hooked on books

This summer my children participated in three different reading programs.  I want them to love to read as much as I do.  Of course, we participated in our local library reading program where our children were able to earn two brand new books to keep for the their very own if they completed the number of hours required.  We also enjoyed being part of the Half Price Books and Barnes and Noble summer reading programs.  The Half Price Books program requires you read at least 5 days a week for fifteen minutes and each week you can earn a $3 coupon for whatever you want in the store.  Barnes and Noble requires you read ten books and then you get a free book from a list for each grade level.  We really built up our home library this summer.  Here are a few of the books we enjoyed this summer in no particular order.

Fancy Nancy(books) by Jane O'Connor

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by  Bill Martin, John Archambault, Lois Ehlert

The Cow Who Clucked (and others)by Denise Fleming

Clifford the Big Red Dog (books) by Norman Bridwell

Curious George (books) by Margaret & H.A. Reys

Piggies by Audrey Wood

Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff

I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

and many, many other favorites!

Some of the books Mommy enjoyed this summer:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

 

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows

What books did you enjoy this summer?

the little man is two!

Jackson turned two on July 30th.

We celebrated with happy meals from McDonald's.

Every time Jackson sees the "golden arches" he shouts, "Fries!"

Nice of Jackson to have a birthday, so I could get a happy meal and a new Littlest Pet Shop.

Full bellies=happy kiddos.  Off we go to Toys R Us to play with the trains and train table.

Please don't make me wear this crown...

I'm in heaven!

So many trains, so little time...

Check out these moves!

Madelynne helped bake the cupcakes for Jackson.  She is also the official taste tester.

Jackson woke up from his nap refreshed and ready to open some presents.

Jackson got out the pizza pan and requested, "pease some pizza".  We took that to mean he wanted pizza for his birthday dinner.

No birthday is complete without cake!  Mommy made puppy cupcakes for our little puppy loving boy.

Happy Birthday Jackson.  We love you a million billion zillion!

build and grow

Madelynne went to a build and grow workshop at Lowe's with her grandpa when we were in Pennsylvania.  She built a ball and cup game.  She had so much fun we signed her up for another one when we got home.    This time she got to go with Daddy and build a UFO with a real light.

Madelynne and Jackson both do this with their tongue when they are concentrating.  They get it from Matt.  He does the exact same thing!

These build and grow workshops are free and it has been so fun for Madelynne to spend time with the men in her life.  She is also learning some mad building skills.

the hiding place

Jackson discovered a cupboard at gramma's house just right for small boys.

Who can be inside?

Peek-a-boo! I see you!

fuller lake

We celebrated the Fourth of July with Matt's family in Pennsylvania.  We went to Fuller Lake for some festive American summer fun.

Wading in the stream.

Plenty of things to climb on and wide open spaces perfect for running.

The boys went exploring.

The adults relaxed in the shade.

Jackson on his never ending search for food.  I have decided my children exist in a permanent state of hunger.

Quality time spent with cousins.

What event is complete for Madelynne if it does not involve getting chocolate on her face?

my name is michael westen...

There is a TV show on USA called, Burn Notice.  It is about a spy who gets "fired", but spies don't get fired they get "burned".  The main character's name is Michael Westen.  He drives a black Charger in the show.  So, when I had to drive a rental car around for four days (our car was being repaired) this is what they gave me to drive.  A black,  2010 Charger.  I felt like I should star in an episode of Burn Notice.

so long, farewell

So, so sad to say good-bye to our friends as they finish school and move away.  Here are our cute friends, the Ellingsons.  We sure will miss them, but wish them well in Texas!

The kiddos.