Tag Archives: holidays

Not to get all sappy or anything, but did anyone else sit back at certain events BEFORE they had kids and wonder what it would be like when you had your kids there in the future? Of course, holidays are time when that happens, but a big one for me was the few times we would go to our local park for the big 4th of July fireworks event. Brett and I would be in our chairs stuffing our faces with delicious food and see all the kids running around and having fun. I think this mostly stands out to me because the last time we went, we were in the process of trying to conceive, so my mind was consumed with future baby Svenson activities.

We didn’t go in 2012 because Trent was less than a month old and last year’s event got rained out. So we were pretty excited to be going this year with a beautiful forecast. At first, we weren’t going to go if it was just going to be us 3, thinking Trent would get bored and antsy. But luckily, Brett’s sister and her friend and all the kids decided to come too and we even added some pool time and barbecue beforehand…it was such a great day!

Trent is such a good sharer…he would always take 2 chips out of the bag…one for him and one for me. “Here, mom…I know you like Doritos!”

With full bellies and water-logged children in tow, we ventured to the fireworks. Our city offers free bus rides that run continuously from a nearby office building, making it easier to get in and out of the park. Trent sat there so well the entire time, looking out the window and being patient…I had never seen anything like it haha!

Brett led the way and found us a perfect spot. We don’t really need to see what’s on the stage and you can hear it from everywhere…Brett just made sure we had a good fireworks spot and a good path to get back to the buses on the way out.

We put the blankets down and opened up our chairs and Trent was ready to run around and play. His auntie just bought him this muscle shirt and what a perfect opportunity to wear it than celebrating America in the South lol!

He did not want to stop running and playing to take a photo with mommy. Looks like we already embarrass him…

The big kids came back with balloons and popsicles and I was so happy that Trent’s cousin remembered him because that boy was over-the-moon happy with his balloon and popsicle.

This next photo has to be one of my new favorites. He was so happy running around with the big kids…even though they were making sure not to run into him and knock him over, he still felt like he was part of the game and ran around and around our little area over and over. Even after all the kids sat down because they were tired, Trent was still ready to play more.

‘murica.

Brett ventured towards the stage to get a different viewpoint. You can see all the vendors lined up behind all the people.

The fireworks started at 9:45, and while they were no where near the level we have come to expect from Disney, they lasted a good 15 minutes and Trent watched the entire time.

Of course, on our way out, we didn’t pick the best bus line to be in…but we still only waited in line about 20 minutes for a bus. Someone offered Trent and I a set of seats - score for being pregnant and carrying a toddler!

We got home late, but Trent the party animal was still awake. It was a wonderful day and Trent had the best time. I hope you had a great day celebrating too!

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway for an iFrogz Tadpole portable bluetooth speaker!

 

Yesterday was my 2nd Mother’s Day (well, actually my 3rd since I had a few treats on the Mother’s Day 2 years ago when I was pregnant with Trent). Brett totally outdid himself last year, so I told him he didn’t have to go so crazy this year. Remember this from last year? <3

The plan was just to relax at home. Brett went to Dunkin Donuts and brought back some donuts and iced vanilla coffee. I, as usual, ate too many and was ready for a nap almost immediately after waking up. Trent wasn’t ready yet, so we played for a bit and eventually took a too-short nap. Looks like I wasn’t going to get an extra long nap as a gift for Mother’s Day

Before dinner, they gave me a gift of the cutest card, a Turvis cup and some chocolate.

The card is really neat…it comes with a little thing that you rub on the child’s hand and/or foot and press it onto the card, which is made of special paper that makes the hand/footprint show up and stay on there. So cute.

Trent brought the card and Turvis filled with chocolate in to me and didn’t even want to give me a kiss…he wanted a piece of chocolate, to which he shouted “Mmmm GOOD!”

Later on in the evening, Brett cooked a delicious meal…steak with mushrooms and onions (all things he hates so he makes it special for me), broccoli, salad and a baked potato.

All so delicious…and completely consumed.

Dessert was a super easy and tasty frozen pie he whipped up and we enjoyed while watching the Amazing Race.

It was a nice day, and I still feel so stuffed from such a good dinner I almost didn’t eat breakfast today. Thank you to my amazing men

 

In the year that British writer Sophie Hannah writes the first Hercule Poirot story after 39 years, The Monogram Murders, also come the stories of little known detective Jules Poiret, who inspired Agatha Christie to write her little Belgian detective.

 

Happy May 1st!

Omg May already?! Yikes.

I’ve talked about Mother’s Day a couple of times so far, but now that we are actually in May and the countdown is on, I wanted to post a little gift guide with some more ideas if you still need them.

