Hey Cuties,
I’ve always been the picture taker, but with so much growth and change I’m really trying to make sure I capture the monumental moments. I have a crazy busy weekend that I can’t wait to share next week. The Runway Moms for a Cause event is this evening. Insert dramatic runway walk with killer turn. On Saturday I will be doing the Dirty Girls Mud Run, I hope the weather gets the memo, so far it doesn’t look like it. You can follow my activities on SnapChat {mimicutelips} and Instagram.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with DriveShop & KIA; all opinions are my own.
I’ve been talking about my Man-child a lot lately. Usually he plays the background and the busy in your face personality that is my toddler is center stage. With so much going on in his life these days he is a one man show. I wrote him a heartfelt letter about his last year of elementary school and how hard it has been. He continues to move on to more man-child like things; things that say I’m becoming a young man and no longer a little boy.
I’ve decided that if he insists on growing and growing up I insist on capturing his monumental moments.
2016 KIA Optima SX Limited with Turbo
We celebrated these monumental moments while enjoying this 2016 KIA, Optima SXL.
Day Date w/ my Man-child
I decided to take the day off and hang out with my boy. We started our morning out at the allergist. Even though it doesn’t feel like spring in the DC area our allergies are in full swing. I suspected he had seasonal allergies but I wanted to know for sure. I shared my Allergy Testing experience with you last year and it was a great source for me to share with him. I could show him how it work and what it would feel like. He fears needles so I can to keep him calm and talk him down off the ledge a few times. He is growing up but still needs his Mom. 
TIP #1: The best way to capture your monumental moments is to BE IN THE MOMENT. We chatted a lot during his visit; you know how hard it is to just chat with a tween or teen.
Survey says!
And just like his mother he is allergic to trees, weeds and grass. My kid who loves the outside is allergic to it; if that isn’t enough he is also allergic to dust and roaches. Shouldn’t we all be allergic to roaches? 
He stuck it out {see what I did there?} and I was proud of him, he was proud of himself too. BIG BOY MOMENT: CHECK!
Last meal of sorts…
The night before his allergy testing I’d promised him a “Last Meal”. Why do you ask, because the very next day he was getting braces. OUCH! We’ve been talking about the adjustment and what you can and can’t eat along with handling a sore mouth and inner lip from the brackets. I had braces as a teenager but I didn’t wear my retainers so they went all wonky again. As an adult, I needed to get invisible aligners like the ones on Beforedent Korea so I’m making sure my son maintains his braces and keeps wearing his retainers so his teeth don’t go as wonky as mine did! I don’t remember a lot from when I had braces but most of that information has been updated anyway as a friend of mine had braces fitted a couple of weeks ago at her dentist and told me what had happened so I knew that I had absolutely everything right when explaining it to my son. I know he would rather not have it done, but as I explained to him, if you need braces, you are better off visiting someone who can fit them, like this Dentist in Little Falls, when you are young. If you leave it until you are older the teeth are less malleable and harder to shift, so you end up wearing them for longer, which isn’t ideal. So, for his last meal, he asked for a burger, and I was pleased with his choice. After running a few errands we set out for burgers. 
TIP #2: Do something special to commemorate the moment. A meal is a great way to do that. #FatSnacks
Keep your situation charged up
The Optima so graciously gave me the feels with the charging selection. In this one space you have three charging options; I still get excited about the wireless charging. Just lay your mobile burdens down and let it charge, no need to worry about cords.
Braces!
It is official, my kid wears braces. Starting the process of wearing braces, whether you are a kid or an adult isn’t as tough as you may think. If you’ve never been through anything like this, visiting a Dentist in Temple Terrace (or your local dental clinic) could be a start. They’ll be able to give you useful advice so you can make your decision. If you’re someone who has been looking to improve their smile for a while, getting braces may be the right step for you, but just like with anything, be sure to do your research beforehand!
He only had the top row done; they will do the bottom in a couple of months. Apparently the top has more work to do; I told him this is an easier route then getting top and bottom put on at the same time. I got mine during Thanksgiving break and had a PBJ for dinner a couple of nights. BOO!!! I won’t show the hilariously cool pictures of his mouth all open but it totally belongs in a movie.
Silly faces before we go into Target
It was a family affair, so all of us were in attendance for his braces. What better way to celebrate then a trip to our favorite store. But first let us take a selfie. You don’t see a lot of Babe on the blog but he exists. Whispers: He and I have some dope trips coming up so he will be on a little more this summer.
TIP #3: Get the entire family in on the celebration.
