I got back from a walk the other day and saw a bunch of stuff set up in the front yard.

“We’re playing arcade games. Pay up!” said my stepdaughter who was “working the ticket booth.”

My husband leaned over, handing me two quarters saying, “They only take real money.”

We laughed that the kids were the ones sitting and watching the grownups playing.

I managed to win four tickets by bouncing a ball into a bucket!

When my stepdaughter told me to pick out a prize, I selected a pink football.

But she said, “Sorry, that actually costs five tickets. You only have four.”

“Oh…” I answered. “Well, what can I get with four?”

She pointed to a sad, small plastic shovel.

“That’s okay,” I said. “I’ll just donate my tickets to that cute guy over there” pointing to my husband who was kicking a ball with my son.

She gave my tickets to him.

“Can I get a pink football?” he asked.

He handed me the football and I said, “Aaaand THIS is peak romance when you’re parents.”

We were cracking up. Because it’s so true.

Romance just looks different in this season.

Little moments that we add in during pretend play with our kids that say, “I still think you’re cute.”

Leaning into silliness and play as a family isn’t just for the kids. It brings my husband and me closer together, too.

When we all laugh together, it’s just as good for our marriage as it is for our parenting.

And for those of you doing the hardest job — parenting solo…

Romance isn’t just “hubba hubba” moments with a partner.
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It can mean falling in love with your own life, finding humor and joy in the chaos and saying, “Wow, this is my weird, beautiful life.”

Laughter through play can be your fast-pass to get there.

My invitation for you this week:

Reflect on one tiny funny or joyful moment you’ve had with your family lately.

Take a second to relive it — or set the intention to create a new one today. 💞

Love,

Mia

P.S. I’m excited that many of you have grabbed the “Laughing All the Way” advent calendar! It’s so fun to picture all of us playing the same silly little games with our families each day in December. 🥰 If you want to join us, tap here!

*If you want to keep getting these weekly emails but don’t want reminders about the calendar, tap here. If you already opted out but got one on Sunday, my bad! I’ve got it fixed now. 💞