Tuesday, May 28, 2013

From Spring to Summer... (3 of 3)

We've reached the point where things need to slow down... slow waaaayyy down. The boys are old enough to be on-the-go with little preparation or supplies (ie no more packing coolers of milk, bags of diapers, monitors, etc). If we want to do something fun at the last minute, we do it and we are loving it. However, I know this stage will soon give way to more independent boys who want to be on-the-go without us, and I'm not ready (AT ALL) for that. So, we are soaking up every minute (almost every minute) of this fun stage we're in. We spent Memorial Day weekend hiking as explorers at a variety of natural Indiana venues and it was lovely. The boys carry their spy gear and are prepared, at all times, to encounter Captain Blackbeard or worse. We search for clues and are determined to find hidden treasure wherever we go... and we often do. They are great sports, finding adventure in all we do. Sammy hiked the entire two hours without needing to be carried... a real success! We feel, in many ways, that we have arrived (though I'm sure some on-lookers, or even Grandpa and Grandma Beckman who adventured with us, may disagree). So... bring on the summertime with all of its backyard water fights, picnics in the park, long days at the pool, roadtrips to the lake, and evening bike rides with friends. We.Are.Ready.
Legos, Legos, Legos

Memorial Day hike at IMA

these boys...


field trip!


Memorial Day hike at Turkey Run

the explorers

backyard fun... the best

summer!



sweet friends

Super Sam

tending the garden




???


soccer spectator

ready for school

first book report

Mulberry Fields... Kite Day!


the doughnut man

The Big 6! (2 of 3)

For Henry's 6th birthday we gathered all young pirates for an adventure. After a long search the treasure was recovered, the cupcakes were discovered and the booty was returned to its rightful owners. Bob, Papa and Grandma Carol joined us for the festivities at Mulberry Fields and played along in grand style (see below)...
birthday week hike with Bob... looking for purple fairies

post-birthday party smores

the custom-made treasure map

the crew




very scary

the treasure, recovered!

aarrrggghhh

From Winter to Spring... (1 of 3)

As winter turned slowly (really slowly) into spring, we made our way outside, even venturing out on snowy bike rides every once in awhile. Henry was determined to ride without training wheels. Living in the country makes this a bit tougher than it should be, as every time we need to practice we load the bikes up and drive to the park. But, the mission has been a success... we now have two boys on two bikes and only one set of training wheels, and we expect these to come off sooner rather than later. Otherwise... Henry's second half of kindergarten has been a success. His favorite part of his day: reading and writing. He loves to write stories... mostly about pirates. Sammy likes just about anything Henry likes. They play pirates and Titanic together, and Sammy pretends to read aloud as Henry does. Never before did I realize how much I would appreciate having two boys. They are perfect playmates, often playing for hours without needing much from us. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a thing.
no more training wheels

at the bus stop

the current favorite - The Boxcar Children

sleeping baby

naked baby

still naked baby... with sweet running shoes

BUILDING!


writing stories... lots of stories

a Friday night favorite - family movie night


always searching for hidden treasure


in the Gruffalo forest