The kids have been taking inventory of their summer gear lately.  We just got a couple of new tennis racquets and about a million balls but everyone needs new bikes.  If I was to by myself a new bike it would be this very pretty one by Liberty of London at Target.  But alas, I am not so good on a bicycle.  I have a history of running into things, how embarrassing.

One of our favorite things for outdoor play is the Olympic Jump Rope from The Jump Rope Store.  You can even build a custom Olympic Jump Rope which I did for Miss J. last year.  The Olympic Jump Rope is made to last and very reasonably priced.  It is much better quality than what might be found at the toy store. 

These jump ropes have been made in the USA for over 45 years.  They are the ones with the plastic beads that we all played with on the playground.  And, I never had any jump roping mishaps so unlike bike-riding, this activity is a safe one for me too!

I am loving Lands’ End’s girls swimwear this season.  Miss J. has the Rosette Bikini in the Fresh Melon Floral.  It is super-cute on her.  The quality of Lands’ End’ swimwear is impeccable and actually comfortable for swimming.  This summer they have so many cute styles to choose from. 

Miss J. and the boys are really looking forward to the opening of our pool this Memorial Day weekend.  Have you already gotten your family’s swimwear needs taken care of for the summer?  Do you love Lands’ End as much as we do?

Lands’ End Rosette Bikini
Lands’ End Ruffled Tankini
Lands’ End Tugless Tank

Lands’ End Rashguard
Lands’ End Ruffled Henley Coverup
Lands’ End Floral Bucket Hat

Jemma Jane is 8 weeks old today.  Our Puppy Picture of the Week feature Jemma with her new friend Mr. Monkey.  She has already figured out that if she bites down on his head, he squeaks.  Great fun for her and for us.  It has been a challenging week but her training is coming along and we are having very few tinkle accidents inside. Yay!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of our family’s favorite picture books of all time.  Each one of the kids, when they were just little, went through a stage where they wanted to read this book over and over again.  They were mesmerized by the vibrant colors and loved the fun story, especially the butterfly at the end.  This is our first copy which we have had for almost 13 years.

We have loved many of Eric Carle’s books over the years.  His illustration style really stands out.  Did you know that there is an Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts?  I am hoping to be able to visit the museum next year – we are planning a family trip to Boston, MA.  Amherst is about 2 hours away from there but hopefully we can work in a side trip.  Does your family have a favorite Eric Carle book?

Today I am introducing a new area here on Mom About Town - Picture Books for kids.  Our family would like to share some of our favorite, most beloved picture books with you.  Some day we will be reading these books with our grandchildren.  What are some of your family’s favorite picture books?  Are any of them from your own childhood?

I got this pair of gorgeous brass Cygnus Hooks from Anthropologie.  Dave hung them on a wall in our foyer.  We have a nice large coat closet that also has hooks in it which are kid accessible.  I wanted something pretty for on the wall as well.  They are the perfect weight and very useful.  The perfect place close to the door to keep Jemma’s little leash.

It was really hard to choose from the beautiful hooks that are available.  These Cygnus Hooks from Anthropologie were my favorites but now I am looking at different styles for in other rooms of the house.  I enjoy when items in my house can be both pretty and functional.  What do you think of these other styles?

Anthropologie Knob Hook
Anthropologie Cutwork Hook
Ballard Designs Monogram Filigree Hooks

Anthropologie Dunluce Hook
Anthropologie Mudroom Hook
Urban Outfitters Bow Hook