Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a great week with my family. We had some good fun together while accomplishing a lot of little, but much needed tasks around the house and yard. The girls have been enjoying their summer adventures too! Love hearing about their days and what they have been learning at camp and the adventures they are enjoying. Thankful for an opportunity to have an extra day with my family over the July 4th Holiday.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.
Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday –Thankful for a great July 4th Holiday to celebrate our country, time with my family, and a chance to have an extra day at home to get some items done!
Tuesday – Thankful that Jake took the girls into summer camp so I could get into work earlier. Also, grateful that I was able to get off work at lunch to pick up the girls and spend the afternoon with them. We had a lot of fun hanging out together.
Wednesday – Thankful for Jake and the girls help getting some items done around the house.
Thursday – Thankful for an opportunity to spend extra time with extended family. It wasn’t on the schedule until last night, but my Grandma Willa was in town visiting so we had an impromptu dinner with Grandma, my brother & his family, Aunt Pat, and my cousins and their families. We had a great meal, the kids played well, and a good time of catching up. Grateful for an opportunity to see family.
Friday – Thankful for the girls summer camp and the adventures that they have been able to enjoy this summer. They met a lot of neat people this week and was able to get in a lot of biking time (also the importance of staying hydrated on hot summer days in South Carolina). Both girls were grateful for the camel backs this week.
Saturday – Thankful for some time to catch up on projects around the house and yard. Grateful for Jake and all he does for our family.
Sunday – Thankful for the freedom to worship and fellowship with other believers.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.
Flashback Friday: First & Second Time at the Pool
Brina a little unsure about this whole “pool” idea
Today’s flashback Friday goes back about 10 years when the girls first were introduced to a pool. The first trip to the pool with the Greenville Mother’s of Multiples Club family party. We didn’t even have swimming suits for them yet so we took them in onesies and swimmer diapers. They were not to thrilled about the pool the first time around. Both were a little surprised and not overly excited about it. You would never know that now though!
The second time we went to a pool was about a week later with our friend Mike and Ashley. We had gotten the girls swimsuits in the meantime and they did a little better the second time around. Still not thrilled about it, but they tolerated it better.
Brina was a little surprised by the pool water.
Brina slowly getting used to the water on her feet while sitting in Daddy’s lap.
Brina standing up in the pool, still not sure about this whole pool thing.
Brina thinking about sitting down, but still disturbed by the pool.
Brina was very curious by all the other kids swimming around her. Why do they look like they are having so much fun!?
Karlie’s first dip into the pool. She was not happy!
Karlie’s thinking that maybe this isn’t too bad. Daddy seems to think it’s okay…
Jake sprinkled a little water over her head. She wasn’t entirely sure if she liked that.
Karlie sitting on Daddy’s lap talking with another twin. He wanted to know why she didn’t like playing in the pool, ha!
Karlie getting used to the water and she sits there for a minute.
Karlie looking at Mommy for help and confirmation that this pool thing was okay.
Karlie – “Can someone turn off the bright light overhead!” She was not a fan of the bright sunny day and if she was directly in the sun would just close her eyes and whimper. Poor baby girl.
Survived their first “pool swim” or should we say little dip! They were much more content to be back in the bassinet together.
Swimming at the pool was EXHAUSTING! They were out for a nap within a few minutes of drying off and getting into the bassinet. (Brina and Karlie)
Brina and Karlie got their cool new swimming suits and ready to go again. They think it’s funny now as they are at home sitting in the chair together….
Brina with Aunt Ashley at the pool. She is still not convinced that this is a good idea!
Mommy taking Brina and Karlie out into the pool. They were very intent on watching the pool water, like its going to get them or something.
Mommy with Karlie and Brina. They tolerated the pool better this time around with only a few tears. Thankfully it was a small quiet pool.
Brina all snuggled up in her dry towel. She is now ready for her nap.
Look at those pruney little tootsie toes! So cute!
Karlie is getting sleepy. Swimming is hard work Dad!
Family Time in Downtown Charleston
Riding the trolley with the girls in Downtown Charleston.
Charleston is a great town to explore a variety of history. One of the neat perks of Charleston is you can park you car somewhere (if you can find parking) and ride the free trolley around the town. When it is just the girls and I we usually park in the parking garage near the Charleston Visitors Center and grab the trolley right there so it is easy to get around town. The trolley takes you right near almost all the historical places so you only have to walk a few blocks here and there. The trolley’s come by every 10 to 15 minutes so you rarely have to wait very long. Just look for the bus stops or trolley signs to catch a nearby trolley ride.
We met up with Jake and ate at the Noisy Oyster in downtown Charleston. Pictured above is what I had for dinner the Noisy Oyster’s Grilled Salmon BLT sandwich. It was delicious!
