• Family & Work Event at Dave & Buster’s

    Jake’s work hosted a family event at Dave & Buster’s recently.  We ate a great meal and spent several hours playing the various games throughout the evening.  The girls had a blast.  We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the evening at the Greenville Dave & Buster’s.

    Brina competing with Daddy on a riding game

    Karlie zooming around in a roller coaster ride with Jake

    Jurassic World game – Jake and Karlie playing while Brina looks on

    Goodies Karlie earned with all her tickets

    Brina likes her colorful monkey she earned with all her tickets

  • Airports & Transportation: Charlotte International Airport – CLT (Charlotte, NC)

     http://www.airport-charlotte.com/images/plane-approaching-charlotte-airport.jpg

    Our family LOVES traveling!!!  We especially enjoy it if we are able to get a reasonable priced flight out of the nearest airport, Greenville, SC (GSP).  If we cannot get a flight out of Greenville then Charlotte International Airport CLT is our next airport of choice.  Charlotte is not too far from Greenville and often has great tickets.  We try to always leave a little bit earlier than we anticipate because with traffic and the occasional rain shower it can slow you down.  Plus we typically park in the long term parking and catch the shuttle to the airport so that takes  a little more time then a quick drop off at the airport.

    On our last two big trips we flew out of Charlotte International Airport CLT.  One of our trips was up to New England and the Midwest and our most recent trip from Charlotte was to Anchorage, Alaska.  Brina and Karlie went to their last day of their Robotics and Software Computer Game Programming Camp at the Roper Mountain Science Camp while Jake and I tackled the last few items we needed to get done at work.  I came home from work, picked up Jake, and then we picked up the girls from camp on our way to the airport.  Traffic was pretty good and we only had a few sprinkles of rain on the way to Charlotte so we made good time, despite our unscheduled potty break stop a couple exits before the airport.  Jake was able to wrap up more work items and a couple calls on the way to the airport as I drove.

    We quickly found out that the Charlotte airport can be a little busy on Friday afternoons and evenings.  It took us longer than normal to find a parking spot in long term parking.  We were beginning to think the lot was completely full, but we found one eventually near the end of the lot.  Once we found a spot to park and got all our luggage out of the van we immediately made our way to the canopy to wait for the next bus to arrive.  Thankfully they have a bus pick up people every few minutes.  The first bus that arrived at our canopy location was completely full so we had to wait for the next bus which we could see coming down the road.  They had a bus probably every 2 to 6 minutes going through the parking lot.

    The long term parking bus drops you off at the basement level and directly across the walkway from the check in counters.  Once you get into the airport you’ll need to take either the escalators, stairs, or elevator up to the 2nd floor to check into your airline and drop off your luggage.

    We’ve had great experience even during the busier times of getting through the check-in lines fairly quickly and smoothly.  You can go through any of the TSA check points because all the terminals merge immediately after the check points.  We typically pick the TSA line with the shortest line or one with the most open lines at the time.  As long as you follow the TSA guidelines (take off your shoes if over 12 years old, no liquids, etc….) you should get through pretty quickly.  The terminals are well marked and easy to get to as well.  If you are looking for a snack, drink, or restrooms they have a number of options and locations just outside the main terminals as well as along the terminals.

    It can get crowded at times, but we’ve always had good luck flying out of Charlotte.  The employees are friendly, professional, and do their best to get you on and off your plane in a timely manner.  They do not have any control over the weather, but otherwise we’ve had no issues.  Thankfully this flight was the same.  Quick, easy, and on time!  Thank you CLT!

    Photo Credit

  • 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!!!

  • 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!

  • Fun Around Town: Big Celebrity Cats at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)

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    “Mandela” the white lion!

    Our family had a great time at Hollywild Animal Park.  Upon entering the park I was given a packet with a very nice “Welcome” letter from Kim along with a map, her business card, a bracelet for each of us to wear, and other park information. The workers from the Safari Bus driver to the Creature Feature Show to the Gift Shop Clerk and the various ones we encountered throughout our journey through the park were always willing to answer any questions we had along the way (most of the questions were the kids asking about various animals).  It was a wonderful activity to do with the family.

    As I have mentioned in a couple other posts several of the animals that reside at Hollywild have been stars in Movies, Commercials, Print Ads, Sport Events, TV Shows, events, and much more.  The animals seemed friendly, content, and interactive with the people passing through the park.

    It was great that even the lions were up and active while we were at Hollywild!  Usually at the zoo and other places you don’t often see the lions moving or playing around too much in their pens.  The white lion paused while moving around so we were able to get some shots of him, but the brown lion didn’t ever stop moving for a good picture.