Panoramic Sunroof
My kids love a good sunroof and the Kia does not disappoint. The panoramic sunroof is every freaking thing; the kids call it “The TV” and the Clouds are the show according to my four year old media person. They spot planes and assign characters and shapes to the clouds they see; imagination is totally at work here.
Working?
My girl spent the day with me for Take Your Child to Work Day. I normally take the death trap that is the train system; but she and I enjoyed a ride in the KIA, Optima SX Limited. It had enough room for her and her baby and baby stroller. Can you see the baby lying in the seat beside her? The Optima has three driving modes which was perfect for me I start out in the suburbs which allows me to open it up a bit in the Sport mode, then I can put it down in normal driving mode and once I hit traffic I use straight Eco mode. If you know anything about the DC area then you know the traffic isn’t anything to play with.
TIP #4: Snap a picture or it didn’t happen.
Shonda Rhimes is magic
I gave you a full recap on my Scandalous event with the cast of Scandal. I was in awe, I was in the moment, I snapped pictures but most of all I just sat back and watched. A lot of times I’m so in the mix that I forget to step back and just play the background. I took in all the magic and really planted the moment into my memory.
TIP #5: Sit back and watch!
Quality seating
Select quality seating like this leather in the KIA Optima. They upped the class level with the stitching and everything. You know my handbags usually ride shot gun.
This Kia Optima SXL came with all the bells, the whistles and the beep beep. Out of all the cars we’ve driven this is Babe’s favorite choice. It is both masculine and feminine at the same time. The ride is smooth, the options are endless and the space is plenty. They protect you in the front and the back. You get the aerial view while parking so you always park like a pro. The rear assist keeps you from backing into things or people. The front assist lets you know if you need to increase your following distance. They thought of everything and wrapped it up in this vehicle and slapped a bold blue on the outside. This is a total and complete winner for any family size.
Have you been in a Kia? Have you been in a Kia, Optima? Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
I love that you made it a family experience, allowing him to experience it with all his favorite people. We all spend so much time in the car it is awesome to see that Kia values the family experience.
Right Nancy, it is crazy how much time we actually spend in our cars. We need to have a comfy one with all the bells and the whistles and toss the family in the back.
Kia has really come a long way! I keep seeing these cool cars they have and I’m thinking I want to try one myself!
Stacie, they have come a really really long way, they showing up in grand fashion these days. The price point makes them even nicer.
Looks like you had a great day off with your son. The vehicle looks pretty roomy to fit you all!
Tia it was plenty of space, which cuts down on the kids fussing.
The Kia is one of my options for my company car and I had never given it any thought till today.. Great review
Oh nice Tomiko, you should totally give it a go.
Wow! You had quite an adventurous couple of days! A couple of years ago I found out that I was allergic to similar things (about 7 in all) and I thought some of the most interesting things were that I was allergic to American cockroaches and German cockroaches – who knew?
Right Chanel, that seems so random. I expect people to be allergic to outside but cockroaches. lol
OMG that allergy test is the worst especially since I am allergic to everything. I wanted to scratch my skin off. Five Guys would have been a nice treat afterward but I think I had ice cream instead. Being present in the presence of social media can be interesting but I am glad you are finding ways to capture moments with your children while enjoying meaningful time together. I wish more candid photos from my childhood.
He so wanted to scratch his skin off Tia. Ice cream would be my treat of choice. OMG, I think my mother failed my childhood in the picture taking department.
My brother bought one last year and it is so nice. The other day i pulled up on him and noticed he didnt have any of the words on the car. I said “hey what happened to all the letters?”…. He said many years ago I said i would never drive a kia so i couldnt leave it on there, but i love my car….LOL. smh.
Hahahahahahha, OMG that is hilarious.
Priceless moments. They grow up so quickly. And…wireless charging? Oh my. I’d purchase a vehicle just for that feature.
Right Antoinette that is the biggest selling point for me. lol
Not graced the Kia yet but hoping when I pass my driving test I can buy a Kia for my first car. You’ve captured some lovely moments with your familiar. Also loving Shonda #teamscandal
Nice Anosa, you will love it. Yes to team Scandal!
I love the last meal idea before braces. I remember craving all my favorite forbidden foods when I had braces. He’s such a cutie pie!
Thanks Alli, I wish I had a last meal before I got mine.
I have a camera mount in my car and I film a lot of my kids You Tube videos in there. We spend so much time in it, might as well take advantage of it. The best is the backseat conversations!
Oh Heather I love that. I need to get a mount for my car.
