Confession: I’ve never been a minivan mom. We currently drive a station wagon that’s the same age as my daughter (17!) and a hybrid sedan. As we look to replace our aging station wagon, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid hadn’t been a contender until recently. And I credit Goldie, our 2 year old Golden Retriever…
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How I Know My Teen is Living His Best Life at Summer Camp
Last weekend we dropped our almost 15 year old off to work at summer camp. I haven’t heard from him in days but that’s how I know my teen is living his best life at summer camp. We spent so much of the past year in such close proximity. Just like every other family, we…
How We Can Teach Teens to Be Safe Winter Drivers
As I’m sitting here writing this post, sleet is hitting my window and instantly sticking to the sidewalks and roads. The below freezing temperatures and slippery conditions are not ideal driving conditions but serve as a teachable moment to teach teens to be safe winter drivers. Teens love the independence of driving but it can…
4 Lessons I’m Learning from Teaching and Parenting Teens
When my brother and I were in elementary school, one of our favorite games was Life. It simulates one’s adventures through adulthood and even though it has surprising twists and turns as you traverse the board in a miniature car, it never could have prepared me for the many unexpected moments that plagued our family…
8 Ways to Help Your New Teen Driver Stay Safe on the Road
Early milestones during our child’s younger such as the first steps and first birthday are just as exciting as those that come during the teen years. Events like high school, a first homecoming or prom, and taking driver’s education as a precursor to getting a driver’s license are exciting for kids when they hit double…
4 Important Life Lessons Sleepaway Camp Teaches Kids
What makes a good summer? The answer differs for everyone but for my kids, the hallmark of a great summer is spending more time sleeping in a sleeping bag than in their own beds. I’ve always known that camp experiences were important for our kids, but there are important life lessons sleepaway camp can teach every kid,…
Why I’m More Excited for the Start of Baseball Season Than Ever
I sat back in my desk chair, shifting my focus from the work on my computer to the dreary landscape outside. It was another gray day where the sun wasn’t even attempting to come out. Cold rain pelted the windows, chilling me to the core and making me question if spring would really arrive. With…
Toyota Venza: Midsize Crossover Thoughtfully Integrates Tech for Convenience
I know that one day our beloved Volvo XC wagon will need to be replaced by another vehicle and when that day comes, I’ll be armed with all sorts of knowledge about comparable vehicles in order to make the best choice for our family. One strong contender is the Toyota Venza. I first fell in…
Continuing Toyota’s Commitment to Social Good by Giving Back to Our Humane Society #SiennaDiaries
I am being compensated as part of the 3 month long #SiennaDiaries series but all opinions are my own and based on our experiences with the Toyota Sienna. One of the requirements for our family’s participation in the 3 month long Toyota #SiennaDiaries program was to give back to our community and because we’re a…
7 Reasons Why the Toyota Sienna is Perfect for Large Dogs #SiennaDiaries
This post is part of a 3 month long series in partnership with Toyota for the compensated #SiennaDiaries program but all opinions are my own. Three years ago we adopted our Yellow Labrador, Oliver, from a local rescue organization and I never imagined that this goofy 85 pound animal would truly become the fifth member…
