Our little eagle had a great time at the Franklin Park Zoo!
That costume. Cutest thing ever, right?
Of course, we needed to snap some photos.
I mean, it’s probably the last time we’ll pick out his Halloween costume, so we definitely needed to document it.
Anyway…
At the zoo, we attended a special Halloween event called “Zoo Howl” where kids could trick-or-treat among the animals, make “creepy” crafts, play “ghoulish” games, ride DUCK boats, and participate in an interactive and educational event for both parents and kids as part of the U.Fund Dreams Tour.
Once again, I’ve partnered with Fidelity & MEFA in support of the U.Fund Dreams Tour, so I was excited to have Mal with me this time so we could learn more about saving for Quinn’s future. (The first time Quinn and I checked out the U.Fund Dreams Tour, we went with my mom, sister, and nephew.) He’s growing up so fast, and we know college will be here before we know it, so I’m glad that we’re starting to plan now. We just want Quinn to have as many doors open to him as possible.
The event had a cool interactive photo booth where you could make a fun GIF and take the snapshots home with you.
Of course, we wanted to make one with our little eagle baby!
The event also had a bunch of “Did you know?” facts posted around the tent.
They were especially helpful in understanding some of the “ins” and “outs” of 529 college savings plans.
They also acted as a starting point for learning more and asking questions about saving for college.
After spending some time at the U.Fund tent, we went to explore the zoo!
Both the adults and kids enjoyed seeing all of the different animals.
Not surprisingly, Quinn’s favorites were the birds. “Caw-caw!”
We had a wonderful time at the Franklin Park Zoo. We didn’t have time to do it all, so we definitely want to visit again. What a great place for kids!
And Mal and I really appreciated the chance to learn more about saving for Quinn’s college education. We talked a bunch about it on the drive home from the zoo and we’re excited to start planning for his future. Our little eagle will spread his wings and leave the nest before we know it!
I’ve partnered with Fidelity & MEFA for this post in support of the U.Fund Dreams Tour. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I cannot get over Q in that costume, so sweet! We took our son to Boo at the Zoo and had as much fun as him! The event was fantastic and it was awesome to watch him interact with the other children and react to the animals.
So setting up this fund really has no impact on grants or financial aid? That is a good tip!
I was surprised by that too!
Love that costume so much. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time!
He is just adorable in that costume! I’m surprised he kept it all on as long as he did!
I know! Me too!
We set up a similar fund here in Florida. I didn’t have a ton of savings when I went to school (and still have loans to show for it, ugh!) so I would like to help out our little dude as much as we can when college comes around. And that costume – SO cute! We have a Halloween event tonight and although Dean is only 5 months old, we’re dressing him up and going. Maybe we can get the candy instead 😉
What a cute costume!! I went to the Franklin Park Zoo years and years ago now! It looks like so much fun!
I bet he was the cutest eagle there!
We are setting up a 529 program for Matilda. It’s such a smart idea!
Looks like so much fun! I love the zoo, and I bet quinn loved it. Cutest costume ever!
Without fail, I get “The Mighty Quinn” by Manfred Mann stuck in my head every.single.time I read one of your posts! (I love it!)
I love Quinn’s costume!
And as a current college student, I can totally speak to how grateful I am that my parents started saving for school when they did (as soon as I was born). Also, part of my birthday/Christmas gifts from my grandparents was always “money for college” that went into the account. Thanks to their foresight, I didn’t really need to consider finances when choosing a school and that I’ll most likely graduate debt-free. I see so many of my peers struggling with money and paying for college, and I’m endlessly glad to not be in that situation. It’s nice to see you guys looking ahead!
You might want to double-check my fact (since I have no children of my own!) but I think you can choose any state’s 529 plan to invest in – you don’t have to be in MA’s 529 plan just b/c you live there.
<3 that costume is too cute! Looks like a fun experience.
I paid my own way for university, but my parents paid for my private school education for high school and part of middle school. So important to start thinking about the long-term early on and prepare for it!
Such a cute costume! What a fun way to celebrate, cute animals and costumes!
We went to the event at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham a couple weekends back, my little guys favorite animal was the flamingos! I was so surprised to see them out in 45 degree weather! (we went on that super cold Sunday!) The black bears were also a hit as one was right near the fence giving himself a rub down, hahaha. We can’t wait to go back next summer when its warmer out!
That costume is REALLY adorable!! 😀 It’s so great you’re planning early. My heart aches for my friends who were incredibly bright, had desire to go to college, but couldn’t afford it in the end. So great idea with the early start!
Love the costume. So, so cute!
His eagle costume is freaking adorable, and unique, too! I’ve never seen one like it and I can’t help myself from giggle when I see a pic of him. Quinn is already a cutie but put him in a costume, and I cannot contain myself. This also sounds like a really fun day, Tina!
I love that little zoo and so do my nephews, but boy are those flamingos stinky! 🙂 Looks like you had a blast!
omg taht eagle costume is so cute!! william won’t even let me put his costume on him this year!!!!
Quinn is too cute! 529 plans are so important. I don’t have kids yet but plan to set one up when I do because as a CPA I see the tax benefit in addition to the very important need to save for your child’s education.
We were just talking about starting a college fun for our baby (still unborn until January haha) because I feel like it’s never too early to begin! Quinn is so cute in his costume!!
AHHH Quinn looks absolutely PRECIOUS in his costume!
Tina, where did you get your vest from? I’ve been looking for a plush comfy vest that still has some shape to it!
It’s from H&M!
What an original costume! Quinn is so adorable in it.