Summer Reading Programs

Who doesn't love Summer Reading Programs?

For kids, it's the perfect summer activity to keep them learning, but not too scheduled where it doesn't feel so much like summer anymore. We also love the freebies that come with sticking with it! Here are some of the programs that I have found in BCS:

Half Price Books:
    Receive $5 credit each month (June and July)
Barnes and Noble:
    Receive a free book on their book list
College Station Library (for both adults and children):
    Receive certificates for free adult and kids' meals
Bryan Library (for both adults and children):
    Receive certificates for free adult and kids' meals
H-E-B:
    Receive H-E-B Buddy t-shirt
Chuck-E-Cheese:
    Receive free tokens (with food purchase)
Scholastic:
    Receive free downloads and badges

Have you found any others that aren't on this list?

Camping Party

When Taylor Joy started talking about her birthday party months ago, she was coming up with some strange ideas ("animal" party, My Little Pony)... I quickly realized that my job as a Mom was to redirect her to some cute ideas from Pinterest and fortunately she fell in love with some of the "camping" parties that I showed her.

Since she is only turning 6 and has many friends who are younger, we decided to do the camping party at night, but not as a sleepover. Truth be told, I don't think I'm ready for that either. The day will come, I'm sure, but it doesn't need to be this year. She is already growing up so stinkin' fast!

Here are some pictures from the party:

Simply playing in the tent was big fun!

Watermelon Lemonade

Making S'mores, of course! They also dipped the sides in sprinkles to make them pretty!

 Campfire Cake

(fitting and super yummy! I made a cinnamon frosting instead of chocolate like the link shows)

Our birthday gal

Blowing out her candle...

 Pinata Time!

(Mine was NOT cute, but they were smashing it into pieces anyway, right?)

Gifts for the birthday girl!

We also enjoyed:

Making our own Trail Mix (and letting the girls take their bags home)
Modge Podging Time Capsules (and sending home questionnaires to do with their parents and be able to look back on)
Bubble blowing
Nature Scavenger Hunt