Work & Family Event at Lake Keowee
This past weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy a Lake event with Bridgette’s co-workers at Lake Keowee! We had a blast! A huge thanks to Jeff and Sonya for their hospitality. They graciously shared their home, boat, kayaks, paddle board, life jackets, floats, and many other fun items with everyone. The girls had a grand time kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, and splashing around off the dock!
Thankful for an opportunity to relax and have fun with people at work. It was a great opportunity for Jake and the girls to meet some of the people I work alongside day to day. The weather was gorgeous, food was delicious, and the company was great too. Grateful for a chance to hang out at the Lake for a day – perfect way to spend a Saturday! The kids slept well that night after a fun day at the Lake Keowee with their friends!!!
The kids had a blast at Lake Keowee
Karlie enjoying the paddle board
Karlie and friends going for a ride on the tube!
Their expressions crack me up!
Go Faster!!!
Brina and friends going for a spin on the tube!
Cruising along!
Look out for that wake!
Karlie ready to get back in the water!
Beautiful day and gorgeous view of the lake from the house
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!
Travel & Vacation: Homewood Suites & Paddington Movie (Atlanta, GA)
Swimming at the pool
On a recent trip to Atlanta, Georgia we stayed at the Homewood Suites. The girls were begging to go swimming so on the first day we were there we wrapped up early and headed back to the hotel so they could swim. It was in the high 70’s that day, however, they had just filled the pool a couple days before we arrived so the water was freezing cold. Both kids got into the pool, but Brina was done after a few minutes. Karlie stayed in a little longer, although it wasn’t much fun swimming by herself. The entire time we were at the hotel we didn’t see one other person in the pool….I wonder why?!
Since we scrapped our pool time activity we decided to look for some other activities that we could do together that night. We headed back to the room to re-group and figure out what we wanted to do that evening. While the girls got dressed Jake and I made dinner in the hotel room. It was nice having one with a fridge, sink, dishwasher, microwave, and oven so we could eat at the hotel!
Jake found a movie theater nearby where you can get movie tickets for $3 each and they were showing some good kids movies so we decided to check it out. It was only a few miles away inside a open shopping mall and market. We chose to watch the movie Paddington with the girls at the Venture Theater.
It was a cute movie. I seriously cannot remember the last time our family went to the movie theater so this was a special treat for the kids. Usually it is so expensive just to go to the movies so we usually wait until it comes out on video. It was a nice activity for the four of us and only cost $12! The kids enjoyed the movie. Jake and I had a couple good laughs too. Thankful for a fun evening with the family. Sometimes even the best of plans don’t go as expected so it’s always a good idea to have a Plan B.
Ready for the movie to start
Karlie is focused
Our kids typically don’t sleep in very late so one morning after breakfast we spent some time playing games until the place we were going to that day opened. During the evenings after dinner if we had time and everyone wasn’t too tired we would play some card games too. It’s always a good idea to bring card games because you never know when you’ll have a few minutes of down time to relax and have fun.
Karlie relaxing on the couch at the hotel.
Brina setting up the game
It didn’t take them long to crash after a fun filled day in Atlanta!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Swan & Dolphin Resort Pools (Orlando, FL)
Beautiful view and we almost had the pool to ourselves!
During our time at the Swan & Dolphin Resorts the kids had to check out their pools. Yes, they have several pools and a playground. We had a blast swimming and splashing around in their pools on the hottest day. The girls can spend hours swimming around.
Brina floating around!
Karlie having fun!
Being goofy under the water!
How long can you hold your breathe
Brina coming down the slide next to one of the pools.
That was fun, let’s do it again!
Karlie ready to go
Karlie moving right along!
I barely got a shot of her coming around the corner! They loved the slide!
A pool with a waterfall. How awesome is that!?
Hanging out by the waterfall.
This pool was much quieter, but one of their favorites because it was easier to dive for items since it was less crowded. That’s our hotel in the back ground.
Swimming around
Brina loves her goggles and her eyes don’t get nearly are red from the chlorine.
Taking a break to chat
Stopping for a few minutes to relax.
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: Family Reunion at Acorn Resorts on Milford Lake
A lively round of golf (the card game) with the kids!
Our weekend with family in the the Acorn Resorts on Milford Lake was a lot of fun. We had a blast playing games and splashing around in the lake. We even were able to celebrate some birthdays during our weekend together! Thankful for a great weekend with our family!
Karlie enjoying her time at the lake!
Who wants to play “chicken”?! Brina and Nathan are ready! Thankful that the girls had a chance to hang out with their cousins and for the memories they have created!
Karlie jumping off the tube!
Another serious lake competition!? 🙂 No, just having fun! Look out for Amber and Sierra!
Ouch! That one looked painful!
Sierra’s very proud of her talent! Hilarious!
Brina springing off the tube!
Nicko having a grand time swimming around the lake!
Oh no, here she goes again. Look out below!
This cool contraption was flying over head as we were swimming around in the lake. Looks like fun too!
Karlie was always ready to go FASTER!
Brina, Brandon, and Karlie on the tube!
Nate, Meg, and Sierra got some air on this one!
Whoa! Hang on!
They are having a blast!
Karlie and Brandon going for another spin!
Candice and her friends sailing across the lake on the tube!
They even let me go a couple times! Loads of fun on the lake!
We had a grand time zipping along on the tube!
The kids are all showered after a fun day at the lake. Passing the time watching TV while the adults get dinner ready!
Happy Birthday Nicko! He had a super cool cake! The trucks on top were a huge hit too!
Time to celebrate and eat some delicious cake!