A lot of big moments have happened for you guys!! Allergy testing is no joke, I hope they can find meds to help him be outside.
They really have Tammilee, I need a break. Things will quiet back down now a little bit. He has some allergy medicine that is working.
ooh that wireless charging looks awesome. Your son is tough I would’ve been scratching my arm like crazy. Glad he was able to find out allergens sooner than later. Your daughter is too cute “working” lol
I’m hooked on this wireless charging, I need Apple to make that a thing for me. Girl he was holding OUT.
Oh I like the quilted fabric seats! Very nice touch. We spent the week with shots and healthcare stuff too. We only did egg allergy testing though… not fun.
Eva me too, I was like oh these are nice. Allergy testing is such a necessary evil.
OMG I love love love Five Guys! 🙂 That car looks amazing – so classy and stylish! I am in the market for a car, so I’m going to check it out a little more!
Jeni Five Guys is always a good choice.
Please check it out.
Ooh, my sons both need braces too, and I’m not looking forward to it (neither are they!). Any tips for making it go more smoothly?
Megan, the last meal was a nice touch. Allow them to pig out on some foods they won’t get to eat while wearing braces. If you can find YouTube videos then check them out so they can see the process. Brushing more often is a bit of an adjustment, you should brush after every meal.
I’m glad you’ve been able to spend some quality time with your family. The new Kia Optima SXL sounds like such a great family car!
Thanks Liz, as crazy as family is I enjoy hanging out with them.
Girl you know how to capture moments! I love how you were in the Shondaland audience that would of been amazing! I love how Kia is stepping up their car game…my 1st two cars ever were Kias and I claimed I would never own one again but after test driving a few I think I change my mind!
Ha, thanks Kiwi. Being in the Shondaland audience was magical for sure.
Kia is changing the game these days.
What a lot of things you have going on – glad yo were able to share those monumental moments in your Kia. Looks like a great car!
Sarah we totally had a lot going on. It was nice to enjoy some of those moments in the Kia.
The color is nice! I love the interior as well as the panoramic sunroof. FYI: I hate allergy tests. I found out I was allergic to crab and lobster and nearly cried.
Thanks Kim, I really loved the color.
OH MY GOSH Kim, that is cry worthy.
I keep telling people that Kia has stepped it up! So many features and the designs are great! Sorry about your son’s allergic reaction…poor thing. My daughter is allergic to grass and gets a similar reaction.
Valerie they have stepped their game all the way up.
Eeek, allergies totally suck, thank god for meds.
A meal always makes a monumental moment for us. I see you was out in the Kia, looks like a sweet ride!
Yes Kara,food for the soul.
As if I didn’t want to buy this car enough already! It looks like you made the best of the day, allergies are not fun at all but at least you know now.
Awww Bella. Knowing allows us to make adjustment and keep playing outside.
I need that wireless charging station!!! The cords all over the car are a pain!
You guys had a lot of big moments. Hi 5 to your son for getting through the allergy shots AND braces!
Camesha I totally agree, an eye sore for real.
Thanks, he was such a trooper.
Too bad your kid has allergies from the outdoors. I also get rashes outdoors but it hasn’t stop me from trying to stay outdoors. The Kia Optima looks really impressive.
It sucks Franc but I can’t keep him in a bubble. I will give him allergy meds and send him outside.
It is totally impressive.
Great tips! I need to set up a test drive appointment with KIA. This car looks so cool
Thanks Rika, that is an excellent idea.
The car looks awesome. I agree, we should all be allergic to roaches. Lol. Looks like you had so much fun. I hope the allergy is better now.
Right. He has meds for the allergies now.
I have been in a Kia before, not an optima but ria I think. I used to take care of lady that had a Kia, great car.
Oh wow Bonnie that is cool. I’ve not been in one of those.
I love the color of this car. I’ve always loved Kia’s and own a few already. Can’t beat the style, comfort for a family either.
Oh you are totally on the ball Michele. The comfort is amazing for sure.
What a fun car!! I reviwed this a couple of months ago and I didn’t want to give it back!!
See Nikka, I totally feel you.
Looks like a fun day! I love the family pictures! I am a Scandal fan so love the Shonda Rhimes picture!
Thanks Sam we totally enjoyed it. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaas to Scandal.
Really cute car. Sigh on the allergies! My son is allergic to almost everything. It’s really hard come spring. Hope he is feeling well.
The spring struggle is so freaking real Kita. I try to keep my kids healthy why I’m medicated too.
Its so great that you were able to make Kia part of your day and life. 🙂
Thanks Hannah.