Joshua never ceases to make me smile. I am always in awe of how he is growing and learning and his amazing personality. So, since I am trying to keep this blog somewhat up-to-date as a story of their life for both boys, I thought I would write about some recent happenings for the Bean.First, I'll start out with a story that made me smile today. He asked me to help take off his shoes (even though he can do this himself) and told me he wanted "dare" feet. I told him that the expression is bare feet - b - b -bare feet. He said "Okay, I want bear feet AND my feet!" Haaaa!!!
Next, I thought Shawn's mom gave us the nicest compliment in Florida when she said how amazingly well-mannered Joshua is. She said something to the effect of him saying please and thank you and being well-behaved. Oh, how that is music to a mother's ears!
In reading "Shepherding a Child's Heart," one chapter asked "what is your goal for your child?" I had to really think about this. The book suggests the goal be that the child knows, loves and enjoys God. Obedience, good behavior and other positive things are outcomes of wanting to serve the Lord. Being good for "goodness sake" doesn't really get at the root of why we behave the way we do. I know I'm not saying it as well as the author does, but in general, my goal for Joshua is that he would WANT to be a good boy because he would want to honor his heavenly Father. If I can help lead him on a path of righteousness to be in unity with Jesus' heart, than I feel more blessed than any momma could.
Another great story I have to share: the night we got back from our trip, I was unsure about taking him to Bible study. But, I didn't want to let down my friend who was bringing her daughter. I knew Caleb was in no state to go to a play group, but I thought Joshua could handle it. I was so glad I took him! When I picked him up, the childcare worker told me that Joshua helped Isabella cheer up after her mommy left. Not only that, he also was "very social" they said and talked to all the other children and was sooo good the whole night. I didn't hear them saying those things to other parents, so I know they were telling me the truth. Again, it was neat to see his sweet personality shine through, even after a long day of travel.
Today my mom came over for a little while and watched the boys as we did some last minute grocery shopping for Caleb's party tomorrow (thanks!!!). Joshua & I have been playing a game about "what does a doggy say?" and as I say all other things like "moo, meow, quack, hee-haw, neigh, oink, whoo-whoo," etc. he'll say "no, silly, that's a cow, kitty cat, duck, donkey, horse, pig, owl," etc. Mom said how sharp he is for being two. He really does know his letters, his animals, his colors, how to count, and other things that do blow my mind. He sings along with many songs and knows the lyrics and tunes by heart. It's just amazing to see his mind expand, and I do think he's sharp (although, every mom feels like that, I'm sure!). He also cleans up after himself for the most part and is intuitive into how we feel. I could give so many examples, but I'll save those for another day.
My precious Joshua, how you have blessed your Dad & I from the moment you were born up until this evening. Your gentle spirit, your willingness to learn & to try things, your talkative personality, your sweetness to the entire family & your little friends...these things are things about you that we will always cherish. You are an amazing child! We love you!
Joshua & his friend Alayna play the piano together, both gently enjoying each other's company (and the "music")...
Our trip to Florida began on Friday, July 3. Shawn had the day off for Independence Day anyway, so it was one less vacation day he had to use. We had a leisurely morning, including breakfast at home, finishing up our last-minute packing and me cleaning the house and making the beds before we left (nothing feels better than coming home to an organized house, to me anyway!). We were off around 10:30ish to head to Baltimore to catch our plane. We parked in the daily garage rather than our favorite express lot since the coupon for express had expired, and we had to go up 7 "circles" (as the Bean called them) to find a space. Then we had to take a crowded bus to the airport, and Joshua was TERRIFIED! He cried and cried, and thankfully someone gave up their seat so I could sit with both boys. He begged "Please...all done bus!" And, I told him he had to be brave to get to the airport to see the airplanes (which he loves) and see Mamaw and Papaw Ginder. He soon found courage and said "I'll tell Papaw I was brave on the bus." And he did!
Our flight didn't leave quite on time, and we got re-directed slightly around some weather in Tampa, FL. Eventually we arrived at Sarasota. I'm not sure why when the boys nap in the afternoon, two hours can fly by like a blink of an eye; but, those same two hours can feel far longer than an eternity on an airplane with two kids. Both of them did extremely well, but Caleb was restless and it was difficult to keep him amused to sit still.
Joshua ran to greet Grandma & Grandpa when we got off the plane. He was so excited! From there we went in the rental mini-van to meet Aunt Erica at Dutch Heritage for dinner. The mennonite buffet was delicious and the gift shop was neat. And we found out that the boys were dressed in their "Gator" colors...I guess that's a sports team...haaa!!!
We left there to drive to Anna Maria (sp?) Island, where we dipped our toes in the warm ocean water. The beach sand was soft, the temperature was perfect, the breeze was awesome, and everything was beautiful. We were glad to be on the ground and in Florida.
And we were happy to see the family. I loved these pictures of Grandpa & Aunt Erica swinging the Bean into the ocean.
We were glad that Erica was able to be off for most of our trip. I road back with her from the beach, which was a little ways away. We giggled at Papaw's slow driving (sorry, Grandpa!), especially when the Bean's in the car. After all, he has "precious" cargo.
Caleb wanted so badly to get down and walk/crawl into the ocean. Maybe next year, buddy! We realized that we travel somewhere around each kiddo's birthday. Just before Joshua turned one (literally the week before), we flew down to see my Dad in Atlanta. Just before Joshua turned two (again, the weekend before), we flew down to the family in Florida. This time it was just before Caleb's birthday. Will we plan a trip before Joshua's? Who knows? We're sort of last minute people!
