• Good Times

    Anniversary Traditions: Happy 11 Years, Matt!

    It’s no secret that I love rituals and traditions. I’ve got parenting rituals, birthday rituals, Valentine’s Day rituals, Christmas rituals. And probably other ones I’m not thinking of right now. So it’s no surprise that Matt and I have anniversary traditions, too!

    We decided many years ago not to give each other gifts on our anniversary. Honestly, it’s tough enough thinking of meaningful birthday and Christmas gifts year after year! Instead, we decided that one partner would plan an experience for us to share. The other partner would write a letter to commemorate our year together. Each year, we alternate who does what. This year it’s my … Read More

  • Purposeful Parenthood

    Plan a Staycation: Make It a Vacation!

    plan a staycation

    Soon I’ll be sharing a recap from our recent vacation to upstate New York. It was one of my all-time favorite family vacations! (Probably behind Australia and Stinson Beach). But vacations cost a lot of money. So I wanted to spend a little time thinking about how to plan a staycation to save money. Have you tried it? What are your recommendations?

    When I was thinking about how to make a staycation feel like a vacation, I found myself reaching for novelty. What I love about a vacation (the kind where you leave your home) is that it feels novel. I am personally the best version of myself … Read More

  • Good Times

    Happy 6th Birthday, Tate! We Love You

    happy 6th birthday
    Prepared for an Epic Nerf Gun Battle

    Tate’s 6th birthday is right around the corner. Therefore, as part of our parenting rituals, we write each child a letter on their birthday to encapsulate the past year. Then, it goes into their Easy-Peasy Scrapbook, along with approximately 10 photos. Happy 6th Birthday, Tate!

    happy 6th birthday
    Insisted on bringing binoculars on the cruise, despite their weight!
    Halloween: Last-Minute Costume Change (from scuba diver to Captain Hook)
    Our family at Thanksgiving
    happy 6th birthday
    On the Thanksgiving pirate ship
    happy 6th birthday
    Cutting down our Christmas tree
    happy 6th birthday
    Helicopter ride for your 5th birthday present from Grandma and Papa (note the pilot costume you’re wearing)
    happy 6th birthday
    The many faces of Tate
    happy 6th birthday
    Always
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