Joey is 4!!!

Wow, time flies doesn't it? I can't believe I have a 4 year old! On June 11th, Joey turned 4 and we celebrated with family during our visit to Michigan. Joey had a NASCAR birthday party the following weekend at Nana Barb and Papa Al's house, complete with NASCAR birthday cake.

Joey's NASCAR cake.

Joey at his birthday party showing off his new golf clubs!

At 4 years old, Joey is strong-minded, sweet, smart and hilarious! We're currently working on giving him choices so that he feels in control of small things. It seems to be working well to manage the 4-year-old temper! Joey wants to be just like Daddy and helps with everything "manly" around the house... cutting the grass, organizing tools, fixing things. Joey is also like a sponge. He soaks up everything we say (so be careful!) and often has the answers to his own questions. And the questions! There are SO many that he asks. When reading a book, I often ask him, "are you going to ask questions or listen to the story?" Whew! But he listens to the answers and grows every day. Joey is an absolute riot. We have a licking problem at our house. It's funny at first, but quickly becomes gross! Joey is fun to watch when he gets ahold of a toy that he hasn't played with in a long time. The other day, Joey pulled out Hokey Pokey Elmo and he showed Abi how to do the hokey pokey. Absolutely hilarious!

Sorry, there's no sound. I took this video on my regular camera.

Joey will start 4-year-old preschool at the end of August and he does "homework" at home. He loves to color and work on activity books for a short time and he uses his Leapfrog computer to play learning games. Joey knows his ABCs and can sound out short words with help! And we're going to sign up for swimming lessons today. This kid is unstoppable! :)

So Joey, like your sister, I love you to bits and pieces. Keep growing every day... you are a cool kid!