reid state park

 here's ben getting ready for our trip to the beach.  cool dude.  notice the ipod in his hand too...

at the beach:

ben was so happy to be at the ocean that he was doing cartwheels and running in circles as soon as we got there.  spencer was a little slower to warm up to the water, but he loved to run in the sand and play (and watch big brother ride the waves)...

Hiking Mount Pisgah

We went for a hike a couple of weeks ago.  I was certain that Spencer would need to be carried in the backpack the whole way, but he spent very little time in it.  When we got to the top, he was the first one climbing to the top of the tower.  I got up one level and decided that was enough.  "Scared?" my boys asked.  Yeah, kinda. 

Five Islands

The boys love Five Islands, and playing with the lobsters.

It was hot today, without too much of a breeze, which was new for us.  But we found shade and Ben loved exploring in the woods...

And this guy...

...still rocks.  and is really funny!

13 years of marriage

These guys got married 13 years ago yesterday.  And the weather was exactly the same.

Pretty cool.

big brother ben

This almost-six-year-old is growing like a weed.  He's as tall as my armpits and growing daily...

Ben has become even more of a water bug this summer, if that's possible, and is learning to dive in swim lessons.  He recently swam out to the "middle" of the lake with his Bronson cousins and enjoys every minute of his summer fun.

We made "Pumpkin Head" the scarecrow for our garden during one of these recent rainy days.

Ben has also become more interested in "helping"-- cleaning his room and cooking, specifically.

spencer's summer so far

Spencer has been enjoying himself so far this summer...  He's found a love of kayaking, playing in the water, and watching his brother do swim lessons at the town beach (Spencer eats through most of the swim lessons.  Somehow he's identified going to the beach = eating, so we take lots of snacks).

This boy is very happy and spirited, and is certainly able to let you know when he wants something.  His language is blossoming and is very animated when he "tells stories".

Oh, and he wants to do everything big brother does...