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Hi friends! Happy September! We have a (semi) kindergartner on our hands this year, and with that comes sight words, letter and sound recognition, and learning how to READ. Today I'm sharing some of the books that are adored in our house and that have really helped to develop Oskar's confidence while still keeping his attention. When brand-new readers are ready to start reading on their own, it can be challenging to find books that fit their skill level that are also interesting. Here are our recent favorites that he reads to me, or that we read together, before bed every night.
Hi, Jack! (A Jack Book)
and Jack Blasts Off (A Jack Book): These are two of Oskar's recent favorites and remind us a lot of Elephant & Piggie. They have basic plots that are easy to understand (and read!), while still remaining silly. We're on the lookout for more to come from this series to build his collection.
BOB Books: The holy grail on where to begin if you have a little one learning how to read. These have come recommended by just about every teacher I know. Consistent new sounds are added to the books gradually, until young readers have read
books with all letters of the alphabet (except Q). Short vowels and
three-letter words in simple sentences make these books a fun confidence builder.
We Are in a Book! (An Elephant and Piggie Book): Oh, Mo Willems and the love that our boy has for his books. This series has truly done more for his reading ability and comprehension than any other, and he just can't get enough. A fun twist: one of us reads as Elephant (Gerald), and the other as Piggie.
The Munschworks Grand Treasury: The best collection of funny and engaging stories. Complete with 15 favorite stories, your kiddo will be sure to laugh along as you read them together.
Green Eggs and Ham: This may have been where it all began. Dr. Seuss's sing-songy, rhyming cadence may seem like cheating when it comes to learning how to read, but repetition, anticipation, and site word recognition are important building blocks when it comes to developing this skill. We love so many Dr. Seuss books, but Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat are our two favorites.
Usborne My First Reading Library: These books are genius in that the adult reads one page, and the child reads the next (simplified text). Each consecutive book in the series adds new letter sounds which multiplies the words they can read.
My Favorite Bernstein Bears Stories Learning to Read Box Set: Who didn't read Bernstein Bears growing up? This set comes with several favorites that just so happen to be Level One I Can Read books, which means
they are perfect for children learning to sound out words and
sentences. Hand in hand with the Bernstein Bears are the Pete the Cat I Can Read books, which get major points from both of our boys since they're big fans of the show as well.
You are (Not) Small: A sweet little favorite about two friends who can't agree on who is small and who is big. With beautiful illustrations and simple words, this is one that big brother can read to little brother at night time.
Here we are, a week into August, with fall and back-to-school right around the corner. We have a year of Kindergarten prep and Pre-school coming up this year, and two kiddos (and a mama) who aren't ready for any of it. Since we have to start putting one foot in front of the other, I gathered up the best of what Amazon has to offer for back to school, with cute book bags, water bottles, lunchboxes, and a label maker that will satisfy every Type A's dreams. We'll be here, squeezing out the best of what summer has left to offer, while watching signs of fall trickle to our doorstep.
Hi friends, and happy Friday! I'm back with part 2 of our summer vacation, this time to Amsterdam! The boys were 5 and 3, and here's everything we did while there.
We landed late in the afternoon on a Tuesday and took the train from the airport directly to the main train station, Amsterdam Centraal, and walked to our hotel, luggage in tow. Space is TIGHT in any city center residence, but I'd highly recommend The Highland House if traveling there with kids. The hotel has options for two (or more) rooms, so the kids were able to sleep on one side while we stayed up and had a glass of wine on the other.
After dropping off our luggage, we headed back out to stroll Dam Square, the historical center of Amsterdam. This is a great location for shopping, as well as casual restaurants with tables outside. We headed straight to the STROOPWAFELS, the most delicious caramel filled thin waffle crisps dipped in your choice of topping. The kids couldn't gulp theirs down fast enough. We then walked around the Jordaan area, across countless canals, soaking in the sites. Truly, it was one of the most beautiful cities I've ever seen.
We capped our evening with a light dinner and headed back to the hotel for bed. Luckily, the kids were adjusted to the time already since we were in Finland first, so everybody slept great and woke up raring to go for Day 2.
I had heard amazing things about a place called The Pancake Bakery, so we headed there first thing to line up before they had even opened (at 9). We did the right thing, because as soon as their doors opened, people flooded in to eat the very best Dutch pancakes OF MY LIFE. We got seated and ordered up a Caprese pancake and a ham, mushroom, and cheese pancake, while the kids ordered a "Fireman Pancake" and a "Surprise Pancake". Turns out, both of these come with toys on the side of your pancake, so the kids were super into it. Note: Make sure you try the Stroop syrup if you ever have a chance to go, a delicious molasses/sugar concoction that is a spoonful of heaven.
Next, we had purchased tickets to the Anne Frank house for an arrival at 10:30a. It was a harrowing experience that moved every single one of us. Even August asked, "How can people be so bad?" I had just finished reading Anne Frank : The Diary of a Young Girl before we left for our trip, and had read excerpts to Oskar, so he was really interested in the entire experience, too. Pictures aren't permitted inside the house, understandably, but we did capture a few on the outside. Note: tickets to the Anne Frank house are listed for sale 2 months ahead of the arrival date. Make sure you purchase yours WELL in advance, or you won't be able to get in.
