Welcome to this week's edition of Discover & Explore.  Each week, we choose a different theme and ask you to share any old or new posts you have that relate to the topic.

This week's linky theme is A Day at the Park: Nature & Play Ideas!

Today we are wrapping up our Discover & Explore Moon, Stars and Nighttime Sky linky. 

We had some really creative ideas for teaching kids about the moon so I wanted to feature some fun hands-on science posts for our features.

This week is Children's Book Week and we're celebrating with a giveaway to kick off the week! 

Hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews and Youth Literature Reviews, we are linked with more than 90 other amazing book blogs who will all be offering a wonderful children's book/prize this week!

This week's theme for the Discover & Explore linky is Flowers!

I love to mix in nature items when we create art projects.  There's something about the contrasting textures that I think look so cool when the picture is complete.  And when flowers are included in the project, there is also some wonderful sensory and science learning that happens too!

We had some amazing posts linked up to our Discover & Explore 'Gardening with Kids' linky. Be sure to stop by Fantastic Fun & Learning to see some of the cool science-related garden ideas that are being featured today.

With the National Summer Library Book theme being 'Dig into Reading', I wanted to feature some of the great posts that would pair nicely with garden books for your summer reading list.

The were some very creative ideas and wonderful nature activities that were shared at the  Discover & Explore Earth Day Linky.  Thanks to everyone who shared their posts and offered us some fun ways to celebrate the earth!

One of the fun themes that was shared in the linky was the idea of getting out and enjoying nature with the kids. 

Today I wanted to highlight 6 Fun Nature Walks for Kids as our feature posts.

This week, our Discover & Explore feature is Gardening with Kids.  We can't wait to see all of your fun ideas & projects as we enter gardening season!

Not only is gardening a fun family activity, it’s also a wonderful way to learn about science, nature and math.  And kids really enjoy digging in the dirt, watching plants grow and then eating what they've harvested!

We had some wonderful crafts & activities shared on our Discover & Explore: Butterflies linky! 

For our butterfly feature post, I thought I would share some of the fun ideas that relate to each of the four phases of the life cycle of a butterfly.  Be sure to swing by our co-host, Fantastic Fun & Learning to see what great features they are sharing too!

I'm a huge fan of the National Parks!  They are one of our country's most beautiful assets and I really feel that every family should take the opportunity to visit at least one of the parks with the kids. 

There are more than 400 national parks and sites located across the country so I'm sure there's one close to you.  And April 20^th - 28^th, 2013 is National Parks Week which is a wonderful time to schedule a visit!

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner.  Before you know it, school will be out and the kids will be home looking for things to do. 

Last week, I gave you 3 great reasons to shop kids consignment sales/stores -- this week, I thought I'd share a list of what to look for as you prepare for a fun (and low-cost) summer. 

Many of these items can be found at garage sales and consignment sales/stores which can save you money for that summer vacation you're planning.

Whether you're planning a trip to the Disney Parks or are just a fan of all things Disney, we've got some fun (and free) items for you this week!

I'm very excited to introduce a new series to the blog beginning next week! 

I will be co-hosting Discover & Explore, a weekly themed linky with Shaunna from Fantastic Fun & Learning.

I love getting kids excited about books!  I've also learned that Children's Book Publishers also love to get kids excited about reading. 

So this week's edition of our 5 Fun Finds features some of the top Children's Publishing websites and the amazing games & activities they offer -- all linked to great kids books.

March 22^nd is World Water Day

It's a day for all of us to remember that water is an important resource in our life and clean water is a limited resource for many around the world. 

Everyone can make a difference in preserving this natural resource, even the youngest among us!  In fact, the kids might even teach us adults a thing or two.

In honor of Spring this week (yea!!), I thought I'd begin a new weekly series: 5 Fun Finds!

Every week, I find TONS of great things as I'm curating new content or writing posts. I need a way to share these with YOU!

Welcome to our March Online Book Club for Kids!

This month, we explore the wonderfully imaginative books of Julia Donaldson. 

Each month, our group of 40+ book-loving bloggers chooses an author and highlights some fun projects, crafts and activities that match up with their books.  The book club is a great way to find fun extension activities that will get the kids more excited about reading and books!

Do you know today is?

March 14th...

3/14...

3.14

Ring a bell at all?

One of my favorite things about reading to my kids is sharing books that I loved as a child. 

I especially enjoy reminiscing with holiday books - they always bring back fun memories of the dressing up in our Easter finest, large family get-togethers and egg hunts around the house.

I so hope Spring is coming soon!  We are really in the mood for more outdoor time without all the snow boots and heavy coats. 

To celebrate Spring, we're participating in a Spring Bloghop!  You can visit more than 40 blogs each with a wonderful spring activity!

In hopes of warmer temperatures, we've put together an early spring scavenger hunt list for kids to encourage them to get out and discover what nature looks like as spring approaches. 

We are HUGE fans of LeapFrog items in our home. 

My kids have used them for years - and for very good reasons. 

First, they are high quality, well-made toys.  They last a long time and can really take the wear-and-tear that kids dish out. 

Second (and I'll admit, more important to me than the kids) they encourage learning and enhance skill-building for kids.