2 Celebrations for the Price of 1!

Sunday {as all of America knows} was Father's Day. But for a few of us, it was all my mom's/Babs' birthday! So a great chance for us to eat my dad's BBQ, drink wine, and let our crazy kids play.

Happy Father's Day to my love!

You want me to take another picture? I revolt!

I can have a sucker you say? Fine, but I won't smile.

 I meant to get a picture of me and my sis with our dad but didn't. He was getting his wish of watching the U.S. Open and Patty and I feted him with beer and a new meat tenderizer, ha.

Now onto celebrating Babs! 

Patty made a peach cobbler with peaches from my parents' tree. Yum!

Mayer is trying to blow out the candles first!

Happy birthday, Babs!

This one boycotted her nap. Can you tell how our afternoon went?

If you like spit-covered peach cobbler, this was the party to be at!

All the littles blowing out candles.

Our day started and ended with some drama - first my car wouldn't start and then when I brought the kids home in my mom's car, the keypad to the garage wouldn't open. Our fearless leader rescued us both times and today before 8:00 AM had my car already towed and was cleaning the kitchen. I'd say he's a great dad/husband to us all! 

Summer Schedule

We're in uncharted waters this summer having a nanny for the kids. I love so many things about it, but it's definitely created some challenges.

Our first week with the nanny went pretty good. She's so sweet and patient with the kids. And she is super artistic. There have been lots of pretty cool drawings and paintings they've all done together. And she loves to read which is great for both kids. 

But here's what we learned our first week:

• Since I work from home, the kids want to 'visit' me a lot. It's super cute and I love having so much access to them during the day, but it's hard when they try to come in when I'm on a conference call.
• Working {outside the home} moms don't have nearly the level of activities and toys {I think} as SAHMs. We just don't have as many hours in the day to fill! When I look at my sister's playroom and backyard, it's night and day.
• We've never really had a schedule at home {see SAHM scenario above}, but the kids are used to structure during the day at school.

I spent a lot of time last week {when she had a pre-planned trip} doing research. We bought a lot of 'stuff' at Dollar Tree for more arts and crafts and busywork. I created a schedule for the day {9:00 - 10:00 outside time, 10:30 snack...super detailed!}. We're making a red/green stoplight so the kids know when they can come visit me and when they can't. I have pinned a million craft ideas on Pinterest for projects. I have a book called Unplugged Play with lots of good activities for the kids. So hopefully we'll iron out these kinks and have a great summer!

If anyone has ideas for things for the kids to do, I'd love to hear them!