The Bookshelf - Summer Reading

Recently, the world marked a super important milestone in my life...the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter. I was in college when this book came out and picked it up at the suggestion of my Children's Lit professor. She was one of my favorite professors and she wasn't wrong. The book was amazing. Harry Potter turned me into a reader. Before Harry came along, I only read when I had to for school, never for pleasure, and I couldn't wait to share the stories with my future students.

Flash forward many...many years, and now I'm patiently waiting for my kids to get a little bit older so I can share the series with Zoey and Beck. For now, we love finding new books at the library and bookstore...we're pretty much book hoarders around here!

dot garland | make believe print 

Here's what we've been reading this summer.

Cats Night Out -- Dancing and counting, two of Zoey's favorite things!  

Love is a Tutu -- A sweet book for any ballerina/tutu-lover.

Iggy Peck, Architect -- We also love Rosie's and Ada's books, but lately, Zoey has been obsessed with Iggy Peck. She's a bit of a builder herself, so I think that's what draws her in. Plus the illustrations are incredible.

The Dark -- Lemony Snicket for the preschooler set. Perfect for your little 'fraidy cat. 

Where the Wild Things Are -- One of my childhood favorites, I love that both my kids pick this one often. Beck is super into the wild things and laughs every time they gnash their terrible teeth and roll their terrible eyes...
Shh! We Have a Plan -- This one is so much fun to read aloud! Zoey knows it by heart at this point, and can read it to Beck from memory.
Should I Share My Ice Cream -- I hope we can all agree that Mo Willems is pretty great. Probably my second favorite children's author (second only to Chris Van Allsburg), and the Elephant and Piggie series...well, I'll just say that every time we see one of these that isn't already in our collection, it mysteriously ends up in our cart. The kids just can't get enough. (And they're fun for the reader, too) This one is perfect for summer and has been on repeat lately.

Like most moms, I don't get to read as often as I'd like, but some nights, I get about 30 minutes after the kids are in bed to chill before it's Netflix time. (We just finished Glow and started Ozark. Have you seen it? So good!) The last book I read, The Kind Worth Killing, was a serious page turner.  It switches narrators, similar to Gone Girl and Girl on a Train (two of my favorites), and is full of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had things figured out, they'd drop a bomb on me. I love books like that!

Right now, I'm about halfway through The Woman in Cabin 10. I've reached the part of the book where I want to just keep reading. It's sitting on the table right now, calling me. I have NO IDEA how this story is gonna play out and I love it! 

What are you reading this summer? I'd love some ideas for my next book!

SaveSave

Hello Fall!

I have always been a huge fan of Fall. In my old pre-mom teacher life, Fall meant fresh boxes of Crayolas, stacks of pocket folders and stickers, and sweating with my students out at recess. Fall in Florida is effing hot, you guys. It's no secret that I am more excited about experiencing our first Fall in Virginia than is normal for a grown woman. And while the last few months have had some not-so-awesome moments (read about that here and here), I'm kind of sad to see Summer fade into Fall. And as Z seems to be growing extra fast these days, I'm trying to hold on to every moment and memory while she's still my baby girl. Trips to the aquarium, lot's of time in the backyard with Scout, water balloons, getting buzzed by the Blue Angels, and the smell of sunscreen in Z's hair. It's all kind of amazing.

And as I enjoy these cool Fall breezes, collect colorful leaves with Z around the neighborhood, and switch from tank tops to flannel, I can't wait to make more memories! (Ugh! SCHMALTZ! I know! I'm having a moment.)

Happy Fall, y'all!! 

Summer Bucket List

School just ended here in VB last week, so it's really feeling and sounding like summer now. Kids running around the neighborhood, lots of sunshine, and late day storms. Well that, and the 100 degree temps. Bleh! 

I have always loved the idea of a summer "to do" list. Must be the teacher in me - had to make the most of the summer break. And now that Z is old enough to really enjoy some fun summer activities, I couldn't help but create our very own family summer bucket list. 

We've already done a couple of these, and may even do them again. I love a to do list that's this easy to check off! And I can't wait to try this homemade ice cream recipe and these amazing s'mores!

There are a few things that didn't make it to the official list:

1. Visit the zoo - I've heard that the zoo in Norfolk has meerkats, which should blow Z's mind! (See photo above...Z carries her meerkat, Kiki, everywhere!)

2. Find a splash pad - there has to be one around here somewhere! 

3. Throw water balloons in the backyard.
4. Play with sparklers on the Fourth. (Z will probably be terrified of these, but it's worth a shot.)
5. Have a picnic. Even if it's in the backyard or living room (if it continues to be 1,000 degrees), a picnic is a summertime must!

We've got a trip to Crescent Beach in the books for August, something we do every year, although it's gonna be a much longer drive than we're used to this year! And lots of plans for stay-cation style summer fun, since the Hubs will be working like crazy - summer is his busiest time of year! And the In-laws are bringing our kayaks up when they visit next month (we had to leave them behind when we moved), so we're super excited to take the boats out for a spin. There are so many great kayaking spots around here, and I think we may even throw a vest on Z and bring her with us!

Any great summer "to-dos" that make your bucket list?