Josie 5 year facts

Here are a few of Josie's favorite things:

Favorite cuddly thing: Clifford the big red dog

Favorite food: Pizza at Red Rossa

Favorite song: Twist and Shout by The Beatles

Favorite toy: Bat Cave

Favorite place: Omaha

Favorite movie: Brave

Favorite book: Super hero books

Protein or Stones...

Josie was helping herself to some water. She told me, "Mom, I'm drinking a lot of water because it is good for me. It has protein." I was getting ready to correct her when she said, "Oh wait...Not Protein! I meant it helps me with my kidney stones!"

I didn't have have the heart to correct her, so if she tells you she has kidney stones she doesn't... and she won't if she keeps drinking all that water!

Welcome to 1/2 Day Kindergarten!

On Tuesday Josie started her first day of 1/2 Day Kindergarten. She was a little nervous, but she did awesome.

I wanted Josie to give her teacher an apple on the first day of school. I told her it was for good luck. This is her teacher's first year and I thought it'd be funny and a cute way for her to remember her first day of teaching. Josie would normally do this without any hesitation, but on Tuesday at the last minute she decided she'd rather eat the apple. Can't win them all. I was also hoping to get a quick picture of Josie with her teacher and she firmly shook her head no. I'm not used to seeing Josie nervous. The kid has enough confidence for the two of us, usually. But even with the nerves, she walked in and sat in her seat without holding our hands. (Part of me was hoping she wanted to hold my hand till the very last second.) She gave hugs to her brothers and was ready for us to leave. Billy and I looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders as to say now what, then we headed to the door.

After we got the boys buckled up in the car, Billy gave me a great big hug and said, "We did good babe, she was ready!" That's when I realized even though I wanted her to need me, I couldn't be more proud that she didn't.

The week before school we tested out the playground

Friends from preschool Mia, Josie, and Luke

Let's get this party started!

Mama's baby girl... note the apple in my hand

William saying good luck 

Benny giving hugs

End of the day. I asked Josie what she thought. She said, "Mom. I didn't like it.... I LOVED it!" 

Summer Ends...

We've had a wonderful summer. Here's what we did the past two weeks before we started school...

Bounce house with cousin Maeve

Celebrated Maeve (7), Will and Ben (3) birthdays

Horse back riding

Porky tickling Josie

4 kids horsing around

Goofing with Grandshe

Playing with cousin Jules 

Testing out the playground at Westridge Elementary

Josie saved money for the past few months to buy her brothers' birthday presents

Picnic play date at Jester Park 

1/2 Day Kindergarten Orientation

All of the above is why we nap well... note the sleep mask!

Home Body

This week Josie didn't feel like doing much of anything. She was content with just staying inside and playing with her brothers. Anyone that knows us, we are usually on the go. We don't stop. So the change in pace requested by Josie was definitely welcomed.

When she told me for the 4th day in a row that she wanted to just play at home, I realized the 5 year old is right. We have had a busy summer - tennis camp, gymnastics, swimming, playhouse camp, couple week long trips to Omaha, and a weekend in Montana. Sadly there are just two weeks left before Josie starts half day kindergarten. We'll be getting up and at 'em every weekday morning soon enough. I'm with you Jos, let's savor these last few moments of summer.

We did make it out to the library yesterday.... Lane and Josie catching up on some light reading. 

Thanks Josie Girl...

The other day Josie and I were having an everyday but great conversation. Josie told me, "I'm determined to do, what I was born to do." Pretty cool quote from my five year old. Especially when she is referring to being herself. 

Josie continues to impress and make us proud. She loves to help out. Her brothers were eating ice cream sandwiches after dinner the other night. Josie kept watching the mess that was being created. Without me asking, she got two wet paper towels and cleaned them up. She did this with great care, individually wiping each sticky finger. It was such a sweet gesture. 

I'm constantly cleaning up (whether my house looks like this or not, it's true!). Josie has the attitude, "if you can't beat them, join them". She always is willing to grab some lysol wipes and help me out. This week was busy, crazy, and out of the norm. Mostly because we were just getting back from being gone for so long. Regardless, I truly believe Josie has a high emotional intelligence. I've seen her demonstrate this in so many ways before, but this week I was the recipient. She knew I was off, without me ever saying anything Josie stepped up her game. My little helper was in overdrive and I couldn't have been happier to have her by my side. 

Lastly, Josie was in her third wedding last weekend. The kid is becoming a pro at this whole flower girl thing! While wearing a dress isn't her preference, she did it with grace and confidence....however she also told us this was her last time being a flower girl. When we asked why she simply said, "I need a break!"

Cleaning Ben's messy paws

Family photo at the Burgraff wedding

High 5!

We officially have a five year old in the house. Here is how we celebrated Josie's big day:

We kicked off the celebration with our tradition of filling her room with balloons.  

Family photo with our little Spiderman before she headed off to Playhouse camp to see Pinkalicious. I was told she was the only girl not in pink... This is when I tell her it's good to be different. 

Books from Cousin Maeve!

Puppet Show Birthday party. 

Hanging from the tree contest after her birthday dinner. 

Josie started gymnastics and...

Tee Ball practice!