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
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… Excitement Counting Down the Days Til Christmas! I remember being so excited for Christmas to come and marking down the days on my little calendar that seemed to go by so slowly, especially leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
When Quinn was a toddler, I got her a Christmas Countdown tree, and still loves using it today. Just two more days until Christmas Eve, she told me!
That phrase took me right back to when I was eight years old anticipating the magic of Christmas Day.
All the best,
Tanya
On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My Daughter Gave to me… A Reminder That It’s Fun to Be Festive. Something Quinn and I both love are decorations. We especially love decorating ourselves for the holidays.
When she put on Christmas tree glasses, headband boppers snd held up the “I’ve been nice” sign, I couldn’t resist taking her picture. That look with her standing in front of our photo collage of past Christmas memories just puts a huge smile on my face and reminds me to let loose and have a little fun!
All the best,
Tanya
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, Target Gave to Me Pajama Fun with My Family!
Even though my husband’s pajama size was all sold out, which he didn’t mind since he’s not into wearing funny pajamas, my daughter puppy and I absolutely love it! Well, our puppy tolerates it.
Here’s to having a fun-filled Christmas Eve, watching “A Christmas Story,” eating cookies, playing games and just getting ready and excited for Christmas Day!
All the bes,
Tanya
On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My iPhone Gave to Me…Beautiful Pictures With My Family
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love taking and editing pictures, especially around the holidays. Though there will be no photographs of our annual holiday party nor any with our extended family on Christmas Day this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, I’m so happy that my husband, daughter, puppy son and I could all take pictures together and that we all still have each other as we miss spending time with our friends and relatives this year. Thank goodness for my wonderful family and for my iPhone 11 Pro and photo editing skills this year!
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 