Quincy’s Almost-Nine, and I’m Almost in Denial

Y’all. Quincy turns NINE on Monday. Nine! I genuinely don’t understand how that’s possible. I swear he was just sitting in a high chair eating puffs and making dinosaur noises last week. Now he’s correcting my math and giving me opinions on my TikToks. (Excuse me, sir, I’m the influencer here.)

Anyway, his big birthday wish this year is to go to Epic Universe — you know, the brand-spankin’ new Universal park that’s basically heaven for Mario lovers. It’s got Super Nintendo World, which means life-size question blocks, Luigi hats, and probably me melting in line somewhere trying to keep up with his excitement.

He’s been dreaming about it for months, talking about meeting Mario like it’s his long-lost cousin. Only one tiny hiccup: the tickets alone are about $700, and that’s before snacks, gas, and me needing a souvenir cup of iced coffee the size of my head. We tried doing a little donation post to make the trip happen — because hey, closed mouths don’t get fed, right? — but let’s just say the donation train never left the station.

Technically, we still have a few days, so if anyone’s feeling generous or just wants to help a Mario-obsessed kid’s dream come true, my CashApp is $SimplySinaBlog. (Worth a shot, huh? Never hurts to manifest it with a side of southern charm and shameless honesty.)

But birthday dreams aside — the Bonza crew is officially sliding head-first into holiday season mode, and y’all, it’s already pure chaos in the best way.

Santa Prep, Simply Sina Style

We’ve started creating props for our Simply Seen with Santa photo sessions — and let me tell you, the garage currently looks like Hobby Lobby exploded. Fake snow, glitter, ribbons, jingle bells… and one very patient husband who’s about to transform into the big man himself. Yep, Michael is Santa Claus, y’all.

We’ve got big plans to stroll around Clearwater spreading holiday cheer and taking photos for donations — then hopefully offering house visits and parties for small fees, too. Basically, we’re bringing Santa to the people because who’s got time for those mall lines?

Oh, and the rest of the crew? Let’s just say we’re keeping it festive (and mildly ridiculous).

• Carson volunteered — or maybe got volunteered — to play Elf on the Shelf, and honestly, I can’t wait to see him try to keep a straight face in that costume.
• Quincy has declared himself Max from The Grinch, which feels appropriate because he’s cute, slightly mischievous, and definitely along for the ride.
• And me? I’ll be behind the camera in my Grinch pants, because nothing says “holiday spirit” like cuteness and caffeine.

We’re hoping people love it enough to keep us busy through Christmas — a little photo magic, a few donations, and a lot of laughs.

Wrapping It All Up (with Tape and Sass)

So, between birthday wishes, Santa prep, and the never-ending pile of glitter in my carpet, I’m feeling equal parts exhausted and excited. This time of year always makes me sentimental (and slightly unhinged). This will be my first Christmas without Nannie, which I’m not sure I’m ready for. But that’s okay — it’s part of the Simply Sina charm, right?

If you’re local, keep your eyes peeled for Santa sightings (and probably me chasing Quincy through a Christmas market). And if you’re far away, send some love, prayers, or a donation or two toward making his Epic Universe dream come true. Because let’s face it — this mama might be magical, but Universal tickets don’t pay for themselves.

Here’s to birthdays, holidays, and doing it all with a little sass, a lot of heart, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

Until next time,
💚 Simply Sina
(Probably still finding glitter in my hair.)