Dear Josh, where have the past four years gone? they have flown by for your mommy! This year, your brother made you banana crumb bread on your birthday morning and was so eager to wake you up (You are a pretty heavy sleeper) so we could all sing you Happy Birthday!
Your parents had their own plan of making pancakes & sausage & fruit for your breakfast - so there was quite a spread!
Reflecting on this past year, I have been blessed to witness you grow physically, emotionally, and in knowledge. This is very special to me -- since only those who have regular quality one-on-one time with you and are closest to you (the four of us, and a few family members) are privy to the 'workings of your mind'. You have a tendency toward being introverted like your mom.
Your teacher says you've become one of the most articulate children in your class. You love to serve and literally "jump out of your seat" to complete a chore for your brother when dad or I ask him to do something. You consider others. Just today, you said, "I wish Aidon won the game" [because you finished first].
My heart was touched recently when out of the blue while we were playing on the floor, you said "Sin leads to death"...("yes, it does" was my response)..then i think you referred to "Jesus died and rose again".
You ask for a baby now and then, yet very consistently. You would like to have a baby in our home. Even saying, "Can Lolo and Lola have a baby? then we can borrow it and take it home?"
It's neat for me to hear you refer to scripture or sing worship lyrics with OOMPF! (top of your LUNGS!) my favorite is when you ask for bedtime worship. "Mom, can we do worship?" My heart melts. Kinda like this whipped cream did...
After a yummy home breakfast, it was "Dad's N Donuts" at your class!!
You had sprinkles donut and dad a tiger's milk bar. Dad and you had time just you and him coloring, reading, and eating.
You came to class saying "I am already 4!":
When we were all together that evening, we went to "play" only at your choice place. You politely reminded us "no thanks for pizza" so we hung out/ate at home first.
The ball blast was your favorite game! The team work meant we were all throwing multiple balls at once at the targets :-) full of laughs and giggles!
Happy Birthday!
Both boys enjoyed helping with "set up" which involved attaching scripture, hole punching, and rubber banding. Aidon enjoyed emulating the adults around him that were offering water to refresh passers by, greeting people, and offering the gospel message. At the end of the day, Pete and Aidon were enthusiastic and looking forward to another opportunity to spend time with friends this way.
On the way back to the car, we made sure to visit the petting zoo and see chicks, lamb, cows, and pigs..
With the hustle-n-bustle of life the past weeks, we overlooked inviting family out for this day til it was almost too late. We were thankful that Lolo, Lola, & Tita joined - it was meaningful.
Our teacher this year teamed alongside us in Aidon's growth academically & spiritually. We appreciated her prayer, discernment, encouragement, and compassion. Receiving his promotion certificate from his teacher:
Your parents had their own plan of making pancakes & sausage & fruit for your breakfast - so there was quite a spread!
After a yummy home breakfast, it was "Dad's N Donuts" at your class!! 
You had sprinkles donut and dad a tiger's milk bar. Dad and you had time just you and him coloring, reading, and eating.
You came to class saying "I am already 4!":
When we were all together that evening, we went to "play" only at your choice place. You politely reminded us "no thanks for pizza" so we hung out/ate at home first.
The ball blast was your favorite game! The team work meant we were all throwing multiple balls at once at the targets :-) full of laughs and giggles!
Happy Birthday!
Memorial Weekend was no exception...
The four of us are so glad to refresh and exercise this way.
Not one butterfly landed on any of us, yet their beautiful flutters and delicate patterns were a reminder of God's gifts to us - priceless creations. Having a chance to sit back and admire the hills, canyons, animals on the Journey Into Africa bus was relaxing. Reflecting on God's presence in this was a mini-respite for my soul.
Here are the boy's picks for planes. First one was military: 
Next one was sharky:
"Climbing" into Apollo 9:
Apollo 9 balancing act:
"Spirit of St. Louis":
diggin' and constructing a "pool":
Shovelin' away:
Our younger son danced around his dad while he sang "You have a butterfly on you!" and one landed on the singer's head (hee hee!):
Up close:
Hoping to be "a hand" and a resting place:
Nine butterflies were counted on Pete at one time, but the photo was missed:
Til next year, our butterfly friends!
At the Shamu Rocks! night show, Our older son SO SO wanted to be on the "big screen". He picked out our seats and we got to work at looking excited to be there - flashing our GLOW lights and clapping hands!
Here he is concentrating on getting the foot stomping, lap slapping and hand clapping to the music:
Water Art--typically the "highlight" of the visit:
Surviving a great white shark's mouth:
Getting aquainted with sea cucumbers:
man-made tidepools:
An actor "crying because he is in chains while in jail":
Our three guys:
