Tag Archives: Family Fun

The “Presents” of a Dad: Father’s Day 2026

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The presence of a dad or a father figure is so important in a child’s life. Oftentimes, the bond and love, especially between a father and daughter are not only crucial but immeasurable.

I’m grateful for the relationship Quinn’s dad has with her, even with their “inside jokes” sometimes at my expense. He treats her like a Queen and has been wrapped around her finger since day one.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads and father figures who make a positive difference in the lives of the children of the future who may one day be parents themselves.

All the best,

Tanya

Hershey Park Family Fun with Cousins

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Hershey park is somewhere my daughter and I have been going since she was a toddler, but for the very first time, we got to have fun with our distant cousins who traveled from Pittsburgh to spend time with us.

My cousin’s sons are much younger, but Quinn and my niece, who’s officially a young adult, had a wonderful time being their “roller coaster ride buddies.” It warmed my heart to see the smiles on all of their faces. When my youngest cousin reached out for my hand to hold, it reminded me of when my now thirteen year old daughter was that young, and it was truly a nostalgia moment.

Having my mom their was the icing on the cake because sadly, my cousin loss her mother about her year ago, and she was my mom’s younger sister. I’m grateful for family and moments such as these. Quinn even suggested making it an annual outing, and I totally agree!

All the best,

Tanya

Starting off Summer Break Fun with the Night Nation Run

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It’s the first weekend of my daughter summer break, and we kicked it off with a nighttime race. Unlike the Rocky Run that we did with my best friend, this was more like a celebratory festival with DJ’s, music pumping, lights flashing and people dancing.

In addition to it feeling like a party, this event supported the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) charity, “a groundbreaking initiative created to accelerate innovative cancer research.” I was so happy that my 13 year old was so excited to participate with my best friend and me.

There’s only a handful of people and things that I stay up way past my bedtime for, and this event with my mini me and bestie was one of them.

All the best,

Tanya

Last Day: The First Chapter of Middle School Ends

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Many milestones, achievements and activities happened in this school year. My daughter started middle school, was on student council, continued with playing the violin in orchestra, was inducted into the national juniors honors society and ran track and hurdles for the first time.

I’m so grateful that Quinn had a wonderful experience through academics, the arts, athletics and just building new relationships with classmates and teachers.

I’m so proud of the progress she’s made and look forward to having a wonderful summer with Quinn as we count down til the first day of eighth grade

All the best,

Tanya

Celebrating My 14th Mommyversary!

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I need to take a few moments to appreciate all of the baby steps and milestones that brought me to my 14th “mommyversary.” My little girl is officially a teen, and I’m gearing up for more milestones snd memorable moments.

Motherhood is not always easy, but I always try my best to be physically, emotionally and mentally present for Quinn. I’m blessed to be a mother to her and to have my mother there to offer advice.

I’m grateful for motherhood and all that it has taught me about life.

All the best,

Tanya

The “Beddian” Birthday and My Official Teenager Are Here!

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Alas! Another major milestone has occurred. Born in 2013, by “baby girl” is officially 13: a teenager. While I’m grateful for every moment from Quinn being placed in my arms minutes after her birth to taking her first steps and saying her first words, I need time to slow down a little because this mommy still feels like she’s taking baby steps.

Family 13th birthday

Though every year is special, similar to when she became a toddler, these years tend to have so many changes in development and at such a rapid pace, and I’m just hoping that I can keep up with her needs and be who and what she needs me to be when she needs me to be it.

Some family and friends have asked what it feels like to now have a teenager, and if I could only use one word it would be “overwhelming,” not because of my daughter but because I know that she’s now closer to adulthood than childhood, or at least that is how she will be recognized by society in just short five years. But even still, she will always be my sweet girl who deserves the world and for all of her birthday wishes to come true.

All the best,

Tanya

New Year’s Eve 2025 Reflections

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It’s a happy New Year’s Eve as I reminisce about the wonderful memories and moments I had in 2025 with my mini me. So much has happened, but a few that have a special place in my heart are the many conversations we’ve had, our first spring break trip together to the Dominican Republic, attending the Eagles Superbowl championship parade, and getting a new workout and running buddy. 

Quinn’s also had many accomplishments of her own in 2025 from becoming a leader at her school in a student council position to improving her violin skills and successfully completing her first 5K, the Rocky Run. 

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m grateful to have a daughter like Quinn and look forward to more memories in 2026

All the best,

Tanya

Twelve Days to Christmas: A Sweet Christmas Eve at Hersheypark

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A wonderful way to celebrate the Eve of Christmas with family is at one of the sweetest places on earth: Hersheypark. With sunny skies, temperatures in the mid forties and a relatively crowd free park, we couldn’t ask for a better day!

We enjoyed our experience from start to finish, and I took on my usual duty as designated bag holder while my daughter Quinn, cousin Ellie and husband got on roller coaster rides. It’s already a merry Christmas with family.

All the best,

Tanya