The Many Little Joys

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Our favorite summer workbooks for kids to stop the “summer slide”

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable solution to keep your kids excited about learning this summer, you’ll love our favorite summer workbooks for kids!

If you're looking for a simple, affordable solution to keep your kids excited about learning this summer, you'll love our favorite summer workbook for kids!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through a link on my site, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you. See my disclosure to learn more.

Summer’s almost upon us, and I’m looking forward to lots of trips to the park, days at the pool, and long hours listening to the clatter of Legos being shuffled around as my kids let their imaginations go wild.

But as much as I want my kids to have a carefree and fun-filled summer, I also want to make sure they keep learning while they’re out of school.

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How to host your own Olympic backyard games + all the printables you need!

Get your family and friends in the Olympic spirit with these simple but oh-so-fun Olympic backyard games. Let the games begin!

Get your family and friends in the Olympic spirit with these simple but oh-so-fun Olympic backyard games. Let the games begin!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through a link on my site, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you. See my disclosure to learn more.

It’s summer Olympics time! Are you excited? While I’m no die-hard athlete, I love admiring the insane level of skill and dedication that Olympic athletes demonstrate.

This year, I wanted to do something a little special to get my kids excited about the games. And once I get an idea…well, there’s no stopping me.

To get everyone in the Olympic spirit I thought it would be fun to host our very own Olympic backyard games, complete with torch relay and opening ceremonies! We decided to invite some of our neighborhood friends (we’re lucky to live in a neighborhood that is bursting with kids), but you could also make this a fun family activity!

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How to beat the heat: 9 ice play activities for kids

If you feel like you’re melting in the summer heat, these ice play activities will cool things off while you learn and play with your kids!

If you feel like you're melting in the summer heat, these ice play activities will cool things off while you learn and play with your kids!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through a link on my site, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you. See my disclosure to learn more.

I grew up in central California where summers literally got hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. August was downright brutal, with highs that hovered near 110 degrees!

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Daily summer schedule for kids that will save your sanity

Summer break is the time for lazy days, big adventures, and making lots of memories. Still, kids thrive on structure (and so do I). Having a flexible summer schedule for kids will help you keep life balanced.

Kids playing outside in summer

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through a link on my site, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you. See my disclosure to learn more.

I LOVE summer time! Give me a sunny day and a big slice of watermelon and I’m one happy girl. I dream of roasting s’mores, exploring mountain trails, and splashing at the pool together. Summer is magic.

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Mom’s Summer Adventure Kit: 10 essential things to keep in your car

You’ve got a summer bucket list, but are you REALLY ready for summer? Be prepared for whatever summer brings by creating a simple “summer adventure kit”…nine essential things every parent should keep in the car during summertime. You've got a summer bucket list, but are you REALLY ready for summer? Be prepared for whatever summer brings by creating a simple "summer adventure kit"...nine essential things every parent should keep in the car during summertime.

NOTE: THIS POST INCLUDES AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I HAVE USED AND LOVED, BUT AS ALWAYS FEEL FREE TO SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST DEALS. SEE MY DISCLOSURE TO LEARN MORE.

Truth: I’m giddy about summertime. I loathe being cooped up indoors, so once the good weather strikes, I’m all about heading for the hills in pursuit of adventure. We’ve got a great bucket list to keep us inspired, and I’m SOO looking forward to the extra time to spend together as a family now that school is out….

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Awesome summer reading charts for kids

Summer break means lots of free play time, but we also want our kids to keep learning. These free printable reading charts will help keep your kids motivated to learn all summer long.Summer break means lots of free play time, but we also want our kids to keep learning. These free printable reading charts will help keep your kids motivated to learn all summer long.

Note: This post includes affiliate links to products I have used and loved, but as always feel free to shop around for the best deals. See my disclosure to learn more.

Today is Little Man’s last day of preschool. What??? He’s going to Kindergarten in the fall, and I can hardly believe we’ve both survived (and often enjoyed) five whole years. I have lots of plans for fun in the sun this summer, but I also want to make sure that he is prepared academically for Kindergarten in the fall…so I’ve been looking for ideas of how we can incorporate some learning activities into our summer plans.

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