Brina all smiles as Karlie checks out the traffic downtown Charleston. The horse carriages always tend to get her attention.
We took a walk through downtown Charleston after dinner. The interactive water fountain in Waterfront Park is always a hit with the kids.
Hanging out by the fountain and “trying” to not too wet!
Walking through Waterfront Park in Charleston.
Hanging out with Daddy near the Pineapple Water Fountain in downtown Charleston!
Well, “Hello Friend” found this little guy scurrying across the path in front of me on our walk.
When we walked down the Waterfront Pier we noticed that the dolphins were out swimming in the harbor. It was getting dark by this time, but it was beautiful watching them glide through the water in front of us.
Jake and his girls at the pier watching the dolphins swim.
Hanging out with my girls in Charleston!
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Patriots Point all lit up at night across the harbor.
A relaxing evening swinging on the pier swings!
Wrapping up a fun and busy day in Charleston! Time to walk back to the car! Charleston is a great town to walk through at night with all the things to see, do, and it is usually bustling with people, horse carriages, bike tours, and more.
On the Farm: Horsing Around
The kids enjoying a ride on the carriage at Grandpa and Grandma’s house!
The horse and pony are a big highlight for the kids when visiting Grandpa and Grandma in Kansas! The girls would probably spend a good chunk of their days out with the horse and pony if they could. They both really enjoy animals especially horses! Grandma Penny was kind enough to let the kids go for a ride on the horse, pony, and in the carriage. All four of the grandkids that were visiting at the time got turns to ride!
Grandma and the kids walking to the pasture to get the horse and pony.
Karlie riding Buzz (or should we say on Buzz while he finds some delicious green grass to eat)!
Brina going for a ride on Misty!
Nathan wanted to start off leading Misty while the other three kids go for a ride on the carriage!
Karlie leading Buzz while Brina, Nate, and Brandon go for a ride in the carriage!
Nate and Brandon going for a carriage ride!
Karlie and Brina riding in the carriage behind Misty!
Brina loved petting and leading Misty around. I think Misty was a nice size for her.
Brandon riding Misty!
Nathan enjoying his ride on Misty.
Misty stopping to eat grass as Brina rides her.
Brina didn’t mind letting Misty grab a bite to eat during her ride around the yard.
Even Uncle Josh went for a short ride on Misty!
Grandma leading Karlie around the yard.
Karlie having a blast riding Misty around the yard!
Nathan riding Buzz (Buzz is a little bigger)!
Brandon on Misty and Nathan on Buzz!
Brandon and Brina going for a ride on Misty!
Karlie and Nate riding Buzz!
On the Farm: Irrigating the Corn & a Horse Ride at Sunset
Karlie was impressed with the height of the corn in the field!
The girls always enjoy coming to Kansas to visit our family. Thankful for opportunities to spend time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, great grandparents, and more extended family! They look forward to their time spent and adventures while in Kansas.
Brina making sure Midnight had company after finishing her stretch of irrigation pipes.
Karlie using a wrench to start the water in a new corn row.
Counting the rows so she can make sure to water the right ones.
Checking out the fields and walking across the irrigation bridge.
They are fascinated by all the neat stuff Grandpa Russell does on the farm!
Of course, Grandma and Grandpa’s animals are always a big highlight for them too. Going for a carriage and horse ride at sunset!
A fun ride as the sun sets! My camera was having a hard time with the lighting and all the animal movement.
A beautiful sunset to end a fun day in Kansas!
Travel & Vacation: Kansas Family Reunion
Our family at Lake Milford this summer!
All my immediate family members were able to come to Lake Milford this summer for a long weekend together. We had a blast! We went swimming, boating, skiing, kneeboarding, tubing, played games, celebrated birthdays, ate great food, laughed, and had a wonderful time making some new memories together. Even our family’s soon-to-be newest member was able to join us for the weekend. My youngest brother Josh will be getting married later this year and his fiance Megan (who we have known for many years) was a part of the fun family weekend! Grateful for a weekend to catch up and have fun!
My parents, siblings, spouses, and kids!
We are a wild crew at times, drive each other nuts occasionally, but all-in-all we know how to have a good time together! Yes, I am blessed to call this crazy bunch my family!
Relaxing for a few minutes at Cracker Barrel.
Rocking and playing checkers!
Travel & Vacation: The Grown Up Kids Having Fun Paddleboarding
Megan and Josh did really well on the paddleboard!
The lake was perfect for paddleboarding. Not only did the kids have fun trying out their talents on the paddleboard, but the adults had a blast too. It was great seeing everyone get up and zip (yes some faster than others) across the lake on the paddleboard. Thankful for some time of fun, laughter, and the chance to try a new activity with family!
