side of the boppy and her head on the other side

    Karlie showing off her hooded nightgownc

    Karlie is clean and ready for bed now

    Our two silly girls - Karlie and Brinac

    Our girls – Karlie and Brina

    Flashback Friday - Brina in a bucketc

    There’s a Brina in the toy bucket!  She is so proud of herself for “scaring” Mommy.  Giggly girl.

    Brina getting adjusted to the waterc

    Brina ready to try out the swimming pool.

    Karlie - okay I am in the pool now so where are the toysc

     Karlie looking for the toys in the pool.

    Every time Karlie tries to sit up her legs instantly go up in the air tooc

    Karlie – “Wow, Dad these sit ups are hard!”

    Karlie is interested in Cuddles the Cow book but Brina is more interested in Daddy who was taking the picturec

    Mommy reading a book to the girls.  Brina is more interested in Daddy who is taking the picture while Karlie is completely engrossed in the book.

    Brina looks so uncomfortable but she is totally asleep, we ended up waking her up fearing that she would get a kink in her neckx

    It makes my neck hurt just looking at her sleeping in this position.  Brina would literally jump until she crash.  This does not look like the most comfy position to take a nap in though kiddo.

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie having fun with Little Lambc

    They think “Little Lamb” is hilarious!

    Brina showing off her toysc

    Brina having a blast!

    Karlie smiling as she sucks on her thumbc

    Karlie smiling and sucking her thumb at the same time.  That takes talent!

    Sleeping beauties - Brina and Karliec

    Sleeping beauties – Brina and Karlie

    Flashback Friday - Hanging out and having fun - Karlie and Brinac

    Life is so fun for these two little ones – Karlie and Brina!

    Karlie is excited to meet this other happy babyc

    Karlie is smiling and talking with the baby in the mirror at the Doctors office, little does she know that she will be getting a shot soon.

    Karlie so happy that she gets to sit on Daddy's deskc

    Karlie sitting on Daddy’s desk and “helping” him.

    Silly girls almost ready for their bottle - Brina and Karliec

    Giggling kiddos – Brina and Karlie

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie being funnyc

    Brina and Karlie love hanging out and being silly together.

  • Flashback Friday: Fun Times & First Shoes

    Flashback Friday - All Smiles - Brina and Karlie (7 Months, Spetember 2005)cc

    Sweet girls – Brina and Karlie

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to when the girls were 7 months old.  They are growing and changing so quickly.  It doesn’t take much to make them smile.  They love hanging out with family and friends.  A new experience was trying on and attempting to stand in shoes this month.  They were not too sure about what to think about having shoes on their feet, but decided since Mommy and Daddy thought it was fun and exciting that it must be a good thing.  Their little giggles make our days so much sweeter.

    Being Unique, Brina and Karlie (7 Months, Sept. 2005)c

    Being goofy – Brina and Karlie

    Pretty in Pink, Brina and Karlie (7 Months, Sept. 2005)c

    Brina and Karlie hanging out together

    Telling secrets - Brina and Karliec

    Brina and Karlie talking with each other.  Love hearing them gibber jabber and giggle.

    Flashback Friday - Brina so proud of herselfc

    Brina LOVES the “Johnny Jump Up”!  She will literally jump and spin around until she crashes.  It is hard keeping toys on the tray for her because she is always moving.  She is all smiles when she is playing in it.

    Brina with Mike Genovesec

    Brina hanging out with Uncle Mike

    Flashback Friday - Brina all done with her manicure and pedicurec

    Brina laughing at her silly Daddy

    Karlie - Daddy that tickles (pedicure time)c

    Jake clipping Karlie’s toenails.  Clipping nails made me so nervous so Jake was delegated to do that task for the kids the first few times.  Karlie thought it was hilarious having her toenails trimmed.

    Crashed while playing with Mr. Octopus - Brina and Karliec

    Two sleepy babies in a pile.  Brina sucking on her middle fingers and Karlie sucking on her thumb.

    Karlie playing on the clownc

    Karlie having fun playing

    Brina playing with her earc

    Brina pulling on her ear….hopefully she is just playing not another ear infection.  You never knew when she had an ear infection because she typically did not run a fever with an ear infection.  She still looking happy so that’s a good thing!

    Flashback Friday - Do we have a cute little puppy in the house Karliec

    Karlie looks cute in this little “puppy” shirt.  She didn’t mind having the hood up.