    We ended our trip through the park about the time they were getting ready to close.  The workers were starting to feed the animals their dinners so that was pretty cool to watch some of the animals munching down on one of their favorites treats.

    For more information about our adventure at Hollywild you can check out our other blog posts:

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    He looks very serious!

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    He hears the worker getting his dinner meal ready and started pacing.

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    On the move!

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    Relaxing on his rock

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    Look at the length of those whiskers!

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    Peaceful and relaxing

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    Beautiful tiger

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    Love how his tail is sitting on the rock below him.  He was curious about us watching him though!

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    Those eyes are looking directly at us!

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    Siberian Tigers – he looked so serious, but colorful up on the rock.  Not an animal I would want to meet in the wild though he looks amazing.  Featured in the following:

    • Movie – Man Hunter
    • Movie – Betsy’s Wedding
    • Movie – Reversal of Fortune
    • Movie – Price of Tides
    • Movie – The Real McCoy
    • TV Ad Campaign – Land Rover
    • Gallery Portraits – Valerie Shaff Photography
    • Countless live appearances at special events

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    Cougars were out and walking around.  These cougars featured in following:

    • Commercials – Lincoln-Mercury (1983 to 1991)
    • Movie – Date With an Angel
    • TV Program – Rescue 911
    • Movie – Reversal of Fortune
    • Movie – Last of the Mohicans
    • Movie – Miracle on the Mountain
    • Commercial(s) – Coca-Cola

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    Black Leopard was busy eating its dinner time treat.  Not sure what it is, but fresh meat of some kind.  Seeing it’s eyes watching us through the grass gives me goose bumps.  The leopards were featured in the following:

    • Calendar – Great Cats
    • Print Ad Campaign – Kemdura Paper
    • Audiovisual Production – Leslie Advertising
    • Score Boards – Carolina Panther
    • Caesar, a Black Panther, has been a star in the National Football League for the Carolina Panthers

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    The white tiger just finished his dinner and is taking a walk around his pen.

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    So pretty!

    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.

  • Fun Around Town: Baby Animal Barn & Creature Feature Show at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)

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    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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     They had the most beautiful face and big eyes!

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     One of the parents with the little baby named “Marshmallow” they were so soft!

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     Saying “hi” to the crowd of goats!

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     Brina petting and talking with a friendly goat!

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     Jake got the girls bottles to feed the goats.  They loved it!

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     Love the pink/red bottle drippings all over the face of this little goat.  Too cute!!!

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    “Hey, do you have any treats for me!”

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     The hot pink tongue cracks me up.  So adorable even with the hot pink spots on its face!

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     Karlie feeding a little one.

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     Brina feeding one of the goats while chatting and laughing at some of the other goats in the pen.

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    Brina feeding and petting the baby goat at the same time.

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    She probably could have stayed all day.  Brina loves her goats and they are pretty entertaining to watch!

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    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!

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    Karlie loving it!

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    Having fun with my family.  Thankful for a good time together learning about a variety of animals at Hollywild.

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    Brina would be content to do this everyday.  She loves animals!

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    Trying to make sure everyone gets their turn with the treat!

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    This one looks super soft!  He must have gotten enough to eat and is now taking a little rest.

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     Bottle feeding the goat.

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     Karlie giving a little goat a treat!

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     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.

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     The newest baby in the group.  Super soft and cute!

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     The little guy decided to take a rest in the feed bucket.

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    Karlie petting the zebras and animals next to the goats

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     Brina giving him a good rub!

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     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.

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    We got there a few minutes early so relaxing for a minute while we wait for the Creature Feature Show to start.

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     “Speedy” the turtle!

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     “Marshmallow” not sure about all the people looking at her.  She was still a little bit timid.

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     Talking about Marshmallow

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     Another soft one to learn about and pet.

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     Petting the turtle

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     Petting the turtle and talking with the worker about the animals.

    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.

  • Fun Around Town: Safari Bus Ride & Beautiful Peacocks at Hollywild Animal Park (Wellford, SC)

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    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:

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    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.

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    Animals on the hill grazing peacefully.

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    Someone’s not afraid to get right up close to the Safari Bus!

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    Karlie getting her treat ready for the animals.

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    She enjoyed feeding the animals.

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    Hand feeding deer, so much fun!

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    Brina tried to feed as many as she could.

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    Look at that tongue!

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    Brina wanted to pet every one that came by our side of the Safari Bus.

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    So soft…Brina loved the hair of this one.

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    Petting the buffalo now

    Fun Around Town - Hollwild Animal Park (SC) P1140828c

    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.