After the Anne Frank house, we headed to a near by playground, which really are all over the place and are mostly all public. The Dutch have come up with "toy grave yards", which serve as a place for people to take any of their kids' old toys or bikes. What's old becomes new again, and the kids were thrilled to ride around on old two-wheelers or tricycles and got out some energy on a jungle gym with the prettiest views.
After this, we headed back to our hotel to relax and get ready for a Canal Cruise, an absolute must-do while in Amsterdam. There's nothing prettier than seeing the city from the water, and our tour guide even let Oskar steer the boat for us. He was beyond excited and couldn't wait to call everybody to tell them all about it. They serve drinks aboard, and I don't think a gin and tonic ever looked or tasted so good.
Afterwards, we walked to Rembrandt Square for dinner, which was a bit of a hike for the end of a long day, but was still scenic nonetheless. We walked via the Damrak so we could see the famous Gingerbread houses. So dreamy. The kids were hangry and tired, so we ate our dinner and headed back to bed.
The next day, we tried to grab breakfast at a place simply called "Pancakes Amsterdam" along the Damrak river (which also came very highly recommended) but the line was wrapped 5-fold around the building. We ended up at a little cafe instead, and planned out our first try at the public transportation system down to Museumplein, where all of the museums are located. Turns out, they sell tickets to buses and trams on board and provide change, so the whole process was super simple and the conductors were very helpful. We had pre-purchased 10:30a tickets to the Van Gogh museum (again, make sure to do this 2 months ahead of time), and was a toss-up on how the kids would do, but it went better than expected. They had a scavenger hunt for kids with the incentive for a prize if completed, so Oskar jumped on that and selected Van Gogh's famous "Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette" postcard when we finished it together. So much for the Sunflowers painting...#boys. We walked through for about 2.5 hours and had to call it at that because the kids were nearing their limit, but I could've easily spent another 2 hours more.
We headed immediately to lunch at one of the restaurants nearby, then decided to find the kids a park to run around in. Museumplein has a great playground, although a bit too challenging for August. So, the two of us grabbed ice cream while Oskar and and Matt stayed behind. We brought back cones for the 4 of us and hung out for an hour or so as we figured out what was next.
We decided to take a walk over to the Albert Cuyp street market in the De Pijp area, about 15 minutes away. The market is MASSIVE and has over 300 stalls. The boys picked out new sunglasses and Amsterdam shirts, while Matt and I just looked around. Tons of herring, pancakes, and stroopwafels, which is the best of Amsterdam's food in a nutshell. It had been a LONG day already, but I still really wanted to see the Floating Tulip Market, so we jumped on a tram toward Rembrandplan and found the prettiest row of Dutch tulips (Bloemenmarkt), all floating along the Singel canal.
We finished off our trip with a dinner outside along the canals, taking in the city one last time. Though we definitely saw (and smelled) a lot of marijuana, if you steer clear of the Red Light district the city is extremely family friendly, easy to navigate, and totally do-able on foot to spare you the expense of a rental car.
We flew out the next morning, and if I were to do it again, I would've opted for just one more day. Overall, a perfect city to travel with small kids who aren't quite ready to take on a Rome or a Paris just yet. Vaarwel, Amsterdam. We loved you!
Here's what I'm excited about so far this morning. I'll be back with more by category as I make my way through Prime Day 2! Happy shopping, friends!
For Baby
Ergo 360 - this is the carrier I recommend to all of my mama friends!
Britax High Back Booster - grabbing this for Oskar for when we transition him this year. I love this seat because it has BOTH a shoulder and lap belt positioner.
Puppets - Both of my kids were obsessed with puppets and with us making them "talk" to them
Burt's Bees Crib Sheets - an additional 20% off today at checkout!
Marpac Hushh - The Cadillac of sound machines. This goes wherever you go, and has a clip to attach to a car seat or crib.
Rocking Chair - this is the chair we have in Oskar's room. We still read to him in it every night.
Sleeper Gowns - if you have a baby, you need these for night time diaper changes.
Zutano Booties - the BEST for staying on babies' feet. These are marked down to $15 now but will definitely sell out fast!
Random Finds
Sheets - These have almost 57,000 5-star reviews. Insanity! I got a set for us!
Professional Blowdrier - I have this and it was life changing when I got this a few years ago! Dry your hair in less than half the time--my most hated task--and move on with your day. Couldn't recommend this any more!
Foreo Luna Mini 2 - The BEST for beautiful skin and a clear complexion. The queen herself, Chrissy Teigen, worked on this launch for Prime Day because its one of her favorite beauty products.
Storage Basket Side Table - Always a best seller on days like today, this handy side table looks just as great as it functions.
Tassled Farmhouse Rug - This rug is so gorgeous. I can see it in a baby boy's nursery, for any of you expecting mamas.
Air Fryer - I think we're finally jumping aboard the air fryer bandwagon after my friend raved to me about how much they make in theirs for their kiddos and how FAST-- chicken nuggets, french fries, apple chips, grilled cheese--just about every toddler delicacy.