    Flashback Friday - Brina babyc

    Brina trying out her new shoes and all smiles

    Brina standing in her new shoesc

    Look Brina’s standing on her own.  Way to go Brina Bee

    Daddy and Brina talkingc

    Daddy and Brina talking

    Karlie a little unsure about standing in shoes - it just might be func

    Karlie a little unsure about these things on her feet….not quite certain that she likes them yet.

    Karlie walking in her shoesc

    Karlie – “Hey look what I can do Mom with these new shoes!”

    Opps Karlie is going boom, hurry Daddyc

    Oh no, Karlie’s getting a little off balance.  Hurry Dad and catch her before she hits the ground!

    Karlie - okay Mom where's my bottlec

    Karlie relaxing and content with life

    Flashback Friday - Brina - whoa who turned on that bright light - Brina and Karliec

    Brina originally started covering her eyes with her opposite arm to block out the sunlight or light in the room when she wanted to go to sleep while sucking on her middle fingers of her other hand.  This habit continued for longer than we preferred, but we did finally break her of the finger sucking and eyes covering habit.

    Karlie girl looking prettyc

    Karlie hanging out with Daddy

    Karlie tackling Brina and Brina trying to escape, so much func

    One…two…three…tackle Brina (who was hysterically laughing at this new game).

    Weeee there goes Brina flying through the airc

    Brina loves having fun with Daddy!  She always giggled when he held her up in the air.

    Karlie loves playingc

    Karlie loves playing with toys and making them sing

    Brina and Karlie are very chipper this morningc

    Love walking into their bedroom first thing in the morning and seeing these to smiling faces looking back at me.  Glad that they are happy babies that are always excited to see us.

  • Recipes: Campfire Toasted Portobello Mushrooms & Cinnamon Apples

    P1420463c

    Food is prepped and ready to be cooked for dinner over the campfire

    First we shared our Campfire Steak & Kielbasa main dish.  Last week we shared with you our Campfire Garlic Bread.  Now this week we get to do another side dish – Portobello Mushrooms as well as desert – Cinnamon Apples.

    Are you seeing a theme this month?  Maybe I am gearing up for a another fun family camping trip!?  The only probably is figuring out when to fit it in with all the other fun stuff going on!  Our family really does enjoy a good camping trip or fire pit meal!  It is fun to try new things or take items we used to only do on the grill and make them over a fire.  By the way, all of these recipes work beautifully on a grill too so feel free to cook up these goodies on it instead.

    Campfire Toasted Portobello Mushrooms & Cinnamon Apples

    A campfire is not the same without desert.  While we do really enjoy the sweet chocolate goodness of toasted marshmallows and s’mores this time around we tried something new.  Campfire Toasted Cinnamon Apples and they turned out crispy, sweet, and delicious!
    Prep Time10 minutes
    Cook Time6 minutes
    Total Time16 minutes
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, Camping
    Keyword: Apple, Camp Cooking, Camping, Grill, Mushroom
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients

    • 2 Portobello Mushroom Tops
    • 1 tbsp Italian Salad Dressing
    • 2 Sliced Apples Granny Smith or other Baking Apple
    • 1 tbsp Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
    • Wooden or Metal Skewers

    Instructions

    • Soak the wooden skewers in water for about 5 to 10 minutes.  This allows them to not burn up once over the campfire.  If you have metal skewers these can be used immediately.
    • While the skewers are soaking in water.  Drizzle a touch of the Italian Salad Dressing over the outside of the portobello mushroom and the remaining tablespoon amount on the inside of the mushroom and allow to sit inside the cap to marinate it until it goes onto the campfire.
    • Stick the skewers through the portobello mushroom.  Two skewers per piece works a little better when turning over the fire, but 1 will work too.
    • Sprinkle the cinnamon & sugar mixture over the outside of the apple slices.
    • Stick the skewers through the apple slices.  We put 2 slices on each skewer.
    • Place the portobello mushroom (do the top side of the mushroom first so the bowl with the extra Italian Salad Dressing is facing up and continuing to season the mushroom as it cooks) on the campfire.  Cook until slight lines start appearing on the mushroom and flip once.  Depending on how hot the fire is it should only take 1 to 3 minutes per side when you see the Italian Salad Dressing start to boil or bubble inside the mushroom cap it is time to flip it.
    • Place the apple slices on the campfire.  Cook until the apple juices start bubbling and flip once.  Depending on how hot the fire is it should only take 1 to 3 minutes per side

    P1420465c

    Mushroom seasoned with Italian Salad Dressing is ready to go onto the fire

    P1420480c

    Cooking the portobello mushroom and cinnamon apple slices together

    P1420483c

     Almost done, both have been flipped and about ready to come off the fire!  Smells wonderful!

