The Monkeys are Swingin'

The natives are restless.

You see, Summer is in full bloom here in Texas. It feels like it took a long time this year, which subsequently scares me that it might stay too late (you know, like a rude visitor?).

So my kids have been spending a lot of time with me (Lane's been on a business trip) and we've spent virtually no time at the parks. Most of our days are spent at Target where it's nice and cool, where a $150 Buzz Lightyear sits in a display case with a large button to make him do tricks and they hand out free cookies to the children.

I've tried to think of other cool things, but I'm not a cool mom. I'm also operating around the nap schedule of a 1- and 2-year-olds.

So instead of looking at all the awesome things we could be doing in Dallas, I've been using what little brain cells I have left (motherhood seems to be killing off my limited supply) trying to create a fun playroom for the chickadees.

And this weekend I upped the game when I bought some old-school black chalkboard paint and 24-feet of chair rail to create a wall of art for the monkeys.

And although my better half doubted my Bob Villa skillz, I have to say, I'm pleased with the results.

Almost done. I want to put up some vinyl wall art and these adorable huge alphabet letters from eeBoo and perhaps a small wall unit for toys, but I can hear my husband groaning from here at the thought of the cost tallying upward.

But the wall of potential art is ready for its little Monets or Dalis (whatever their influence). Jane's already awoken the last 3 times to shouts of joy "I draw tree, Mama!"

Lane feared this would be teaching the kids to draw on the walls, but I calmly pointed out that there is no instruction needed on that front -- in fact, the paint covered a small mural already started on the east playroom wall.

Sorry Jane.