We had planned for Amy’s sister Deb to visit and help with the kids during the first week of August when Ciara, our nanny was in Ireland on vacation. Z had a last minute business meeting in China the last week in July so we knew the week would be crazy for Amy before Ciara left on vacation. The day Z left for China, Amy and the kids went to a pick your own blueberry farm. The kids ate far more blueberries than they paid for and we had a few incidents of turning the buckets upside down but all in all it was a huge success and something we’ll do again next year.
On Monday morning, Amy reminded Ciara that with Z gone it would mean she would have to work more hours. Ciara’s response – you do remember I’m leaving for vacation on Wednesday, right? OH CRAP. No, the dates were in Amy’s old work calendar that she lost when she changed jobs. Somehow the dates had never made their way to Z’s calendar so he had no idea Ciara was gone (and Amy’s CEO would be in town) when he picked the dates to go to China. This meant Amy was alone with no child care, a new job and a her CEO being in town and no Z to help. UT-O looks like it’s going to be a stressful week!
Let’s just say it was a little stressful for a few days but fortunately, our previous nanny’s daughter Chelsea had just graduated from high school and was willing to take on the challenge. Thank goodness she was a trooper and saved us! The only problem that she ran into was that Gabe, who tends to be a little shy with strangers, hid in the corner of his crib and refused to get out. After a little coaxing and the promise of play dough, he came out and warmed to Chelsea. The week was crazy but Amy and the kids survived no problem. The kids were super excited to see Daddy when he returned from China and they were also excited because Aunt Debbie visited to watch them the following week.
Debbie and the kids had a lot of fun while she visited and fortunately she wasn’t freezing when she visited!! We did all sorts of fun things like the Salmon ladder, Pike’s place, and a yummy waterfront dinner. Aunt Debbie and Amy also went whale watching. It was a beautiful day and pretty scenery but I don’t know that Amy is one for “hunting” for things. It was great to have Aunt Debbie visit! We can’t wait for her to come again soon!
Aunt Debbie left a day too early and missed out on the fun of Seafare (she said she had to work or something silly like that!). Seafare is a big summer festival in Seattle. There are parades and boat races, and the coolest part is the Navy Blue Angels show. Our friend Bryley lives right on the lakefront where the planes fly so we were lucky enough to have a front row seat. It was very hot and loud so we’re not sure that the kids loved it this year but it played them out and they took a very long nap!
View our August 2012 photos.