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    The deer was alert and looking for more treats!

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    “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

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    Is that a unicorn!?

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    Not a unicorn just missing one of his antlers.

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    Cooling off in the pond!

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    Love this picture of the peacock perched on the fence. So beautiful!

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    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.

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    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.

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    Brina taking a walk with the peacock.

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    I have a peacock friend nearby.  He is curious, yet cautious.

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    Showing off his big beautiful feathers!

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    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.

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    Still attempting to get the lady peacock to notice him.

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    Spinning around, it was interesting seeing what the backside of a peacock looks like when it’s feathers are up.

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    Female peacock walking around us.

    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.

  • 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.

  • Trip to the Joe’s Place Book Store and Falls Park

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    My parents on the bridge over Reedy River at Falls Park

    While my parents were in town we made a trip to downtown Greenville.  We stopped first at Joe’s Place Book Store where my sister-in-law works.  The book store is only a couple of blocks away from Falls Park so we decided to go through it on our way back to our cars.

    I was so busy looking at books in the book store I didn’t even take a picture!  Oops! We did have fun and got some good books.  Guess we’ll have to go back again to snap a few shots at our next visit.  I didn’t realize it was the first time my parents had seen the big suspension walking bridge over Reedy River.    We went through the park and on a few scenic hiking trails before heading back to the vehicles.

    It was a good walk, a beautiful day, and the kids were able to vent a little extra energy.  Thankful for time with family.

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    Brina speed hiking through the side trail.

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    The kids loved these little side trails!

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    Nicko and Karlie heading up the trail.

  • Slumber Party Adventure With Cousins

    Slumber Party Activities

    Dinner time – kid friendly meal (chicken nuggets, mac-n-cheese, salad, blueberries, and oranges)

    The kids were so EXCITED!  We’ve been trying to get a slumber party on the calendar with their cousins for a few months now and we did it last weekend.  The kids had a blast playing together – nerf, legos, relays, games, and so much more fun activities during their stay with us.  Everyone was well behaved, full of energy, and went right to sleep as soon as they hit the sleeping bags that night.  One of our girls got up a couple of times, but my nephews we never heard another peep out of them until after 7:30 the next morning!

    After some play time the next day and breakfast we headed out on a science adventure.  We went to Roper Mountain Science Center’s 2nd Saturday event on H2O Oceans which was a blast!  The kids had a grand time together.  Thankful for some fun with the kids.

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    Silly relay races….it was hard getting a clear picture with all the movement!

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    Lined up for their next relay round!

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    Lots of giggles and fun!

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    They played a few fun games while they were here.  This was a favorite with the boys – Toy Story 3 Kerplunk game which they played well together!

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    Taking turns and helping each other!

    Slumber Party Activities

    Our living room was full of sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and giggling kids.  It only took them a few minutes to wind down and go to sleep!

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    Kiddos playing with cars, trucks, planes, race tracks, and legos while Jake and I make breakfast!

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    Cinnamon Crumble Breakfast Cake, Scrambled Eggs with Extra Cheese, Yogurt, Pears, and Chocolate Milk for breakfast!  My sweet nephew asked my daughters several times as we were setting the table “Can we really eat the CAKE for breakfast!?”  Why not, it’s not every weekend we have a slumber party and get cinnamon breakfast cake in the morning, ha!  While he did eat his cake first that morning, he also ate most of his scrambled eggs and other goodies too!

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    Van full of kids!

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    My nephews were not sure about Karlie holding a huge snake!  Although they were a little concerned at first they did eventually pet the snake, however, they did not want to hold it!

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    Riding the school bus between buildings at Roper Mountain!

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    So excited to ride a bus!  Sometimes the little activities provide the most fun and biggest smiles!

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    Our troop at the Planetarium getting ready to watch the show!  The lighting in the planetarium made it hard to get a clear picture.

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    My nephew was amazed….all the fish swimming around in every direction.  It was almost more fun to watch his expressions and hear his comments!

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    Checking out the turtle!  You mean we can touch it?!

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    Petting the animals!

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    The bunny was so soft!

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    This one always grosses me out…..baby mice…..however, the kids love holding the baby mice!

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    What’s this Aunt Bridgette!?  Can I touch it!?  Lots of questions and fun exploring all the cool animals!

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    This was a highlight for my nephews!  They loved digging around in the sand and water creating various lakes, rivers, dams, and more!

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    Building another one together!

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    Testing the items that they built to see how many golf balls they will hold before sinking!

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    Saying “Hi” to the animals!

     

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    Checking out the  sting ray!