Modern Kids Backyard Summer Style

Summer is upon us! Once my kids are out of school for the year, I officially call it Summer! I've been working on whipping our backyard into shade getting weeds under control, planting a garden bed full of flowers and working on our patio getting it ready for relaxation. But, I'm most excited about outdoor backyard play! I really want our backyard to be a fun spot for hours of outdoor play. 

I've put together fun musts to create a fun modern backyard geared towards creative fun play! 

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Kids Backyard Fun

1. Kids BBQ  2. Fun Kids Sprinkler 3. Kids Geodome Play tent 4. Kids Picnic Table 5. Kids Croquet Set 6. Kids Lemonade Stand 7. Lemonade Stand Dish Set 8. Kids Wheelbarrow 9. Garden Tool Set for Kids 10. Sprinkler Beach Ball 11. Kids Fun Swing 12. Kids Outdoor Play Food 13. Kids Golf Set 14. Kids Basketball Set 15. Water Play Table 

Last year for Avery's birthday we got in a BBQ Grill (number #1) he loves it! I plan on getting some more outdoor BBQ food so he can grill up some goodies this Summer. Now that the weather is staying nice in Sacramento, I placed the BBQ Grill outside next to the blueberry bush he picked out. Next week I'll have a ton of patio updates to share #CanNotWait 

We also recently got him a kid's wheelbarrow & garden tool set. I to watch him play with them and help us the garden (veggie garden update coming soon). Next on my must list is the Lemonade Stand, too cute! And the basketball set, I can't wait to shoot hoops this Summer. 

I'm so excited for Summer to arrive and spend lots of time playing with my kids and new puppy outside. Have you see our puppy's cute face on Instagram, I swear he's the cutest chocolate lab ever! 

What's your favorite way to enjoy your backyard with your kids? 

Wall Sconces in Kids Rooms

I've been thinking about layering in additional lighting in my both sons bedrooms rooms for a few reasons: takes up zero floors space (no side table required) and aesthetically its pleasing to the eye & perfect for night time book reading. For all my small home dwellers out there, I have upcoming Small Home Style posts specifically for kids & teens rooms to make those tiny kids spaces multitasking. 

For my preschooler, I love the idea of adding one sconce into his bedroom, either above or to the side of his twin bed. It's a such a modern look, and I think it will so fantastic on his gallery walls. I also love that sconces provide the perfect light for night-time reading, we're big crawl into the bed readers with our little one (the teen is, is like no thanks mom!) My teen is also an avid reader and likes to lay in bed and read, hence wall sconces are perfect for solution for his bedroom. Don't wall sconces in the kids bedrooms below look fabulous! 

Sconces in Kids Rooms

image via House Beautiful

image via Architectural Digest

image via Decor Pad

Sconces in Teen Rooms

image via Decor Pad

image via Domino

For my older sons bedroom, I'm picturing two accordion style light sconces since he has a full bed. I like that he'll be able to extend the light fixture when needed. Below is a photo of my sons bedroom. I also like how the wall scones will 'frame' his artwork 

I've rounded up some fantastic modern wall sconces options for kids rooms. I've got my eye on a few of my boys room, can't wait to add a new lighting elements in their spaces. 

1. Colored Wall Sconce 2. Rannarp Wall Sconce 3. Morgan Black Sconce 4. Mid Century Task Sconce  5. Capiz Scone 6. Crosby Swing Arm Lamp 7. Taren Wall Sconce 8. Vintage Wall Sconce 9. Globe Wall Sconce

Are you thinking our nixing your table lamps in your bedroom for wall sconces/swing arm lamps? Hop over to my blog post Bedside or Swing Arm Lamps to help you decide. 

What do you think of wall sconces in kids bedrooms? 

The 16 Best Books for Preschoolers + A Nighttime Helper

My little Avery is only four, but he's already amassed quite a book collection and loves to 'read' and of course be read to. Even with all the books he has, there's several books we love reading all the time. Some books just open kids creative minds up, that's what makes reading books with little ones so much fun. I've rounded up 16 pf the best super fun books for preschoolers,  that are fun to read over and over again for both parent and child. 

Along with sharing some fun books, I wanted to what's made our bedtime routine, so much easier (no more tears! and no more hopping into bed with mom and dad!) Some kids are super easy when it comes to bedtime, however Avery is was so not that kid. Which makes me laugh because, our older kids was the opposite and never resisted going to be. It's funny how each child is very different. 

Bed time used to be so stressful: bathtime followed by reading a few books followed by cry time. After looking online, I found a super cute little owl nightlight. However, it's not the typical nightlight that's plugged in the wall. The owl is is battery operated and has a handle that little ones can carry, plus a simple button to turn on & off . I love that it automatically shuts off after 20 mins. The handle is perfect for little ones to carry to the bathroom at night, and leave on while they drift to sleep. The little owl has made our nighttime routine happy and stress free. Avery named the owl 'Pete' and we turn it on while reading his books at bedtime, he tucks Pete next to him and asks for all the lights off, then just like that he's asleep. I highly recommend the Munchkin Light Owl for any parents dealing with nighttime stress. 

Below are the books my little one and I love reading over & over, a fun mix of new and classics books. All our a must addition for any preschooler you know. From left to right: 

The 16 Best Books for Preschoolers

1. The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle 
2. Cars and Trucks & Things The Go by Richard Scarry
3. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (highly recommend for both boys & girls and watch the movie on Netlfix or AmazonPrime! It's such a cute read. Avery has memorized the book! 
4. Stick Man by Julia Donaldson (another fun read from by Julia Donalsdson + the movie is on AmazonPrime, seriously such an adorable movie)
5. The Gruffalo's Child By Julia Donaldson 
6. Dinosaurs Love Underpants By Claire Freedman 
7. The Snail & The Whale By Julia Donaldson 
8. Press Here By Herve Tullet 
9. The Spiffiest Giant in Town By Julia Donaldson 
10. The Giving Tree By Shel Silverstein 
11. Brown Bear. Brown Bear What Do You See? By Bill Martin & Eric Carle 
12. Animal Builders By Sharon Rentta 
13. Room on the Boom By Julia Donaldson 
14. Goodnight Moon (a classic every child should own!) By Margaret Wise Brown 
15. Raccoon on the Moon By Russel Punter 
16. The Good Dinosaur (a new fav) By Bill Scollon

Did you notice the theme? 6 of the 16 favorite books in our home where from the author Julia Donaldson, I can't say enough how much these books have opened up Avery's imagination. Her play on words, makes it easy for him to memorize the pages + he loves making up his own stories based on his top fav books (The Gruffalo & Gruffalo's Child) Avery was even the Gruffalo for Halloween!  To watch him fall in love with reading and creating his own stories has been a joy as a parent. 

What are your favorite books to read with your little ones? Do you remember your favorite kids books from your childhood? I was always a huge fan the Little Critters series & Berenstain Bears.