5 Fun Things To Do with Dad this Weekend in (and around) Chester County

#1

 FatherFest at The American Helicopter Museum in West Chester

Antique Car & Motorcycle Show at American Helicopter Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry costs $7 per person. Helicopter rides are available for $40 per person. The American Helicopter Museum is located at 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, Pa. 19380. For more information, call 610-436-9600  www.americanhelicopter.museum.

#2 CHESTER COUNTY BALLOON FESTIVAL
The kids and I are excited to head to the 8th Annual Chester County Balloon Festival which takes place at Plantation Field in Unionville Friday night and Saturday at 1600 West Doe Run Rd., Coatesville, Pa. 19320.   The kids always have a BLAST at this festival and the best part is we only spend $10.00-TOTAL (per car)!  However, there are plenty of treats to buy if you would like! 

 There is plenty to do including balloon rides, night glows, live bands, more than 100 vendors, kids activities and more.  The event begins at 5 p.m. on June 13 and at 3 p.m. on June 14.  The festival takes place at 1600 West Doe Run Rd., Coatesville, Pa. 19320. For more information, go to www.ccballoonfest.com.

Here's a pic of Sienna and I from the Balloon Festival last year....

#3
Elmwood Zoo in Norristown, PA 

The weather is supossed to be great this weekend, why not check out the Elmwood Zoo? Parking is easy and we love to have a picnic! Check out more info. here....http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org/

#4
Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore, PA
 Tractors with Dad? Why not!? Also, here's your chance to see a ton of animals on a gorgeous farm!

#5
Marsh Creek Lake in Downingtown, PA
We love Marsh Creek Lake!!! The beauty makes it one of our favorite places all summer long.
The best part, you don't have to spend a dime!  BUT, you can also do boat rentals without spending a fortune!  Check it out here...
http://www.marshcreeklake.com/

What could be better than a little R & R with Dad?

Intentional Living

10 ways to embrace the moment...with your kids

1. Jump on the bed and have a pillow fight

2. Have a race to the car

3.  Give piggyback rides

4.  Give them a fancy glass (for no reason)

5.  SLOW down

6.  Tell them WHY you love them

7.  Listen...I mean REALLY listen

8.  Skip, hop, and twirl

9.  Arm wrestle

10.  Smile often

Mommy Minute:Finding strength

If you're a parent, you  knows what's it like to be EXHAUSTED.  Do you ever feel like your kids need more from you than you're able to give!? You're EMPTY and feel guilty because you can't provide for your kids what they need.  You're trying to balance everything and your gas tank is dry. What do you do?

A few years ago, I was going through an extremely challenging time.  My husband and I had decided to go our separate ways.  I was a stay at home mom with a baby that was 7 months old and a 3 year old.  I needed to figure out how to start supporting myself independently.  The problem was that having been a nanny and social worker before staying home with the kids I wasn't able to find full time work that would cover the cost of daycare for 2 small children.  I decided to watch some other children and take on jobs at night in addition to starting my own business which would eventually be something I could do full time.  While all this is going on my 7 month old was getting chronic ear infection and would be crying and had interrupted sleep patterns because of the discomfort. On top of THAT, my 3 year old needed me....A LOT.  She would wake in the middle of the night with growing pains and she was needy during the day.  I'm not sure if she sensed everything going with her father and I separating but she definitely needed more of mommy than I could handle.  I was exhausted.

As a parent, I'm sure you can understand that a half hour of crying can seem like an ETERNITY.  We've all been there! I remember several times when I would tell her "I have nothing left to give you" while she was crying.  One time, late at night while she was laying in her bed sobbing I remember her saying "You have nothing to give me? You're giving up on me?".

It was that moment that I realized that I needed to change my ways.  Parenting is not a job I can clock out of or take a sick day.  My daughter needed me and I needed to be there for her.  I walked out of the room for about 30 seconds, took some deep breathes and walked back in and told her that everything was going to be o.k.  She was right, I needed to be there for her and not give up.

What helps you during those challenging times when you are exhausted and feel like you're running on empty?

Happy National Donut Day!

Who remembers the commercial...."Time to make the donuts?!"
If you're feeling daring, make your own donuts this 'hole i day'...sorry bad joke.
Here's how...
Making donuts-Step by step directions for making your own donuts.

Or if you're feeling lazy (like us) check out one of the many stores offering free donuts such as Dunkin Donuts! YUM!

How to Make the Best Doughnuts