Five Years Of Jojo

Today we are on the way to Russia and as usual we are traveling during Josiah's birthday! Happy Birthday little guy!

I'm Batman!

Josiah picked this out as a gift from Grandma Judy. When he looked in the mirror he got a bit scared. He does like playing with the mask though!

Matchy matchy green.

I know the day will come when they won't let me do this to them.

Why Ask!

Last night we sent Josiah to the bathroom before putting on his p.j.'s. When he came out he was trying to tell us something but we didn't understand him. So we asked him to show daddy. He was saying "soap" but since his "s" sound hasn't come in yet it sounded different. After a few questions he communicated to us that he had put the bar of soap in his underwear. Huh? Yep, for some weird reason he had put the bar of soap in his Lightning McQueen undies. So, we asked why? He responded "A". No, Josiah not the letter "y" but why did you do that? No answer, he just laughed about it. Weird kid. At least his undies smelled good.

Green Gables

Green Gables is a fun little restaurant here in Sioux City, Iowa. Last week one of my mother-in-law's friends treated us all to lunch. It is sort of a landmark here in Sioux City. They are know for their hot fudge sundaes which of course we had. Did you know that Ann Landers if from Sioux City? Just a little fact I am throwing out there.

Wii!

Since we have returned from Russia, Josiah has been obsessed with video games. It all started with his cousin Madison's Nintendo DS. Last week we were over at "uncle" Mikes house who has a huge t.v. and a Wii system. Josiah had a ball playing with his buddy Caillou. Every day he asks us to play a video game. Today he grabbed Sunday's Target ad and showed me the advertisement on the front page for a Nintendo DS. I told him it was too much money and he told me to get his piggy bank! I then told him that he doesn't have enough money for a Nintendo DS, so he said Grandma Judy would buy it for him. I told him that Grandma Judy doesn't have that kind of money either. So, he said Tia (Aunt) Alex would buy it for him. This kid is so persistent. When he wants something he doesn't stop.

Idle Worship

This is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. According to most Bible scholars this is the probable location of the crucifixion and tomb of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately it has become the location of several different religions competing to see who has the most contrite worship. The location of Golgotha and the tomb have become "altars" of false worship. It was really an eerie experience to be in this church. I am so thankful that I praise a living God and that I have direct access to Him. Being in this building made me so grateful that God poured His grace on my life and saved me!


Golgotha

This is supposed to be the dressing table of Jesus Christ. There is a big slab of marble over it. It was really sad to see people pray on it, kiss it, and basically worship an icon.

Sunriver Car and Air Show

On the Saturday during our time in Sunriver we went to the car and air show. We saw some real cool cars and airplanes. As you can see in the pictures, Josiah even got to sit in a car and in an airplane!

Biking Around

We had such a great time in Sunriver. The church there was so generous to us. Sunriver is basically a resort community and we stayed in a condominium. It was so relaxing for us. The church body really took care of us. One evening we went out biking. This was Josiah's first time on a bicycle. Sunriver has 30 miles of bike paths. It was great fun.

Vacation Bible School in Sunriver, Oregon

During our time in Sunriver, Josiah had the opportunity to be a part of the vacation bible school at Community Bible Church of Sunriver. They run an amazing children's ministry there. Josiah had such a blast being a part of the bible school. He was so excited to go every day.

There were teaching times, game time, snack time, playing time, crafts, and a lot more. Things like this for Josiah make me so happy because he doesn't get anything like this in Russia. Seeing him happy, makes me happy. The week culminated with a big carnival. He played almost all of the games at every booth. Getting him that night was not easy.

From Applegate to Sunriver

After our time in Applegate was finished we moved onto Sunriver. It was a 4 hour drive to get there. We also had the opportunity to stop off at Crater Lake National Park. WOW! What a beautiful sight. Unfortunately Josiah wasn't in a great mood so we had to take turns looking at the sights while he sat in the car and sulked!

Oh Please!

When Josiah was born I indulged in a guilty pleasure of watching LIVE! With Regis and Kelly. Every once in a while I click on the t.v. at 9 a.m. to catch a little glimpse. Friday morning as I was finishing packing stuff up for our trip to Iowa and Alabama I turned the show on. Kelly Ripa was complaining about the cost of gasoline and that it cost her $147 to fill up her car to drive to the Hamptons. Oh gag me with a spoon. If she can afford to have a home in the Hamptons then she can definitely afford to fill up the tank on her huge SUV to drive there.