• Flashback Friday: Hanging Out At Home

    Flashback Friday - Awful lot of talking and moving for quiet nap time - Karlie and Brinac

    Two little critters, Karlie and Brina, who are talking, laughing, and giggling when it is suppose to be nap time.

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back on October 2005 when the girls were 8 months old.  They have started babbling a lot more and discovered that they could get our attention when they shriek.  Brina especially had a shrill screech she would make followed by lots of giggles.  The first time she did it she surprised herself so of course she decided to just do it more.

    They are happy babies.  We tried to do some fun Fall activities with them this year.  They didn’t understand everything we were doing, but were always up for an adventure.  They were my little cuddle bugs.  Love my sweet girls.

    We love our books - oh yeah - Karlie and Brinac

     Karlie and Brina very excited about the cool John Deere books Daddy brought home for them!  

    Flashback Friday - Brina getting excited and doing her screechesc

    Brina giving one of her shrill screeches….wish I could transfer it into an audio on this picture.

    Karlie giving us a smilec

    Karlie is all smiles as she plays

    Brina is talking this morningc

    Brina talking with Mommy.  While I couldn’t understand what she was saying at this point she loved to happily chat away.

    Karlie loving lifec

    Karlie cutting some more teeth and drooling like crazy, but still a sweet happy baby.

    Brina up close and trying to steal the camerac

    Brina decided that she was going to steal my camera

    Karlie proud to be in charge of Mommy's cupc

    Karlie in charge of Mommy’s water cup, so proud of her big girl duty!  She didn’t even tip it.

    Flashback Friday - Brina on her cool ridec

    Brina loves the riding toys!  Anything to keep moving!

    Hey, what's up doc - Karliec

    What’s up Karlie rabbit!  Not sure about these glasses Mom!

    Sleepy Brinac

    Brina our little two finger sucker.

    Flashback Friday - Daddy's coming back from his first work trip to Plano, TXc

    Daddy’s first work trip away since the girls were born to Plano, Texas!  It was so good to have him back home again.

    Flashback Friday - Awake and ready for their 1st Halloween - Karlie and Brinac

    They are so happy first thing in the morning.  It is cute hearing giggles from their crib in the mornings – Karlie and Brina

    Brina and Karlie taking a nap so they can go out on Halloween nightc

    Brina and Karlie crashed in their seats

    Brina chewing away as Karlie smilesc

    Playing is one of their favorite activities!  Brina chewing on a toy and Karlie looking up to smile at Mommy!

  • Flashback Friday: Fun at Home

    Karlie so proud of herselfc

    Karlie loves hanging out in the Johnny Jump Up and playing with the toys, however, she would prefer spinning over jumping.

    Today’s Flashback Friday takes us back to September 2005 when the girls were 7 months old.  We spent a lot of time at home when the girls were younger.  It was a lot of work to take them out every day and since they were still small they were more likely to pick up germs we tried to keep our errands, doctors appointments, and activities to a minimum at least during the first few months.

    We had a lot of fun hanging out at home.  They loved to play, laugh, and explore.  The weekends and evenings were their favorite times of the week because Daddy was home to play with them.  They love their Daddy and always give him a winning smile.  He was great pitching in whenever possible with the kids.  They were used to having both of us feed, change, and play with them at various times throughout the week sometimes together and other times just one of us.

    Brina just thought she was so cool with her hat onc

    Brina thinks Mr. Octopus is so funny.

    Flashback Friday - A surprised Karlie, she didn't see me coming over to herc

    Karlie didn’t see me walk into the room and I startled her.  Love the expression on her face.

    Brina all smiles as Daddy pushes her in circlesc

    Brina is thrilled to be riding!

    Karlie loving it as Daddy pushes her in circlesc

     Karlie’s turn to ride now!

    Brina so proud that she can standc

    Brina loves holding onto your hands and standing up.  She can stand for longer periods of time now.

    Karlie so cute and smiley this morningc

    Such a happy Karlie baby

    Brina drinking from Mommy's cupc

    Brina stealing water from Mommy’s cup….looks like she had some help from Daddy

    Brina thinks she is so neat riding on Daddy's shouldersc

    Brina loves going for a ride on Daddy’s shoulders.

    Karlie thinks she is pretty cool riding on Daddy's shouldersc

     Karlie’s hanging out with Daddy

    Karlie loving her play timec

    Karlie relaxing, smiling, and playing

    Brina sleeping with her head on one side of the boppy and her feet on the other sidec

     Brina is all tuckered out – fast asleep with her feet are on one side of the boppy and her head on the other side

    Karlie showing off her hooded nightgownc

    Karlie is clean and ready for bed now

    Our two silly girls - Karlie and Brinac

    Our girls – Karlie and Brina

    Flashback Friday - Brina in a bucketc

    There’s a Brina in the toy bucket!  She is so proud of herself for “scaring” Mommy.  Giggly girl.

