The Costume Trunk book post

My 2nd post for my new book club: From Left to Write.

In The Costume Trunk, Courtney and her friends discovers the magical world of Paddywhack Lane where all they need is their imagination to have fun. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. You can read other members' posts inspired by The Costume Trunk by Bob Fuller on book club day, July 28 at From Left to Write.

As I read this book about children dressing up in costumes and exploring a magical land, I kept thinking about the power of imagination. It's such a critical experience for small children-they learn about navigating our big world and make sense of the fears they may have by acting it out. However, in our current days, it seems like the world of make believe is being pushed along the wayside. Play kitchens and dress up toys are disappearing from kindergarten classrooms, replaced with desks and more and more work. Video games occupy many kids all day long-playing in someone else's imaginary world. Why not let kids be kids a little longer (especially when being an adult today is pretty scary!)???
This summer, I did not plan much at all for my kids. Yes, there were days when they were bored and whining, yes, there were days I wanted to ship them off to some camp or class...but they did a lot of playing! Lego worlds, car races, lots of rescue games-especially when you have a little 3-year-old girl who loves dressing up like a princess! I loved seeing the interaction between my kids, the push and pull, the conversations I eavesdropped on. Did the TV get turned on? Yes...but once it was turned off, they quickly found something else to do. I really saw the PLAY that happened this summer, and I really think it's for the better. It seems like there is a large group of parents out there (at least with many of the friends I know and some of the blogs I read) who are trying to go "back to basics" with our kids: resisting the blatant consumerism, the push to sign up kids for every activity out there, overcommitting their families... It is a hard balance sometimes. I just know my kids would love doing some of the classes out there. But hey, they have their whole lives ahead of them. They are only young once. So, my kids will be the ones eating dinner at home, playing on their bikes out front, doodling on paper, and saying,"Mom, I'm bored!" And that's OK with me.

New blog obsession...

Uh-oh, if you are a teacher...you may want to skip this post. Otherwise, you might find yourself spending many hours blog perusing...
I found the new world of teacher blogs! I have been firing up the printer and getting excited for school! I've been excited for school since Cooper will be in my class this year, but to be honest, I was nervous about 1st grade. I generally like teaching kids a little older. But now, I am super excited! Here are some to get you started...if *first grade* is not your thing, check the links on the sides for other grade levels. Have fun!

The First Grade Parade

The Inspired Apple

Mrs. Kincaid's First Grade

Mrs. Bainbridge's 1/2 Combo (TONS of things here!)
Oh, and here's one offering a pretty cool freebie (just found this site today!):
First Grade Pandamonium Go and check her out! :-)

Photo Fun

So...my friend Michelle and I were talking about photography and we decided to do a little photo shoot together with our kids. We both took pics of all our kids. It was fun! Here are some of my favs. Her kids are adorable...Nick is super photogenic and her girls are darling! First up is my Kendall...sweet as ever in her pillowcase dress (love it, Donovan!)

Lily Love!

Last weekend my mom was heading down to see Lily (oh and Jenny and Justin, too! Ha!) .

She was also going to see my cousin Paolo and his family, so Kendall and I decided at the last minute to tag along.

It was so much fun! I got my Lily fix-I even did the night duties one night so Jenny and Justin could sleep. She is the sweetest baby!

We also got to visit with Paolo and his wife Julia and daughter Lia at a park in Coronado. Jenny and I haven't seen him since 1984!

I can't believe it has been that long. He grew up in the Virgin Islands, and then joined the navy, serving in several places, including Italy. They are currently stationed in Texas, but sent to San Diego for a few weeks this summer.

We had a great visit! I was a little sad, thinking of all the years we didn't see each other or even communicate. Family is so important to me! I hope we can stay in better contact now. I was also sad that his Mom wasn't there-my Aunt Emese. I have stayed in contact with her and even seen her a few times in the past 10 years. (Hi Auntie Emese-I know you read my blog! I will be sending you pictures this week!!)

The trip was too short, but a nice treat. Of course, we had to go to the beach-my kids are all beach lovers! Kendall had a blast!

I love love this picture of her!

She looks so happy!
Now, getting ready for the 4th and planning what we are doing for the rest of the summer. We've been checking things off our summer list!

What about you???