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I bought a bunch of beans and poured them in a bin for Jackson to play with along with various scoops and measuring cups. It was such a hit (and kept him busy for quite awhile) that I was going to suggest it to my friend who has a son the same age.

Little did I know it would attract some uninvited guests!

I left the bin outside on the deck while I put Jackson down for a nap, and next thing I knew there were two raccoons up on our table and munching away.

I couldn’t believe it — they were dried beans and they weren’t out there for very long. And don’t raccoons only come out at night?! Later, I realized Jackson had poured some water in the bin, and it was a really hot day out so I think they did start to “cook” to some degree — or at least give off a scent.

It looked like a mom and a baby, and while they were cute, they were a little too close for comfort. I was nervous the mom was going to get aggressive with her baby there. But once we turned on some music, they ran off.

And then my super easy kids activity turned into such a chore! I had to throw away all the beans and then disinfect all the bins and utensils.

The playroom is finally clean! This needs to be documented because I know it won’t last long.

A new strategy: I left out this little “scene” below that Jackson created. I’m hoping that by leaving out some toys, he won’t realize the room is now clean (and needs to be immediately destroyed).

The rest of the house is, of course, still a disaster zone. But one room at a time!