  • Flashback Friday: NICU Graduation Celebration

    Such goofs - Brina and Karliec

    Ready for the NICU Graduation Celebration

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to September 2005 when the girls went to their NICU Graduation Celebration.  It is hard to believe they are now 7 months old.  We are thankful for all the doctors and nurses that helped our family during the time when the girls were staying in the NICU.  They took good care of our babies and we learned a lot from them during their stay.  It was a great event to celebrate.  Glad the girls were still growing and healthy.

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie looking pretty in their outfits from Aunt Mary, Uncle Rick and Laurelc

    Relaxing while we pack up the diaper bag and get everything ready to head out.  The super cute dresses are from my Aunt Mary Ann, Uncle Rick, and cousins Renelle & Laurel in Colorado!  Thanks guys, they are adorable!

    Karlie getting her face painted at the NICU Graduate Partyc

     Karlie’s 1st Face Painting experience.  She was not too sure about a stranger touching and putting stuff on her face even though the rest of us were right there.

    Karlie unsure about this whole face painting experiencec

    Karlie made it through the face painting, but was not happy with us at the end.  She was not a big fan of it.  Her legs were kicking, arms waving, and was about to burst into tears to let us know that she was not impressed with this whole face painting adventure.  A little TLC and snuggle calmed her down quickly and she was fine for the rest of the event.

    Daddy holding Brina still so she could get her face paintedc

     Brina getting her face painted for the 1st time at the NICU Graduation Celebration.  She didn’t seem to mind it at all.

    Brina getting her face painted at the NICU Graduate Partyc

     Brina was relaxed and just let her paint her face.  She figured Daddy was there it must be okay.

    Karlie with her face painted from the NICU Graduate partyc

    Karlie is all smiles now.  She doesn’t even remember that her face is painted with a smiley face.

    Brina was constantly sucking on her dress today, maybe a different texture, who knowsc

    For some reason Brina loved chewing on this dress.  Must of tasted good or had an appealing texture.

    Brina smiling with her face painted from the NICU Graduate Partyc

    Brina talking and happy even though her pink heart is completely smeared all over her face from her fun NICU celebration adventure earlier that day!

    Karlie happy and smilingc

     Karlie is glad to be back home again.  Her smiley face stayed on for several hours after we arrived back home.

    Karlie and Brina having fun with their new toys from the NICU Party-they actually won one of the door prizesc

    Karlie and Brina are very lucky girls.  During the NICU Graduation Celebration they won a door prize for some toy blocks and shapes.  They are playing with their new toys now.   They have no clue they won anything, but were happy to play with the new toys.  So exciting!!!

  • Recipes: Campfire Garlic Bread

    P1420484c

    Smells really good! Starting for flip the garlic bread!

    What’s better than traditional garlic bread as a side dish?  Campfire Garlic Bread of course!  The mixture of garlic with the hint of fire crispness makes it all the better.  The fire will give it an extra flavor too.  Not to mention it smells amazing as it is cooking.

    Whether you planning your next camping trip or staying home.  It is super easy to make and a perfect addition to your camping or backyard bonfire meal.  Enjoy!

    Campfire Garlic Bread

    Whether you planning your next camping trip or staying home.  It is super easy to make and a perfect addition to your camping or backyard bonfire meal.
    Prep Time10 minutes
    Cook Time6 minutes
    Total Time16 minutes
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Camping
    Keyword: Camp Cooking, Camping, Garlic Bread
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 loaf French Bread Loaf
    • Butter or Margarine
    • Lawry's Garlic Salt (or similar)
    • Wooden or Metal Skewers

    Instructions

    • Soak the wooden skewers in water for about 5 to 10 minutes.  This allows them to not burn up once over the campfire.  If you have metal skewers these can be used immediately.
    • While the skewers are soaking in water.  Slice one inch thick pieces off the loaf of french bread.  These are pretty thick so we usually make one per person.  Butter both side of the bread and sprinkle on the garlic salt.
    • Stick the skewers through the bread.  Two skewers per piece works a little better when turning over the fire, but 1 will work too.
    • Place the garlic bread on the campfire.  Cook until slight lines start appearing on the buttered bread and flip once.  Depending on how hot the fire is it should only take 1 to 3 minutes per side.

    Notes

    Makes between 3 to 6 pieces of garlic bread based on the size and shape of your french bread.

