Almost to the end of four years old. . .

Joey's idea, of course!  Since we went to the fair, Joey has wanted to use darts to pop more balloons.  Well, leave it up to the grandparents to make things happen. 

Papa teaching him the most efficient way to throw darts.

Joey with one of his "restaurant activities" provided by his mother.  He is getting better about sitting at restaurants, but still needs some entertainment to keep his attention.

Well, it's been a busy last week or so.  My work this school year has kept me extremely busy.  I am working extra hours and still having a hard time keeping it all together.  Anyway, limited photos this post, not for lack of activities, just lack of the extra time. 

Joey is at a precious age.  He is so affectionate and cuddly.  But, he is also 60 pounds now!  Whew!  He is so inquisitive and asks so many great questions.  I am assuming some of the recent questions are coming from the school topic "All About Me."  They have studied themselves, their families, their likes/dislikes, etc.  Joey was asking questions about why his eyes "look like an indian."  ???  Then, he asked why I married a "kinda black man."  Hmmm. . . I was surprised by that one.  A few days later, he walked over to my sister and whispered a secret, "Mommy married a brown man."  Jose and I have been laughing about it so Jose had some questions for him.  Jose asked, "Joey, what color am I?"  Joey responded, "Blackish brown."  Jose continued, "What color is Mommy?"  Joey simply said, "Skin color."  Funny!  I am assuming it is from the crayons at school - I always hear the kids asking for the "skin color crayon."  

Our neighbor, Maria, came by tonite to deliver some of the items from her school fundraiser.  She stayed about an hour.  She and Joey always have so much fun.  I love it when she comes over - the house is filled with laughter the entire time.  They get very creative and play a variety of activities.  Reading books, pulling eachother (in standing) on scooter boards, pretend with Batman toys, etc.  It's been such a wonderful relationship for Joey.

We pray every night.  I usually lead, and then Joey interrupts and says, "Can I go now?"  And, lately, he will say, "Thank you, God, for all of the people I love."  So sweet (short, but sweet).  We were completing a gratitude journal every night.  We need to get back to that. . .

Joey's confidence is really growing.  He is excited with the world of drawing, coloring, cutting, and painting.  (However, he did get a note home today for hitting another student that made an unkind comment to him - Joey later told me that Matthew had told him that his coloring wasn't good - maybe Matthew deserved it - just kidding!)  Anyway, Joey's behavior, overall, has been wonderful.  His defiance is now at a typical level and his outbursts are few and far between.  This is so wonderful!  He is at a beautiful place right now.  You know, it just keeps getting better.  In two weeks he will be five - Wow!  Now for getting the party together. . . .

(I just wrote the title of this post.  I always make exceptions for Joey and explain - Well, he's only four years old.   In only two weeks, he will be five.  Wow - what a wonderful journey this has been!)