Weekend Update Part II

Weekend Update - Continued!

After Diddam's was a bust, the best part of the day was an hour spent in the Reading Bug.  It was an unplanned detour - the best kind.  

I love love love to read.  I was that girl who frequently read a Sweet Valley High paperback in one night. :) Today I have less opportunity to read (and I do branch out from Sweet Valley), but when I start a book, I get so engrossed that I won't stop reading until it is completed.  This means I barely sleep for 3 days because the only free time I have is at night once everyone is asleep.  By no means do I think this is a healthy way to enjoy a book, but hey, I presume this lack of time will pass soon enough?  

I do have it high on my priority list to instill a love of reading in my girls.  I go out of my way and do research to find titles that I think will interest them, and also provide a bit of diversity to their library.  Surely I am biased, but obviously if they did not enjoy it, they would not reach for a book on their own.  Audrey already brings books over to me and wants me to read to hear specific titles over and over.  I can't believe she is already into this at 1 year old.  

Amelia absolutely loves to read, and has from an early age.  A few months ago, I was swamped with a work project and we had our "part time nanny" come in to care for the girls.  I was working upstairs so I could still hear what was happening down stairs.  At this time Audrey was sleeping for long stretches so Amelia had Mary Catherine aka "the nanny" all to herself.  This young woman was getting her Masters in Education and was currently working as a teacher.  We were so lucky to have her.  Amelia had Mary Catherine read to her for THREE HOURS!  I say this will 100% seriousness.  Insane.  Mary Catherine said she was happy to do it.  What a saint!

Back to the Reading Bug.  Quite possibly the best book store ever.  It is a children's book store that hosts regular story times, events and has the most adorable decor.  They display their books so beautifully and carry books that I've never seen before.  

I typically go there for inspiration and then find the best deal on Amazon (terrible, I should be supporting these local businesses, but Amazon is often 50% less!), however I did buy from this store three of my all time favorites (so it makes me feel a bit better!):  

Birdie's Big-Girl Shoes  - inspired by Amelia's nickname

Just Being Audrey - inspired by baby Audrey  - a children's biography of Audrey Hepburn

Because I am Your Daddy - from Amelia to Brad on Father's Day

On this particular day, there was a sign advertising an event featuring Robin Preiss Glasser - for those that don't know - she is the amazing illustrator of the Fancy Nancy series.  Amelia absolutely loves Fancy Nancy.  Nancy is a great character and the story lines are very appropriate for Amelia's age.  The sign said "Come Dressed to Impress" and we will certainly be there with bells on!

The Reading Bug also has a wonderful play area with a train table, overstuffed ladybugs, toadstool seats and other fun critters.

And of course there were a few books that piqued my interest:

I have been trying to slowly collect seasonal books - that I keep up high until whatever time of year approaches (i.e. valentine's day, easter, halloween, christmas).  I thought groundhog day was pretty original!  The illustrations look beautiful.

So typical of this generation.  Amelia knows how to use the iPad better than me.

An adorable pop-up for the Birthday girl (or guy!).  It could be a fun traditional read to celebrate the big day.

We brought this one home from the RWC library a few months back and really enjoyed it.

What a fun day!  Clearly you know what is crammed into every nook and cranny at our house!