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15 Unique & Meaningful Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

May 4, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I could receive payment if some of the products shared in this post are purchased using my links. I love to give gifts! I also love to give meaningful gifts. Mother's Day is a day to celebrate some of the most incredible people in my life, and I always want to give something special. So below I'm sharing a Mother's Day gift guide I put together with some fun and unique ideas. 15 Unique & Meaningful Mother's Day Gift Ideas Strong Mother's, Strong Sons, ...

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Special Ways to Celebrate Easter

April 13, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

Easter and celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a beautiful time of year! We planned so many great activities this year, and wanted to share a few of those ideas here. We also, got some great ideas from family and friends, so I wanted to include those too! 5 Easy Easter Crafts for Kids The kids and I worked on some really fun crafts over the last few weeks that I wanted to share. They were all really easy and required basic crafting supplies; we didn't have to buy anything to do ...

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How to Thank Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 11, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

First and foremost, I want to start by saying "thank you". I know that many individuals and families are sacrificing in painful and difficult ways right now. My husband is a doctor and we've had a lot of really hard experiences in the last month. We live in an area that has not been entirely overwhelmed by COVID-19, but my husband has still had many patients test positive. There is a lot of physical, mental, and emotional weight placed on the shoulders of our healthcare workers right now. I ...

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Roundup of Resources for Entertaining Kids at Home

April 8, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

Free Learning Resources for Teaching Kids at Home During Quarantine With schools being cancelled and everyone having to learn from home, many online resources are being offered to families for free. I've spent some time reviewing some of my favorites and have compiled a list to share with you. Some are geared toward younger kids and some are for any aged child. I know a lot of kids' schooling has moved to e-learning, with plenty of work to keep them busy, but in case you're looking for ...

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Fluffy, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

March 26, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

Cinnamon roll

Cinnamon rolls used to intimidate me, but I finally got brave enough to try making them a few years ago. It wasn't as hard as I expected. Ever since that first time, I've been working on perfecting a recipe, and it's finally ready! I can't wait to share it with you! Check out the recipe and details below. One reason I felt intimated by making cinnamon rolls, is they always looked perfect, and I'm well-known for not making pretty food. I learned that it's kind of fool-proof. Start by rolling ...

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17 STEAM Activities Kids will Love

March 14, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

With so many kids required to stay home from school over the next little bit, I thought I would put together a post with some fun STEAM activities to do at home. I made a list of some of our favorite STEAM activities and kits from Amazon below. I also included a few other resources and ideas. STEAM Activities Kids will Love Shop Amazon for these fun STEAM Activities Large doodle floor mat for artFlower growing kitCounting sticks for math equationsLip balm making kitPicasso magnetic ...

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hi, I’m Sarah!

My husband, Kurt, and I live in Birmingham, AL with our three little ones {4}, {2}, & {1}. My husband is currently completing a medical residency. Prior to living here we lived in Texas and Utah for schooling.

This is where I'll be sharing recent reads, favorite recipes and products, everyday style, details about our travels, etc. I'll also be sharing freebies I've designed, so don't miss out! I'm so happy to have you here!

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📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park Save th 📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park

Save this stop for your Yellowstone trip! You cannot leave Yellowstone without walking the short (paved) 0.2 miles round trip for this stunning view. 

They called it Artist Point for a reason. 🎨

One look at this view and you’ll understand why artists have been inspired by the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” for generations.

This famous, scenic overlook offers a classic, postcard view of the Yellowstone River, towering canyon walls, and Lower Falls. The stunning landscape comes together to create one of the most breathtaking views in the park.

And yes… it’s even more beautiful in person. I didn’t want to ever leave! 

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #nationalparkfamily #travelwithkids
My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬 My heart: BUT L My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬
My heart: BUT LOOK HOW CUTE HE IS. 🥹

One of my favorite parts of Yellowstone is seeing wildlife up close in their natural habitat. There’s something so incredible about watching these amazing animals! 

In case I get major hate, just remember: admire them from a safe distance—no matter how pettable they look! 😂

Have you ever wanted to pet a Yellowstone bison? 👇Asking for a friend 😅😉

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #traveltheworld #outdooradventures
If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket list, don’t skip these two places!

📍 Hayden Valley + Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park

These are two of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife and they’re completely different experiences!

🦬 Hayden Valley
Located in the heart of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley is famous for bison, elk, bears, coyotes, and sometimes wolves. The wide-open landscape makes it easier to scan the hillsides and riverbanks for animals. It’s also a beautiful drive with plenty of places to pull over and take in the views.

