Josh's Birthday Party

It took some work getting Josh to commit to a 1) a birthday party and 2) a birthday party theme. Finally we decided to borrow an idea from a birthday party we attended for Emma's friend Bowman earlier in the summer and made a date to visit the fire station. Unfortunately we had to wake Josh up to go to his party so between that and lots of people even though they were all his friends, Josh didn't start off in the best mood. Thankfully his friends enjoyed visiting the fire station. After spending some time climbing around on the trucks, we came back to our house for cake and ice cream. I think Josh had a great time with his friends and is excited for them all to come back over some time.

Josh is 3...

...and has been for quite a while but I'm in a bit of denial here!  At three years old, Josh was 36 pounds and 38 1/2 inches.  Josh is definitely turning more and more into a little boy and is definitely one solid little boy.  He thinks knows he is the strongest boy "ever, ever, ever."  He loves to show off his muscles!  Josh is also a big fan of the Razorbacks and recently asked when he would get to play for them because they needed his help to win.  Josh still loves all sports and has enjoyed learning to play a little bit of soccer this fall.  Next up is basketball! 

Finally, at age 3, Josh has learned the names of his colors.  He had us wondering for a long time but after a recent progress report at school, it appears that there are a lot of things that Josh is holding out on us (more on that at a later date).  Josh's best buddy is still Ross.

Josh continues to be such a funny guy and he really knows how to make us all laugh with his silly voices, expressions, and looks.  That being said, our Josh does have a shy side as well especially when put in with a large group of people; it is even worse if Mommy is around.   

 

We can't believe that our little guy is so big and can't wait to see what the next year holds for Josh especially if it means that he'll finally start sleeping well (please, I'm begging you)!

Bet You Go Fishing...

Early this summer, Josh started talking about going in a boat and fishing so for Father's Day, I thought of myself and bought the kids fishing poles so Brad could take them out fishing.  Both Emma and Josh had four days off after the end of the year at Grace before they reopened and before Emma started at Episcopal so Brad took them up to Cole Camp for the weekend to go fishing.  Once they got there, Josh was completely disinterested in the idea of fishing but Emma was raring to go and from what I understand, she was a natural.  The first day she reeled in five fish.  Brad said that she was not squeamish about digging for worms and picking them up.  The next day Emma caught three fish and had the first one on the hook about as soon as she cast out.  She did get a little over confident and offered to give Brad fishing lessons.  After watching the videos, I don't know how she caught anything since her technique would involve casting out, dropping the pole and walking away or digging around with the pole in the mud.  They did manage to catch enough fish to have a small fish fry and Emma loved eating what she caught. 

 

 

The Fishing Crew

While Josh may not have been into fishing, he enjoyed feeding the cows each night and definitely enjoyed his "bing dong" as a treat to and from Cole Camp.

Last Day at Grace

August 10th was Emma's last day at Grace before starting at Episcopal the following week.  Four years went by so quickly and we were blessed that she had so many wonderful teachers that loved and cared for her.  She also made so many great friends.  They close out every year with a graduation ceremony.  The juniors and seniors started it off with a few songs and then received their certificates before the rest of the kids were brought in for a few more songs followed by refreshments downstairs.  Josh did not sing but sat there looking a bit sour or licking Mrs. Christine's jacket.  The day was even more special since Emma's best friend Libby was able to be there and participate.  I think that Emma, Libby and Ella were the three in the junior class that had been together the longest.  We are so thankful that Emma had such an amazing place to spend almost 4 1/2 years.

Swimming

Wish it could have been more but we enjoyed the pool every chance we had this summer.  Until next year!

Superheros

For her 4th birthday, our friend Caroline had a Superhero party.  Josh desperately wanted to be Spiderman but we cajoled him into being the Incredible Hulk while Emma went dressed as Batgirl.  We certainly felt safe at the party with all the Superheroes in attendance and Caroline's Mom and Dad did a great job planning some games and ensuring that the kids and adults alike had a great time.

Water Fun

When Great Grandma came to visit, she brought a new sprinkler for the kids.  We broke it out one night after dinner to hopefully tire them out and get some relief from the summer heat.  Both kids initially complained about how cold the water was but eventually came around and had some fun.  It probably only felt cold compared to the pool, which had felt like bath water.