• Wild Animal Adventures (Stanton, MO)

    The 2 tigers were together in the pen, we got to see them interact, swim, play, and relax.

    After the girls got out of Cub Creek camp in Missouri we went visited Wild Animal Adventures.  It is outside of St. Louis in Stanton, Missouri.  It was a smaller establishment, but the animals were well cared for.  We went at busy time and their parking lot was full (they had a trailer blocking part of the parking lot which made it a little inconvenient) but after a few minutes we got a spot.

    They have an indoor section with aquariums, touch tanks, birds, reptiles and more.  Outside the have both farm and wild animals in different sections.  The workers seemed to enjoy being there, interacted well with the animals and were happy to share stories about the animals.

    Our girls did two extra interactions, playing with the foxes and the dingos. The dingos also known as “singing dogs” were tired so they were laying down and let the kids pet them. I was hoping to hear them “sing” but they were not into that while we were there. The workers allowed 4 people in at one time with the dingos.  For the foxes they gave the kids “treats” aka cat food to feed to the foxes.  Our two girls were the only ones other than the worker in the pen with the foxes.  The foxes loved munching on the treats and were more energetic.  The website lists the extra activities with a price range, however, at least one of the activities was more than their list price. They need to update their website if they are not still charging those rates.

    Overall it was a fun stop for our family.  The animals were fairly active and the employees were nice. If you are driving through the area it is a nice place to stop especially if you  have kids that enjoy animals. We have included a sprinkling of photos from our trip to Wild Animal Adventures.

    The llama had some personality.

    Gorgeous colors

    The kids were not interested in the pretty flowers, but I enjoyed them!

    Their 3 legged white fox. He can still move quickly and nibbled up treats from the girls.

    This one liked to interact and have conversations with you!

    The llama was more interested in you if you had food!

    Glad this one was in a cage and behind a window.

    Beautiful white tiger!

    Wild Animal Adventures

  • Travel & Vacation: Daniel Island Historical Markers & Bike Path (Daniel Island, SC)

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     Beautiful paved Daniel Island bike and walking path

    We love visiting Daniel Island!  Over the past few years we have been several times and it seems like every time we find something new to explore on this island on the outskirts of Charleston, SC.  On one of our trips we took our bikes with us and found a lot of neat places to ride around town. The kids favorite place to ride their bikes was around the cement and paved path in Smythe Lake Park around a little lake in near the Pirates Cove Playground The last time we brought our bikes we would ride around the lake, play for a little bit at the playground, and ride around the lake again.

    The scenery around the lake is beautiful.  On our first pass around the bike and walking trail we noticed Daniel Island Historical Markers along the way.  It was a lot of fun to stop at each one and read about the history of Daniel Island.  We saw some wildlife on our adventures too from alligators to ducks and more!  We got our exercise and learn more about Daniel Island throughout our excursions that day.

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     Biking around the lake

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     On of the historical signs along the biking and walking path – “A Proprietary Governor

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     “Slave Life on Daniel Island”

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     We had a friend sunning himself along the biking trail.  Needless to say we didn’t stop to see if he wanted to play.  Always best to leave the wildlife alone!

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     “Making Bricks”

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     “Tenants & Truck Farmers”

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     “Harry Frank Guggenheim”

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     Friendly ducks swimming and finding little fish to eat.

     The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)

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     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:

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     The Canadian Geese were very friendly.  This one decided to pose for me.

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     Brina talking with the bird.  She loves all creatures!

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     Karlie found a rock to perch upon.

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     On the run….Karlie doesn’t want to get left behind!

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    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.

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     Beautiful cluster of ducks, the girls tried to get them to say AFLAC (guess that’s one commercial they remember, ha).

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    Karlie had to stop and pet the pony!

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    Having fun with my girls!

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    This little donkey was hoping we had some yummy treats still to share.

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    Brina soaking it all in.  She wanted to make sure we didn’t miss any of the animals!

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    This Baboon was talking up a storm.

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     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!

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     Brina petting the pigs.

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     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.

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    Someone’s got a tasty treat and digging in!  It was fascinating to watch him eat.

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    Looks like a sharp set of teeth in its mouth!

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    Intently watching the other one eat.

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     Pretty bear!

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     This one is getting a little closer!

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     Brina loved petting this super soft dog named Andorra!

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    Andorra was enjoying a good petting and laid down so Brina could continue!

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    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.

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    A little one….so cute watching him run after his Mom on long wobbly legs.

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    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

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    More content watching the kids.

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    This picture makes me smile…

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    Beautiful  Leopard Appaloosa was featured in the following:

    • Movie – The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
    • Many live appearances and promotional events

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    So pretty! I think it is hoping for a treat!

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    We had a great time at Hollywild Animal Park!

    Hollywild Animal Park Coupon Discount (Free Child’s Admission):

    • Print off the coupon for Free Child’s Admission with purchase of an Adult Admission and bring it to the park with youLimit 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.

  • Travel & Vacation: Colorado Wildlife

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    Yes, there are bears near Estes Park!  We were driving and saw this guy across the river from us.

    We went on a road trip through the Rocky Mountains.  On our adventures we saw several animals.  The girls were thrilled to see so many neat animals that we don’t see everyday in South Carolina.  We went up through Estes Park, Colorado and made several stops throughout the day.  Thankful for some fun with family.

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    Caught a quick picture of these critters as we were driving past.  Love that they are munching right off the road and hanging out near a patch of beautiful wild sunflowers.

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    We drove past a field full of goats.  The girls were fascinated and excited!  They thought it was so cool that someone had so many goats.

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    The brown speckled goat in the picture is not eating, she is checking out her newly born twin baby goats.  We could see glimpses of the baby goats, but I couldn’t get a close picture of the twin baby goats because their was an electric fence and the grass was too high.  They were tiny and adorable trying to stand up on their own.   The really cool part is that while we were there with our twin girls there was another set of twins watching twin goats being born on National Twin Day.  What is the likelihood that would happen, ha!

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    Brina really wanted to take this little chipmunk home with her.  It may look cute….

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    Ducks swimming around on the lake!

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    The girls thought the ducks with the blue feathers were super cute!

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    This little guy can up to say “hi” to me.  I think he was hoping for a treat!

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    Hummingbirds are always fascinating to watch!

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    This one about landed on my Dad’s finger.  So cool seeing their wings fluttering so quickly.

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    Our wild bear!  The girls were super excited to see the bear!

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          Munching on berries and relaxing on the rock.

  • Family Fun: Adventures With Our Cousins

    Cousins hanging out at the park together!

    We had an opportunity a few months ago to spend some time with Jake’s sister and her family.  The girls were in school during their stay with us but we still found plenty of time to have fun.  It was great having an opportunity to hang out with them and create new memories, especially since it will be quite awhile before we can get together again.

    Oh MY…..your lips look different today…..Silly girls with silly mouths!

    My cute little kitchen helper!

    Noah helping with the “science” experiment!  Loading up the ingredients into a Ziploc bag.

    It’s going to blow!!!!  We did an experiment with baking soda, water, and vinegar inside Ziploc bags.  When we sealed the bags they bubbled up and they popped!  The kids really enjoyed doing this one.