My Family Lights Up My Life! Fun at the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature

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Yesterday, my daughter, mother, sister in-law, nieces and I arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo in the evening ready for some amazing sights. While the animals slumbered, the beautiful lights and decorations lit the night’s sky at their annual Luminature event. There was a huge light-up penguin show, a big flamingo tree, shimmer just about everywhere we turned, a sea display and gorgeous Christmas trees, and we were enamored by it all!

What made this evening extra special was watching my daughter and niece’s faces light up as they walked and even raced to the next light display letting out joyous giggles. I’m so grateful for these moments and am glad Quinn expressed interest in going for a third time.

All the best,

Tanya

The Triple “A” Call I Love Making: Celebrating My Daughter’s Hard Work

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Most people associate triple A with vehicle troubles, but I learned this past Friday that that’s not always the case. My fourth grader came home excited to share with me that she was the first of the school year to earn the triple A: All Achievement Award for classroom focus, effort, and desire to learn.

Though I am proud of Quinn, I’m not at all surprised. She loves school and learning so much. But even still, I don’t take her focus, efforts and desire to learn for granted, especially as I struggle to keep many of the college students I teach motivated and encouraged to learn.

I can only hope that she continues to have the intrinsic motivation to learn and put forth her best efforts as a student and person well into adulthood.

All the best,

Tanya

As It All “Falls” Down, I Glad I Can “Leave” It to My Daughter To Help Out

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While I love autumn and the beautiful colors of the leaves, they eventually find their way on the ground, yard and sidewalk. The nostalgia of jumping in the leaves as a kid and watching my daughter play in the leaves giggling and tossing them everywhere is fleeting.

But there’s new moments which may not be as fun but are memorable. While most nine year olds are glued to their devices and have to be cajoled and pried off the couch to do chores, especially yard work, my nine year old volunteered even without the incentive of earning an allowance. So of course, I decided to give her a little something for working hard and expecting nothing but just wanting to help me. 🥰

Here’s to hoping that she keeps this work ethic well into teenage years. ☺️🤞🏽

All the best,

Tanya

A Frightful Ride Simply Amuses My Fearless Daughter

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While her hair and body dangled upside down, there were no screams nor cries. My nine year not only put on a brave but happy face as she got on the twister, a crazy, intense ride for some, at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Would I’ve been fearless enough to get on by myself at Quinn’s age next to all of the teens and adults? I think I would have chickened out without a riding buddy. This makes me so proud of her as I believe this is an indicator of how brave she is and will continue to be in life. Even is she has to go it alone, she is fearless and will let nothing stop her!

All the best,

Tanya

A Sweet Treat of a Day in Hersheypark

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Something most kids and some adults look forward to during this time of year is fun and the Halloween treats. Hersheypark is the best place to have both, so my sister and I took our girls yesterday.

Though it felt more crowded than during the summer, the weather was sunny and warm. Plus, the boardwalk was transformed into “Treatville” where both kids and adults could get some classic and new Hershey candy.

How I just love this time of year and the opportunity to have memorable moments with my family.

All the best,

Tanya

With My Boos at the Zoo!

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On this absolutely beautiful autumn day there’s no place I’d rather be than with my “boos” at the Philadelphia Zoo. Since my daughter was a toddler, we’ve been getting dressed up and heading to the zoo for some October fun, and for the past five years or so, it’s become an annual cousin outing with my mom (their nana), and we have so much fun together.

Quinn and I both look forward to getting dressed up, and this year was no different. Since we’ve been super heroes in the past, we decided to go as supervillains: Harley Quinn and Joker. I just love our matching costumes and bonding time.

Here’s to many more fun October events to come!

All the best,

Tanya