It's always fun at Grams and Pops!

This last week we were able to spend some time with my parents in Utah.

What a great day we had.

I always knew my parents would be great grandparents

but they have exceeded my expectations.

Taking Joseph as he is their own was fun to see.

Joseph had a great time being spoiled and catered to.

He and my dad went on a bike ride up to the Bountiful Temple.

Joseph was so nervous but very excited.

From the look on his face I am pretty sure he enjoyed it.

You think?

I was amazed at how much Joseph opened up to them.

And they took right to him. We all got spoiled

We were taken to dinner.

Joseph and Pops sat and chatted.

While he and Grams played games and watched some movies.

They bought him his favorite cereal for breakfast

and favorite treats for the ride.

Pops gave Joseph some super cool sunglasses

and both grandparents gave lots of hugs and kisses.

When we got home... Joseph asked when he gets to go back

to Grams and Pops. This is very fun, he says.

I think his grandparents would agree.

Yes, it is always fun at Grams and Pops house.

This every happen to you?

I know many of you may laugh at this post

BUT

keep in mind I have only been a mother for a few months

and not to a baby but a teenager.

You see, most everything has a place in my house.

I like order.

Well....trying to convince Joseph

that is a different story.

As you can see from the above picture.

His Star Wars Men love to battle.

Where do they battle, you say?

On the stool in the living room.

Why?

I have yet to figure that out.

Everytime I ask Joseph..."can you please put those away?"

His reply, "no, they are fighting!"

My reply, "why can't they fight in your room"

His answer, "not enough space"
Maybe if he cleaned the legos and clothes off the floor he might find some.
You think?

So, I guess for now things that used to sit on the stool

now reside on the floor.

If you notice in the picture above.

Even Hero is confused. He too would like to know why everything is out of place.

Joseph Happenings

Here is the recent photoshoot I did of Joseph.

 Let me tell you how much harder it is to take a picture of your own child. Especially when they are not in the MOOD

and trust me...Joseph was not in the mood.

Joseph is really starting to adjust to living in the States.

The culture is so different from that of Japan.

I am so proud of him and his accomplishments.

Learning English has been a challenge for him but he is doing AMAZINGLY well.

He has brought much laughter to this home.

He is very witty and smart.

He also is adorable when he trys using his English.

Just yesterday he said to his Dad, "I want KFC"

I asked him, "What is the magic word that follows?"

His reply, Kentucky Fried Chicken.

He now knows the magic word is please.

Yesterday I gave Joseph his first experience with POP ROCKS!

One of my favorite things as a kid. (as an adult as well if truth be told)

Only thing, I didn't prepare him for what would happen.

I wish I had a video camera. I am still laughing today.

He told me, Danger, Danger mom. I am going to die. My throat has closed off.

So mean. But I must admit that it was worth the laugh.

Joseph is loving school

 He has many friends.

He is a natural whiz at Math.

Science on the other hand brings frustration and tears.

Apparently Science in the States is 2 years ahead of Japan.

Not to mention that many of the words do not translate.

But he still hangs in there.

Joseph will begin soccer in a month.

He is so excited. It is all he wants to do.

I must admit that I can't wait to go to his games and watch him play.

Life with a teenager has it's challenges. I often wonder if I was that moody at that age.

Happy one minute, mad the next.

And showers, lets talk about the fights to take a shower.

Why do boys think they don't stink?

Even though we have had some major adjustments...

Laughter keeps us going.

Jospeh continually makes Ben and I laugh.

Plus he loves hugs and all the attention he can get.

He especially loves time with his dad. Getting his hands in the tools and being outside together.

After school he enjoys coming home and telling me about his day.

I have learned that girls at his school are "not good company to keep"

PE is really hard, (he doesn't like push ups) and American teachers are way nicer than

any he had in Japan.

All in all. Life is good. We enjoy being a family.

Best of all we can't wait for what life brings next.