Travel & Vacation: Tubing, Knee Boarding, and Water Skiing at Milford Lake!
Waving as she passes family!
We spent the weekend at Lake Milford playing in the water! It was fun to watch everyone go tubing, fishing, knee boarding (or boogy boarding as we grew up calling it), skiing and more. Thankful for some time together creating memories with our extended family!
Grandma and Zachie hanging out on the boat!
They are having way too much fun back there on the tube!
Karlie tubing with Aunt Megan and Uncle Josh
Karlie got up on the knee board again this year! We knew she could do it!
Working on getting the rope unlatched so she can hold it on her own!
She’s doing it on her own! Way to go Karlie!
Karlie’s first time knee boarding with someone else! She was so excited to be knee boarding at the same time her Daddy was knee boarding! A big thanks to my brother for taking these pictures for us of Karlie and Jake because I was on another boat with Brina!
Karlie knee boarding with Jake! She could live in the water she loves everything about it! So proud of her for doing the knee board by herself. She said it was a lot of fun, but her arms when her arms got sore she didn’t want to stop she was having so much fun!
Megan and Josh on the knee boards!
Lee making it look easy!
Waving to Nicko and Zachie on the boat!
Swinging his way out!
Skiing until the sun started to set! The lake was smooth and beautiful at this time of day!
Travel & Vacation: Family Reunion at Lake Milford – Boating, Swimming, and Tube Bouncing!
Boating with family on Lake Milford!
We met family at Lake Milford for a fun weekend together. The weekend was full of boating, swimming, good food, and great memories. Thankful for time to catch up, play, and have fun! My parents, siblings, nephews, and more extended family were present that weekend!
Brandon springing off the tube!
Having fun playing on the tube!
Nathan pulling off a cool move!
Sierra showing off her gymnastics moves!
Brandon in mid flight!
Playing in the lake!
Zachie having fun!
Sierra has some spring!
Karlie jumping off the tube.
Taking turns jumping off the tube!
Fun times at the lake!
Brina flying through the air!
Brina enjoys being tossed in the air!
Love the expression on Karlie’s face!
The kids trying to hold onto tube while the adults flip it.
Who know that a tube just sitting in the water could provide so much entertainment!
Having fun on the tube!
Nicko floating around!
A boat full of fun!
Grandpa Veryln and Grandma Doris relaxing after dinner with the entire group at Lake Milford.
Travel & Vacation: Our Weekend at Sadlers Creek State Park
Thankful for a wonderful, relaxing, and fun weekend away with the family.
We had a great day swimming, biking, and playing at Sadlers Creek State Park near Anderson, SC. Our tent was surrounded by trees but we could still see Lake Hartwell. The first night we played card games until late at night and crashed. The second night we experimented by toasting smores, starbursts, twillers, and fruit chews over the camp fire. They were a fun camping treat! We wrapped up the second night at the campsite relaxing and sharing some of our favorite summer memories. We are blessed and so much to be grateful for in our lives.
Silly girls enjoying their time camping at the lake.
Brina’s favorite were the toasted twizzler bites!
Karlie’s toasted marshmallow!
The Toasted Starbursts were goey, crispy, and delicious! My favorite of the toasting “experiments”.
The Toasted Fruit Chews were a little harder to do because if you waited too long they would drop off your stick. The ones that survived the heat of the fire got great reviews from the kids!
The best way to eat a Marshmallow – completely crispy and toasted over a flaming fire! Yum!
A full day of family fun in the sun results in two sleepy kids!
Brina swimming in the lake!
Karlie’s got a collection of sticks, wonder what she’s up to now!
Brina splashing around in Lake Hartwell.
Karlie all smiles as she gathers her sticks for some fun!
Our weekend camping went by quickly. We had fun, relaxed, and spent time together. We biked, swam, played games, ate great camp food, laughed, and had a grand time creating memories. The girls decided after this weekend that we need to make camping a more regular activity because they enjoyed it so much. Thankful for opportunities to spend time together and create these precious memories.
Travel & Vacation: Camping at Sadlers Creek State Park
Ready to unload the van and start camping!
Our family had a blast going camping at Sadlers Creek State Park this summer! It was the first out of the yard tent camping with just our family. The girls have been asking to go camping so we decided to do it! The Sadlers Creek tent camping area is near Anderson, South Carolina and almost all the tent sites overlook Lake Hartwell. It was beautiful, peaceful, and a lot of fun spending the weekend together. There was enough trees between the campsites you had some privacy. We ran into our friends from church the first night too! We biked everywhere and had fun swimming in the lake. There were two restroom facilities near us both with showers which was nice especially with the kids!
Once we arrived we biked everywhere. It was a great way to get around, explore some neat areas, and get some exercise! We biked to several different places that had sandy beaches, many of them were quiet with no other people around. After setting up the tent and camp area we picked out a couple of beaches we wanted to come back to the next day.
Karlie enjoying some time playing at a playground nearby!
Enjoying a walk and watching the beautiful sunset the first night we arrived.
The girls were thrilled with our morning guests! The geese were not scared of the kids and hung around for about 30 minutes.
Time for breakfast in our camp – ham, hashbrowns, eggs, and coffee!
Brina giggling at something!
Ready to go for a swim at one of the beaches we discovered!
Jake found a great place to jump off into the water!
Brina jumping off the “diving board”!
Karlie’s turn!
Swimming at the lake.
Trying to figure out how to do a belly buster.
Brina splashing around at Lake Hartwell.
Karlie probably could live in the water. She loves swimming around!
Brina enjoyed cruising around on her bike!
Exploring the area!
