1st Day of Preschool!!

Today was Joey's 1st day of preschool and he was SO excited about it!! It's nice because the preschool and daycare are in one building, so he knows most, if not all, of the other kids in his class and is also familiar with his new teacher (who is wonderful, by the way). As soon as we got to school today, he pointed to his old room (the 3 year old room) and said "Mommy, I can't go back there because I am a big boy now"... that almost brought me to tears. :( I'm excited for this big milestone but also a little sad to see my little JoJo growing up so fast!

We let Joey pick out his backpack and after much deliberation, he decided on one with Spiderman, Ironman and some other Superhero on it. I think the backpack was one of the things he was most excited about. He had to put the backpack on his back before we got out of the car and then strutted into daycare like he owned the place. Then tonight, Sam was eyeing the backpack and Joey said "Baby Sam, this backpack is only for big boys and you are a baby"... I guess it was his way of saying... don't touch my new backpack!

Sam's Baptism

This weekend we went back to Minot to have Sam baptized at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. We decided to have the ceremony after church so after an hour long mass, Sam was not too thrilled with the idea of sitting for another 30 minutes (especially when the steps going up to the altar looked like so much fun). Deacon Steve performed the ceremony and did a great job. I imagine he probably has not baptized too many 17 month old babies but he was very patient and understanding. Baby E. (my nephew & godson) was also baptized at the same time. It was a very special day!

Joey congratulating Sam on his big day...

Sam wasn't too sure about this strange man putting oil on his chest...

He did great with the water...

Josh and I have known Deacon Steve for over 10 years. He & his wife did our marriage preparation class and his wife did the music for our wedding...

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Here are some other photos from the weekend. We took the kids to the zoo on Sunday but otherwise just hung out at grandma and grandpa's house. As always, the kids had a great time!

Joey the Lion

Sam's first ride on the carousel... he LOVED it!

The older grandkids piling on Grandpa's lap...

It's been a LONG time...

It's been awhile since I've updated this blog so I figure it's about time to add some updated photos. We've had a busy but fun summer... it's hard to believe it's almost over! Sam is doing great. He's busy, busy, busy! He started walking about a month ago and is now determined to run and jump just like his big brother. Because of this he's taken a few spills but being the tough little guy he is, he just gets right back up again.

Joey is growing like a weed and learning new things every day. He loves asking questions and trying to "figure things out". We hear something new every day and usually get a good laugh out of the things that come out of his mouth. He can tell you all you need to know about dinosaurs, fossils... and he is very interested in looking at cloud formations to determine whether a tornado (or as he calls it "torMado") is going to develop. It's a fun (and interesting) age!

Now, on with some photos from this summer...

Guess what Sam is doing?

Watching Joey's soccer practice

Joey trying to steal the ball

Sam's first ride on the swing

Cool dude!

This cousin of mine is hilarious!

Relaxing on the 4th of July

Just chillin'

Sam's favorite toy... Mega Blocks

The Dinosaur exhibit at the fair. Joey was a little leary of the dinosaurs at first but ended up loving it.

Joey and Grace loved the rides at the fair!

Anyone who knows Joey knows he is obsessed with monster trucks... needless to say he was pretty excited to see a real monster truck up close!

Re-finalizing our adoption in ND (July 28, 2010)

Sam getting ready to go on a bike ride with daddy!

Grace and Joey getting ready to load up on some candy at the parade in Dilworth

Bruizer is sitting with Joey... of his own free will! I think Bruizer is finally beginning to accept Joey as part of the family... it only took 3 years.

Joey holding his new baby cousin, Ernie

3 years ago today...

...we fell in love with a little boy after seeing his picture for the first time. It's hard to believe it's been 3 years since we received Joey's referral but I remember the day like it was yesterday...

Playing at the park...

Joey loves going to the park so we've been spending alot of time there this summer. Here are a few pictures from our outing a couple weeks ago.