Will's new bike!

At the sign on the bike path right outside our neighborhood.

Stopping for photos was NOT on his agenda. I'm lucky I got 

this one!

Will is hitting milestones left and right! First there was the sign-up for preschool back in January...that's when it really started to hit me that he is hitting "big boy" status. I still can't believe he'll be in preschool in two short months! And then there was getting a two-wheel bike (or a "chain bike" as he calls it). This is a hand-me-down from old friends of ours, whose son is also named Will. He outgrew this bike and was thrilled to hand it down to another Will. :-) Our Will was, of course, also thrilled to receive it! Ever since we got it home on Saturday night, all he wants to do it ride his bike! And he's quick on it! I think those training wheels will be off by summer's end. Go, Will, go!

Dear June, I love you...

The month of June, that is! (And specifically the days that come after the last day of school!) 

What a spectacular start of summer we've had. It's raining as I type this, which is why I am finally sitting at the computer doing a slightly overdue blog update. It's just been so gloriously, fabulously beautiful that we haven't wanted to be inside at all. Oh, and for a few days it was so unbelievably hot we didn't want to do much besides go to the beach. And because it was so hot for a stretch last week, we began a new beach routine: down to the beach at 9:30 with lots of snacks and drinks and back by 12:30. Everyone comes back full, tired, and happy. Then it's nap time for the wee ones. When the boys wake up around 2:30 we can either go back to the beach or do something else. Brilliant (and, yes, it is quite the life we live in the summer, I know).

Summer started with blue skies, sunshine, and sand on our neighborhood beach. Hooray! This is not always the case--in rainy years, we sometimes don't see beach down there until August. So, it's been an epic June and it's now safe to say we're all in summer mode. Viva Vermont...until we head to Michigan!

The boys are finally becoming the water babies I knew they would be. I am excited to see how this translates on Lake Michigan where it's not usually this calm. I'm hopeful they'll be little fish this year!

Patrick's favorite activity is to reach in the water, pick up rocks and throw them or collect them on the beach. What is it with boys and throwing rocks and sticks?! 

This is a pretty signature look for Patrick. Just thought I should keep it real on here. They are NOT perfectly behaved children. :-) Can you hear the whine that accompanied this look? 

I don't know why Will wanted to wear this--it's about three sizes too big, but he likes it and said it felt comfortable. We found it on the beach last year and brought it home and washed it. Is that wrong? It had been sitting there for days! A hand-me-down of a different variety.

And now for the brother shots...two versions are included of about 12 that I took!

This one is for Will.

And this one, obviously, is for Patrick. It's hard to get them both looking at the same time, even after a dozen tries.

Happy Father's Day, Justin!

This is my Father's Day gift to Justin:

Going back in time...April break in Siesta Key, FLORIDA!

We had the most amazing trip to Florida at the end of April. Poppi, Grammy, Uncle Hayden, Aunt Kim, and Elliott met us down in Siesta Key on April 21st, 2012. What a reunion--and what a spot! Your Grammy takes the BEST photos--hers will have to join these later. In the meantime, it's important to record these moments in time. The trip was fabulous--full of relaxation mixed with new experiences and new discoveries. 

Grammy and Elliott--just look at the color of that sand!

What a big boy! Patrick brought his stuffed dog to the beach to join in the fun!

Sometimes it took a while to get to the water while the three of you stopped and made discoveries. :-) 

Will didn't need beach toys! Just sticks and shells and a gulf full of beautiful water!

Representing Michigan--this hat was quite the conversation starter!

Patrick managed to get soaking wet, and the morning was cool. So I gave him my hoodie. Nice dress, Patrick!

Beach Time in Siesta Key!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Siesta Key, continued...

This beach wagon, provided by the house we rented, was PERFECT!

The little pool was perfect too!

Warm water--well, pretty warm! And so crystal clear!

Surfin' Patrick!

An evening stroll for the Sorenson family.

      

I love it when this happens--beach nap time!

I took Justin back to a spot Mary, Bill, the kids, and I went to after our visit to the aquarium. It was little roadside stand with breakfast and lunch. Greasy, nothing special food, but a GREAT setting. Perfect for Justin's birthday breakfast on our way to Tierra Verde to visit Jack and Deborah.

Jack and Deborah's House: April 28, 2012

Our wonderful trip to Florida ended at Jack and Deborah's place in Tierra Verde, Florida. This is near Tampa and St. Petersburgh. What a place! We enjoyed a weekend visit there before our early flight out on 4.30.12. 

A beautiful pool overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway. Nice!

Water time with Daddy and Uncle Hayden!

A birthday beer for Daddy!

The kids table!

I LOVE these stairs, so I had to include these pictures. :-)

We trekked up to the roof for sunset. Unbelievable views.

This was our second year there, so Justin was sharing his knowledge of the area with Hayden. 

Next year's Christmas card?

From left: Kim, Ciera, Hayden, Elliott, Patrick, Justin, Laura, Jack 

Another favorite spot--Sea Critters Cafe in St. Pete Beach. Had to go back as this was the first place we went when we arrived last year!