Three Years

Joseph,

You are growing into an amazing little boy. The last year you have learned and developed so much. You are sweet, and sensitive to how other people are feeling and how they react to you. A few weeks ago I was upset about something, and you told me, "Mom you don't need to cry" and gave me a big hug. Hugs from you are awesome. I don't think anything could have made me feel better than that in that moment.

Although you are so sweet, this sensitivity displays itself in other ways too. You know your friends well, and you know how to push their buttons. You know which things get to which kiddos. Someday I would not be surprised if you were the class clown because you love to make people laugh. You love to be silly.

Most of the time you like to be a helper. Recently you have started using the baby wipes to wash our patio windows. Anytime you think Will has a poopy diaper, you check for me (sometimes almost removing his diaper), and then let me know if it needs to be changed.

Your dad and I love to listen to you talk. You like to say "uh-oh." For example, you will say "uh-oh, I want some milk" when you want milk. It's so fun to have conversations with you now. Tonight when your dad asked you if you had a good birthday you told him, "Daddy, I want to have my birthday again."

You have started to make up your own songs. At night before bed, you will ask me to sing a song about "blank" and I will tell you I don't know that one. You then demonstrate how it goes, and have me sing it to you.

You love to play with your brother, Will. I came downstairs while you two were playing the other day and you told me, "Mommy, I'm being nice. I'm not hitting or biting or growling at Will." You really are a good boy. You have such a desire to do what is right.

I know I am not always as patient as I should be, but thank you for teaching me about forgiveness, love and many other things. I am so fortunate to be your mom. I love you Joe-Joe.

Love Always,

Mom

Green Popsicles

Summertime means popsicles.

I decided to be sneaky and make them out of a green smoothie and they were a hit.

Helicopter

We went out to the lot across from where we live to fly the helicopter the other night. The boys thought it was a blast. Joe even got to fly it a little at the end when it was running out of battery, which was perfect because then he couldn't go too crazy with it.

Will watched from a distance, and was obviously, entranced.

Play Time!

Zach had a break between spring and summer classes/clinic and we took the opportunity to head to Utah for a week.

We went to Stephanie's half marathon. They had a big slide and bounce toy for the kids there. Sarah and Joe both liked the slide, once they finally got down. Initially, Joe just sat at the top watching all the other kids go down. A little girl helped Sarah up the stairs (there were a lot of kids, it was a little crazy) and once they went down, Joe finally had the guts to follow. It was funny to me that it took him so long because just a couple days before he went down a huge, steep slide by himself, unprompted.

I think Lily didn't know what to think of Joe's hug.

I think Dallas liked the brushing just as much as Joe liked doing it.

Joe got stuck getting off the doghouse and I had to take a picture before I helped him down.

Will loved being outside on the deck. He wanted to be out with Dallas (the dog) as often as we would let him. I missed a perfect photo opportunity when he laid down on Dallas' pillow with him one morning. So sweet.

Girls Afternoon Out

Since the our husbands went golfing one afternoon together, Ashley and I decided we needed to have a sister outing too. We decided on Gloria's Little Italy.

I've always really liked it in the past. Our waitress was really nice, but completely spacey. I'm pretty sure she forgot we were there for a while. Steph and I ordered a sandwich to split that had pancetta on it. To our surprise instead of biting into a sandwich with a crunch, we encountered uncooked pancetta. I guess it is cured, but it's basically bacon. Imagine for a moment, thick, fatty slices of bacon ruining an otherwise scrumptious sandwich. Yeah, gross. When we asked the waitress about it she didn't know if that was typically and had to ask. When she returned she said that was how it was normally served, and left it at that. Later she came back and offered to replace the sandwich, we gladly accepted.

You can't go to Gloria's and skip on dessert. And if you are a Provo resident you should check it out Saturday nights after 7pm all their desserts are half price!

Chrissy and Steph. My dad used to call these two Vanilla and Chocolate when they were younger.

Ash. One of the cutest pregnant ladies ever (betcha couldn't even tell she's expecting).

After lunch we visited this cute boutique across from the Provo Library. It had some really cute stuff, and a bunch of darling purses. We picked out a hat for my Gram for a Mothers Day/60th wedding anniversary gift.

I had so much fun hanging out with my mom and sisters. They are the best! I am so blessed to have them in my life.