Bapa's New Job

Dear Dada,

I've argued this point before but really must revisit it in light of recent tragic events.

Sleeping is highly overrated.

Today, while I was napping Bapa came to visit. Instead of getting my fill of scratchy kisses, tickles and hide-and-go-seek I completely squandered my time snoozing.

Case closed.

Believe me, I am not going to let that happen again! Especially in light of the fact that Bapa is now officially "retired". In case you weren't certain as to the meaning of that word it means Bapa can now come visit me anytime! Except for those times I'm sleeping - I must let him know that he is prohibited from visiting then.

I should have had this chat with him at his retirement party...

Daniel informed me that it was a grand time of reading Frog and Toad today and Mommy even chimed in with "some salt on the wound" by stating it was so special to see Bapa and Daniel reading together that it was almost like she was a little girl in his lap listening to him read stories again.

Apparently Bapa will be somewhat busy teaching at Grace Valley Christian Academy with Mama and helping edit important books but I for one am hoping there are weekly tickle sessions and perhaps an occasional visit to the ice cream parlor in our future too!

I mean "Grandpa" is a pretty important job title that he'll be able to work at more full time now!

Sincerely,
Joshua

Photographic Evidence

Dear Dada,

Typically I like to saturate my letters to you with adorable photos of yours-truly.

Not today.

I made sure any photographic evidence was completely erased and destroyed so as to not harm my reputation.

We went to a special store today with Ama. Mommy has some special dress project up her sleeve and we tagged along to provide entertainment, fashion advice and conversation.

Turns out I provided more in the entertainment category than Mom bargained for.

Have you ever noticed someone trying to pretend like they don't know you and aren't related to you? You kind of get the feeling like you're embarrassing them somehow...

How about someone who happens to literally be holding you? It kinda felt that way in the check out line today as I totally pulled a Wicked Witch of the West melt-down in Mommy's arms while she paid for some fabric.

Sorry.

I felt pretty tired.

I guess nap striking has its drawbacks.

Anyhow. Here is one photo from the adventure:

Nice fabric huh!

Love,
Joshua

Happy Birthday Ama!

Dear Dada,

Today is a special day - Ama's birthday!

We tried our best to make it the best day possible.

Upon waking up I sent her a special birthday message.



Daniel tried to one-up me upon sliding out of bed with various birthday song re-mixes.



Each one was knee-slappingly hilarious.



How he comes up with such brilliant lyrics on the spot... it's simply genius.


Brilliant!!

After all the cyber conversations we decided it was high time we congratulated her in person.

I tried to make a really special art project to hand her but got a little carried away with dropping crayons, declaring them dirty and throwing them away.

I try to be helpful and clean up after myself.

Turned out that we just gave her a plant instead and enjoyed some special Ama time + Treats!!

While I crashed in my carseat Daniel helped Mama with a few more shenanigans... hopefully we'll keep celebrating for at least a week or longer because this birthday has been one of the tastiest best ever!

Daniel and I love you Ama!!

Love,
Joshie

Remember When (#TBT)

Dear Dada,

Apparently there was a time before I existed. Our family used to be just three people.

I don't really remember that but Daniel insisted it was true.

Mom pulled out some evidence to show me and being that it's Throw-back-Thursday I thought I'd share.

Remember when...friends had to travel all the way to the Bay Area for play dates?

And sometimes we traveled to Davis to find a spot warm enough to warrant splashing in a pool?

Back in the day people wore raincoats and weren't that shocked when water fell out of the sky...

Can you recall when our books mostly stayed put away on the shelf?

And apparently there was a time when you did the running when you went outside... not Daniel...

And there was even a time Daniel didn't like chocolate!

Sounds like life was pretty miserable for the tastebuds, entirely too organized, far too wet and mostly too predictable. There were no wrestling matches, high speed chases and double-seated book reading sessions...

Good thing I came along to liven things up and find new disorganization tips on Pinterest!!

Love you,
Joshua

Two Big Brothers

Dear Dada,

I know Mommy insisted the other night that she was not having a baby after Daniel questioned her but I thought just in case I might be called up to duty in the future I should practice.

Being a big brother is quite a responsibility after all. If anything, Daniel's attempts at babysitting have proven that.

I think I've mostly mastered the "big" part but the teaching part is what I practiced yesterday when we helped Mommy watch a little boy I call "Taddy".

It was a real blast.

We started off by taking him for a walk.

And were sure to point out key features of the surrounding terrain. We're pretty sure his big sister doesn't always appreciate the construction zones like we do... 

I shared personal tips on survival and staying completely saturated hydrated during heat waves at the park.

Once home I demonstrated proper tractor and farmer chewing techniques... 

...and how best to bonk the door stopper so as to generate the greatest volume levels.

His spit up was no match for Daniel and my mopping abilities...

And after a few failed group train attempts...

We finished off our time together with some calisthenics. 

I think he will be jumping in no time... just after he's able to stand on his own and walk...

So... basically I'm ready to be a big brother.

Don't you think!?!

I've also been skipping my afternoon nap all week to prove how mature I am to Mommy. She's been pleased as punch about that!

Love,
Joshua