October 2009

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to take a few swings in a big league ballpark?

A unique opportunity floated my way this week that I thought I would pass along. SIDS Resources out of St. Louis is offering the opportunity to step up to the plate and take 6 swings in Bush Stadium. In return they ask for a $50 donation.

As a lifelong baseball fan who grew up watching and playing baseball, this would be quite the experience. So if you're in the St. Louis area, check it out.

There comes a time when you want to take the kids out for something other than fast food. However, doing so can be a challenge. How do you keep the kids entertained? Do you have snacks prepared? If so, are they yummy enough to keep them wanting more?

All this and more will be explained below in my comprehensive guide to eating out with small children.

Rule #1: Do not, under any circumstances, take small children to a sit down restaurant!

That's it. There's only one rule. If you wish to keep your blood pressure in check, and your embarrassment level to a minimum, avoid restaurants. I know you're thinking, it isn't that bad, my kids behave pretty well. I'll never be those parents... the ones with the unruly kids that they can't keep in line and are always disrupting the dinner conversation.

When you step foot into a vehicle, you can tell a lot about it from the smell. Some cars smell like three week old cheesy poofs, while others may smell like hot sauce. This weekend, our car acquired an unmistakable scent known only as the 'new puke smell.'

We were traveling home from a weekend of camping when something went terribly wrong, but what it was I may never know. Our trip was wrapping up nicely, both kids were asleep in the back seat, and we were a mere ten minutes from our driveway. Then it happened. Those unmistakable gurgling noises started reverberating from the back seat.

What came next was some Princess P puke, and a ton of it. This wasn't so much the projectile vomit kind of puke, but the steady stream of about a gallon of puke. The full horror of the situation could not be seen until we made it home.

It's that magical time of year. The time when football is on almost every hour of every weekend from now to January... and you know what I like more than watching football? I like drifting off to sleep while a football game slowly lulls me into a post lunch coma.

However, it is impossible to take a nap with a four year old poking you in the ribs with her bony finger!

Princess P has been resisting an afternoon nap for quite some time now, which has really cut into adult nap time (it's not as dirty as it sounds). This wouldn't be so bad, but when early evening rolls around, if Princess P hasn't taken a nap, an evil unlike the world has ever seen awakens in her soul. She flies around the house looking to harass any living being, with the sole purpose of causing discomfort.