    P1420466c

     Garlic Bread ready to go on the campfire

  • Flashback Friday: Visit From Grandma

    Grandma Kay at the Falls Park with Karlie and Brinac

     Grandma Kay and the girls at Falls Park

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to September 2005 when Grandma Kay came to visit for a few days.  The girls were almost 7 months old and are a lot more active than they were when Grandma was here a few months ago (they were actually still in NICU).  We packed a lot of fun into the weekend.

    Falls Park downtown Greenville (Karlie and Brina)cc

    Our family at Falls Park – Karlie and Brina obviously were not impressed or we wore them out already because they were fast asleep in the stroller for their first picture at Falls Park.

    Karlie and Brina sleeping as we view the Fallsc

    First visit to Falls Park!  Brina and Karlie were so excited they fell asleep as we walked through the park.

    Karlie and Brina's 1st trip to the Falls Park downtown Greenvillec

     Karlie and Brina are ready for a fun stroll through the park.

    Karlie and Brina riding on a fire enginec

     Karlie, Brina and Grandma Kay at GattiTown

    Karlie and Brina's first ride on a carousel c

     Karlie and Mommy and Brina with Grandma Kay on the carousel.  They loved it and were fascinated by all the lights and sounds.

    Brina playing with Grandma Kayc

     Brina playing with Grandma Kay

    Grandma Kay playing with Brina and Karliec

     Having fun with Grandma Kay

    Karlie and Brina down for their nap, looks like someone isn't sleepingc

    Taking a siesta in their bassinets.  Karlie and Brina both have their legs hanging out as they sleep.  The bassinets may be getting too small for them now.

    Karlie and Brina love playingc

     Karlie and Brina playing with their toys.

    Karlie, Brina and Grandma Kay sitting next to Mr. Octopusc

     Grandma Kay, Karlie, and Brina playing

    Daddy and his two goofy girls (Karlie and Brina)c

     Jake and his girls

    Karlie giving us a cheeky smilec

    Someone woke up from her nap all smiles – Karlie Kool Kat

    Go ahead smile Brinac

    Brina Bee woke up with sweet smiles and laughter too.

    Grandma Kay hanging out with Brina and Karliec

     Brina and Karlie hanging out with Grandma Kay

    Playing ball with Grandma Kay - Karlie and Brinac

    Karlie and Brina kicking and pushing the ball back and forth across Grandma Kay’s lap

    Flashback Friday - Brina fell asleep holding Grandma Kay's necklacec

    Brina crashed and Karlie’s not far behind

    Flashback Friday - Silly babies - Brina and Karliec

    Giggling girls – Brina and Karlie

    Flashback Friday - Brina curious about Karlie's feetc

     Bath time Brina!

    Karlie chewing on Nemoc

    Karlie was more interested in chewing on the bath toys

    Karlie and Brina drying offc

    Karlie and Brina are now squeaky clean and ready to get in their jammies

    Brina watching Daddy play Settlers of Catanc

    Brina sporting a bowl as she supervises Daddy’s game of Settler’s of Catan

    Karlie is now sporting the yellow bowlc

    Karlie isn’t sure about the bowl thing, but relaxing with us as we play a game!

  • Flashback Friday: Growing Up

    Brina thinking about how to get to Daddyc

     Brina trying to figure out how to get across the floor to Daddy!

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back 10 years.  The girls were 6 months old and starting to learn so much every week.  They are more mobile and on the go.  They love babbling back and forth to each other and to others.  It is fascinating to watch them explore and learn new things.  Our family is blessed with these to sweethearts.

    Brina is the more mobile one, but Karlie is only a day or two behind her.  Karlie is the more verbal one, but it doesn’t take Brina to catch up.  They challenge each other and neither one wants to get left behind so they do a lot of their fun activities together.

    It is cute to see them working together like a small team.  Some of their jibber jabber we don’t understand, however, they seem to understand all of it and will randomly bust out laughing about some inside joke they share.

    Flashback Friday - Brina playing on the kitchen floorc

     Sweet Brina pausing to say “Hi” to Mommy!

    Give us smile Karliec

    Karlie is always quick to offer a sweet smile which makes my heart happy.

    Say CHEESE, Karlie and Brinac

    It’s only been a month since they started eating rice cereal and “solid” food.  The first time we had a lot of tears because they didn’t like it and wanted their bottles.  Now they are all smiles when they get into their high chairs .  They look forward to meal time (I think they consider it another form of play time only messier)!  Oh, how quickly things change in just a few weeks.

    Silly Brinac

    Having fun with Brina as we get her dressed for bed.  She doesn’t look too thrilled, but puts up with her goofy parents anyway.

