5

his 1st BIG boy bike!

he was impressed that it was a Spiderman bike!

building fun with a gift from G & G Neuharth:  bridge battle set for his nano hexbugs

Bloco building fun too!

the kid's table for coloring at his party

some decor

playing games outside

the treasure hunt begins!

first some instructions

thata way!

off to the forest to find the treasure chest!

Marvel superhero themed party.  Joel's wearing his new shirt from Auntie Ericka & Uncle Ryan

opening presents!  this one was from G & G Telenga

Lego Robo Champ from his buddies Noah & Johanna

cake time

guests at the party

more lovely guests

all the kids at the party waiting for their treat bags!

mask fun!

Jakin, Johanna, Joel, Calum, Noah (in mask), Wyatt, Charity, Ellie, Trenton, and Brody (no pictured)

Auntie Ericka & Ellie

excited for a new Transformer from Wyatt & Charity

with his Trio block robots

creation of the day!

Joel's main subjects of interest have been superheros, building robots and castles, and learning to draw (robots mainly) over the last year.  Just last night he told me that he can't go to sleep because he has so many ideas for building robots clogging up his brain!   He is a very fun-loving, creative boy...an artist at heart! He loves getting out and doing things like riding his balancing bike, jumping on the neighbor's trampoline with his friends, going on treasure hunts with Dad, and having play dates with friends.  He loved his 2 months of gymnastics that he got to go to this past Sept/Oct...hopefully we'll get him back into that again soon since we see much natural talent there.  He's been diligently learning Bible verses for his Awanas Cubbies program over the last 6 months.  He typically says his verse with confidence and has fun playing games and doing crafts there.  He is growing in his listening skills through this weekly activity, which is good!

My days are blessed with heaping handfuls of "I love you Mama"s and hugs.  He really has a tender, sensitive heart...despite his tough guy facial expresses and growls!  A while back, Joel watched a weed-killer commercial and then came up to me and said in the most pathetic voice, "That made me so sad that they killed those dandelions".  A couple weeks ago we were sitting together on a bench waiting for our pizza to be made and he said,"Mama, I like spending time with you".  Melt. My. Heart.  He and Ellie enjoy playing together and I often find that they've tossed every blanket and pillow we own in a corner of the room to have a "snuggle party"!

He is now able to earn an allowance if he does his chores during the week such as take up the garbage cans, wash a few dishes, wipe down dirty tables, set and clear dishes, picks out clothes and dresses himself, puts his dirty clothes in the washer, makes his bed, folds his pants, helps Dad wash the vehicles, and clean up toys.  He is also willing to help Ellie with certain things when I ask him to.  Just last week he taught himself how to zip up his coat. 

Now that he's 5 he gets to go join the "big boys" in Lighthouse Kids at our church's "Dome", which has slowly been being remodeled over the last couple of years.  He fits in well there and shared many laughs last Sunday with his class as I sat in as a helper.  Our official homeschooling of Joel for Kindergarten begins in March!  He is going to do great...I'm just not so sure about me!  It's going to take a higher level of discipline, organization, and self-sacrifice on my part.  I'm sure John will be a great support, along with Home Connection in Oak Harbor and other homeschooling moms.

Joel had a great 5th birthday party.  It was Marvel superhero themed and he planned it all--the food, decor, games and guest list.  It was nice having help pulling the party together=D  John did great with the games (treasure hunt, potato bowling, bean bag toss, parachute fun).  And we ate a chocolate Spiderman cake with strawberry ice cream, BBQ chips, popcorn, party mix, and juice boxes.  He had a great bunch of special buddies join him for the festivities!  Noah, Johanna, Calum, Wyatt, Charity, Jakin, Trenton, and Brody...along with Auntie Ericka & Uncle Ryan and many of our friends.  It was a houseful of fun!  Joel was very blessed.  So thankful for all those who love and pour themselves into his life...