    Brina getting adjusted to the waterc

    Brina ready to try out the swimming pool.

    Karlie - okay I am in the pool now so where are the toysc

     Karlie looking for the toys in the pool.

    Every time Karlie tries to sit up her legs instantly go up in the air tooc

    Karlie – “Wow, Dad these sit ups are hard!”

    Karlie is interested in Cuddles the Cow book but Brina is more interested in Daddy who was taking the picturec

    Mommy reading a book to the girls.  Brina is more interested in Daddy who is taking the picture while Karlie is completely engrossed in the book.

    Brina looks so uncomfortable but she is totally asleep, we ended up waking her up fearing that she would get a kink in her neckx

    It makes my neck hurt just looking at her sleeping in this position.  Brina would literally jump until she crash.  This does not look like the most comfy position to take a nap in though kiddo.

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie having fun with Little Lambc

    They think “Little Lamb” is hilarious!

    Brina showing off her toysc

    Brina having a blast!

    Karlie smiling as she sucks on her thumbc

    Karlie smiling and sucking her thumb at the same time.  That takes talent!

    Sleeping beauties - Brina and Karliec

    Sleeping beauties – Brina and Karlie

    Flashback Friday - Hanging out and having fun - Karlie and Brinac

    Life is so fun for these two little ones – Karlie and Brina!

    Karlie is excited to meet this other happy babyc

    Karlie is smiling and talking with the baby in the mirror at the Doctors office, little does she know that she will be getting a shot soon.

    Karlie so happy that she gets to sit on Daddy's deskc

    Karlie sitting on Daddy’s desk and “helping” him.

    Silly girls almost ready for their bottle - Brina and Karliec

    Giggling kiddos – Brina and Karlie

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie being funnyc

    Brina and Karlie love hanging out and being silly together.

  • 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!

  • Flashback Friday: Growing Up

    Brina thinking about how to get to Daddyc

     Brina trying to figure out how to get across the floor to Daddy!

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back 10 years.  The girls were 6 months old and starting to learn so much every week.  They are more mobile and on the go.  They love babbling back and forth to each other and to others.  It is fascinating to watch them explore and learn new things.  Our family is blessed with these to sweethearts.

    Brina is the more mobile one, but Karlie is only a day or two behind her.  Karlie is the more verbal one, but it doesn’t take Brina to catch up.  They challenge each other and neither one wants to get left behind so they do a lot of their fun activities together.

    It is cute to see them working together like a small team.  Some of their jibber jabber we don’t understand, however, they seem to understand all of it and will randomly bust out laughing about some inside joke they share.

    Flashback Friday - Brina playing on the kitchen floorc

     Sweet Brina pausing to say “Hi” to Mommy!

    Give us smile Karliec

    Karlie is always quick to offer a sweet smile which makes my heart happy.

    Say CHEESE, Karlie and Brinac

    It’s only been a month since they started eating rice cereal and “solid” food.  The first time we had a lot of tears because they didn’t like it and wanted their bottles.  Now they are all smiles when they get into their high chairs .  They look forward to meal time (I think they consider it another form of play time only messier)!  Oh, how quickly things change in just a few weeks.

    Silly Brinac

    Having fun with Brina as we get her dressed for bed.  She doesn’t look too thrilled, but puts up with her goofy parents anyway.

    Talk to the Hand (Brina and Karlie)c

    Brina – “Quiet Karlie, it’s my turn to talk now….”

    Flashback Friday - What's so funny Daddy - Karliec

    Karlie – “What are you laughing at Daddy?”  She is all smiles and has no idea she has tape on her forehead!

    Flashback Friday - Brina so proud of being able to stand on her ownc

    Brina so proud of her standing ability.

    Flashback Friday - Cutie Pies, we love you - Karlie and Brinac

    Karlie and Brina, they had such pinchable and kissable cheeks at this age.

    Flashback Friday - Brina - I told you I was good luckc

    Daddy’s unique way of giving Mommy some cash.  Brina wasn’t too sure about this new toy in between her toes.

    Karlie - what Mom, I was just trying to get her to be quietc

    Brina would get very upset if she tipped over and couldn’t get herself back up again.  This time when she fell over I think Karlie was concerned about her crying because she stuck her fingers into Brina’s mouth (maybe to make her be quiet, who knows).

    Flashback Friday - Brina a little unsure about the cow rockerc

    Brina’s first ride on the rocking cow (with pillows on either side and Daddy next to her just in case).