Amber showing off her paddleboarding skills!
Who says the kids have all the fun! I think the adults had just as much fun on the paddleboard! At least Amber did!
Jake taking Brina with him on the paddleboard.
Megan and Josh gliding around the lake on the paddleboard.
Dad heading out to the middle of the lake on the paddleboard.
Keeping it steady.
Becky taking off!
Becky and Nicko on the paddleboard.
Lee was up and going in no time!
Nicko going for a ride with his Dad!
Dad teasing Jeremy before take off!
Jeremy paddleboarding on Lake Milford.
Uncle Lee and the kids!
Looking a little crazy!
Nathan and Grandma Penny
Grandpa Russell and Nathan
Lee and Becky going for a ride across the lake.
Nathan taking his Mom on the paddleboard.
Fun times at the lake.
Jake started out kneeling….
Once he was out a little ways he decided to stand up….
And he was successful! Jake cruising around Milford Lake on the paddleboard.
Travel & Vacation: Kids Paddleboarding on Lake Milford
Yes, five kids can fit onto one paddleboard – Sierra, Brandon, Karlie, Nathan, and Brina
On our last full day at Lake Milford Nate used his money to rent a paddleboard for several hours. It provided a lot of fun entertainment for everyone! The kids had a grand time as well as the adults trying their balancing skills on the paddleboard. Thanks Nathan for sharing with everyone. What a fun day!
Nate and Brandon on the paddleboard!
Brina and Brandon going for a ride on the paddleboard
Getting instructions from Uncle Jeremy
Nate and Sierra on a roll
Sierra and Nathan cruising across the lake
Karlie steering and Brina on for the ride
Brina’s turn to paddle while Karlie rides (or splashes in the water)
Nathan and Karlie on the paddleboard
Karlie in control of the paddleboard now as Nathan hangs on
Brina trying it out on her own…don’t go too far!
Karlie testing her paddleboard skills
Sierra going for a ride with Brandon on the paddleboard
Sierra demonstrating her balancing talents!
Brandon is a little concerned that Sierra’s balancing acts may result in getting him tipped over
Brandon, Brina, and Sierra all standing on the paddleboard. This is a lot harder than it looks because you have more movement and it is much easier to tip over.
Goofy kids!
Trying to catch their balance without flipping the paddleboard.
HOLD ON…..
Brandon thought it was hilarious that all the girls fell off the paddleboard.
Karlie, Brandon, Sierra, and Brina trying to get back on!
Gliding across Lake Milford
Brandon driving the paddleboard now
They are having a grand time!
Beautiful day for paddleboarding across the lake with cousins!
Brina smoothly sailing around on the paddleboard
Karlie taking Brina and Brandon around the lake.
Travel & Vacation: Splashing Around at Lake Milford
Grandpa’s ready to go swimming!
We spent the majority of our day in the water at Lake Milford. On our final full day at the lake we swam near the cabins so everyone could come and go as they wanted. It was a lot of fun being able to swim and splash around in the water.
Nicko having fun at the lake!
Karlie using her balancing skills!
Brina using Jake’s shoulders as her diving board so she could spring into the water!
Karlie preparing for another big splash!
Karlie flying through the air!
Look out! There goes Brina!
Hanging out with Zachie as he enjoys his blue Lollipop!
First Aid Kit! Yes, Karlie discovered that zebra muscles on the rocks were not her friend (quite painful actually)! Ouch! Thanks Aunt Amber and Daddy for coming to her rescue!
All the kids (and some of the big kids too) enjoyed digging in the sand on the beach!
Becky and Zachie having fun!
Karlie hanging out with Grandma and Uncle Lee!
Travel & Vacation: Boating and Fishing on Milford Lake
Uncle Trace & Aunt Michelle fishing! Look at the flying fish in the upper right of the picture!
We had a blast with family at Milford Lake this summer. During the day there were a lot of different activities going on at the same time so everyone could have fun doing something they enjoyed from swimming, fishing, tubing, water skiing, knee boarding, and more fun. Uncle Trace was our expert fisherman that weekend!
Brina hanging out on my brother and sister-in-law’s boat!
Karlie on the boat at least briefly, she didn’t stay on the boat very long!
Jake taking pictures as Brina crashes on his lap. Lots of sun, wind, and lake fun make very tired kids!
Brina all tuckered out and taking a power nap on the boat! Good idea!
Hanging out with Zachie!
Uncle Josh teasing Nicko!
Look there’s Grandma Penny and Zachie on the fishing boat!
Beautiful day for fishing!
