It’s the Little Things
I am thankful for my husband. He blesses me in so many ways throughout the week. Honestly, too often I take the many acts of kindness he does for me daily for granted. He shows love to me even when I am a mess.
Most mornings he is up early to make me breakfast and coffee to help get me out the door for work. Often dinner is ready by the time I get home from work. He is willing to try out a different restaurant or go on an adventure with me.
Whether we’re tackling home projects or enjoying a date night, I love spending time with my handsome man. He treats me well, loves me despite my craziness, and is an amazing Dad to our girls.
There are countless reasons why I feel blessed to have him as my partner and best friend. I am grateful to have the opportunity to walk through life with him by my side. He really is the calm to my chaos.
Today I came home from running errands with one of the girls and the dishes were washed, groceries picked up and these beautiful flowers were waiting for me. His little acts of kindness are daily reminders of how truly blessed am I.
The older I get the more I am reminded that each day really is a precious gift. May we always cherish our shared moments together. My prayer is that he recognizes the depth of love for him—not solely based on his actions, but because of the remarkable person he truly is.
Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Flowers & Busy Bees (Charleston, SC)
Busy Bee going after some juicy pollen on this purple flower.
We enjoy going to Charleston, South Carolina. No matter what time of year you go there always seems to be beautiful flowers in bloom or planted ones in window sills. On this particular day the girls were playing at the Pirate Park on Daniel Island and we took a stroll through downtown Charleston later that day. There were a lot of pretty flowers in bloom and busy bees collecting nectar on this warm sunny day.
The bees were pretty active getting nectar from the purple flowers.
Purple flower in the park
The bee has almost it’s entire body in the flower trying to gather the nectar. You just see his back half sticking out of the middle of the flower.
Pretty yellow flowers
Walking through downtown Charleston you will see plenty of beautifully decorated window boxes.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. 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: Baby Animal Barn & Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
Someone came to say “hi” to me!
It is no great surprise to us that the Baby Animal Barn and the Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park were a big hit with the kids. There is something extra sweet about interacting with a soft fluffy baby animal. The girls could have spent even longer petting and feeding the goats. They were very entertained by them.
It was fun to watch them bottle feed the goats. Several of the little goats had obviously had some red juice earlier that day because their faces and mouths were covered with red drips. It was a great spot to have the kids interact a little more with the animals. You can’t pet every animal (like the lions, tigers, and bears for obvious reasons), but you could pet and feed some of them which made the experience more fun for the kids.
For more information about our adventure at Hollywild you can check out our other blog posts:
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Fun Around Town: Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
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Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
They had the most beautiful face and big eyes!
One of the parents with the little baby named “Marshmallow” they were so soft!
Saying “hi” to the crowd of goats!
Brina petting and talking with a friendly goat!
Jake got the girls bottles to feed the goats. They loved it!
Love the pink/red bottle drippings all over the face of this little goat. Too cute!!!
“Hey, do you have any treats for me!”
The hot pink tongue cracks me up. So adorable even with the hot pink spots on its face!
Karlie feeding a little one.
Brina feeding one of the goats while chatting and laughing at some of the other goats in the pen.
Brina feeding and petting the baby goat at the same time.
She probably could have stayed all day. Brina loves her goats and they are pretty entertaining to watch!
No matter where you stood there was always a goat friend nearby to greet you and see if you had any more treats to share!
Karlie loving it!
Having fun with my family. Thankful for a good time together learning about a variety of animals at Hollywild.
Brina would be content to do this everyday. She loves animals!
Trying to make sure everyone gets their turn with the treat!
This one looks super soft! He must have gotten enough to eat and is now taking a little rest.
Bottle feeding the goat.
Karlie giving a little goat a treat!
Smart goat! A kid dropped a bottle inside the pen which got kicked around a few times to where it was unreachable. This goat picked up the bottle off the ground walked over to the fence and propped it up so it could easily drink from the bottle. Hilarious watching it, but very resourceful if you want a little sip.
The newest baby in the group. Super soft and cute!
The little guy decided to take a rest in the feed bucket.
Karlie petting the zebras and animals next to the goats
Brina giving him a good rub!
It was cute hearing the girls talking with the animals. I really liked how the animals were very active and friendly. All the ones you could pet always came to the fence which made the kids happy.
We got there a few minutes early so relaxing for a minute while we wait for the Creature Feature Show to start.
“Speedy” the turtle!
“Marshmallow” not sure about all the people looking at her. She was still a little bit timid.
Talking about Marshmallow
Another soft one to learn about and pet.
Petting the turtle
Petting the turtle and talking with the worker about the animals.
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.
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Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)
Heading out on the Safari Ride at Hollywild
The kids loved the Safari Bus Ride at Hollywild Animal Park. They had a grand time feeding and petting the animals that walked up to the bus. It was neat to see a variety of animals on the trip.
