Tag Archives: Fun

It Took Twelve Years to Formally Meet Mister Softee! đź¤—

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As a kid growing up in the inner city, Mister Softee, Helado de Coco and the shaved ice guy were staples of the community. The neighborhood kids, including me, would scrape up their money or beg a parent or friend to spot them a dollar or two get get an ice cream cone or popsicle.

Living in a suburb right outside of Philadelphia, my daughter has had limited opportunities to beg for money to get a treat from the ice cream truck and certainly not Mr. Softee.

So when I heard that magical tune in the distance as we relaxed on a bench after our bike ride, I was probably more excited than she was to get her first treat at 12 years old. We were the first to arrive at Mr. Softee’s window as other children and adults began to make their way over. Though Quinn’s ice cream treat was a whopping eight dollars, creating this memory for us both to share was worth it!

All the best,

Tanya

A Dozen Years of Birthdays with Many More to Come

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Though most consider becoming a teenager a milestone, I think turning twelve is just as significant. It’s the last year of being a tween and many changes are coming or already happening.

I’m so happy to celebrate my daughter’s 12th birthday as she continues to grow into a lovely young lady. She truly deserves a dozen roses for being such a great kid and person.

Here’s to many more birthdays to come because each one is special.

All the best,

Tanya

Fun Seeing How the Body Works

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Imagine getting an opportunity to see what’s at work beneath the surface as it pertains to humans. Not just skeletons, but organs ranging from hearts, lungs, livers and everything else found in a human body. This was my family’s experience at The Franklin Institute’s Body World’s exhibition today. (In accordance with the guidelines, I won’t post any pictures of the actual body exhibit, just posters)

Years ago, I attended a similar event, but observing the wonder and intrigue of my daughter and her best friend who accompany us allowed me to fully embrace the exhibition from a new perspective.

While I’m by no means perfect, I do try my best to take care of my body in knowing this is the only place I will always live while I’m living. As Quinn asked questions and made observations about preserved organs that may have been impacted by disease, ailments and just the process of aging, I thought about what else I could be doing to help my body, including all of its organs to live a long and healthy life.

There were many informational posters, some containing quotes, and what most of them had in common is the idea that while exercise and proper nutrition are essential, so is happiness. As an adult, I understand this concept and truly hope that Quinn embraces it now and for years to come.

All the best,

Tanya

Bowled Over with Super Memories! Fly Eagles, Fly! đź¤—💚🦅

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Today, my daughter and I created a wonderful memory with countless of Philadelphia Eagles fans! After celebrating their Super Bowl win this past Sunday, we cheered, chanted and sung the Eagles fight song as we attended the Eagles parade!

Initially, I was a bit concerned about the overwhelming crowds, but that anxious feeling disappeared as the positive energy of fans far and wide filled the atmosphere. No one cared about your political views or the color of your skin, as long as you were an Eagles fan 💚. I’m so glad we decided to go rather than watch on television. It’s a memory that will stay with us always.

E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! Go Birds! Hoping we can celebrate like this again very soon.

All the best,

Tanya

Christmas “Presents” of 2024

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Something I look forward to on Christmas is the smile on Quinn’s face and joy in her voice as she excitedly opens her gifts. While she’s not perfect, she is a great student, respectful, and a caring person deserving of a few gifts.

I love the presence of family on Christmas way more than the gifts. Our core unit is relatively small, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying each other’s company. Seeing Quinn with her cousins is a wonderful present money can’t buy.

All the best,

Tanya

The Twelfth Day of Christmas: 2024

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Since Quinn was a toddler, we would make gingerbread houses together, so it was only fitting that we would visit Peddler’s Village for their Gingerbread competition and display. 

There were traditional gingerbread houses, 3-dimensional ones and even reproductions of movies and TV shows. 

There was something for everyone, and it was a wonderful way to spend part of our Christmas Eve.  

Who knows! Maybe we’ll enter the contest next year!

All the best,

Tanya

The Eleventh Day of Christmas: 2024

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12 Days of Christmas: Day 11: Santa was happy to be greeted by both Quinn and our toy poodle Zack for furry friends Monday at Willow Grove Mall. 

Though Quinn’s getting older, she still happily chatted with Santa and agreed to take a family picture. 

Of course, I’m always eager and happy to see Santa and the smiles on both Quinn and Zack’s faces.

All the best,

Tanya

The Ninth Day of Christmas: 2024

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12 Days of Christmas: Day 9 The Philadelphia Zoo’s Luminature event is one we always look forward to around this time of the year.

Though the cousins weren’t able to join us, my mom did and my husband (Quinn’s dad) did for the first time. This, along with the wondrous lights, hot cocoa and s’more’s, made it a memorable experience. 🥰

All the best,

Tanya

The Eighth Day of Christmas: 2024

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12 Days of Christmas: Day 8: Lola, our Elf on the Shelf, first visited our home a decade ago.

She wasn’t quite sure if Quinn looked forward to her visits until on December 1st Quinn brought to my attention that she didn’t see Lola anywhere.

Even though some traditions may fade as Quinn ages, Lola feels special knowing she had more time to spread Christmas cheer! 🤗🎄🥰

All the best,

Tanya