Summer Reading at the Library

As a kid, I remember doing the summer reading program at the library each year. One of the prizes was a free pizza coupon, which was motivation enough for me. Friends who know me today are always extremely surprised to hear that I haven't always loved to read as much as I do now. My parents used to put me to bed pretty early with one stipulation--I could stay up as late as I wanted reading. By doing this, my parents tried to encourage me to read. (Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew, and Babysitter's Club were some my favorites.) 

Now that I'm not working, I have much more spare time than I've ever had. Plus, school has taken over Andrew's world, so I've learned to keep myself busy while he studies. I love reading more than ever before. I have been reading about 2 books a week. I set a goal on "Good-reads" at the beginning of the year to read 40 books this year. I have already read 31. I guess I should have set a higher number.

I decided to participate in the adult summer reading program at the library. Going to the library (at least) once a week is part of our routine. For every book I read, I filled out a review and entered it into a drawing. (While filling out the reviews, I always gave James fruit snacks or M&M's freely, so I think he's sad this is over.) Every Friday, one winner was picked. I was shocked that the winner wasn't me since I turned in so many reviews. Anyway, this last week was the final week of the adult summer reading contest. Knowing that I only had one more chance to win the drawing helped me remain focused and I read and submitted 2 more book reviews.

I got a call Friday evening to let me know that I won the drawing! I was so excited-- more so than I should probably admit. It's not like it was an amazing prize or anything, but I wanted all of my reading to pay off! When I got the call, I asked how long I had to come claim my prize. The librarian told me that I had a week. Who was I kidding? I got in the car immediately, rushed to the library, and picked up my gift-bag and free book ten minutes before the library closed.

I was disappointed in the lack of book selection for me to pick my free book from (but beggars can't be choosers) and ended up picking something I haven't heard of that doesn't have amazing reviews. My gift-bag included a: water bottle, lanyard, free movie ticket, coupon for free ice cream cones, coupon for free doughnuts, Del Taco coupons, a pen, etc. I was really hoping to win the grand prize drawing. I thought my chances were pretty good because they put all of your entries in for the whole summer and I had a lot. I shouldn't complain though because hey, at least I won something!

Here are the books that have been consuming my life as of late (this summer):
They are in order from the most recent that I've read. I put a star by the ones I recommend. You can check out my Good-reads account if you want a full review.

*1) The Glass Castle By: Jeanette Walls

2) Chances Are By: Traci Hunter Abramson

*3) Ready Player One By: Ernest Cline

4) A Gentleman in Moscow By: Amor Towles

5) The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency By: Alexander McCall Smith

*6) Salt to the Sea By: Ruta Sepetys

*7) Educated: A Memoir By: Tara Westover

8) Sarah's Key By: Tatiana de Rosnay

*9) Beneath a Scarlett Sky By: Mark T. Sullivan

10) 84, Charing Cross Road By: Helene Hanff

*11) The Secret Life of Bees By: Sue Monk Kidd

*12) Magpie Murders By: Anthony Horowitz

Currently, Andrew and I are reading "The Kite Runner" together. 

Recently, I was with some friends. Most of these friends are in book club with me and of course we ended up discussing books. One of my friends said that her mom told her in High School that before she could read another book, she had to read the Book of Mormon. She said she has never read the Book of Mormon so quickly. This helped me realize that my scripture study should not be put on the back burner now that I'm reading so many other books. I have since started the Book of Mormon over and set a goal to finish it by October 13.

Nowadays, I put myself to bed early to give myself as much reading time as possible. Thanks Mom and Dad for starting that habit early-on.

Independence Day!

We had a memorable fourth of July. It's always fun when Daddy is home! We headed to the mountains early to get a hike in before the heat and crowds were unbearable. I'm so glad we went so early because when we finished the hike, it was so crowded and there weren't any parking spaces left.

We hiked Stewart Falls which is about 3.5 miles. This felt ambitious with a wiggly (almost 16 month old) boy. James impressed us and enjoyed his ride in the backpack. The temperature was cool, and the trail was pretty deserted on our way up. We let James get out once we reached the falls, but the ground was uneven and it was hard for him to walk. James liked seeing the "wa-wa." Although, the water was pretty loud up close which was a bit scary for him.

James has never been a fan of hats

On our way back, we encountered lots of people. At the end of the hike, I ran into one of my former 4th grade students which was cool for me. Her mom took a picture of us together. When we got home, we made a well deserved, high-calorie breakfast.

Later on in the day, we headed to my parents' house. My dad watched all the grand-kids while the adults went to the movie "Won't You Be My Neighbor." I enjoyed the movie and liked learning more about Mr. Rogers.

After the movie we had a big BBQ at my parent's house. Grandma and Grandpa Denning came as well as Grandma Langlois. The little kids did sparklers and we roasted marshmallows for s'mores. The evening went by way too quickly. We weren't sure how James would do staying up late to watch fireworks, but he was a champ. Watching him see the fireworks was one of my favorite moments of the day. His sound effects were adorable. "Ooooh." "Awwww." He didn't get to bed until about 10:30, (3 and 1/2 hours past his bedtime!) but he was such a trouper. 

He ate SO many marshmallows

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Cousins

What a day!