We have been doing the happy dance over here for about 48 hours now because SCHOOL IS OUT! Can I get a hallelujah?!

They are growing up so fast!

While the boys had a great school year and we were blessed with amazing teachers (thank you dear teachers for all you do!), we are ready for some down time and slower paced livin’…BRING ON SUMMER.

We celebrated the kick off to summer with a sleep over and pizza and playing outside on Wednesday night. #partyanimals

Yesterday was our first day to sleep in and that is where our first problem began…Nate was up at 6:20. Seriously? The kid doesn’t sleep in. #justlikehisfather

Anyhoo. We had a great day celebrating no school and that meant going to Barnes and Noble (or as Maxim used to say…Barnes and Nobo) to get summer workbooks and a few good books to read. You see, just because school is out doesn’t mean that we stop learning and reading. Yes. I’m a mean ol’ mom. But I’ve seen too many times where kids come back to school in late August and they wonder what a pencil is used for. And math…what’s math? So, I’ve always gotten workbooks and such for the boys to do throughout the summer. Next week, I’ll blog about it. But don’t get worried. I’m not a hard-core mom who makes them whittle away on math problems for hours upon hours each and every sunny day. We just do a little practice and of course, read. Because everyone needs to READ!

And so, today’s Fun Friday Favorites is a hodge podge of this ‘n that. Let’s get right to it!

1. Rising Above by Gregory Zuckerman –

Nate is LOVING this book! (And so am I)

While at Barnes & Noble yesterday, Nate found this book in the youth section. It is great! We LOVE LOVE LOVE Stephen Curry and this book is great for kids (and adults).  I love reading about how people overcome challenges and Stephen Curry’s story is sooo good. (Gotta give a shout out to our team right now…Go Warriors! #NBAfinals)

2. Magic Tree House books –

Maxim loves this series 🙂

Maxim found these books while we perused the Barnes & Noble aisles. He loves Magic Tree House books! It’s so exciting to see our future 2nd grader reading chapter books!

3. Giddy up, Eunice by Sophie Hudson –

I heart this book!

We spent the night at my parents’ house and this was my view this morning on their front porch. You guys. I’ve told you how I’m on the launch team for Sophie’s latest book. THIS BOOK. It truly is one of my favorite books. If you pre-order Giddy Up, Eunice between now and June 6th you’ll get some amazing freebies! Check out the details on Sophie’s website Giddy Up, Eunice website. And it comes out on June 7th! Get your copy copies today! I guarantee you’ll love this book.

4. Daisy update –

Okay. So, you know we are getting a puppy in late June. WELL. I figured you would like an update on our sweet puppy. Toni sends us pictures of our puppy and oh. my. word. I can’t even. Our sweet Beagle puppy is just adorbs. We love Daisy (yes, we’ve already named her) and we can’t wait for her to join our family!

Daisy is so darling! #110%cuteness

She’s on the move!

#bestillmyheart

I just die when I look at her pictures. Seriously. Daisy is so doggone CUTE! If you’re interested in getting a beagle for your family, comment below or message me and I’ll give you the scoop. We can’t stop gushing about the place where we are getting Daisy. I mean, to get photo updates?! Toni is great! 🙂

And that’s all I’ve got for Fun Friday Favorites! How about you? Have any good recommendations for summer reading? For you or for kids? Please comment below! I’m always on the search for a great book!

Have a wonderful weekend enjoying the sunshine and happy days of June!  ~ xo Angela Banae