Best Ways to Stay Cool with Kids this Summer!

This weekend was hot and humid here in Southern California, which is NOT what we're used to! We spent a lot of time outside, celebrating birthdays with friends and family. I wanted to share a few tips on how to stay cool with the little ones this summer. 

1. Go to the pool! This is our favorite option for staying cool in the summer. We spent Saturday morning at the pool, and everyone not only cooled down but also got VERY TIRED :) And the icing on the cookie made Mayhem's tongue a lovely shade...

Little J and Mayhem at the Pool

2. Dress for the Humidity. Loose, lightweight clothing is best. Cotton clothing in light colors will help reflect the heat and allow your skin to breathe. The baby is modeling a romper for you below. 

Wear a romper to stay cool! :)

 3. Make it Fun. While we were at the OC Fair on Sunday afternoon, the boys enjoyed spraying each other (and us) with these mister fans! It really does help you feel cooler.

Image Source: Amazon.com

 4. Stay in the shade, and avoid being outdoors at the hottest time of the day. The later afternoon (around 4 pm) is the best time to be in the sun. So, wait until AFTER nap time to head outside to play with the water table! And be sure to put an umbrella over the play area if possible.

and last, but definitely not least...

Image source: http://www.cmfe.org/

5. Stay hydrated. Be sure to have the kids drink lots of water, so that no one gets dehydrated! Drink before you're thirsty and eat fruit which also helps your body replenish the water it needs.

What do you do to keep cool?

While I Was Away... A Report Card for My Husband

This past week, I spent Tuesday through Friday in Atlanta- across the country from my boys. The good news is that everyone survived. The bad news is, I'm giving my husband an overall grade of "C" for performance while I was gone. Here's the rundown-

Diaper Duty. F. Mayhem had zero diapers when I got home. ZERO. And the worst part, Jake didn't even know it. Sigh.

Keeping the House in Order. C. The backyard was littered with dog waste and toys, but the inside was alright.

Bathtime. D. The kids had dirty nails, and our sitter reported that Mayhem was still wearing the same outfit from the day prior one day when he woke up... so changing him into pajamas, too much?

Doggy Duty. B. Nothing appeared to be ruined, stained, or chewed up. I believe they were fed, and they had water in their bowls.

Airport Pickup. A. My flight landed early, and he was there- enthusiastic and WITH the boys. :) And we went out to dinner. Well done, Daddy.

Exemplary Effort. A. He got the dent in my minivan taken care of while I was gone. It's been there since January. YES!

So, overall, everyone survived. There was no food in the house, no diapers, and the kids were dirty. But... we went to dinner together on Friday night, Mayhem wore a pair of Little J's Pull-Ups, and we're all OK.

Have you left your husband with the kids before? How did it go?