We drove through this area in the evening on our way out of Yellowstone and saw bison, a grizzly bear, deer, and elk. We even got to see a baby bison nursing. So special!!

🐺 Lamar Valley
Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park to look for wolves, bison, pronghorn, bears, and other wildlife. Get there early, bring binoculars, and watch the hillsides carefully—you never know what you might spot!

👀 Our biggest tips: Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. Look for groups of people stopped along the road (while following all park rules). Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, and animals are most active before 9 AM or after 4 PM. 

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip!

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #YellowstoneWildlife #FamilyTravel #travelwithkids
📍 Fountain Paint Pot Trail — Yellowstone Staying 📍 Fountain Paint Pot Trail — Yellowstone

Staying west of Yellowstone and entering through the West Entrance? Make the Fountain Paint Pot Trail one of your first stops! 🌋 It’s an easy 0.6-mile loop featuring bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming geothermal features—a great introduction to Yellowstone’s unique landscape! #travelwithkids #YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneTravel
#familytravel #familytraveltips
Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t h Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t have to hike miles to see the best of the park.

These were our family’s favorite easy hikes and stops that kept everyone excited (and didn’t require endless carrying!):

🦬 Fountain Paint Pot – An easy boardwalk loop with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and colorful pools.

🌈 Grand Prismatic Spring Boardwalk – Get up close to one of the most famous hot springs in the world.

🌊 Lower Falls Viewpoints – Multiple short walks to breathtaking views of Yellowstone’s largest waterfall.

🌼 Artist Paint Pots – A fun trail with colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots that kids loved.

💦 Porcelain Basin – A beautiful boardwalk where geothermal features extend across a beautiful landscape 

🐉 Mud Volcano Area – Steaming vents, bubbling mud, and the famous Dragon’s Mouth Spring make this stop unforgettable. Even better, the kids hardly had to walk more than a few feet from the parking lot to see it all.

⛲ Old Faithful – A Yellowstone classic that’s absolutely worth seeing with kids.

🏞️💛Artist Point- Iconic views of Lower Falls plunging into Yellowstone’s colorful Grand Canyon. An easy, family-friendly stop with an unforgettable view! 

🦌 Hayden Valley – An amazing wildlife viewing area, especially early in the morning or near sunset.

Yellowstone is one of the most kid-friendly national parks we’ve visited. Many of the most spectacular sights are just a short walk from the parking lot, making it perfect for families with toddlers and young kids.

📌 Save this post for your Yellowstone trip and send it to someone planning a family adventure!

What’s your favorite stop in Yellowstone?

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #nationalparks
Stop the scroll if your summer reading list has ro Stop the scroll if your summer reading list has room for one more book. ☀️📚

Whether you’re reading by the pool, at the beach, on your porch, or sneaking in a few pages after the kids are asleep, these books are worth adding to your TBR:

💕The Summer of Broken Rules
💕 Better Than the Movies
💕 Nothing Like the Movies (sequel)
💕 Pictures of You 
💕 Happy Place 
💕 The Summer of Yes

There’s nothing better than finding a book you can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve finished the last page.

Now I need your recommendations! 👇

What’s the BEST book you’ve read this summer? Share it in the comments so we can all add a few more great books to our reading lists!

#BookRecommendations #SummerReading #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLover
The real family vacation MVP! Some heroes wear c The real family vacation MVP! 

Some heroes wear capes. Others carry the cooler, chairs, towels, and half the house. Loving this Spider-Man soundtrack to Kurt’s heroic beach efforts. 

#BeachDad #DadLife #FamilyVacation #Relatable #BeachDay
Looking for white sand, warm Gulf water, and fewer Looking for white sand, warm Gulf water, and fewer crowds? Here’s why Orange Beach, Alabama should be your next family vacation. 🏖️☀️

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach trip without the packed shores, Orange Beach deserves a spot on your list.

✨ Here’s why our family loves it:
🏖️ Beautiful sugar-white sand perfect for building sandcastles and long beach walks.
🌊 Warm, calm Gulf water that makes it easy for kids to splash, swim, and play for hours.
☀️ Less crowded beaches, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and actually relax.

Have you been to Orange Beach? Or is it on your family’s travel bucket list? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️

Save this post for your next beach vacation and share it with someone who’s planning a family getaway!

#FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #AlabamaTravel #beachvacation #KidFriendlyTravel
Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instea Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instead. Orange Beach might just be Alabama’s best-kept beach secret. 🌊☀️

With sugar-white sand, calm turquoise water, family-friendly beaches, incredible seafood, and unforgettable sunsets, Orange Beach has a way of feeling both adventurous and peaceful at the same time.

One of our favorite places to stay is The Caribe. It’s a resort-style stay without the resort cost. Onsite there’s a lazy river, mini golf, multiple pools with giant slides, indoor pools, a sauna, tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, an incredible restaurant, and so much more! 

If you’re looking for a Gulf Coast getaway without the crowds of some bigger beach destinations, this is your sign to add Orange Beach to your travel list.

Have you been to Orange Beach yet? Tell me your favorite thing to do there! ⬇️

#OrangeBeachAL #AlabamaTravel #FamilyTravel #GulfCoast #TravelWithKids

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📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park Save th 📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park

Save this stop for your Yellowstone trip! You cannot leave Yellowstone without walking the short (paved) 0.2 miles round trip for this stunning view. 

They called it Artist Point for a reason. 🎨

One look at this view and you’ll understand why artists have been inspired by the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” for generations.

This famous, scenic overlook offers a classic, postcard view of the Yellowstone River, towering canyon walls, and Lower Falls. The stunning landscape comes together to create one of the most breathtaking views in the park.

And yes… it’s even more beautiful in person. I didn’t want to ever leave! 

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #nationalparkfamily #travelwithkids
My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬 My heart: BUT L My brain: DO NOT PET THE BISON. 😂🦬
My heart: BUT LOOK HOW CUTE HE IS. 🥹

One of my favorite parts of Yellowstone is seeing wildlife up close in their natural habitat. There’s something so incredible about watching these amazing animals! 

In case I get major hate, just remember: admire them from a safe distance—no matter how pettable they look! 😂

Have you ever wanted to pet a Yellowstone bison? 👇Asking for a friend 😅😉

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #traveltheworld #outdooradventures
If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket If seeing Yellowstone’s wildlife is on your bucket list, don’t skip these two places!

📍 Hayden Valley + Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park

These are two of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife and they’re completely different experiences!

🦬 Hayden Valley
Located in the heart of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley is famous for bison, elk, bears, coyotes, and sometimes wolves. The wide-open landscape makes it easier to scan the hillsides and riverbanks for animals. It’s also a beautiful drive with plenty of places to pull over and take in the views.

We drove through this area in the evening on our way out of Yellowstone and saw bison, a grizzly bear, deer, and elk. We even got to see a baby bison nursing. So special!!

🐺 Lamar Valley
Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the park to look for wolves, bison, pronghorn, bears, and other wildlife. Get there early, bring binoculars, and watch the hillsides carefully—you never know what you might spot!

👀 Our biggest tips: Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. Look for groups of people stopped along the road (while following all park rules). Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, and animals are most active before 9 AM or after 4 PM. 

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip!

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #YellowstoneWildlife #FamilyTravel #travelwithkids
📍 Fountain Paint Pot Trail — Yellowstone Staying 📍 Fountain Paint Pot Trail — Yellowstone

Staying west of Yellowstone and entering through the West Entrance? Make the Fountain Paint Pot Trail one of your first stops! 🌋 It’s an easy 0.6-mile loop featuring bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steaming geothermal features—a great introduction to Yellowstone’s unique landscape! #travelwithkids #YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneTravel
#familytravel #familytraveltips
Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t h Visiting Yellowstone with little kids? You don’t have to hike miles to see the best of the park.

These were our family’s favorite easy hikes and stops that kept everyone excited (and didn’t require endless carrying!):

🦬 Fountain Paint Pot – An easy boardwalk loop with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and colorful pools.

🌈 Grand Prismatic Spring Boardwalk – Get up close to one of the most famous hot springs in the world.

🌊 Lower Falls Viewpoints – Multiple short walks to breathtaking views of Yellowstone’s largest waterfall.

🌼 Artist Paint Pots – A fun trail with colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots that kids loved.

💦 Porcelain Basin – A beautiful boardwalk where geothermal features extend across a beautiful landscape 

🐉 Mud Volcano Area – Steaming vents, bubbling mud, and the famous Dragon’s Mouth Spring make this stop unforgettable. Even better, the kids hardly had to walk more than a few feet from the parking lot to see it all.

⛲ Old Faithful – A Yellowstone classic that’s absolutely worth seeing with kids.

