Brenda Song cherishes the little moments with her family.
Just as her mother had done throughout her childhood, the Disney Channel alum celebrates Mother’s Day alongside her husband Macaulay Culkin and sons Dakota, 3, and Carson, 2, with a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
“My mom loves gardens and gardening,” Brenda told E! News’ Francesca Amiker in an exclusive interview, “so we always find a botanical garden somewhere in L.A., or we go to the same one.”
Over the years, the tradition has come to involve her sons as well as “generational moms,” including Macaulay’s mom Patricia Brentrup. And while the fresh air and beautiful scenery is definitely a highlight of the day, the Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum expressed that the true joy comes from the quality time they all get to spend together.
“It’s just about spending time with your loved ones,” Brenda gushed. “That’s what’s really special about it.”
“We’ve kind of kept it in the family,” she explained, adding that the occasion was always extra special when her grandma was able to pay them a visit. “It’s really small, but it’s really special to us.”
In addition to their annual family outing, the mom of two has also come to rely on a routine that makes it easier to spend more time with her kids on a daily basis. After all, her toddlers have been growing up before her very eyes.
“I lean on DoorDash way too much,” Brenda quipped, “especially in the day and age where I’m trying to juggle being a mom and also working and finding the time.”
Because in the midst of juggling it all, the 37-year-old admitted that spending 24 hours a day with her kids can still feel too short.
“I’m enjoying every minute,” she shared. “No matter how much time you spend with your kids, it’ll never be enough.”
In fact, the Running Point actress would rather “cut corners everywhere else” in her life to experience every single moment of their childhood—even if that means losing out on sleep and rushing around to get things done.
“I feel like every week it’s a new milestone,” she said. “They’re into something one week, the next, they’re into something else. Seeing both my kids playing soccer, I’m just like, ‘I remember when you were in my belly.’”
As Brenda and Macaulay continue to make the sweetest family memories, keep reading look back at some of their cutest moments.
Go Rams
Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song were decked out in their favorite football team’s colors in 2024.
Date Night
The couple stepped out for a rare red carpet date at a Clarins product launch party in Los Angeles in March 2024.
Fun in Cabo
The couple celebrated Brenda’s 36th birthday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2024.
Poolside Service
Macaulay purchased a resort tshirt and pretended to be a resort employee, offering Brenda a towel as she lounged poolside.
Bellhop
He also played bellhop and carried her bags, much to Brenda’s confusion and amusement.
Meet Dakota
The two appeared with their son Dakota at Macaulay’s star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2023.
Hi Baby
Macaulay and Brenda’s baby boy Carson also made an appearance at the ceremony.
Star Power
The couple were all smiles at the family event.
Trick or Treat
In 2023, the Home Alone star got into the spooky season spirit as Brenda passed out candy.
Black & White Style
The duo appeared at the GFS Fall Benefit in Santa Monica, Calif., in October 2023.
They’re Getting Hitched
In January 2022, a source confirmed to E! News that Brenda and Macaulay were engaged. The actress showed off her engagement ring while stepping out in Beverly Hills.
Heart Day
“Hoppy Valentine’s day everyone!” Brenda shared on Instagram in 2020, when celebrating with Macaulay in the water.
Take Me Away
While strolling through Friedrichshain in Berlin in 2018, the couple displayed some PDA by holding hands.
Proud Parents
In 2022, the couple celebrated their son Dakota’s first birthday with a visit to Sesame Place San Diego. Calling it a “magical” affair, Brenda wrote on her Instagram alongside a snap of herself and Macaulay posing with Elmo, “We had so much fun!”
Birthday Bash
“Happy 40th birthday to this magical being,” Brenda wrote to Macaulay on Instagram in 2020. “I could sit here and write endlessly about how wonderful, kind, loving, genuine, loyal, honest, brilliant and hilarious you are, and how grateful I am that I get to share and do this life thing with you. But firstly, that would take me an eternity and secondly, you won’t even see this because you don’t ever use instagram. Hahaha. My unicorn that I never thought could exist, I am luckiest person in the world because I am loved by you.”
Biggest Cheerleader
“Guys, I did a podcast with my favorite bunny—podcasters and just 2 of my favorite people,” Brenda shared online when supporting her boyfriend’s podcast back in April 2018. “@bunnyearspodcast aaaand the one and only @mattbennett!”
Do-Gooders
Uniting for good! The Hollywood couple attended the 2018 Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) telecast in Los Angeles.