Thus ended Friday, our first day gone...
We woke up Saturday morning and donned our identical flag t-shirts. Bummer that we never got a picture with the four of us next to each other. Oh well!
Grandma & Grandpa picked us up from the hotel and we went out to Fisherman's Village. We sat at Harpoon Harry's, one of our favorite restaurants, and watched the boats over the water. Joshua loved it, and we thought the atmosphere with the flags was so neat! Later that night, we returned to watch the fireworks over the water.
Next, since it was too early to actually eat at Harpoon Harry's, we went to the restaurant at Burnt Furnace, where I ate a delicious Gyro, one of my favorites. Afterward, we stopped at Walmart where Grandpa & Grandma bought Joshua a green fun noodle, swim-floaties and a green pool ball. He was in heaven!
I couldn't believe how he got right in and could swim with these floaties! After reminding him to keep his head up (and not drink the water!), he swam all by himself from Daddy to Grandpa and back and forth. He loved it! My favorite expression from this time was "I'm swimming like a fish, too!" to Grandpa.
They blew up a turtle tube for Caleb to float around on. He liked it for awhile since he could splash and not have to be held, but he gets bored pretty quick.
I think the best part of their pool is that it's all screened in. No bugs, no dirt, etc. That also means very little sun, though, too. I think I came back whiter than what I started!
The boys did not nap that afternoon and got a little grumpy (an understatement). We tried going back to our hotel room around suppertime in a last ditch effort to get them some much-needed rest to no avail. They slept less than an hour and it was time to get ready for dinner.
We went to Steak 'n Shake, which was a neat little place that reminded me of a Johnny Rockets back from the '50s. The waitress' name was also Valerie, spelled just like mine.
Joshua wore his hat for a little while, but what he really liked was the cardboard car. We all ate burgers and fries (sort of like grilling for the 4th of July, only no work!) and drank milkshakes...an all-American anti-diet meal. It was so good, I'm salivating just thinking of it.
Caleb was pretty well spent after supper, so Grandma offered to stay at the hotel room with him while the rest of us headed to the fireworks festivities. Grandpa got a great parking space near the water, and I got so many mosquito bites I likened them to the measels. We walked around the festival, where there was a live band and many different stands and what not.
Finally just after 9:30 pm the fireworks started. Joshua said "I'm okay" after the first loud boom. Thereafter, he ran to Daddy's arms and held on for dear life...he was shaking with terror. We walked back to the van while he said "All done noisies." After we got back in the van, Grandpa parked in a parking lot and turned the vehicle sideways so we all saw the lovely display with elevator music in the background and the air conditioning on. Joshua then loved this beautiful display of lights, minus the noise and the crowds. I think in another year he would like it more.
Aunt Erica was ready with the glow-in-the-dark bracelets and "neck-e-less" as Joshua called them. He loved these novelties! And so did she, as you can tell.
We were dropped off at the hotel room just after 10:30 pm, and thankfully Grandma had already knocked Caleb out, who slept pretty well throughout the night. He woke up twice and got himself back to sleep through crying (although the next morning he felt like an ice cube, so I think he was just cold when he woke up). The night before he had refused to sleep in the hotel room in his pack 'n play and finally passed out around 4:30 am on top of me, so I got less than three hours of sleep total. I needed the rest that 4th of July night. Happy Independence Day!
Sunday morning, we did our family photo shoot on the beach. I've seen lots of friends do family pictures by the ocean, and I've really wanted some, too. So, we decided to head to Gasparilla Island in our white shirts and khakis to get some shots. We waited over half an hour outside for Grandma & Grandpa and Aunt Erica to arrive, but thankfully the boys didn't get too dirty. I think the photos turned out really well, for the most part. I wish the boys would have looked up and smiled, but it was pretty hot and bright for them.
When we arrived on the Island, Papaw rented a golf cart for the family (how the locals get around). Joshua thought this was the coolest thing ever! We all loved it - it was great to be able to see the mansions and smell, hear and feel the ocean air. Joshua repeated "look out for the trees!" as we passed low-hanging grape trees. (On a side note, he also warned the pilot of this as he was landing the plane in Baltimore.)
Caleb snuggled next to his beloved Dadda. He was hot and semi-cranky, unlike the Bean that was enthralled with this new experience.
This was the first picture taken - us and lil' Caleb Luke, who looked onward to the ocean rather than toward the camera.
I loved this picture of Shawn & me. It was actually one of the last ones we took as we were walking back to the golf cart. Isn't the lighting from heaven just awesome? And I love the back drop.
The above photo was my favorite family shot since you can see all our faces.
Can you tell the sun was bright and warm? We should have had our swimsuits with us!
I loved the boat in the background of this picture above.
The gulf breeze is just awesome!
Aunt Erica & the boys. Great shot!
Grandma & Caleb - they bonded over the week.
Where's Papaw? He's taking the picture!
Now the fam's all here! I liked this picture, too, once it was cropped.
That afternoon, they took us for drive-through for the boys and we headed back to the hotel for naps. It took awhile to get them down, but they did sleep. Soon we got a call to see if we were ready for dinner. We ate at the Oyster Bar and looked out the windows to the water. After supper, we went back to their house to swim and then celebrate Caleb's first birthday. Aunt Erica baked and decorated this cake.
And we sang to our little guy!
And he opened his gifts - thank you!
I loved the picture below...check out the spoon in mid-drop.
Here Caleb is practicing is surfing moves...
Joshua spent the night at Grandma & Grandpa's house that night and Grandma taxied us back to our hotel room. Thus ended Sunday night... our vacation was over half way done.