    Talk to the Hand (Brina and Karlie)c

    Brina – “Quiet Karlie, it’s my turn to talk now….”

    Flashback Friday - What's so funny Daddy - Karliec

    Karlie – “What are you laughing at Daddy?”  She is all smiles and has no idea she has tape on her forehead!

    Flashback Friday - Brina so proud of being able to stand on her ownc

    Brina so proud of her standing ability.

    Flashback Friday - Cutie Pies, we love you - Karlie and Brinac

    Karlie and Brina, they had such pinchable and kissable cheeks at this age.

    Flashback Friday - Brina - I told you I was good luckc

    Daddy’s unique way of giving Mommy some cash.  Brina wasn’t too sure about this new toy in between her toes.

    Karlie - what Mom, I was just trying to get her to be quietc

    Brina would get very upset if she tipped over and couldn’t get herself back up again.  This time when she fell over I think Karlie was concerned about her crying because she stuck her fingers into Brina’s mouth (maybe to make her be quiet, who knows).

    Flashback Friday - Brina a little unsure about the cow rockerc

    Brina’s first ride on the rocking cow (with pillows on either side and Daddy next to her just in case).

    Good Morning Smiley Karliec

    Sweet Karlie

    Karlie figuring out the rockerc

    Karlie’s first ride on the rocking cow.  They were a little unsure about this moving cow at first, but as they got older it became a popular toy at our house.  They loved it.

    Karlie is ready for a fun dayc

    Happy Karlie girl

    Karlie pretending to drink from her sippy cupc

    They are learning how to use a sippy cup.  Karlie sometimes would “act” like she was drinking or play around instead of actually drinking so we had to make sure she was getting enough water.

    Flashback Friday - Brina does not like falling over, she gets madc

      Brina tipped over Mr. Octopus while playing and couldn’t get back up.  She was not happy!  Once I sat her back up again she was fine and her happy self again.

    Whose got Karliec

    Surprised Karlie woke up to a massive stuffed animal on the swing with her.   Where did this come from?!  “Butch” was a large stuffed dog I got as a kid from Grandpa CE and Grandma Willa.  The girls loved to roll around, climb, and play with it when they were little.

    Karlie happy to be hanging out with Daddyc

    Life is good – Karlie

    Flashback Friday - Brina - come close so I can touch youc

    Brina is fascinated with the new toy which we called “Giggles”.  It would giggle and move around the room.  She loved to followed it around the room and knock it over so it wouldn’t run away.

    Karlie concerned because it is getting closerc

    Karlie on the other hand was a little suspicious about a laughing and moving toy.  She was fine with it at a distant, but the first time it bumped into her arm she was hysterically screaming like it attacked her.  After watching it a few more times she eventually got used to it and enjoyed it.

    Brina on the hungry hippo, sitting by herselfc

    Brina riding the “Hungry Hippo”!  They could ride on the hippo and as it moved it would pick up block and other toys off the floor and put them into a storage bin under the seat.  It made “clean up” more fun for the kids.  They both loved riding on it or being pushed around the house picking up scattered toys.

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie playing on Mr. Clownc

    Playing together on “Mr. Clown” mat.  They initially would both fit (with all their toys) and stay on the clown mat now they are getting older they never stop moving so even though they might start there they don’t stay very long.

    Karlie happy playing the pianoc

    Karlie is happy to play music for the rest of us.

    Brina showing off her belly button while Karlie waits for the picturec

    Brina talking and showing off her belly button while Karlie sits there nicely for the picture.

    Karlie - here let me check out your eye; Brina let me check out your mouthc

     They loved talking (or babbling) to each other.  This was one time while I was getting them dressed.  Karlie was talking away so I sat Brina up on the changing table with her and they talked back and forth for several minutes.  Who knows what they were saying, but they were having fun.  They were fascinated by the words and noises coming out of each others mouths and would stick their hands inside the others mouth trying to figure out how it all worked.  Loved these little interactions and the cute gibberish they made.

    Karlie curious about the hat and waking up in a strange placec

    Daddy let Karlie borrow his hat.  He was concerned about her getting a sunburn.

    Karlie cutiec

     Karlie sitting quietly, but not entirely sure about this thing on her head.

    Looks like a cute baby in the laundry basket - BrinacA whole lot of Brina mischief was found in my laundry basket.  They used to love playing in our laundry baskets.  Once they were older they made it a game to climb in and out, wonder how that started?  Sweet Brina is distracted me from doing the laundry, but hey that can wait until tomorrow, right!?