1. Aurorae Scented Soy Wax Candle

Candles are always a good gift, but I like these from Aurorae because they come in a cute little tin and the scents are based on aromatherapy to go above and beyond the average candle. Plus, Aurorae is a yoga and spa retailer, so I think they know a thing or two about creating a relaxing environment. Their Lavender scented candle is their most popular, but I have personally tried the Tropical scent and it is amazing…perfect for mom to turn her home into a tropical oasis for spring/summer!

Bonus! During the month of May on Amazon, you can score 20% off Aurorae candles with code AYBLOG03 and all Aurorae yoga products are on sale with code AYBLOG14. Shop all Aurorae products on Amazon here!

Double bonus!! Enter the giveaway for an Aurorae Scented soy Wax Candle at the bottom of this post!

 

2. Nail Polish set

These colors are so pretty for spring and summer and will keep mom ready for sandals and flip-flops all season long.

 

3. Photo Canvas

So many sites are running Mother’s Day deals right now, pick one and order a large canvas print of her favorite family photo. Or be sneaky and have a photo taken of the kids and/or grandkids without her knowing and surprise her with the canvas print. She will love it! Our favorite place to order Canvas Prints is from Canvas on Demand…excellent quality and amazing customer service.

 

4. Pretty stationary (like this set from Rifle Paper Co.)

Help mom tackle her to-do list in style with pretty stationary. We can get lost in technology and sometimes it’s nice to get back to basics with handwritten notes, letters and lists. I found these pretty designs at Ginger P Designs, which also offers a subscription service…it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Even better…send her a handwritten card instead of an ecard.

 

5. Flowers (like these from TheBouqs.com)

I’m sorry, I know I’ve said it before, but it doesn’t get much easier than ordering a bouquet online and having it shipped directly to her door. This is such a great option for those that have moms that don’t live nearby (in which case, you’ll want to spring for the deluxe bouquet to make up for her not seeing you :P)

 

6. Pretty Mixing Bowls

Because cooking is more fun with bowls like this. Well, so I’ve heard…

 

 

While you’re thinking of gifts for mom, why not treat yourself to something too? Thanks to the wonderful folks at Aurorae, one lucky reader will win an Aurorae Scented Soy Wax Candle in the scent of their choosing! See below for details and to enter!

 

**Giveaway**

WIN: One lucky reader will win an Aurorae Scented Soy Wax Candle

Eligibility: US Only

Ends: May 11, 2026 at 11:59pm EST (Mother’s Day!)

How to enter: Use the Rafflecopter form below.

I will contact the winner by email the day after the giveaway ends. The winner will have 48 hours to respond with their information.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

How was your Easter? Ours was absolutely wonderful. The weather? Not so much, but at least it wasn’t raining.

We started with Trent getting his Easter basket. We let him wander into the living room, where we had it sitting on the table, and at first he didn’t see it. So we had to turn him around and say “What’s that, Trent?” and he ran up to it but then stopped just short and stared at it, looked back at us until we said “Go ahead and see what’s in there!”

We focused more on non-candy items, a Mickey plush he actually found at Target the other day, a pinwheel, board books, stickers, a little monster truck, a water gun and, wait for it, silly string…which may or may not end up being a complete disaster.

So of course, what does he find first? One of the three rolls of Smarties candy I placed in there. Figures.

He didn’t even want to wait for the wrapper to come off.

He was a happy boy.

He even had to show Sheepy his new toys.

We then went to Brett’s mom’s house for food and an egg hunt.

Our after-dinner entertainment. P-nut was not amused.

New this year…Brett’s mom set up an iced coffee station. Yum.

While the eggs were being hidden outside, the kids waited impatiently inside. Even though he had absolutely no idea what was going on, he managed to get his hands on two baskets. Why only have one basket, when you can have two?

Someone was ready to go.

Ok, let’s go hunt for some eggs!

We sectioned off an area just for Trent and the rest of the yard was for the two older kids. At first, Trent just wanted to run with them and away from us because he thought we were trying to take him away from the fun. Eventually, he let me show him to put the egg in the basket, and from then on he was an egg hunting professional!

He had a blast! So did I - it was so fun watching how cute he was and how excited he got every time he found an egg.

There was also a big kid collision as they raced towards the final egg…the pink basket did not make it

After the egg hunt, we went inside to see what goodies were in the eggs.

All the goodies!

 

It was such a fun day!

 

 

Brett has an obsession with Jib Jab videos. Every holiday and birthday, we can expect a Jib Jab video. I personally think it’s hilarious when Trent and the animals are included, but I may just be easily amused.

Here’s the video he made for St. Patrick’s Day…enjoy!