Morris Family in Mexico: Happy Birthday Josh: 5 years old

It's hard to believe that our youngest son is five years old. Josh was so proud to be five.

This past year has been full of big milestones for Josh. He learned to ride a bike without training wheels, he can swim without floating devices (like really swim well!), and he even lost a tooth. He is also learning how to read and do math. His face is now filled with freckles, it's adorable.

I've mentioned before that it felt like moving to Mexico was hardest on Josh in many ways; however, I think he has finally found his stride here, feels fully comfortable, and is having fewer anxious moments. Starting kindergarten, in a situation where I am teaching, has been wonderful for him. He does so well at school: he is a good friend, he likes to learn, and is pretty obedient (there will always be a stubborn streak in him). He is actually showing himself to be pretty good at art and he is a fast learner. Josh loves riding his bike during recess with his buddy Antonella.

Josh continues to absolutely love and adore his Daddy and wants to do any and everything with him. He loves to play all sports and is very talented and aggressive. He likes to do puzzles and Legos (but doesn't do them independently, only with a buddy). He likes to be read to, but is not in a hurry to read on his own. Josh would spend 24/7 on technology if we let him, therefore, we rarely let him do any. He is obsessed with building forts. His newest thing he loves to do is play with his stuffed animal Piglet. In fact, I think that Piglet was his comfort object when Ben was traveling on a 10 day trip. Josh brought Piglet everywhere in the car with him, toted him around the house everywhere, and used him to help him be brave (and to be naughty too!). It is very, very sweet.

Five year old Josh is spunky and loves to laugh. He always keeps us on our toes. He loves to play with Seth and Sam and also loves to bother them. He doesn't love to play independently, but that has gotten better since he's been going to school and is stimulated by friends. His favorite foods are peanut butter toast, humus and veggie straws, pizza, sausage, pop rocks, and ice cream. His favorite shows are Shawn the Sheep, Paw Patrol, and Tom and Jerry. He always picks the brightest colored shirt in his dresser.

We asked Josh what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said he wanted to go to Jumpster, eat Frida Chilaquiles, and have chocolate cake. He only wanted to do it with his family, because his buddy Jer couldn't come (he moved this summer). On his birthday, he and I baked his cake together and went to the store to pick out the coolest birthday balloon and candles ever (Mexico does fiesta things above and beyond).