Tag Archives: Cousins

Cousins Unite for a Nature Hike

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“Tweenage” years are an interesting time. Some look like children yet behave like teens and “adults,” some look like teens or mini adults yet behave like kids.

While some want nothing to do with adults nor their parents, others still enjoy their company and look forward to interacting.

Regardless, as a parent of a tween, I hope my twelve year old knows that I will love her as “nature” takes its course and hope she never asks me to “take a hike,” except for a fun outdoor adventure with our cousins.

Quinn, our cousins and their furry brothers had a wonderful time today just hiking, feeding the geese and ducks and enjoying each others company.

All the best,

Tanya

With My “Boos” at the Zoo

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of my daughter and me taking part in the Boo at the Zoo event for some Halloween fun. We both love getting dressed up in costumes (always a mom and daughter theme, 🤗) and Quinn loves trick or treating for candy too.

What we love even more is that this is not just a mother daughter tradition but a cousin tradition too! With the busyness of life, we may not see each other as often as we’d like, but this is one outing we all faithfully attend donning costumes, smiles and ready for some quality time with family. I’m grateful to have this time with some of my favorite “boos.” 🥰🤗🎃💀

All the best,

Tanya

A Sweet Time at Hersheypark with Family

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It’s that time of the year where my daughter and I pack in as many fun-filled autumn activities as possible before the cold weather arrives. Today, we had a sweet time with our cousins at Hersheypark.

Though it was jam-packed with people everywhere we turned, I secured my usual role as bag holder, and Quinn and our cousins, Merissa and Ellie, managed to get on quite a few rides. They even did a little trick or treating and received a bag load of Hershey candy from Reese’s cups to Kit Kats.

With the sun shining along with an occasional breeze, it was a perfect amusement park day. Though it’s only the first weekend in October, our activities are off to a fantastic start.

All the best,

Tanya

Luminature Lights Up the Night While Family Lights Up My Life

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Lumuminature Love

For years, my daughter and I have been going to the Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature event for the holiday season. We both love the lights and everything about the atmosphere. But there’s something that has made this activity even more special for us: going with extended family.

Light Up the Night

My mom (Quinn’s nana), my sister-in-law and nieces, my cousin, her daughter and mom (my aunt), have been joining us too. Since Quinn is an only child, I’m so grateful that she has such a close bond with her cousins and that they got to see each other and enjoy the lights together. This most certainly lights up my life.

Cousins

All the best,

Tanya

Reconnected: The Bond of Cousins

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“It’s been over a year and a half, mommy! Do you think she’s taller?” my daughter asked about her little cousin. “Yes, I’m sure she’s taller,” I responded. This past Wednesday, Quinn and her cousin got to spend time together in Sesame Place after being apart for well over a year and a half.

As we waited for my sister-in-law and niece to arrive, Quinn watched closely looking for anyone who resembled them. When she finally spotted them, her smile widened, and she excitedly told me, “Here they come!” When my niece got closer, I could see the happiness on her face as well. Seeing these two reconnect after being apart for what probably felt even longer, considering that they’re both young children, really made my day.

It actually reminded me of the scene in “The Color Purple” when Celie and Nettie reconnected after being separated for years. Though I played it cool, there was this surge of emotions as I took a picture of them with their big, happy smiles. After being under restrictions for so long, I have an even greater appreciation for spending time with family and friends.

All the best,

Tanya

Play Dates: Not Just for Kids but Parents Too!

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“Please, Mommy! Can you give me another clue? Who’s coming over for a visit tomorrow?” my little girl pleaded. Quinn is an only child and does well playing by herself or even playing with her dad or me, but there’s no denying that there is something special about having time to play with children around her own age. Yes, she has an opportunity to play at recess or interact during gym and music, but an actual play date involving an activity or even just going to a family member or friend’s house or having them come to our house is a wonderful experience for us both.

While some parents may dread play dates or just don’t see the significance of them, I look forward to them just as much as my five and a half year old does. For the most part, she is a cheerful, easygoing child, but the smile that comes over her face when she has a play date let’s me know that it is something she enjoys immensely. Also, it gives me an opportunity to see how she interacts with children directly. Does she share, is she kind, is she a good sport if they are playing a game?

Yesterday, when my cousin visited with her daughter, Quinn did a wonderful job sharing and cared about her cousin’s interests by taking turns while helping to bake a princess cake. She also allowed her cousin to pick out her headband color first since she was our guest as they worked on their other crafty project. I also enjoyed being able to observe them and help them go through the process of preparing and baking their cake.

Something that impressed me was how the both of them were able to go with the flow when the fondant for the cake didn’t quite turn out as they hoped. It was a teachable moment that sometimes you may follow the directions, but the results may still not turn out as you anticipated. I was able to quickly whip up a buttercream frosting and match the pink of the fondant, and the girls were eager to decorate the dress. They commented on how pretty she looked and said, “We can’t wait to eat her for dessert!” This gave me such a chuckle!

From baking to crafting to playing games and eating together, it was fun for all. I’m so grateful we have family and friends to get together with for good-old fashioned fun!

All the best,

Tanya

Simple Sundays: “Sleepovers Are Great!” Says My Little Girl

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2016-04-30 21.12.24

Ready to Have a Fun Sleep Over!

I loved having sleepovers when I was younger. My daughter, who will be three in just two days, loves sleepovers too. One main difference, however, is that I had my sister, who is just 18 months older than I am, but Quinn is an only child, so having someone come to spend the night is even more special to her. A couple of months ago, I posted an entry about the close relationship my little girl has with her big cousin and how she simply adores her. Having her spend the night on Saturday into Sunday was a huge ordeal. My niece, who is actually six years older, is so good with Quinn. They had fun playing games, watching a movie and eating popcorn together and just keeping each other company. Though going somewhere can be fun, just waking up together this Sunday morning, having breakfast and playing together was enough to put smiles on both of their faces. As the saying goes, “Sometimes it’s the simple things that bring us the most happiness.”

All the best,

Tanya