The 1st of many...we believe...

*****This was back in May and I just saw that it stayed in draft mode and never published******

I suppose if you have spent any amount of time around Josh, you know how much he loves music...whether he is singing, listening to it, dancing to it, playing his guitar, turning anything he sees into drumsticks and drums....etc.... He really seemed to sing full songs before he was talking. That part of his brain, well, I've learned that it is how best to connect with him. I used music alot to get into his world and thankfully, I've always loved music too!!!!

Last year I tried to get Josh piano lessons with a company in the Springs that came into his preschool classroom, but their schedule never opened up enough for us. So, I patiently waited and kept searching for someone that could teach Josh the piano. Fast forward to this past February and my prayer was answered! This year at his school there was a different company that would come in and teach music to the kids. They put flyers in the parents' box one day after school and I immediately called them. It is a family owned company located in the Springs. The wife is a teacher and trains others to teach as well. The husband is the business side of it I believe, and together they make up Creative Music Concepts! When I called them, we had a 30 minute conversation about their philosophy in teaching kids music and about Josh and his learning style. I wasn't sure if he'd be able to sit at a piano for 10+ minutes and focus! Well, they matched Josh up with his teacher, Amanda, and oh my...in my opinion, it was a match made in heaven! :-)

His lessons are 30 minutes and, yes, he does sit and focus...he loves it! But, they do get up and move and do big movement beforehand. 

So...here we are not even 3 months later and they asked Josh if he wanted to play some songs in their spring concert!

(sam wanted a picture taken)

The concert was held at the Community Bible Study's Ministry Service Center...so, about 2 minutes from our house and a place very dear to us! :)   Here he is....he got to go first and Ms. Shanna is explaining the order of the night! He saw the program and noticed that most of the kids were playing two songs...he was only playing one...he asked Ms. Shanna if he could play another one too...So, he did...

Do you notice that his other book is on the floor? That's how he does it at home, so that's how he did it there too...He wasn't used to using the piano to hold his books... :-)

In my opinion, he pretty much stole the show...in this second video you'll see him stop, say that "he went the wrong way" (played the wrong note)...SO AWESOME....

I know it's not good quality(will fix that for next time) but, his smile is HUGE!!! 

SO PROUD OF HIM!!!!

Now....jump ahead 6 months and he is back with Ms. Amanda and is currently learning Jingle Bells and Away in a Manger!!!

Back in the saddle again.....

Hi! A while ago the EFMP(Exceptional Family Member Program)...(I'll let you decide who is the exceptional family member!ha)...anyways, this program at USAFA held an event at the stables. It was awesome and had a great turnout....

 he shared his hat with Josh...as soon as it was on his head he hollered..."Yaaaaahooooooo!"

 Sam only lasted one time around on the big horse...so, she opted for the mini one....

 I don't know...it's just Josh and Sam being Josh and Sam....I saw them sitting on this hay and started taking pictures...

We will definitely be back come warmer temperatures again! :-)

1st Day of Preschool...

So....here are the pictures of Samantha's first days at Preschool Partners. These first ones are of her Open House. She was SO excited. Josh got to go with us and I had to really prepare him to not take over! Sam needed to know that this was for her and she needed to do it for herself! :)

 I quickly just took all these with my iphone...they are heading down to the classroom from the playground...

 She found her name at the table!

 Found her name on the rug!!!!

 Then, Josh got to show her around and point out all the toys! :-)

 and the reading nook...

Alright...so here she is on her actual first day....again, SO excited...I think it was because she was finally able to take her lunchbox. She's been talking about her pink giraffe lunchbox FOREVER!!!

She was pointing at the tree and I HAD to take its picture..

 and we are nearing the end of our 5 minute photo session out front...you can tell because the many faces of Sam begin to appear...

I must say that she is loving school. I know it helps that Ms. Clayton is her teacher and she is familiar with all the surroundings. Ms. Clayton told Josh that he must be a good big brother and teaches Sam alot because she already knows all the songs on the first day! :-) HA

Oh Sam....I can't believe it...she's already in preschool!!!