This year has been a big one for our family!

Our daughter recently graduated from high school, and now both of our kids are in college. I couldn't be more proud of them, but I have to admit… I don't know if I was quite ready for this stage of life!

For years, I was the chauffeur. My schedule revolved around theirs, school, practices, sporting events, and everything in between. Now they both have jobs, school, friends, and their own lives. These days, if I want to spend time with them, I have to fit into their schedules!

It's funny how quickly things change.

As much as I miss those busy years, I've learned that this new season has its own kind of sweetness. The time we do get together feels even more intentional, and I cherish every minute of it.

Recently, my daughter and I had the sweetest mother daughter day! We (I ... LOL) treated ourselves to manicures and pedicures before heading to brunch at Oxford Exchange in Tampa. If you've never been, it's one of the most beautiful spots in the city. Between the gorgeous architecture, cozy bookstore, stunning décor, and delicious brunch menu, it's the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy good conversation, and make memories. If you're looking for a special brunch spot, I highly recommend it.

A few days later, my son and I had a dinner date at Prima in Valrico, formerly known as Caught Up in the Shrimp Boat. The food was absolutely incredible! Everything was packed with flavor, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and it's one of those restaurants that makes you want to linger a little longer over dinner. If you're in the Brandon or Valrico area and love Italian food, it's definitely worth a visit.

As parents, we spend so many years preparing our children to become independent. Then one day, they actually do and somehow, no one prepares us for that part.

If you're in this same season of life, just know you're not alone. It may look different than it used to, but it's still beautiful. Sometimes all it takes is a brunch date, a dinner reservation, or simply making the most of whatever time you can get together.

I'd love to hear from you! If you're navigating this stage of parenting too, what are some of your favorite ways to spend time with your grown kids?

? Oxford Exchange (Tampa): 

? Prima Italian Restaurant (Valrico):

This year has been a big one for our family.

Our daughter recently graduated from high school, and now both of our kids are in college. I couldn't be more proud of them, but I have to admit… I don't know if I was quite ready for this stage of life!

For years, I was the chauffeur. My schedule revolved around theirs—school, practices, sporting events, and everything in between. Now they both have jobs, school, friends, and their own lives. These days, if I want to spend time with them, I have to fit into their schedules!

It's funny how quickly things change.

As much as I miss those busy years, I've learned that this new season has its own kind of sweetness. The time we do get together feels even more intentional, and I cherish every minute of it.

Recently, my daughter and I had the sweetest mother-daughter day. We treated ourselves to manicures and pedicures before heading to brunch at Oxford Exchange in Tampa. If you've never been, it's one of the most beautiful spots in the city. Between the gorgeous architecture, cozy bookstore, stunning décor, and delicious brunch menu, it's the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy good conversation, and make memories. If you're looking for a special brunch spot, I highly recommend it.

A few days later, my son and I had a dinner date at Prima in Valrico, formerly known as Caught Up in the Shrimp Boat. The food was absolutely incredible! Everything was packed with flavor, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and it's one of those restaurants that makes you want to linger a little longer over dinner. If you're in the Brandon or Valrico area and love Italian food, it's definitely worth a visit.

As parents, we spend so many years preparing our children to become independent. Then one day, they actually do—and somehow, no one prepares us for that part.

If you're in this same season of life, just know you're not alone. It may look different than it used to, but it's still beautiful. Sometimes all it takes is a brunch date, a dinner reservation, or simply making the most of whatever time you can get together.

I'd love to hear from you! If you're navigating this stage of parenting too, what are some of your favorite ways to spend time with your grown kids?

? Oxford Exchange (Tampa): https://share.google/yOWdsDXElW6blCzNR

? Prima Italian Restaurant (Valrico): https://share.google/cn4al18pxxx6Uivxb