Tag Archives: Family

The best baby registry and what to add to your registry

The Best Baby Registry

Things sure have changed in the gift-giving game with baby registries – and by gifts I’m talking about the free gift you get when you start your registry, mama!

I have a lot of experience with this as I used to be the local marketing specialist for Babies “R” Us in the Rio Grande Valley. Even in the last 4.5 years since Jericho was born, the swag sure has gotten better!

When I started doing my research for baby registries for Baby Canaan this time around, I was pleasantly surprised to see the amazing free gifts and perks I received, and today I want to focus on the awesomeness that is the Amazon Registry.

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25 days of Christmas Activities in New Braunfels & San Antonio area

Merry McKenna Christmas

It’s the most magical time of year… and we make it extra magical in my family by creating a 25-day activity advent calendar every year! And this year I want to share our favorite Christmas Activities in New Braunfels, San Antonio & beyond so you can get out and make some memories with your families!

It all started in 2016 when my son was a year old and I was spending way too much time on Pinterest (c’mon, I still do!). I searched for activity advent calendars and only found crafts.  My son, bless him, is not crafty at all. As a result, I created this activity calendar because we all share the joy of EVENTS!

My husband and I loved doing all the things (hello, bar crawls!) before baby, now we are all about family Christmas fun (hello, Santa & snow & jumpy houses!). So with this being our fourth year of absolute fun, I wanted to share the joy with all my fellow locals and visitors!

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Santa’s coming to town: Where to see Santa in New Braunfels (2019 edition)

2018 family photo with Cowboy Kringle in Gruene

I love the fall and all the excitement that leads us up to Christmas. In fact, every December since Jericho was one-year-old we have made a 25 day advent activity calendar full of amazing holiday cheer! From Santa sightings, holiday movies, serving, Christmas festivals and ultimately celebrating the birth of Jesus, it is our family’s favorite time of year!

Last year I shared a list of Santa sightings in New Braunfels and it was a hit! So I’m sharing it once again – a long list of places you can catch Santa – and maybe Mrs. Clause or an elf – this 2019 Christmas season!

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Fall Events & Pumpkin Patches in New Braunfels, Texas

Gruene UMC Pumpkin Patch in New Braunfels, TX

It is no secret that I LOVE FALL!! And I don’t mean pumpkin spice lattes, I am talking about all the things….pumpkin patches, cooler weather, walks in our neighborhood, fall festivals, autumn decor, spooky stuff, the list goes on.

We stay active in our family and love a good day of adventure, so in the spirit of sharing I pulled together a list of 2019 fall events, pumpkin patches and family friendly Halloween delights. Cheers to cooler weather and pumpkin everything!

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20 things to do with your children in New Braunfels, TX

Children's activities in New Braunfels

It has been nearly a year since our big move and when I shared my original post, 20 things to do in New Braunfels with your toddler. It sure has been a wild ride!

In honor of our anniversary and the popularity of my original post, I wanted to give y’all an update! Some places have opened, some have shuttered, but more importantly others we have grown to absolutely love – which means real advice on things to do!

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Your ultimate guide to mommy & me activities in New Braunfels

Being a mom is super rewarding, but it also the most isolating gig I have ever known. When I became a stay at home, I survived on mommy & me activities until I made friends and created a solid circle of mamas to surround myself with.

As women, we are meant to have a solid circle of friends. But for many of us, motherhood or relocation can just kick us in the booty and leave us feeling lonely.

So I wanted to throw together a list of places where you and your babe can go hang out. Because we all deserve a little fun, mama!

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10 Valentine’s Day gifts for your toddler that don’t involve sweets

10 Valentine's Day gifts for your toddler

I absolutely love any excuse to buy gifts (it is totally my love language!) so there is no forgetting Valentine’s Day. And while I will gift my hubby something thoughtful, I love including my toddler in gift giving.

Growing up, my parents always gave me a box of chocolate and another small gift. I want to always show my love to Jericho, but without sweets. We are a sugar-free family, after all!

Last year’s gift guide was a big hit-including in our house! This year I wanted to share some of our current top favorite gifts that would be perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift for your 3-year-old. I’ve broken it down my category just for you, mama!

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Keeping my family well during Cold & Flu season with Physician 360

At Home Strep Test

You know that moment you are really sick but the last thing you want to do is go to a doctor’s office?

Yeah, me too. Especially with a toddler. I am convinced if he or I need to go to the doctor, we will both catch something else. I’m just not down with that!

Days after Christmas, Jericho and I both came down with a cough. He got it, then I got it, then he was better, then I, then we both caught it again. I was convinced it was strep….because without meds it can be the gift that keeps on giving.

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The Best Christmas Children’s Book

Best Christmas Book

I have always been a lover of all things Christmas. It is the most exciting time of the year for me. Even before I was a Believer, it was the holiday I looked forward to January through November.

Now, as a mom, I have a whole new outlook on this amazing holiday. We take in all the local events, share the story of Jesus and enjoy shopping for gifts. Our three-year-old is beginning to love the season, too!

Here are a few traditions we hold dear to our hearts, and I hope it helps inspire you to build memories with your kiddos.

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Santa’s coming to town: Where to see Santa in New Braunfels

BabyCoolJ celebrating his first Christmas in Austin, 2015

It is my favorite time of year! I love the fall and lead up to Christmas. It all starts with BabyCoolJ’s birthday in September, our anniversary and pumpkin patches in October, my birthday and fall festivals in November….then DECEMBER! From Christmas events to gift exchanges, Santa sightings and holiday movies, our Christmas activity advent calendar and ultimately celebrating the birth of Jesus. I absolutely love Christmas!

It is our first Christmas in New Braunfels and I’ve curated an inclusive list of places you can catch Santa – and maybe Mrs. Clause or an elf!

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