Trip to Washington: Next Adventure, Burgerville, and Powell's

This part of the trip was actually the day we spent in Portland. :) Love that city. My Dad and I first stopped by Next Adventure...that place is awesome and we found some great deals on gear. Then we enjoyed lunch at Burgerville first...the smoked salmon and hazelnut salad with a fresh strawberry shake hit the spot! And with our full and happy bellies we went to Powell's Bookstore. Even with an epic meltdown (Brooks was distraught to find that the isles were not race tracks for the umbrella stroller...apparently we need to go to more book stores and libraries) we had a lovely time. Brooks soaked up story time with "Gram-mom," and I found a few fabulous books to bring home. And I even bumped into an old friend from high school! It was a good day. :)

^^ Thought these old backpacks were awesome. Wish this place was closer! I found some steals... ^^

^^ She doesn't mess around with her icecream. HA! ^^

^^ While the kids and I got some fresh air (to cool down after Brooks' tantrum) I saw a sweet friend from High School! What are the odds?? :) So good to chat and catch up for a few minutes, that Caitlin is going places! Congrats on med school girl! ^^

^^ I saw this sweet sight four times while in Washington...they played hard and slept hard. ^^

^^ Love all the bridges over the Columbia River. :) Bye Portland!...until next time. ^^ 

Current favorite reads

{ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 }

“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” ― C.S. Lewis

These are Brooks' favorite reads as of late, and they put a smile on my face too. :) We turn each of their pages at least two times a day...at the counter while he eats his oatmeal for breakfast, in my and Daddy's lap by his crib before nap and bed time, and plenty of snuggle sessions in between. I cherish the time spent reading with him. With Christmas around the corner I'm looking for some good books that he, and Ava, will enjoy. I'd love some good children's books recommendations! Beautiful illustrations, or charming stories...good children's books are priceless.  But because money definitely doesn't grow on trees, I always make sure to check the book sections at thrifts stores. We've found some gems that way. And I just found this site that had 5 of those favorite reads for great prices, and no shipping! Love their motto: Spend less. Read more. :)

So, what are some books you enjoyed growing up?

Or if you have littles, what are books that make them light up?

Do share.

bookworm

Meet Brooks, the bookworm.

I absolutely love how much he's been interested in books lately! He's doing great at learning how open up the books and turn the cardboard pages all by himself :) Here are some sweet photos of our little guy enjoying some good reads...

I texted the ones above to my Mom saying, "Like Grandma like Grandson. He sure loves those books!" My Mom has, and will, always be a great example to me of having a great appreciation for the written word and constantly wanting to learn.

Sometime's he "reads" upside down...heehee..."A" for effort bud!

Yesterday we were at the wrestling meet Adam was coaching and, in between yelling with the rest of the crowd, Brooks enjoyed some light reading ;)

The other night I got these cute pics...he always picks the books we read before bed time.

We love you, our little bookworm :)