Disclosure : All items mentioned are things I have personally purchased and used. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Photo Disclaimer:  All photos shared here are real images taken by our family. To protect our children’s privacy, some photos have been transformed into an anime-style illustration while still being based on the original images. Transparency Note : This post is not sponsored. None of the brands

Privacy, Images & Affiliate Disclosure Some images in this post are real family photos that have been artistically altered to protect our children’s privacy while still sharing our real travel experiences. This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share products we use or genuinely consider as part of our travels. Hi everyone, it’s Mama Bird here 🐦 I’m officiall

Last updated: January 24, 2026 Middle School Reader (Tween Years) Big Brother didn’t stop at chapter books—manga and anime are a huge part of his reading journey during his tween years. These are the manga series that really stood out to him, whether they were his introduction to manga or stories he still enjoys revisiting. Disclosure:  All links on this page are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchas

Last updated: January 14, 2026 Middle School Reader (Tween Years) Big Brother loves to read and can almost always be found with a book in hand. It doesn’t matter if it’s a physical book, his Kindle, or a manga—if there’s a spare moment, he’s reading. Below are some of his favorite book series from his middle school years (or, as I like to call them, the tween years ). Every recommendation listed here is a series he has actually read and enjoyed—no half-finished books, no forc

Last updated: January 24, 2026 Middle School Reader (Tween Years) Big Brother loves to read and can almost always be found with a book in hand. It doesn’t matter if it’s a physical book, his Kindle, or a manga—if there’s a spare moment, he’s reading. Below are some of his favorite book series from his middle school years (or, as I like to call them, the tween years ). Every recommendation listed here is a series he has actually read and enjoyed—no half-finished books, no forc

As I’m in the midst of packing for our upcoming mountain cabin trip, I have to remind myself to take time to pack for Mama Bird , too. It’s so easy to put 100% of my focus into making sure the family has everything they need that I can sometimes become an afterthought. So today, I’m sharing the key items I always make sure to pack for myself —the little comforts that help me actually relax and enjoy the trip. Pillow (with a colorful pillowcase) There is nothing like having yo

Last updated: January 14, 2026 Hi everyone, it’s Mama Bird here! 🐦 Today I wanted to share how I keep my Little Birds entertained when we go out to eat. Waiting for food can feel like an eternity for kids, and I definitely want to avoid chaos at the table. I’ll be honest—sometimes tablets make an appearance right after we order, and then get put away once the meals arrive. That works just fine for the occasional meal out. But since we eat out fairly often, I like having a sm

We’re heading out on a six-hour car ride to the mountains, and with three Little Birds in the backseat , preparation is key. The goal is to make the drive as smooth (and meltdown-free) as possible, which means having plenty on hand to keep everyone comfortable and entertained. 🍎 Snacks Snacks are always vital on a road trip. I packed more than I normally would since we can also use them as snacks for the first few days at the cabin. I try to sneak in some healthier options l

Hello friends, it’s Mama Bird here! I wanted to take a moment to share what I’ll be packing for our upcoming Mountain Cabin Adventure! While our cabin comes stocked with linens and a small “starter pack” of essentials—things like paper towels, trash bags, and toilet paper—you never truly know what that starter pack includes. Over the years, I’ve learned it’s easier (and less stressful) to bring a few basics with us, especially when traveling with the Little Birds. Here’s wha

Hello friends, it’s Mama Bird here! I wanted to share a little bit about our Thanksgiving week in the Outer Banks. If you ever get the chance to visit in late November, we highly  recommend it. The crowds are low, the pace is peaceful, and most places are still open. In fact, many spots closed for the season right after we left —perfect timing! Unfortunately, I can’t recommend the house we stayed in this time, but the views were absolutely stunning . Even with the hiccups, wa