Flashback Friday: Celebrating & Fun with Family
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 hanging out with cousins Rachel, Alecia, and Jordan.
Playing a game….fun times!
Daddy gave Karlie a bite of Uncle Lee’s birthday cake. He let her lick off one of the candles.
Ummm….Karlie….I think you might have some frosting on your nose.
They think they are so funny…silly girls playing around before drinking their bottles – Brina & Karlie
Brina happy and playing on the floor
Karlie smiling at all the fun toys around her
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 in the Johnny Jump Up with her feet on Karlie’s walker tray. They thought they were so funny in this position!
Karlie you have a bulls eye target stuck to your nose. She didn’t care.
Brina laughing and making some noise.
Silly Brina it’s time to get dressed not time for playing!
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.
Daddy and Karlie reading a book together. Karlie LOVED reading books!
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
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.
Fascinated by the moving and musical Mickey Mouse train – Karlie and Brina.
Goofy girls – Brina and Karlie
Karlie loved to “talk” with you as you changed her clothes. Her little babbling and smiles were so cute.
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…
“Dargo what big nose and teeth you have!” – Brina
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 more interested in relaxing, but Brina wants to talk and play with Dargo
Where are my Oreos?! Sneaky Karlie…. She had no idea it was food and was more interested in the crinkling of the container.
I wonder who has been watching Brina….. Daddy put the stickers on her face and it didn’t bother her at all.
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 Karlie Kool Kat
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.
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 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.
Karlie giving us a winning smile.
Brina and Karlie shrieking and laughing as Daddy lifted them up in the air. They thought it was so much fun playing with Daddy!
They spent most of their time at home when they were eating or sleeping playing – Brina and Karlie
Brina wants the cool toy Karlie is currently playing with. Thankful that the were pretty good about sharing.
Flashback Friday: Hanging Out At Home
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.
Karlie and Brina very excited about the cool John Deere books Daddy brought home for them!
Brina giving one of her shrill screeches….wish I could transfer it into an audio on this picture.
Karlie is all smiles as she plays
Brina talking with Mommy. While I couldn’t understand what she was saying at this point she loved to happily chat away.
Karlie cutting some more teeth and drooling like crazy, but still a sweet happy baby.
Brina decided that she was going to steal my camera
Karlie in charge of Mommy’s water cup, so proud of her big girl duty! She didn’t even tip it.
Brina loves the riding toys! Anything to keep moving!
What’s up Karlie rabbit! Not sure about these glasses Mom!
Brina our little two finger sucker.
Daddy’s first work trip away since the girls were born to Plano, Texas! It was so good to have him back home again.
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 crashed in their seats
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 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 thinks Mr. Octopus is so funny.
Karlie didn’t see me walk into the room and I startled her. Love the expression on her face.
Brina is thrilled to be riding!
Karlie’s turn to ride now!
Brina loves holding onto your hands and standing up. She can stand for longer periods of time now.
Such a happy Karlie baby
Brina stealing water from Mommy’s cup….looks like she had some help from Daddy
Brina loves going for a ride on Daddy’s shoulders.
Karlie’s hanging out with Daddy
Karlie relaxing, smiling, and playing
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 is clean and ready for bed now
Our girls – Karlie and Brina
There’s a Brina in the toy bucket! She is so proud of herself for “scaring” Mommy. Giggly girl.
Brina ready to try out the swimming pool.
Karlie looking for the toys in the pool.
Karlie – “Wow, Dad these sit ups are hard!”
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.
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.
They think “Little Lamb” is hilarious!
Brina having a blast!
Karlie smiling and sucking her thumb at the same time. That takes talent!
Sleeping beauties – Brina and Karlie
Life is so fun for these two little ones – Karlie and Brina!
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 sitting on Daddy’s desk and “helping” him.
Giggling kiddos – Brina and Karlie
Brina and Karlie love hanging out and being silly together.
Flashback Friday: Fun Times & First Shoes
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 goofy – Brina and Karlie
Brina and Karlie hanging out together
Brina and Karlie talking with each other. Love hearing them gibber jabber and giggle.
