Book Nook | 4th of July

Can you believe tomorrow is July? I always panic a little when July blasts through the door and I have to remind myself that the season just really started and there is still loads of time left for all the summer fun. 

We're in that awkward place where the 4th isn't really a holiday we can participate in with two small kids. We are probably not going to see much or do anything but we can celebrate with coordinated clothes and themed books. Just a small selection this time, Mandy and I are trying really hard to cut back and pace ourselves.

My favorite in this batch is My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli. It's just a kid talking about what his family does to celebrate. It's ordinary and uncomplicated and the illustrations are cute. 

Do you have any 4th of July plans?

Weekending it

This weekend Auntie Jessy came to visit!!! We had not seen her since December 2019 and so we quickly made-up for lost time by taking her to all of Kip's favorite places in New Jersey.

We went to Storybook Land!

Jess brought Kip a kite and showed Kip how to fly it. It was epic. I've never successfully flown a kite so this was awesome.

 

We also took her to Northlandz to see what Kip calls "the biggest layout ever and all." Yes, we just went there last week. And yes, I'm hoping not to return for some time. It's for the kids...that's what I tell myself.

We also played in the front yard splash pad.

And Jess and I took Kip to the beach yesterday morning.

We played and watched movies, cooked and snuggled, went for walks, and had a good time. 

Ivy needed some more time to warm-up to Auntie Jagee but I'm sure she'll get there. We love you, Jess!! Thanks for coming to visit our crazy crew!

Weekening it

I hope everyone enjoyed their Father's Day weekend. The heat is back here which is always a mixed bag. I love summer and a good bit of heat is always part of that but I'm not a fan of humidity. The Colorado girl in me misses dry heat. 

This weekend we had a bit of a spontaneous flare and took a day-venture to Northlandz, the world's largest model railroad layout. Since Kip is SO IN LOVE with trains and train layouts we decided we had to check it out and an indoor activity on a hot day was a good idea. It was a 45 minute drive which went relatively well since Ivy managed to sleep through most of it. I was worried about crowds but it turns out, this place peaked in 1996 so we only saw about a dozen other people there. 

Kip was in train heaven and honestly, it was pretty impressive.

I think as a parent, excursions like this are always a risky balance. Cost, travel, kid's behavior, impact on routine, general enjoyment, adult energy level, etc. It's an equation that rarely ever has a perfect solution. Some how with this one, we ended in the positive. Ivy was a snack-enjoying peach the whole time we were there. Kip was captivated and never tired or complained. As adults, we felt the admission was a bit high for this place. Although it was impressive and large it was also really outdated, fairly rundown, and not very many trains running. But since the kid's had a good time that's what counts. No one had a meltdown (there) and we enjoyed the day. Would we go back? Probably not, unless Kip convinces us it's worth it for him. 

The main bonus was the gift shop had Hape toys at 50% off so Ivy got her own little train set, Kip got some pieces to add to his marble run and yet another monster truck and pull-back subway train. Dan and I scored the Lionel Polar Express set for cheap that we will save for for Kip for Christmas. AND, we found a great lunch nearby. Burgers with outdoor seating and a playground. It was the first time we've eaten "out" (something not take out or drive thru) since March 2019.

On Father's Day, Dan got to sleep in and open presents, Mandy made egg sandwiches for breakfast, Kip and Dan got to go to the playground to play basketball, and we all went to the pool in the afternoon. 

I love this man and all the ways he shapes this family. His parenting approach is a wonder to witness. In every tough moment with the kids, he brings gentleness and patience, endless love and compassion. I look up to him every day and I couldn't do it without him!