I love fall in Seattle. I always look forward to the rich fall colors outside and even the rain and cold weather – another reason to drink warm beverages all day long!

I enjoy the excitement that comes along with the holidays, and creating special memories with my family by partaking in the numerous seasonal events in our area.

One of our favorite events is a visit to the pumpkin patch to tromp around and locate the blank canvases for our children’s vivid imaginations.

Every year, we seem to find ourselves going to a different patch. Some are pretty basic while others have tons of activities like tractor rides, corn mazes, and haunted barns. 

Over the past week, I built a map of pumpkin patches in our area for you to explore with your friends and family! This is by no means an exhaustive list, so please comment below if there is a fun event or destination that you would like to see added to the map.

Continue reading “BOO! Seattle Area Pumpkin Patch Map” →

I don’t know about you, but after eight to ten hours of making and cleaning up meals, picking up toys, pretending, wiping noses (and other parts!), brushing teeth, getting dressed, doing projects, cleaning up messes, buckling in and out of carseats/strollers/front packs, pushing on swings, going down slides, singing songs, and reading that favorite story AGAIN, I’m TIRED.

Any parent or caregiver can relate! That’s why it’s so awesome that there is an entire week dedicated to the amazing people who have chosen this as a profession…Nannies!

National Nanny Appreciation Week was September 23rd through 29th this year. I hope all of you fabulous nannies out there felt the love from your families! Nanny Parent Connection celebrated nannies by working together with several local businesses for some fantastic giveaways.

Thanks to all who participated!

Continue reading “Nannies – We Appreciate All You Do! | Nanny Appreciation Week Wrap Up” →

Did you know that the Pacific Science Center has three story times in the tots area every day of the week? Neither did I! The littles and I decided to check it out.

We arrived a bit early so everyone could play in the Tots Area.

Continue reading “Story Time and More at the Pacific Science Center” →

Being a nanny today is not what it was twenty years ago. These days there are so many more resources and ways to connect with other families and nannies!

But by no means does that imply that every family working with a nanny knows about things that are largely considered to be industry standards. It doesn’t even mean that every nanny knows about these things!

In 2000, I wanted to move to the Seattle area and landed in Bellevue. I had answered a classified ad (!) in the Seattle Times for a live-in nanny position where I provided part-time care for a three year old boy. Beside living in my own suite area that was attached to the garage and having access to their kitchen during the hours their alarm wasn’t set, the only thing I received as part of my compensation package was hourly pay. This was a check with no taxes withheld.

Continue reading “How Not To Suck At Employing A Nanny” →

I can’t believe another summer is winding down! School will start for my family in less than three weeks, and I am beginning to mentally prepare myself for the cooler weather (yay!) and packing school lunches (boo!) again.

The start of a new school year means a new nanny for many families. The process of hiring a new nanny and establishing a good working relationship can be tedious, but there are some things you want to make sure that you don’t overlook.

For families who already have a nanny it’s a great time to touch base to ensure everyone is on the same page with routine changes. These seven tips will help things run smoothly this school year for your family and your nanny:

Continue reading “Seven Tips To Kick Off The Start of School With Your Nanny” →