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.
Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
Our family visiting Hollywild Animal Park
Recently our family made a trip across town to visit Hollywild Animal Park in Wellford, South Carolina. We already had a couple events earlier that day on that side of town so we just drove a little further and spent the afternoon having fun at Hollywild Animal Park. It was a beautiful day and it was great seeing as well as interacting with the animals.
Even though our girls are twins they have very different interests, however, they both share a interest in anything pertaining to animals. They love animals so this trip was a lot of fun for them. All the animals seemed very active which was fascinating to watch that day too. You could tell they were enjoying the Spring sunshine. The newborn baby animals were very adorable!
The only problem we had is between my husband and I we took a lot of pictures so it was hard to narrow down some of our favorites. We consolidated, but will probably highlight Hollywild in a couple posts in order to give you a full view our trip to this fun place.
If you live in the Greenville area you should check out this Hollywild Animal Park if you haven’t already especially if you have kids who enjoy being around animals. There a good variety of animals and you have opportunities for more interaction with the animals as well. It’s a great family event to do together. Not to mention it is educational for the kids.
After spending an afternoon at Hollywild the girls first comments were – “Wow, that was a lot of fun!” and “I wished we lived closer so we could go more often!” The kids give it a big thumbs up!
Here are some of the pictures from the animals we met while at Hollywild Animal Park:
The Canadian Geese were very friendly. This one decided to pose for me.
Brina talking with the bird. She loves all creatures!
Karlie found a rock to perch upon.
On the run….Karlie doesn’t want to get left behind!
Jake and his girls by the pond. Right behind them in the water you could see all kinds of turtles (including Red Eared Sliders like we have at home) and fish swimming around.
Beautiful cluster of ducks, the girls tried to get them to say AFLAC (guess that’s one commercial they remember, ha).
Karlie had to stop and pet the pony!
Having fun with my girls!
This little donkey was hoping we had some yummy treats still to share.
Brina soaking it all in. She wanted to make sure we didn’t miss any of the animals!
This Baboon was talking up a storm.
He really wanted something on the outside of the cage. We watched as he grabbed a stick to try and bring the item closer to him so he could grab it with his hand. He was very determined to get it!
Brina petting the pigs.
Beautiful iris flowers that caught my attention when I turned to walk to the next animal exhibit. Makes me think of my Grandma and Jake’s Grandpa.
Someone’s got a tasty treat and digging in! It was fascinating to watch him eat.
Looks like a sharp set of teeth in its mouth!
Intently watching the other one eat.
Pretty bear!
This one is getting a little closer!
Brina loved petting this super soft dog named Andorra!
Andorra was enjoying a good petting and laid down so Brina could continue!
Up on his rock jungle gym. The girls think we need to build a climbing rock structure for our goats too. I have a feeling the goats wouldn’t be the only ones climbing around on it though.
A little one….so cute watching him run after his Mom on long wobbly legs.
The camel watching us approach!
The camels were featured in the following:
- Christmas Play – Evangel Cathedral
- Myrle Beach Christmas Production – Dixie Stampede
- Living Christmas Tree – Jerry Fallwell Ministries
More content watching the kids.
This picture makes me smile…
Beautiful Leopard Appaloosa was featured in the following:
- Movie – The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
- Many live appearances and promotional events
So pretty! I think it is hoping for a treat!
We had a great time at Hollywild Animal Park!
Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):
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Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with you. Limit one per family. $8 Value. This coupon is valid during our Park Season which is open Weekends in March, Daily April through Labor Day, and Weekends from Labor Day through the end of October. Please visit our website for seasonal hours prior to your visit. Coupon not valid during our Holiday Lights Safari Benefit. Expires: 10/24/2015.
A special thanks to U.S. Family Guide and Hollywild Animal Park for offering a special discount to our readers. Any specific product information was provided by Hollywild Animal Park and U.S. Family Guide, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own. We did receive tickets so our family could visit and share our experience.
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!
Flashback Friday – General KaDargo
Dargo sporting some Christmas wrapping paper!
Today we are flashing back to Christmas 2004! General KaDargo was the first dog Jake and I had together after getting married. We called him Dargo for short. His name was taken from a character on the Farscape show. We got Dargo a couple years after we had been married.
He was a big black lab, but a real sweetheart. In this picture Jake had wrapped him in Christmas wrapping paper. He was being good sport while silently begging me to help him get it off! The kids were pretty little when he got cancer, but we have a lot of great memories with this wonderful dog. It is amazing how quickly animals can become one of the family!
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!
Skipper Being a Good Sport
Skipper being a good sport after getting chased by the kids with the water bucket. Good thing she loves water!
Our guard dog…..although she has more bark than bite. She is great at hunting squirrels, protecting the house & yard, and playing with the kids. Skipper is always happy to see you and willing to nibble on a treat. It is nice having a dog around the yard. She has been known to chew a few papers, garden hoses, flipflops, and other random things, but otherwise she is on her best behavior.
Lounging on the driveway watching all the activity outside and ready to pounce on a squirrel in a moments notice.
Family Celebrations: Happy Birthday Skipper!
Best Buddies - A Girl and Her Dog (Brina and Skipper) The fifth member of our family is full of energy, a loyal friend, loves to play outside and adds a lot of laughter to our family…….Skipper! She is our sweet black lab who the girls absolutely adore! Our little Puddle Skipper Hayes was born on March 14, 2010 and she had fun celebrating her 1st birthday with us! It was a busy day full of a lot of activities but ended it with a little celebration for our furry family member. The girls were so excited to celebrate Skipper’s birthday.
Here are a few pictures from our fun together!
Brina and Karlie wrapping Skipper's birthday gifts! The girls wrapped Skipper’s gifts in newspaper and A LOT of tape! They even had tape on the floor when they were done (you can see a pile in between them on the carpet). They were so excited and had a blast doing the wrapping for their furry sister!
Skipper's Special Birthday Meal! The girls thought it was hilarious putting Skipper’s candle in her special meal. They thought it was funny she would rather have a special birthday meal with “bacon” then a birthday cake. The girls were worried that Skipper was going to burn her nose so she barely got close to the bowl until the candle was blown out, glad they were looking out for her. It was great watching them trying to keep her away from the candle while we sang Happy Birthday!
Skipper eating her birthday treat! The best puppy birthday meal you can ask for – Meaty and Moist, simply delicious! Plus she got to eat her special birthday treat all by herself (no one was wanting to share it with her).
The unwrapping part of the birthday celebrations was exciting and confusing for Skipper, good thing the girls were there to help! Skipper was very excited to get new bones and a toy! She immediately took one bone into the yard, then realized the other one was still on the porch so went back for that one. I really think she stayed up all night playing and eating her bones!
Happy Birthday Skipper! Hope you enjoyed your play time with the family, your feast, bones, and toy! The girls had fun picking them out, wrapping and celebrating with you!!!
