I love that Quinn is crafty like me. She eagerly helped me make some new outdoor candy decorations to enhance our winter candy land.
While seeing the “candies” of our labor is rewarding, sharing this moment with Quinn is priceless.
All the best,
Tanya
12 Days of Christmas: Day 10: Decorating our outdoor exterior is something I look forward to each year. Upon taking Quinn’s suggestion to enhance our sweet treat them for our Christmas tree, I decided why not do it for outdoors too.
We have quite a few new additions this year, including seven foot nutcrackers, a nine foot pastel tree adorned with lollipops, cupcakes and donuts, giant cupcakes.
I even made giant lollipops and ring pops and my own archway with giant gumdrops, candy garlands and lights.
It brings joy during the day and night, and what makes it even sweeter is people stopping by and sharing how much they love the decorations. 😋🍩🍪🧁🎄
All the best,
Tanya
Decorating our Christmas tree is something Quinn and I look forward to doing together each year. For the past few years, we’ve had a candy and sweet treats Christmas tree theme.
While I thought about changing it this year to something totally different, Quinn asked that we embrace it even more. I worked on a new tree topper, and Quinn picked out some new donuts, cookies and cupcakes for an even sweeter tree! 😋🍩🍪🧁🎄
All the best,
Tanya
This week, leading up to winter break, my fifth grader has had the opportunity to wear something festive or fun for school.
Unfortunately, this is the age and grade where some kids get clowned for participating, so while Quinn was initially excited for this week, she opted not to participate in crazy hair day or ugly sweater day to avoid being teased and taunted. Though I encouraged her to do her own thing, I didn’t push the issue because I recall all too well how it feels to be taunted by classmates.
But with just two days left, she was eager to wear her festive, plaid pajamas for pajama day knowing that this is the one most kids will be excited to do. Here’s to hoping she was in good company today with her classmates and friends.
All the best,
Tanya
All week long, Quinn’s school has been extra fun encouraging the children to get creative with festive pajamas, sparkly outfits and ugly sweaters. Little did Quinn know that she would be selected for wearing the most festive pajamas and win a Five Below gift card.
Of course, I’m not able to be there for every magical moment. Thank goodness for her teacher capturing this moment and the excitement on Quinn’s face then posting it on Class Dojo.
All the best,
Tanya
All the best,
Tanya
Giving my daughter an advent or 12 days of Christmas calendar has been a tradition for quite a few years now. Usually, there’s a candy theme, but this year, my nine year old was excited to get a 12 days of pampering calendar with lotion, foot scrub, facial cleanser, you name it! This is just a reminder that my little girl is growing up, but we still have Christmas memories together which I love.
All the best,
Tanya
All the best,
Tanya
One of my favorite movies to watch around this time of the year is “A Christmas Story.” I still remember my mom taking my sister and me to see it in the movie theater when I was around my daughter’s age. Now, we enjoy watching it together and even watched the new movie with Ralphie all grown up with his family.
Most recently, we were in Feeney’s, a huge Christmas, nursery and garden store not too far from where we reside and came across a “Christmas Story” display and couldn’t resist taking a picture. Who knows, maybe it’ll be out theme next year.
All the best,
Tanya
All the best,
Tanya
After attending the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luninature and seeing their gorgeous tree displays, my daughter and I (along with our toy poodle) were eager to get started on our tree.
Big T Money is all decked out with delectable sweet treats like cupcakes, cookies, lollipops, cotton candy, ice cream, etc. If only it was all edible 😋. Perhaps it’s good that it’s not because our treats just might be gone by Christmas.
All the best,
Tanya
All the best,
Tanya
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
When I asked my daughter what she enjoyed most about Christmas yesterday, she said that she loved getting presents, but it made her feel good to give presents too because she loves seeing how happy people are as they open gifts. But she also said getting to spend time with family was something she really enjoyed.
Last year, we were stayed at home for Christmas as Covid restrictions were in full swing, there was limited vaccines and it was highly recommended that people limit their interactions to just their immediate family. With the Omicron variant on the rise, we may find ourselves back under restrictions as it continues to make its way to more people.
It’s times like this that I’m glad we have a relatively small family and that we’re all taking precautions to remain safe. While no one knows for sure what will happen in the days or months to come, just like Quinn, I’m so glad I got to enjoy the presence of my family for Christmas.
All the best,
Tanya
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