Summer Fun!

Road Trip! The first stop on our trip to Jersey was to see our good friends The Boose's. Though we weren't able to stay long, the hospitality was top notch, as always. We all loved playing with Baby Porter, and reuniting with "the REAL big Dozer" as Henry calls him. Dozer is the Boose's Boxer with whom Henry is in love...so much so that every dog we meet is named "Dozer."

We were then greeted in New Jersey with our favorite Grandma El Italian special...homeade meatballs, pasta with tomato sauce and pasta with pesto...and our very favorite New Jersey family. It was wonderful to be back, if only for a short time. Olivia and Sophie took such good care of Henry...he continues to talk about them daily. We loved watching Sophie graduate from Kindergarten, strolling through the zoo, fishing and see the girls dance in their big Spring recital. The zoo trip was extra special as Henry rode his first real train and got to feed birds from popsicle sticks covered in seeds. Again, the hospitality was superb...we enjoyed all of our favorite "Jersey" treats in style, topped off with a send-off Birthday party for Mama on Sunday morning. Thanks McCarthys for a wonderful time...we can't wait to see you again soon.

After a long Sunday in the car, we were so happy to stop at the Miesen's house for pizza and birthday cake to meet new baby Charlie. I'm not sure why we don't have a picture of Charlie, but Stella and Henry were more than happy to pose for several.

The following Saturday was a very BIG DAY at our house...Henry threw away his one remaining pacifier for a chance to ride on the REAL Thomas Train. We were up early for another, shorter road trip to Connersville, Indiana where Thomas the Train was waiting to take us on a ride. Henry was in awe most of the morning and loved the 25 minute ride on the "REAL Thomas, with wheels and a smokestack, with smoke coming out of the smokestack on the TRACKS!" We rode in Thomas's coach Clarabel and it was a real treat. We still hear him talk about it in his sleep some nights...

And finally a very Happy Father's Day it was, back home in Zionsville, Indiana. After a special breakfast on the patio we went swimming for the morning, followed by a picnic on Main Street while watching the first annual Zionsville Pet Parade. Our fun day concluded with a special visit from Grandmpa Dan for dinner.

And now, we are home for the summer. Henry is getting ready to transition to his new BIG BOY BEDROOM as we prepare for the arrival of Baby Beckman #2 in just over 2 months!

And we're off...

We've been away, away, away having a great time with friends and family. We spent a week in Missouri with Bob and Papa. Henry loved fishing, walking with Stella, playing with Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, girlfriend Lily, mama's college friends, Daisy and of course, cousin Jack. It was a wonderful week.

AND a BIG THANK YOU goes to Bob and Papa for spending 5 days with Henry while mama and daddy enjoyed a wonderful time in Northern California for Liz's wedding. Henry tells stories daily of their time together...and most include something about "Barnes and Noble."

We knew...

...that playing hard outside as a 2 year old Henry would eventually take us on our first trip to the ER...and we survived. Shortly after a wonderful Mother's Day weekend at the lake with Grandma and Grandpa Beckman, including a delicious Sunday brunch, we were back in Zionsville enjoying the sunshine. It happened while at a friend's house...and Henry will tell you what happened as "a little ouch...fire truck...street" and that pretty much tells the story (though I should clarify it was a small plastic ride-on fire truck). I'm happy to report, though, that a mere one week later the scabs are gone and all is well.

We're loving the hot sunshine...splashing in the water at various parks, lots of swinging and even our first boat ride of the summer. Henry is meticulous about his vegetables, watering them every evening as soon as daddy gets home. He looks forward to it everyday. He especially likes to water "mama's herbs."

We're having a great time enjoying all the summer has to offer, and gearing up for the arrival of the little one in September!

Our weekend at home...

Parties, Eggs and More...

And the celebrations continue! April has been an exciting month for us so far, with one more birthday party, three Easter Egg Hunts, an extended visit from Bob and a fun, family-filled trip to Missouri where we were able to spend lots of time with grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and even baby Jack. Thanks Bob and Papa for such a fun, memorable Eater weekend.

Now home, we are busy planting seeds in our garden, watching daily for signs of lettuce and spinach. We are spending more time at the park where Henry loves the "blue swings" best...and gearing up for our first of many trips to the zoo this summer.

We contine to laugh everyday as "YAY-YAY" (as he calls himself) continues to express himself in new and interesting ways. Everyday is a new, exciting adventure for him, and thus for us as well. Bring on the sunshine...it's going to be a fantastic spring and summer!