How adorable is this free printable from Laura Winslow Photography? It is the perfect summer to-do list. If Penny were an older gal, I would tape this to our fridge and cross one or two items off each day of summer vacation.

How are you spending your summer vacation? We will spend our days at the park and library, have lots of baby play dates and spend lots of time at the pool. Penny just finished her very first round of swim lessons, and I almost cried because I was so sad for Penny. See, I gave birth to a mermaid. If you threw any old baby into an icy cold pool, chances are your regular baby would cry its little baby eyes out. My mermaid baby, on the other hand, couldn’t be happier bouncing around the pool like a little dolphin.

Happy Summer!

I have a new challenge in my life- how to pick up another mom for potential play dates. Penny has a lot of younger and older friends but she needs one or two more her own age. I’m a bit rusty when it comes to the “pickup”- and dare I say- judgmental. For example, this is the typical dialogue I have with myself (in my head) as I’m sitting with Penny at library story time:

“Oooh, here comes a mom with a kid Penny’s age! Maybe she’d like to hook up for play dates.”

“Yeah, but her kid has snot all over his face and this morning’s breakfast plastered on his t-shirt.”

“Whatever, Jessica, both you and Penny were lucky to get out of your pajamas this morning. Did you even brush your hair today? Besides, look at those awesome boots his mom is wearing. She would make a great mom friend.”

“Yeah, but what do I say? Do I compliment her boots? Do I ask if she lives around here? Do I give her my number, a wink, and ask her to call me sometime when she’s not busy? Talk about creepy.”

And so forth. On and on until story time is over and I pack up my little dancing, singing child and drive her home, defeated again. How do you other moms do it? I mean, what kind of baby wouldn’t want to be BFF’s with this–>

And BTW, I’ve seen those play date “business cards” with the names of the mom and kids and a telephone number. Does anyone actually EVER use those? Because I am thisclose to being super, super lame and custom designing a starter set. Don’t judge. You know you want some, too.

1. So I guess there’s a new Muppets movie coming out soon, but all I really need in my life is the above video from The Green Album.

2. Batman and I found this recent CNN article interesting: Tips on how to bully-proof your child from an early age.

3. The Ohio Historical Society is hosting All Hallow’s Eve the next two Saturdays, 10/15 and 10/22. Enjoy pumpkin carving, bonfire stories and more.

1. When I informed Batman that the above picture will be Penny one day soon, the only thing he said was “but Penny has blond hair.” Way to kill all of my hopes and dreams, Negative Nancy. (Click the above picture for a link to buy your mini-Audrey her own LBD.)

2. Enjoy this gorgeous weather with lots of events this weekend! The Harvest Festival at the Short North, the Powell Kidsfest, the Columbus Italian Festival, and the Gahanna GreenFlea are just a few things that may lure you outside (besides the sunshine).

3. I’ve been pining for a huge wooden dollhouse for Penny but they’re so dang expensive. Maybe Santa will bring one, and in the meantime, I’ll keep an eye on Emily Henderson’s dollhouse decorating challenge for inspiration.

1. What’s your favorite pumpkin patch? Suggestions are greatly appreciated!

2. The Wilds is having Wildzfest this Saturday, October 1st. Live music and entertainment, puppet shows, Dora the Explorer and animal presentations? Sounds like fun!

3. Shel Silverstein, writer of awesomeness like The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends has a posthumous collection of new poetry out titled Every Thing On It. Silverstein passed away in 1999 but left behind never before seen poetry and illustrations, 130 of which are included in this new anthology.

4. The Riverfront Art Festival is this weekend along the Scioto Mile downtown. Peruse the works of 150 artists and enjoy two evenings of WaterFire performances.

Hey guys! A few weeks ago a reader asked about backyard roller coasters. I wish I was the female version of Ty Pennington and could whip up a track and cart in my own yard to show off in this post, but I’m just not that awesome. Instead I turned to the trusty interwebs to see what inspiration I could muster up:

1. Mental Floss did their own awesome job of scouring for ideas and came up with this great blog post. They highlight everything from a student-built track in a high school to a Lego roller coaster.

2.  Jeremy Reid’s backyard roller coaster won Popular Mechanic’s yearly Backyard Genius Award. This coaster actually looks fairly simple to construct… this coming from a gal who asks help with hanging photos on the walls.

You can find construction photos, videos and more on his website.

3. For those of us not brave enough to build theme park rides in our yards, there are a couple of ready-made plastic versions. These are borderline lame, but at least your children won’t lose any limbs.

In order from kind-of-fun-looking to more-lame-than-fun:

Leaps and Bounds Extreme Coaster

Step 2 Up & Down Roller Coaster

Back to Basics Roller Coaster

Happy Coasting!

1. Did you know that downtown’s new Columbus Commons has Kid’s Day on Fridays? They offer free carousel rides, story time, water slides, music and more. Check out the event calendar for more info.

2. The Dublin Irish Festival is this weekend… I’ve always thought the fest would be more enjoyable in the cooler spring or summer months, especially with small children. Check out their site for info on Wendy’s Wee Folk area complete with a rock climbing wall and giant inflatables to bounce your Irish heart out.

3. The Ohio State Fair continues to run through August 7th. If you are a fan of the giant butter cow, you may want to check out the new pig and piglets sculpted from 500 pounds of chocolate… pigs never looked more delicious. Find a list of events and activities here.

4. The Canal Winchester Blues and Rib Fest is this weekend, too. I’ve never been, but they have children’s activities,  booths for local artists and live music.

5. When I was a nanny for a toddler, I used to have a letter of the week and incorporate that letter into each craft and activity we would do. Alison of Oopsey Daisy has taken this idea to the next level with Mommy School. Check out her blog for printable packets on letters, numbers, shapes and colors.

Penny turned one year old last weekend. Her amazing party was attended by a large amount of family and friends, which attested to how loved our little girl is at such a young age. Having a large net of support and love is invaluable. I wish every child could be as lucky and blessed as Penny.

Every guest was so excited to see our baby growing up into a child, remarking on how big she’s gotten, how much hair she is finally starting to grow, how much she is learning. I’m psyched about these new developments, too, but I’m also a bit bummed. I am going to miss the baby version of Penny so much, and I’m never going to get back those special infant moments- snuggling all day and night, endless “firsts,” reveling in Penny’s bright-eyed wonderment as she eagerly takes in her brand new world.

I’m hoping I can slow time this next year. Instead of thinking about my to-do list, or trying to squeeze in just one more chore, I’m going to give my full attention to Penny. When childhood is so fleeting, what other choice do I have but to indulge in her for as long as possible?

1. Hop downtown to the Pearl Market next Tuesday, July 26th for the 3rd annual Kid’s Day. The farmer’s market will provide free entertainment and activities through COSI, Luke the Juggler and more!

2. It’s hot! Check out my list of free activities for water park ideas to beat the heat.

3. The Jazz & Ribs Fest is downtown this weekend. If the “cool jazz” featured “cool outdoor air conditioning,” I’d be all about it.

4. Lottie Da in Clintonville is having a summer carnival next Saturday, July 30th. Face painting, a marionette show and adorable handmade clothing on sale? Sounds fun!