We have come to Hollywild for their Holiday Lights Safari Benefit as well as a couple times when they were younger. Once we were there for a party with friends which was a lot of fun. It was neat watching the kids and animals interact on the Safari.
In previous visits I don’t remember seeing so many peacocks. They seemed to be everywhere (or maybe we just had the same ones following us around). They were beautiful! The males had their feathers all spiked up and shaking to get the attention of the pretty female peacocks or to shoo away any person or animal that got too close. I have never seen peacocks up their feathers so much. It was fascinating to watch them. The male peacock is the one that has all the bold beautiful colors with a long tail feathers. The female peacock has a lot of similar colors, but not as vibrant and shorter tail.
For more information about our adventure at Hollywild you can check out our post:
These were the only guys you couldn’t feed by hand from the Safari Bus because they have sharp beaks, but you could toss them some treats. They were the first ones to great us on the tour.
Animals on the hill grazing peacefully.
Someone’s not afraid to get right up close to the Safari Bus!
Karlie getting her treat ready for the animals.
She enjoyed feeding the animals.
Hand feeding deer, so much fun!
Brina tried to feed as many as she could.
Look at that tongue!
Brina wanted to pet every one that came by our side of the Safari Bus.
So soft…Brina loved the hair of this one.
Petting the buffalo now
We couldn’t take a picture of our Safari Bus on the ride, but here’s the other bus that went at the same time we did.
The deer was alert and looking for more treats!
“Tank” enjoying the shade
Tank the Rhinoceros was featured in the following:
- Commercials – Blue Cross / Blue Shield
- National Ad Campaign – Land Rover
- National TV Commercial – ZICAM
- Tank is the only working rhinoceros in the United States
Is that a unicorn!?
Not a unicorn just missing one of his antlers.
Cooling off in the pond!
Love this picture of the peacock perched on the fence. So beautiful!
I don’t know if this one was guarding a nest or what because I didn’t see any other peacock around, but he was intent on making sure everyone knew he was there.
Putting down his long feathers. I was surprised how much noise the peacock made with its feathers. It was noisy when he put them up or down as well as when he was shaking them. Very interesting to watch and hear it.
Brina taking a walk with the peacock.
I have a peacock friend nearby. He is curious, yet cautious.
Showing off his big beautiful feathers!
Trying to get the attention of the female peacock in front of him. It was neat to see what his feathers looked like from the side angle.
Still attempting to get the lady peacock to notice him.
Spinning around, it was interesting seeing what the backside of a peacock looks like when it’s feathers are up.
Female peacock walking around us.
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.
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.
Mother’s Day Celebration
Huge Mother’s Day chalk message on the driveway from Karlie!
I am blessed. Yesterday I was reminded again of how much God has given me. A family that loves me despite all my imperfections. Jake and the girls showered me with love on Mother’s Day. Even though Jake was on call this Mother’s Day weekend and was a little busier than normal, he made time to celebrate. It was a great day with the family.
They made me breakfast in bed. We went to church. Jake and the girls made an amazing lunch. That afternoon we relaxed, read books together, opened gifts, played games, and had fun. Thankful for my family and a chance to spend the day together. Their thoughtfulness made me feel loved and appreciated.
Breakfast in bed – cheesy scrambled eggs, ham, and sauteed mushrooms! Delicious!
Fresh flowers from the girls (they got them from Children’s Church)
Putting together the pinwheel steaks!
They choose what ingredients to stuff the steak with for lunch
Pinwheel steaks ready to go into the oven!
Stuffed with tomatoes, swiss cheese, goat cheese, bacon, ham, spinach, mushrooms, sunflowers, cranberries, and more goodies!
My steak was AMAZING!
Huge stuffed portobello mushroom! Stuffed with spinach, hummus, and topped with toasted granola – so tasty!
Mother’s Day cards from Jake and the girls. Karlie’s was the kitten and Brina’s the puppy.
Brina picked out a beautiful pink rose bush for me!
Karlie picked out a gorgeous red rose bush for me!
Adorable handmade flowers from my girls! Brina made the bright yellow one and Karlie made the blue and red one!
A place to sit and talk with Jake or read with the kids. Very comfy!
Sweet note from Brina. The top says “I am thankful to have a Mom like you because you are nice to me and play with me.” The bottom has a cute little poem!
Colorful Mother’s Day Butterfly from Brina
Cute card from Brina
Mother’s Day note from Brina wanting to know if I can play or cook with her! Love my girls!
Vibrant Mother’s Day drawing from Karlie
Sweet poem and note from Karlie on the back of her drawing.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
But no one a flower,
Just like you!
Happy Mother’s Day! Hope you are having a nice and relaxing day. Do you like the card and rose? The rose is a rare blue rose that only grows on Neptune! May you please read to me on the deck?