    Good Morning Smiley Karliec

    Sweet Karlie

    Karlie figuring out the rockerc

    Karlie’s first ride on the rocking cow.  They were a little unsure about this moving cow at first, but as they got older it became a popular toy at our house.  They loved it.

    Karlie is ready for a fun dayc

    Happy Karlie girl

    Karlie pretending to drink from her sippy cupc

    They are learning how to use a sippy cup.  Karlie sometimes would “act” like she was drinking or play around instead of actually drinking so we had to make sure she was getting enough water.

    Flashback Friday - Brina does not like falling over, she gets madc

      Brina tipped over Mr. Octopus while playing and couldn’t get back up.  She was not happy!  Once I sat her back up again she was fine and her happy self again.

    Whose got Karliec

    Surprised Karlie woke up to a massive stuffed animal on the swing with her.   Where did this come from?!  “Butch” was a large stuffed dog I got as a kid from Grandpa CE and Grandma Willa.  The girls loved to roll around, climb, and play with it when they were little.

    Karlie happy to be hanging out with Daddyc

    Life is good – Karlie

    Flashback Friday - Brina - come close so I can touch youc

    Brina is fascinated with the new toy which we called “Giggles”.  It would giggle and move around the room.  She loved to followed it around the room and knock it over so it wouldn’t run away.

    Karlie concerned because it is getting closerc

    Karlie on the other hand was a little suspicious about a laughing and moving toy.  She was fine with it at a distant, but the first time it bumped into her arm she was hysterically screaming like it attacked her.  After watching it a few more times she eventually got used to it and enjoyed it.

    Brina on the hungry hippo, sitting by herselfc

    Brina riding the “Hungry Hippo”!  They could ride on the hippo and as it moved it would pick up block and other toys off the floor and put them into a storage bin under the seat.  It made “clean up” more fun for the kids.  They both loved riding on it or being pushed around the house picking up scattered toys.

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie playing on Mr. Clownc

    Playing together on “Mr. Clown” mat.  They initially would both fit (with all their toys) and stay on the clown mat now they are getting older they never stop moving so even though they might start there they don’t stay very long.

    Karlie happy playing the pianoc

    Karlie is happy to play music for the rest of us.

    Brina showing off her belly button while Karlie waits for the picturec

    Brina talking and showing off her belly button while Karlie sits there nicely for the picture.

    Karlie - here let me check out your eye; Brina let me check out your mouthc

     They loved talking (or babbling) to each other.  This was one time while I was getting them dressed.  Karlie was talking away so I sat Brina up on the changing table with her and they talked back and forth for several minutes.  Who knows what they were saying, but they were having fun.  They were fascinated by the words and noises coming out of each others mouths and would stick their hands inside the others mouth trying to figure out how it all worked.  Loved these little interactions and the cute gibberish they made.

    Karlie curious about the hat and waking up in a strange placec

    Daddy let Karlie borrow his hat.  He was concerned about her getting a sunburn.

    Karlie cutiec

     Karlie sitting quietly, but not entirely sure about this thing on her head.

    Looks like a cute baby in the laundry basket - BrinacA whole lot of Brina mischief was found in my laundry basket.  They used to love playing in our laundry baskets.  Once they were older they made it a game to climb in and out, wonder how that started?  Sweet Brina is distracted me from doing the laundry, but hey that can wait until tomorrow, right!?

  • Flashback Friday: Sleepy Kids

    Flashback Friday - Brina totally asleep with her mouth clamped around the toy ringc

    Brina crashed in the middle of chewing in the ring

    Today’s Flashback Friday goes back 10 years when the girls were 6 months old.  They were exploring more and falling to sleep in random places.  Sometimes in the middle of playing with a toy.  I tried to move them a few times, but every time I did they would wake up so I just decided to leave them and let them rest.  Usually the random naps were small power naps and they were back to playing within a few minutes anyway.

    They are beginning to be more mobile and it took more energy to keep up with them.  It is so precious watching them sleep peacefully even if it is in their high chair at a weird angle.  Oh to be that flexible again.

    At this time they are still sleeping in the same crib.  As they grow and move around more in their sleep the crib it starting to get a little more chummy, but they look so sweet sleeping together I wasn’t ready to move them into separate cribs quite yet.  Occasionally we would come to check on them in the morning and we would see that during the night they scooted down in the crib until their feet were hanging out.  Not sure how it was comfortable, but they didn’t wake up or seem to mind it.

    Flashback Friday - Brina and Karlie's legs sticking through the crib railings, goof ballsc

     When we checked on this morning their were two sets of titty bitty toes sticking out from their crib.  It was all I could do not to squeeze those cute little toes, but they were sleeping so peacefully.

