Fishing

 

It was a crazy & fun day for fishing!  Joseph saw an alligator who was spying on us just a few short feet away.  Thank goodness for Jessy spotting it.  I just might’ve missed it.  Yikes!

 

Joseph loved being out “near the river” trying to catch fish.  He was quite dangerous with his pole and we eventually took off the hook and let him just practice casting his reel.  He did really well.  The fish were not biting though, not at all.  So we just really enjoyed a simple day in a beautiful area. 

On our way out of the Refugee, Joseph (completely unprompted) told Jessy “Thank you DaddyO for bringing us here to see the alligator and the river.  Thank you for teaching us how Not to catch fish.”  So ridiculously funny, I do believe that will be our little family joke for many, many years!  Picture overload coming up!

Oh, my boy!

How I love you!

This past few weeks have been heck but when I get that glimpse of my sweet boy, I celebrate!!

After nearly 2 hours of puzzles and playdough, Joseph and I took some selfies;). We had some silly fun!

Our favorite playdough creation was our "elephant train". 

Later this evening, we built a train track and then had fun with party hats!

Dr. Seuss' Birthday

Joseph had a ball at the local storytime celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday!  The Cat in the Hat joined the party and four local community leaders read stories to the kiddos!  Joseph had a blast, especially making friends with the other children.  

Here are a few pictures I captured!

They served the kids Capri sun juice & blue and red fish cookies.  Joseph chose a red cookie & he had a sugar high that made me cringe in Kroger (quick stop after storytime).  

So glad he had fun!  It made the trip to town worth it!  Our yard is one big mud pit and we have been stir crazy!

Here is some funny faces from before he headed to bed last night.

Highs & Lows

Joseph can be a sweetheart.  So I have been a bit dumbfounded by this bizarre (truly awful) series of dramTic tantrums!  

Those tantrums have been epic and I felt completely bankrupt in my parenting skills.  I used all the tricks in my bag and nothing worked.  I simply had to just wait it out.  Redirect, redirect, and redirect some more.  It was exhausting.  Jessy & Matthew were away at an all day baseball tournament and it was out of town.  

I really hope this is a part of growing up because I felt so defeated even though I did my best to remain unaffected.  

Whew. I know that this is a part of parenting.  I know that this is not the end of the story.  I know there is always a new day, praise God!!!

Matthew’s Ring Ceremony

This is a picture of a child who desperately wanted to play with the Pre-K class that was playing right outside our window in the Cafeteria.  It was not easy for him to remain quiet, but he did good!

Matthew’s spiffy new ring!

Joseph is so proud of his friend, Matthew!