Adventure is out there!

Joshua being the young Mr. Fredrickson with flying goggles

Joshua loves the movie UP. After watching it about 3 times he knew practically every line by heart. I think he likes it because they talk slow enough and he can pretty much understand every word. He loves the Wildernes Exploreer boy, Russell. He sounds exactly like him. It is so fun to watch him and his siblings act out the different scenes. There is one line that he thinks is hilarious. He gets the giggles each time before he says it. It's when the young Ellie is showing the young Carl (Mr. Fredrickson) her adventure book with a picture of of the falls. "I ripped it right out of a library book!" He loves that line and so many others.

Last week I had the great opportunity to go with Joshua on his First Grade hike in Lost Dutchman State Park. He was so excited about it. When we got there he said, "Time to hike!" The scenery was beautiful. The desert, the mountains, lots of space. It was great being outside in December enjoying the sunshine. Joshua was being pretty social. He returned hellos, including names, to his classmates he saw. He looked at the things his teacher pointed out. He even shared a stick with one of the boys. In the middle of the hike Joshua says,
"I'm tired."
pause
"My knee hurts."
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"My elbow hurts."
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"And I have to go to the bathroom."
I started cracking up. He was being Russell in the most perfect setting. A little girl, got worried and shouted, "Joshua needs to go to the bathroom!" I explained to the group that Joshua was being Russell from the movie UP. They all laughed and Joshua loved that. He started smiling and saying more lines from the movies. It was fun seeing him be part of the group in his own way. He was really paying attention to what was going on and we were having a great time. It was the most I had seen him social outside of our family.

When it was time to go, I waved goodbye as Joshua got on the bus with the other 100 first graders. He wasn't worried or scared. He got on the bus with his teacher, just like everybody else. At that moment I felt a wave of peace knowing that Joshua was exactly where he needed to be. I am at awe at how far he has come. I just love who he is. He is such an amazing boy. His smile makes his whole face glow.

Other happy Joshua moments that have made my heart smile:

He finally said hello to the little girl from his primary class who never fails to say "Hello Joshua!" whenever she sees him. I thought she would give up, but her consistency paid off.

Joshua's bottom teeth are growing in, the ones that got knocked out when he was playing with his brother.

Yesterday he walked in the house and saw the Christmas tree and said, "Santa puts presents under the Christmas tree." Fist time in his life he has ever said anything about Santa and presents all on his own.

Everyday he is saying new things that let us know he is making more and more sense out of this complicated and sometimes crazy world we live in. Most of what Joshua says and does makes us smile or laugh. He is always adding more sunshine to our lives. We just love that boy!