Road Trips and More, Part 3 of 3: Zionsville Happenings...

And now we're back at home (see Road trips and More, Parts 1 and 2), enjoying every moment of summer. School's out and we're splashing in the pool, swinging on the swings and digging in the sand...all with good friends, good food and fantastic weather. Here's to summer...

Pre-talent show pic...

Henry and Libby...Field Day!

Field Day


Backyard pizza party picnic

Bed Head

Road Trips and More, Part 2 of 3: Missouri!

Shortly after our trip to New Jersey, we welcomed our dear friends Sarah, Lily and Fisher to Zionsville for a few fun-filled days. Unfortunately I have only one picture to prove they were here, though anyone en route between Zionsville, Indiana and Bolivar, Missouri on Saturday May 28 could surely vouch for us as we, not-at-all-discreetly, made our way home. The wagon was filled with two mommas (age 34) and four kiddos (ages 1,2,3 and 4, roughly)...and 9 hours later we landed...all of us...and it was a pretty enjoyable ride. I'm ready to do it again...Sarah?

Anyway...we then spent a fantastic few days with lots of family and friends in Bolivar, MO. Thanks to all the family who came to visit, especially sweet Emmaline Rose...

And, because we deposited Sarah and Co. in Bolivar, BOB made the trip back with us...thanks, BOB.

Fun with Jack

Chillin' with Papa

Morning stories with Papa on a swing outside...does it get any better?


A Beach Boys Serenade...thanks, Papa

The Proof! Lily sits in our kitchen...

Sweet Emmaline Rose

Cousin Sarah and Aunt Betsy


Fun at Grandpa's

Road Trips and More, Part 1 of 3: New Jersey!

Our first big road trip of the summer was to New Jersey for Sweet Sophie's First Communion Celebration. The weekend was filled with all of our New Jersey favorites: Family McCarthy; Grandma El's chicken cutlets, pizza and pasta; Italian pastries; AMAZING Taylor Ham sandwiches and bagels; a Friday afternoon picnic with REAL sloppy joes; a Daffy's run; backyard kickball; bedtime stories with Olivia and Sophie and much, much more.

The white pizza...

My boys...and my girls...

Worms!

The Buckeye Express Diner...what a find!

Henry in Heaven

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Boys, Boys, Boys

Henry is well into his fourth year and Sammy is only steps behind. Let's see...in the past month we've enjoyed our first t-ball games, Easter eggs, afternoons at the park, mini-marathons and lots of fun with friends and family. Henry is as passionate as ever about trains, and Sammy is equally in love with balls...baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls. It kills Sam to have to sit on the sidelines watching Henry "play" t-ball...and to be honest, I'm not sure Henry wouldn't rather be sitting on the sidelines watching Sam play t-ball. A funny pair they are...those Beckman Boys.

Henry is finishing up his first year of "real" preschool, and still loves every minute. Each day I wake to Henry asking, "Is it a school day, Mama?" Sammy is finishing his first year of Nursery School...he's not so eager to attend, though I'm told he has fun once I leave (Sammy is a bit dramatic).

This summer we're looking forward to lots of fun in the backyard with friends...mornings at the park...afternoons at the pool...weekends at the Farmer's Market...and a couple of big road trips, heading East (and Southwest too, of course).

So...here's to summer....

Happy Birthday Henry!

Henry's 4 years old! How can that be?! We've celebrated and celebrated with family and friends. Thanks to Bob, Papa, Uncle John, Aunt Kiley, Jack, Grandma Carol and Grandpa Dan for such a FUN Birthday party at the Children's Museum (pictures to come)! And...to great Zionsville friends for a terrific backyard worksite party in our brand new sandbox (thanks, Daddy). We have a 4 year old! Crazy.