PS21_DairyQueen_500050_BA2_Camilla

Paid for by

For Camilla Thurman, motherhood is all about the little moments. The San Diego mom of two and style influencer said sometimes those small, everyday activities — like playing games in the living room or going on a family bike ride — create the most wonderful memories. No two days with her 4- and almost-2-year-old are the same, but Camilla said she tries to carve out as much quality bonding time with her family as possible. Even something as simple as taking the kids on a walk to get the mail can be a special moment. "We make it a priority to have dinner together as a family each night and say goodnight to each other at the end of our day," Camilla said.

Camilla also said it's important to her to make sure she gets one-on-one bonding time with each of her children. "We recently began to 'date' our kids," she explained. Camilla and her husband will each take one of the kids for a special outing, whether that means playing at the park or a trip to their local DQ® restaurant, to show each child just how much they mean to them.

Over the past year, Camilla and her husband, Brandon, really learned the value of uninterrupted family moments. They even created a new family tradition: blanket-fort movie nights. "We love to make movie time special and unique since we try our best to not let them watch TV all day," she said. They'll set up a projector, get the kids to help build a blanket fort, and enjoy a sweet treat while they watch movies. Making her kids feel special is also how Camilla celebrates their accomplishments. "Watching our kids hit milestones is truly a reward for us as their parents," she said. Her son, Edison, is working toward writing his name on his own, while her daughter, Lucy, is almost chatting in full sentences. No matter what it is, Camilla and her husband make sure to celebrate every one of her kids' accomplishments — both on special one-on-one dates and as a family.

"We make sure to let them know how happy and excited we are for them, which naturally makes them feel proud of themselves and their new accomplishments," she said. "Occasionally, Edison will start to lose interest, so we will typically encourage him with an earned activity or toy of his choice. The excitement of the challenge really pushes him to try new things and continue to work hard!"

There's one activity that always tops the Thurman family's list: visiting DQ® for a treat off the Summer Blizzard® Menu. "Of course I can't say no to the new DQ® Blizzard® Treat flavors: Brownie Batter Blizzard® Treat for Brandon and Edison and Raspberry Fudge Bliss Blizzard® Treat for me and Lucy," Camilla said. "Making them feel special multiple times throughout the year is so important to us because it's letting them know they are loved and we are proud of them year-round, not only on their birthdays." With school out for summer and more one-on-one family bonding time on the horizon, Camilla said she's really trying to stay present. "Saying yes more often and putting my phone away is a big thing that I do to make sure I’m soaking in every moment with them," she said. "It allows me to be fully present with them, whether that be playing a game of make-believe or playing with toys of their choice."

Paid for by

ILLUSTRATIONS: Ruby Taylor EDITOR: Annalise Mantz ART DIRECTION: Meg Konigsburg DESIGN: Allie Pakrosnis PRODUCTION: Alex Friedlander