Two already?

My baby Joe is two already. (I think he needs to upgrade to toddler Joe.) He had practice preparing for his day since his older brother has a birthday just before him. Toddler Joe would run around days before July 17 saying, "happy birthday party" over and over.  We had a sweet celebration as a family with "burgies" (hamburgers are his favorite) and blueberry cake for my July boy! He hasn't quite mastered blowing out the candles, but this is only his second opportunity.  What he is into as a two year old in no particular order: avocados, oatmeal, eggs, trash trucks, little Joe, his daddy, playing outside, talking about the beach, rising early, dancing, and any outlet involving water. Toddler Joe is very independent and would prefer to do most things himself if given the opportunity. We are so thankful for our son and the blessing he is to our family. God has been so kind in the gift of this sweet child.

Look how big they are getting

                                     

Waiting for cake

This is where I accidentally blew out the candles and had

to relight them.

Silliness

Sweet brothers

Toddler Joe can talk it up about the beach. Once we are there though, he is a little skeptical of the sand and ocean.  Here he is telling me he's two.

Daddy is always close

So squishy and delicious!

Happy Birthday!

My sweet boy is nine

Little Joe's birthday is July 4th. He has been counting down the days until his special day, and now it has come and gone. He started the day with a requested breakfast of eggs, bacon, and biscuits with strawberry jam. He spent the morning building his new lego, while the afternoon we tamed the heat at the pool. Wednesday evening we are at church but tonight we met earlier to share a meal together. Hotdogs. It is no surprise that Little Joe loves hot dogs. I rarely cook them. Maybe 2 or 3 times a year. Anyway he was thrilled to share a favorite meal with dear friends followed by a fireworks display.  
He ended the day saying he is glad his birthday is Independence Day. My boy is so sweet and thoughtful. He served his brother and foster sister first thing this morning by playing with them as I prepared breakfast.  This is a common scenario. I am so thankful for his love towards them.  He even shared one of his gifts, a candy bar, with Baby Joe. I have to admit when it comes to chocolate he freely gives. His mama has a different approach unfortunately.

Joe and I rejoice in the life of Little Joe and the past nine years. Our pray is that he would love the Lord with all his heart and mind.