I have never found being the sole caregiver (during the day) to be a chore. It is not always easy and there are days when I am very ready for a break, but overall I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have tried to keep our babies on a flexible routine. We go through the same motions every day (eating meals, nap time, bath time, story time, bed time) but not necessarily at the same time (except bed time)! That allows me flexibility to take them beyond the walls of our house, giving them the opportunity to explore and learn. I know that they get bored if we are home all week, and I feel responsible for getting them out of the house. I also feel very strongly about taking them on my own when Jeff is at work, because I don't want to limit fieldtrips only to weekends as trips would occur far too infrequently.
We started by taking walks through the neighborhood. Then we started walking to the grocery store (2 mile trip), then we expanded to the shopping center and mall across the street. Then I took them to the museum where we have practically lived this summer (thanks for the membership Mom and Dad, it saved OUR sanity this summer). Then we walked to a Target (about 8 miles round trip). The days we got caught in the rain convinced Norah and Justin that I am the greatest mom EVER, since I can make it rain. Attempts to refute that ability have been rejected. I can't count our zoo trips as solo trips since I haven't taken them on my own yet, and the times we have gone I received a LOT of help. Overall though we are really getting out and having all sorts of adventures and doing great. So with all of our successful endeavors behind us, I decided to take the babies to the Arboretum for a day of walking through gardens and enjoying a picnic lunch.
It was a great idea, but it proved to be a VERY challenging day, reminding me that I don't have to do everything with them on my own at once. Some places may be better left until they are both listening to me a little better, and when there hasn't been so much rain and subsequent mudholes to explore. Additionally, trying to take pictures to document an event like this is sometimes not worth it.
The babies were so excited when we got there, and were thrilled to be outdoors finally. It had been raining all week and we were all coming down with cabin fever. They were eager to point out the butterflies, the crazy looking plants, the gorgeous flowers, and the bugs! When we got to the playhouse pirate ship exhibit I decided to let Justin out of the stroller so that they could both play.
My control of the situation ended at that point, as both babies wanted to explore, in different directions, as far from each other as possible. Justin wanted to wander down the sidewalks and peek through the foliage. Norah wanted to hug all the animal statues, becoming completely attached to the coyote so much that she wouldn't leave it. I had Justin wandering through the mud, while Norah was hugging and talking to her new friend. I told her to come to me, and only after she had hugged it a couple more times, kissed it, walked a few feet from it, turned blew it a kiss, then ran back for a few more hugs, did she come over to me. I had Norah fighting to get in the stroller, and Justin fighting to get out. I had Norah running away from the waterfalls, and Justin running to them. I had my hands full.
I love the fact that they aren't afraid to explore on their own. I love that they are bold, curious and eager to experience their surroundings. I am just very grateful that there was practically no one there, and that I didn't lose a kid in the process. We tried to sit and eat lunch, but a couple getting their engagement photos taken was more interesting, so our meal was cut short as suddenly I was the only one on the blanket. I let them splash in the water for a little bit, and then we headed home. They had a great time, but I was completely worn out. We will be back, but I will be much better prepared.
The Jolly Roger pirate ship.
Norah and Justin playing at the entrance to the pirate ship.
My little pirates, steering their ship towards adventure.
The babies exploring the Treasure Island area. 
Norah trying to get Justin to follow her up a ladder. She didn't have to try very hard. But with two of them on the ladder, they managed to knock each other off, leaving me with two crying babies covered in dirt.
Norah makes a new friend.
Justin playing with the plants. At least he was being gentle.
Norah showing me her new friend and trying to tell me that she can't come to me because they are playing.
Justin wandering off to go exploring on his own.
Norah's tearful goodbyes to her new friend.
Justin fascinated by the waterfalls.
Norah getting away from the waterfalls and exploring the open grassy, muddy, area.
Justin trying to convince Norah that the waterfalls are MUCH better than a coyote.
Justin wandering off on his own again.
The two of them trying to go in different directions.
Justin making a friend of his own. He looks mad, or ready to eat the ear off of the fawn, but in reality he was so excited he was shrieking! He was just so thrilled to find something his size.
Norah trying to feed the fawn.
Justin's other friend.
Norah taking a ride. Thank goodness those things are sturdier than they look!
Someone is very pleased with herself!
Two very curious babies!
Justin wandering off on his own again. 
Stopping for a very brief lunch.
Justin with his wild hair!
Splashing in the water! Something they both loved to do, so it kept them in the same spot for more than 10 minutes!
Norah suddenly realizing her shirt is wet, and that she hates it being wet and wants it off NOW! I had to convince her to wait until we got to the car.
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