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 hanging out with Uncle Mike
Brina laughing at her silly Daddy
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.
Two sleepy babies in a pile. Brina sucking on her middle fingers and Karlie sucking on her thumb.
Karlie having fun playing
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!
Karlie looks cute in this little “puppy” shirt. She didn’t mind having the hood up.
Brina trying out her new shoes and all smiles
Look Brina’s standing on her own. Way to go Brina Bee
Daddy and Brina talking
Karlie a little unsure about these things on her feet….not quite certain that she likes them yet.
Karlie – “Hey look what I can do Mom with these new shoes!”
Oh no, Karlie’s getting a little off balance. Hurry Dad and catch her before she hits the ground!
Karlie relaxing and content with life
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 hanging out with Daddy
One…two…three…tackle Brina (who was hysterically laughing at this new game).
Brina loves having fun with Daddy! She always giggled when he held her up in the air.
Karlie loves playing with toys and making them sing
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
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!Servings: 4Ingredients
- 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
Mushroom seasoned with Italian Salad Dressing is ready to go onto the fire
Cooking the portobello mushroom and cinnamon apple slices together
Almost done, both have been flipped and about ready to come off the fire! Smells wonderful!
Flashback Friday: NICU Graduation Celebration
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.
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’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 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.
Brina getting her face painted for the 1st time at the NICU Graduation Celebration. She didn’t seem to mind it at all.
Brina was relaxed and just let her paint her face. She figured Daddy was there it must be okay.
Karlie is all smiles now. She doesn’t even remember that her face is painted with a smiley face.
For some reason Brina loved chewing on this dress. Must of tasted good or had an appealing texture.
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 is glad to be back home again. Her smiley face stayed on for several hours after we arrived back home.
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
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.Servings: 4Ingredients
- 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.Garlic Bread ready to go on the campfire
Flashback Friday: Visit From Grandma
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.
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.
First visit to Falls Park! Brina and Karlie were so excited they fell asleep as we walked through the park.
Karlie and Brina are ready for a fun stroll through the park.
Karlie, Brina and Grandma Kay at GattiTown
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 Kay
Having fun with Grandma Kay
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 playing with their toys.
Grandma Kay, Karlie, and Brina playing
Jake and his girls
Someone woke up from her nap all smiles – Karlie Kool Kat
Brina Bee woke up with sweet smiles and laughter too.
Brina and Karlie hanging out with Grandma Kay
Karlie and Brina kicking and pushing the ball back and forth across Grandma Kay’s lap
Brina crashed and Karlie’s not far behind
Giggling girls – Brina and Karlie
Bath time Brina!
Karlie was more interested in chewing on the bath toys
Karlie and Brina are now squeaky clean and ready to get in their jammies
Brina sporting a bowl as she supervises Daddy’s game of Settler’s of Catan
Karlie isn’t sure about the bowl thing, but relaxing with us as we play a game!
Flashback Friday: Growing Up
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.
Sweet Brina pausing to say “Hi” to Mommy!
Karlie is always quick to offer a sweet smile which makes my heart happy.
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.
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.
Brina – “Quiet Karlie, it’s my turn to talk now….”
Karlie – “What are you laughing at Daddy?” She is all smiles and has no idea she has tape on her forehead!
Brina so proud of her standing ability.
Karlie and Brina, they had such pinchable and kissable cheeks at this age.
Daddy’s unique way of giving Mommy some cash. Brina wasn’t too sure about this new toy in between her toes.
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).
Brina’s first ride on the rocking cow (with pillows on either side and Daddy next to her just in case).
Sweet Karlie
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.
Happy Karlie girl
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.
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.
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.
Life is good – Karlie
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 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 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.
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 is happy to play music for the rest of us.
Brina talking and showing off her belly button while Karlie sits there nicely for the picture.
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.
Daddy let Karlie borrow his hat. He was concerned about her getting a sunburn.
Karlie sitting quietly, but not entirely sure about this thing on her head.
A 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!?