Thankful for my family! I treasure these times we have together. I am blessed.
Travel & Vacaation: Disney Epcot’s Butterflies on the Go Flower Garden (Orlando, FL)
Beautiful flowers at Epcot
The kids had a blast going into Disney Epcot’s Butterflies on the Go Flower Garden during their International Flower and Garden Festival. The flowers were absolutely beautiful and butterflies were fluttering all around us. You could even see butterflies emerging from their chrysalis! It was pretty neat seeing these winged creatures buzzing all around and a house containing rows of chrysalis. Not to mention educational for the kids too!
Resting on a leaf
Rows of chrysalis in various stages
You could actually see some coming out and stretching their wings for the first time which was really neat
2 butterflies hanging out in the flowers.
Loved the flowers as much as the butterflies. Epcot’s gardens were amazing!
Travel & Vacation: Epcot’s Gardens (Orlando, FL)
Our wild crew at Epcot!
Our family had a blast exploring Walt Disney World’s Epcot park. It was a lot of fun seeing all the beautiful sculptures made out of greenery all over the park. Many Disney characters were represented in the gardens. It was the kids first time visiting Epcot. They loved it so much we chose to do it 2 days instead of just one. Thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my family while seeing these amazing creations.
Lady and the Trump
Mickey Mouse instead a garden of flowers.
Beautiful flower gardens at Epcot. This was taken while passing through on the monorail.
Snow White
Kiddos in front of Beauty and the Beast
Pausing for a moment! These were my two favorite characters from Beauty and the Beast
My sweet girl.
They did an amazing job making these garden sculptures come to life!
Monorail, flower gardens, and lake.
Cinderella and Prince Charming
Hanging out next to Winnie the Pooh Bear (his red balloon glowed at night).
Look out for Captain Hook
Brina liked the Frozen garden!
Karlie, of course, liked the Buzz Lightyear
Tinker Bell
Too cute!
The Frozen characters garden at night
Beautiful garden across the water from where the boat drops you off at Epcot
Beautiful Plants & Basket from My Thoughtful Husband
Love it when he surprises me with something special!
My husband brought home these plants as a surprise for me a couple weeks ago. He is sweet and I love it when he does the random thoughtful gifts. My only regret is that it was such a busy weekend I did not take a picture of the beautiful basket with both plants green and blooming.
At this time only one plant is still alive. Yes, I have already killed the miniature rose bush. I love the mini roses, but have a horrible time keeping them alive for very long. You can see pieces of my sorry looking rose plant beside the one that is pretty and still green.
I love plants and flowers, however, I am not the best person to grow them. Usually I either over or under water them. I like the ones that are easy to maintain and can handle wet or dry soil and withstand lots of sun or no sun. In other words a very strong and durable plant that handles extremes well. Grateful for a thoughtful and caring husband. Love my plants and basket!!!
I love the basket the flowers came in and have already used it a couple of times since he gave it to me!
It has been fun using this basket for surprises and goodies! Thankful for my husband and everything he does for me.
Love It – Butterflies and Flowers Connectagons by HearthSong
Butterfly and Flower Connectagon Fun!
One of our kids got a Butterflies and Flowers Connectagons by HearthSong toy as a gift. It has been neat seeing the various configurations she has created with this fun toy. The butterflies are beautiful bright colors and the flowers are all snowy white. The pieces are wooden and they can be interlinked in several spots on each piece. There are many combinations that can captivate their attention for quite some time.
The HearthSong Connectagons is a building set that stimulates creativity. Our set includes 50 butterflies and 12 white flowers. The slotted sides allow the kids to connect the butterflies and flowers together. It helps with hand-eye coordination and teaches kids how to experiment building many different sculptures with these beautiful pieces. Some of the configurations make it look like the butterflies are flying to or from the flowers.
Showing off another butterfly configuration she made!
To learn more about Connectagons or to read reviews you can go to HearthSong’s website or Amazon. If you are not interested in the butterfly and flower Connectagons you may enjoy one of the other sets they carry:
HearthSong Connectagons® Glow-in-the-Dark Celestial
- 157 glow-in-the-dark pieces with slotted sides
- Full moon, moon phases, constellations, and galaxies
Hearth Song Connectgons Original Building Set
- Connectagons Creative Building Set
- Set includes 240 Wooden circles
- Build freeform sculptures in any direction using wooden pieces with slotted sides that connect
- Encourages open-ended play
- For Ages 4 and Up.
“Love It” is a series of posts on items that I use regularly in my household that I love! There are some items in our daily lives that make life more enjoyable, efficient, or just plain fun. I will be sharing with you some of the products that have been given to us (or to me) that have made it to the top of my list. It’s my way of giving a huge thumbs up!
