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

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 Happy First Day of Spring with Rita’s Water Ice

Though it was sunny, the low this morning was 27 degrees Fahrenheit which felt nothing like the first day of spring! Eventually it got a bit warmer, which meant the line at Rita’s for a free water ice would seem never ending, and it was!

There was still a chill in the air with at least 40 to 50 people ahead of us. If it weren’t for my daughter being so excited, I probably would have left. So after a little over a half hour of waiting, we earned our first day of spring rewards. Quinn got Swedish Fish, and I got lemon as a surprise for my husband.

Happy first day of spring! Now if only we can have some consistent spring weather.

All the best,

Tanya

The First Day of Spring Brings a Roar at the Zoo

The past year most certainly has been quite different. Many of the traditions my daughter and I look forward to have either been canceled or modified beyond recognition. Though there was no free Rita’s water ice for the first day of spring yesterday, we still had a wonderful time spending a day at the zoo with our cousins.

We were pleasantly surprised to see that many of the animals were our and about and quite vocal too. We’ve been going to the zoo since Quinn was a baby, but yesterday was the first time we saw and heard the lion roar. In some weird way, it offered us comfort in knowing that the lion was claiming the day and was ready for spring to get underway. While we are still navigating these new norms, seeing the animals, being in the fresh air and feeling the sun as we casually walked around was a wonderful way to bring in the spring.

Lion Roaring at the Zoo

All the best,

Tanya

Excited for Spring with My Little Girl

“Do you know that today is the first day of spring?” my little girl asked with excitement. I responded, “Yes, I do!” “Now that it’s spring, the flowers will start to bloom, the grass will start to grow, and I’ll be able to ride my bike outside and go to the park more!” she exclaimed. “Yes, you’re right again,” I told her. This conversation took place today as we were driving home from her preschool to our partially snow covered yard with melted snow water flowing down the sidewalk and street.

Today, we spent a little time outside reminiscing about our snowman we built last week who has sadly melted away. On the bright side, we put up Easter and spring decorations knowing that sunny, warm spring days are ahead.

We both look forward to each season together. It’s such a blessing to observe Quinn grow and reach milestones while enjoying nature and all the fun that each season encompasses with my little girl. Here’s to kite flying, bike riding, nature walks, trips to the zoo and just spending time with each other. Here’s to “springing” into more outdoor fun!

All the best,

Tanya

Spring Has Sprung, and So Has My Little One

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Enjoying Some Time at the Park

Alas, it’s the first day of spring, and though it doesn’t feel like it here in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, I’m looking forward to this lovely season. The flowers are blooming, the weather is comfortable, and my daughter and I get to spend even more time having fun and doing activities outdoors. Since her birthday is in spring, just about a month and a half away, I’ve found myself reflecting on how much she has blossomed since last year. From her vocabulary expanding everyday, to her height and even how she expresses her emotions more effectively, it’s as though she has sprung up overnight. Here’s to a fun-filled season and watching my soon-to-be three year old continue to blossom into a beautiful, fun and caring little girl.

All the best,

Tanya