🏞️💛Artist Point- Iconic views of Lower Falls plunging into Yellowstone’s colorful Grand Canyon. An easy, family-friendly stop with an unforgettable view! 

🦌 Hayden Valley – An amazing wildlife viewing area, especially early in the morning or near sunset.

Yellowstone is one of the most kid-friendly national parks we’ve visited. Many of the most spectacular sights are just a short walk from the parking lot, making it perfect for families with toddlers and young kids.

📌 Save this post for your Yellowstone trip and send it to someone planning a family adventure!

What’s your favorite stop in Yellowstone?

#YellowstoneNationalPark #YellowstoneWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #nationalparks
Stop the scroll if your summer reading list has ro Stop the scroll if your summer reading list has room for one more book. ☀️📚

Whether you’re reading by the pool, at the beach, on your porch, or sneaking in a few pages after the kids are asleep, these books are worth adding to your TBR:

💕The Summer of Broken Rules
💕 Better Than the Movies
💕 Nothing Like the Movies (sequel)
💕 Pictures of You 
💕 Happy Place 
💕 The Summer of Yes

There’s nothing better than finding a book you can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve finished the last page.

Now I need your recommendations! 👇

What’s the BEST book you’ve read this summer? Share it in the comments so we can all add a few more great books to our reading lists!

#BookRecommendations #SummerReading #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLover
The real family vacation MVP! Some heroes wear c The real family vacation MVP! 

Some heroes wear capes. Others carry the cooler, chairs, towels, and half the house. Loving this Spider-Man soundtrack to Kurt’s heroic beach efforts. 

#BeachDad #DadLife #FamilyVacation #Relatable #BeachDay
Looking for white sand, warm Gulf water, and fewer Looking for white sand, warm Gulf water, and fewer crowds? Here’s why Orange Beach, Alabama should be your next family vacation. 🏖️☀️

If you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach trip without the packed shores, Orange Beach deserves a spot on your list.

✨ Here’s why our family loves it:
🏖️ Beautiful sugar-white sand perfect for building sandcastles and long beach walks.
🌊 Warm, calm Gulf water that makes it easy for kids to splash, swim, and play for hours.
☀️ Less crowded beaches, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and actually relax.

Have you been to Orange Beach? Or is it on your family’s travel bucket list? Tell me in the comments! ⬇️

Save this post for your next beach vacation and share it with someone who’s planning a family getaway!

#FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #AlabamaTravel #beachvacation #KidFriendlyTravel
Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instea Skip the crowded beaches—here’s where to go instead. Orange Beach might just be Alabama’s best-kept beach secret. 🌊☀️

With sugar-white sand, calm turquoise water, family-friendly beaches, incredible seafood, and unforgettable sunsets, Orange Beach has a way of feeling both adventurous and peaceful at the same time.

One of our favorite places to stay is The Caribe. It’s a resort-style stay without the resort cost. Onsite there’s a lazy river, mini golf, multiple pools with giant slides, indoor pools, a sauna, tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, an incredible restaurant, and so much more! 

If you’re looking for a Gulf Coast getaway without the crowds of some bigger beach destinations, this is your sign to add Orange Beach to your travel list.

Have you been to Orange Beach yet? Tell me your favorite thing to do there! ⬇️

#OrangeBeachAL #AlabamaTravel #FamilyTravel #GulfCoast #TravelWithKids
📍Cathedral Caverns, AL Part 2: If you’re planning 📍Cathedral Caverns, AL 
Part 2: If you’re planning a visit to Cathedral Caverns, these are the things you won’t want to miss:

✨ Goliath — one of the largest stalagmites you’ll ever see.
💧 A “frozen” waterfall… made entirely of stone.
🦄 A rock formation that really does look like a unicorn.
💚 Keep an eye out for “The Grinch.”
⛪ The Cathedral — an incredible open chamber filled with breathtaking formations.
💜 Natural amethyst crystals hidden throughout the cave.
🔒 The Gem Room — a hidden section that’s off-limits to visitors. It’s only accessible to scientists through a 40-foot wormhole crawl! You can see where the entrance is, learn about it in the museum, and trust me… our kids spent the entire walk back trying to figure out how they could become the ones to explore it someday.
🎬 Fun fact: Disney’s Tom and Huck (starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas) was filmed here!

This cave surprised us at every turn. Which feature would you be most excited to see?

#familytravel #travelwithkids #explorealabama #huntsvilleal #90ssummer

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