Summer Trip - Montana

We've been on a trip for the last three weeks, and at least one member of the family was sick at some time the three weeks before that. Zach got the worst of it, I have actually never seen him so sick before. Thankfully, we all got well in time to stick to our traveling plans. So we've got some catching up to do.

Our first stop was Montana. One of the highlights was going to the lake. The boys had so much fun.

These boys could have played in the sand all day.

Cute Lexie bug.

Will didn't really love the water, so he mostly played on the beach. He also took it upon himself to try and through the beach into the water, one handful of sand at a time.

Joe loved the water once he warmed up to it a little more.

The girls played so well with Joe and Will.

Lizzie hanging out with me.

Lexie wanted to read Joe his bedtime stories.

And while we were there Will decided he would finally start to walk! At 17.5 months. Crazy kid. I was worried he wouldn't be walking by the time he started nursery. He was so proud of himself. I think he is finally to the point, three weeks later, that walking is his primary mode of transportation.

Cars and Cupcakes

Every time I asked Joe what he wanted for his birthday, he told me "cars and cupcakes," so that's what he got.

Joe liked his Mater cake, but wanted to eat a cupcake instead.

Three years old!

Joe, blowing out the candles.

Thanks to all of Joe's friends who came to celebrate with us!

The birthday boy isn't the only one who enjoyed the cake.

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.