Josie's First ThanksGiving!

Hi Folks,

I had hoped to post this sooner, but unfortunately I have a case of pneumoniaitis (sp). It isn't as severe as pneumonia, but it really bites to say the least. I am on antibiotics and cough syrup with codeine that really knocks me out, so I think I am finally on the mend. At least I don't feel as run down as I did.

Regardless, we all had a nice Thanksgiving Holiday with Josie's friend Angeline and her mommy and Daddy, Kathi and Robert.

"Happy Thanksgiving!"

"When is Angeline and her Mommy and Daddy gonna get here?"

Here is a picture of the face Josie makes when we tell her she has to do something she doesn't want to do (like share), or we tell her she can't do something that she wants to do.

"What is with this 'share' thing I keep hearing?"

Angeline took a break from Josie's toys to chat it up with Gabrielle and Xavier.



It didn't take long for Josie to figure out that it is more fun to share with her friend so they could have even bigger baby fun together than they can playing alone.

"I have lots of toys over here Angeline, come play."

We had an early turkey dinner, more like a really big lunch. Both Josie and Angeline have similar nap times, so we decided to do our dinner before naps and have the rest of the afternoon to relax. It was a nice and relaxing meal.

After eating, the kids ran off to play some more, which allowed the adults some time to chat.

Gabrielle was very happy to entertain the girls. They spend some fun time playing train. Of course, Josie Dong Dong is in the middle of the whole thing.

The girls choo-chooed their way from the living room to the den and were playing silly in there. Gabrielle did a good job of keeping an eye on them.

"I'm in charge of Wiley bunch!"

As the old adage goes, if you can't beat'm, join'm.

It was soon time for naps and our guests said good-bye.

Later in the day, Josie had fun with her big bro and sis getting tossed all around.
Phoebe was feeling a little left out of all the festivities.



So Xavier and Gabrielle gave her a photo shoot to show how much they care.

We hope that all our family and friends also had a Happy Thanksgiving. We are all very thankful for the love that we share.

Reena

Josie's Birthday Bash-Final Episode

Hi Everyone,


I believe this will be the final installment of Josie Dong Dong's Birthday Week and she really went out with a big BANG!



Fresh from her nap, hair primped and primed, getting Ready for the Guests to arrive.

"WOW! There are more balloons than there is me!"

The arrival of the royal guests kicked of with cousins Prima Dancer Abbie her brother Ethan who tries to keep up.

Josie was a very gracious hostess and showed her cousins how to play with her new cash register.

Next to arrive was more of Josie's cousins the Royal Emily and Nate.

Josie's next guests are the lovely Angeline who enjoyed playing with all the kids, followed by Baby Grace, who didn't quite know what to think about everything but enjoyed herself all the same.






















With all of her guests accounted for, it was time for a round of good play. I think all the mommies and daddies were truly surprised at how well the play time went, with no fighting.

Josie continued to be a gracious Birthday Girl and Hostess freely sharing all her toys with her guests.




















Next it was time for the Birthday Girl to open her presents. Josie was feeling pretty overwhelmed with all her guests and so many presents to open. She was very happy that her Big Cousin Abbie was nearby to lend her a hand.

"Thanks for Helping me Abbie."

"Oh Boy! Look at all this stuff I got!"

After all the presents were open, Mommy began serving the pigs in a blanket and there was lots of more play time with even more toys than before.

Ethan and even Josie's big Sis got in on some of the play action with the Elmo giggles doctor kit.

Nate was still happy playing with Josie's Little People Farm close to his Grandma Ava.

Before we knew it, everyone-- young and old, big and small, was on the floor playing with all of Josie's new toys. And the birthday girl? She was right in the middle of all the fun!

"Is everyone having a good time at my party?"

Next it was time for Josie's cake-- and Mommy went a little overboard with the cake. My plan was to do a semi-farm theme for Josie's birthday and she has a pink pig that she likes a lot. We have a very good Italian bakery in our town that we typically order from for special occasions. I have never ordered something quite so "out of the ordinary" for them-- I didn't even know that a pig face was considered "out of the ordinary."

So, I had NO IDEA the bakery was going to go to town like they did decorating the cake. That is why the blog opens with a picture of the cake and I am posting it again here.

What can I say, we all thought it was tops and I want to be sure it gets proper billing.

"What the heck ISSSS that?"

Everybody was very anxious to have some of Josie's cake. The kids quickly called out which parts of the face they would like to have.

Big Cousin Abbie asked for the nose!













Camera man Daddy made sure he got his order in for a good piece of cake while it was being cut.










Mmmm, it was a yummy cake that everyone enjoyed.













































After the cake was eaten and some packed-up to go home with our guests, Josie said good-bye and seemed a little bummed when all her guests were gone.


She soon realized that she still had Big Sis, Daddy and Mommy to play with her and all her new toys.

It was soon time for some quiet time before settling down for bed. Josie enjoyed reading her "first 100 words in Chinese" book with Daddy and Big Sis.








The next morning, Josie was up and ready to PARTY some more.

"Hey! Where is everybody?"

Big Sis Gabrielle and Phoebe were both happy to play with Josie Dong Dong, who was (and is) still very excited about all her new playthings.

Josie is looking forward to fun times ahead with the holidays. We can't wait to see everyone again!

"Josie's Kitchen is Open whenever you want to stop by!"