Crazy, Stupid, Mother’s Day | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 64

In Episode 64 of The Kids Are In Bed, Tim and Jenni Severson dive into a jam-packed week that included a new patio discovery, some unexpected parenting chaos, and a long-overdue rewatch of Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Birches on the Lake: Our New Favorite Patio

If you’re looking for a perfect patio near the Twin Cities, Birches on the Lake in Wayzata just climbed to the top of our list. Nestled above Long Lake with a north-facing view (read: full shade even on hot days), Birches delivers on vibe, comfort, and food. Tim had what he claims is the best Nashville hot chicken sandwich he’s ever eaten—featuring tzatziki and pickled cucumbers—while the kids played classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Mario Bros (for free!).

The highlight/messy lowlight came when Clementine knocked over Tim’s beer—directly into his shoes. Parenting, right?

Mother’s Day Misses and the Joy of Folding Laundry

Instead of picture-perfect plans, Tim and Jenni found themselves folding approximately ten loads of laundry. But they made the most of it by watching Crazy, Stupid, Love, which turns out to be even better than they remembered. (Well, most of it. That “graduation gift” plot line? Yikes.)

Who’s the Box Office Champ?

In the ultimate Mother’s Day movie trivia showdown, Tim and Jenni guess who among Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone has grossed the most money at the box office. (Spoiler: It’s not Gosling. Cue shame.)

They also battle head-to-head in a round robin of movie memory, naming as many films as they can for their chosen actor until someone blanks. Hint: it doesn’t go well for Tim.

Episode Highlights:

  • Full review of Birches on the Lake patio in Wayzata, MN
  • A messy but hilarious Mother’s Day story (with bonus broccoli and Brie)
  • The joy of rewatching Crazy, Stupid, Love
  • Actor trivia + rapid-fire film naming game

If you’re a fan of patios, parenting, or movies that still hold up, this episode has it all.

🎧 Listen now!

Patio Season! | The Kids Are In Bed Ep 63

Patio season is officially here, and Tim & Jenni are embracing it in full force. Episode 63 dives deep into the world of outdoor dining—from personal stories and regional favorites to a wildly speculative (and surprisingly convincing) theory about who really invented patio dining in America.

You’ll get their picks for the best patios in Minnesota, including:

  • The Lookout (Maple Grove): The go-to family-friendly patio with beach volleyball, a playground, and fake palm trees. A favorite for exhausted parents trying to enjoy a drink while their kids run wild.
  • Maynard’s (Excelsior): A classic lakeside vibe with bootleggers and boat traffic. Just don’t ask for more than two shots.
  • Pittsburgh Blue (Maple Grove): Hidden in a parking lot but shockingly cozy at dusk. The lighting makes all the difference.
  • French Meadow & The Gnome (St. Paul): Urban patios that are private, peaceful, and full of charm.
  • Ernie’s on Gull Lake (Brainerd): Kids can run free while adults enjoy Greenies and mashed potatoes lakeside.
  • Bar Harbor (Gull Lake): Bootleggers, live music, and those iconic collectible glasses.
  • T.O.T.B in Alexandria Bay, NY: Honorable mention for riverside vibes and A-Bombs.

You’ll also hear about:

  • Jenni’s solo car-buying adventure gone sideways
  • The hidden truth about eating brunch outside (don’t do it—eggs + sun = ew)
  • The surprising stats on how patios increase restaurant revenue
  • Patio music dos and don’ts, and a reminder to never turn your patio into a concert

If you’ve ever argued over rooftops vs lake views, or been personally victimized by a bad swing set investment, this one’s for you.

Come for the patios. Stay for the marriage banter, restaurant recs, and that one time they got a new car and went to the Derby party on the same day.

🎧 Listen now!