School's OUT for Summer... (post 1 of 3)

We wrapped up our school year at the end of May and headed straight into the water... and stayed there all summer.

Kindergarten Success!

Writing Stories... and Writing Stories

Drawing Trains... and Drawing Trains

First Dip!

First JUMP!

Love Grandma Carol

Coop

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