    Flashback Friday - Brina loves to have her feet in funny positions when she sleepsc

    Brina fast asleep in her hair chair.  Such a rough life.  Love how she folds her hands together sometimes when she sleeps.

    Cutie Pies, Brina and Karliec

    Brina and Karlie – sleepy babies.

    Playing is hard work - Brina and Karliec

     Taking a snooze during their play time with Mr. Octopus – Brina and Karlie

    The toy entainment wore them out, Karlie and Brina have officially crashedc

     Playing is such hard work for the little ones – Karlie and Brina

    Flashback Friday - Brina - playing is exhaustingc

     Brina fell asleep while playing in her exersaucer!

    Brina's sleep marks from her nap in the walkerc

    She woke up with some sleepy “toy lines” on her face.  Poor baby!

    Sleepy babies - Karlie and Brinac

     Playing in the exersaucers is exhausting.  Both have crashed during their play time.

    Karlie wiggled her way under the bumper during the nightc

    How can that be comfortable Karlie!?  Not sure how she was still sleeping so soundly with her legs sticking out like that?  I think my feet with get cold and go numb.  Guess that’s the fun of being a baby.

  • Welcome Family!

    Welcome

    We painted “Welcome” on our driveway as we waited for extended family to arrive!

    We have had a great summer break with our kids home from school!!!  We packed in great adventures, time with our extended families, camps, Vacation Bible School, lots of memories, fun, history, road trips, flights, and much more!  So thankful for a wonderful time with our family.    Thanks for being patient with me as I enjoyed extra time with my family.  It is my intention of getting back on schedule here soon.  I will be posting some pictures of our summer fun soon!

    Our first big summer adventure was having Jake’s sister and her family come stay with us for a week.  They arrived on the same day the girls got out of school.  We had a blast!  As an added bonus of fun we also got to see Jake’s cousins who live in the area several times throughout the week as well.  Thankful for family and fun times together!

    P1140426c The girls enjoying popsicles and ice cream bars!

    Time with family - Beliasov - Cousins

    The guys enjoying their game!

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    A pool full of fun!

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    The kids breaking open the pinata!

    Hayes - Weimann - Beliasov - Bennett

    Playing the Jelly Belly game “Bean Boozled” with extended family!  Everyone is waiting with anticipation to see if Aunt Cindy got a good flavor!

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    Snow cones were a hit with the kids one hot afternoon!

  • Family Celebrations: Girls Birthday!

    Happy Birthday Banner for Brina and Karlie!!!

    The girls had a blast celebrating their sixth birthday!  We made the day special for them and had fun!  It is still hard to believe that they are growing up so quickly.  Here are a few shots from our adventures on their birthday!

    Birthday Breakfast - Blueberry Bear Pancakes & Banana Pudding with Star Candles
    Brina and Karlie LOVE writing in their notebooks. At breakfast they got a pretty princess notepad with purple fluffy pen! Super exciting and cute! (Even better is I found them on clearance at Walmart.)
    Karlie playing with her little pony at TGI Friday's
    Brina playing with her little pony at the restaurant - TGI Friday's
    We celebrated their birthday dinner at TGI Friday's!
    Brina and Karlie enjoying their caramel & chocolate ice cream birthday sundae's at TGI Friday's!!! So delicious they got it all over themselves!
    Karlie and Brina using their gift certificates at Toys R Us!
    Brina picked out a pink & white puppy and baby doll supplies at Toys R Us!
    Karlie and Brina sharing their birthday goodies!
    Daddy helping Karlie putting together her Hot Wheels truck!
    Brina LOVES her horses, the stable, and books! We read one right away then put the horse and book back in the stable!
    Karlie so excited about her Stomp ROCKET! She even blasted a few off in the house that night!
    Brina and Karlie coming downstairs for some more birthday fun!
    Brina having a blast riding the go cart in the front yard! Peddle FASTER!!!

    Look Out MOM!!! Karlie's driving fast and you're in the way! Use the breaks!!!

    I have been very blessed with a sweet family.  Even though I am still in shock that my baby girls are 6 years old I am thankful for them and the privilege of watching them grow up.  Wishing them many more awesome years together!

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  • Twin Sisters Productions

    Our girls have enjoyed many of the Twin Sisters Productions CDs and products from the ABCs, relaxing, fun, learning languages (German & Italian) and more.  Since we have fraternal twin daughters of our own we are thrilled to support a wonderful business started by fraternal twin sisters. To get an idea of what their songs are like you can listen to them prior to purchasing.  Sing & Learn (Multipacks) by Twin Sisters Productions is a good mix that of songs that the girls have been listening to for several years even though they know their Alphabet, Numbers, and so forth.  These make great gifts for little ones that like music and they have a variety of neat products for a reasonable price.