The Kelly Journal

We are in the thick of the hot, humid Taiwan summer as well as the production phase of Jason’s school. Time is flying and we have about five weeks left here before we return to Washington. Here’s our summer newsletter to update y’all with everything that’s happened since our last writing in April! (Click on the newsletter to read it full-size.)

Joshua, you’re 8! This year you seem to have gotten older, taller and more grown-up faster than years past. Is that possible?

Seriously kid, you’re a heartbreaker.

I don’t know where my cute little toddler went but I when I look into the future I see you swiftly growing into a young man. And it’s freaking me out! So, slow down a little bit, okay?

You love the beach, bacon, climbing (anywhere and everywhere), building things, swimming, and adventure. You’ve decided you’re more of a big city person and you’ve been loving living in Taipei.

You’re daring and courageous, yet not reckless. You’re strategic and impressively good at games like Monopoly. You’re so sweet to your baby brother Charlie, you treat him with such gentleness and care. You love dates with dad and have enjoyed getting inducted into the world of Star Wars with him this year.

You’re basically a ninja

You process inside so I often wonder what’s going on in that big brain of yours. I always enjoy when you let me in and tell me the elaborate story you’re thinking of or whatever thought process you’re having.

You’re super creative… whether it’s in a drawing or a lego creation or a story or a game that you’ve made up for you and Sammy to play. You’re a really good teacher. You love to show your brothers how to do things and you’re very patient at explaining new concepts to them.

Eight is great!

You’re a people person. You love to meet new people and make new friends. I love watching you at the playground because you have no fear walking up to kids and asking them to play. Even when you don’t speak the same language. I wish I was as brave as you!

Happy birthday buddy. I know it’s not the same having your birthday in a foreign place but you’ve been such a trooper about it. I hope you still feel super celebrated and as special as you are. You are so very very loved.

Charlie, you’re two!

You’re officially not a baby anymore! You have an adorable and expanding vocabulary of words that often need translating. Your favorite things to say are:

stevia stirred up (which means you want milk with some stevia in it)

na na ba ba! (which means nanananana, batman!)

chase! (which means Paw Patrol)

and my favorite, mommy and daddy. Actually, you often stand at the window and yell “BYE DADDY!” in the middle of the day when dad’s not around. It’s so cute.

You know you’re cute

You win hearts everywhere you go. You automatically stop and smile and say “CHEESE” when a phone or camera is pointed at you. You have an adorable smirk and a way of flirting with people you don’t know. You are also finding your voice and let us know when you don’t like something with an amazingly loud scream.

To say you love your brothers would be an understatement. You adore them. You try to do everything they do. You love to follow either of them around and play whatever they are playing. You love snuggling with them and giving them kisses. You especially think it’s funny when they pretend like your kisses are gross. They love you bunches back. And they’ve kindly given you new vocabulary words like “no way!” and “butt.” Thanks boys.

You have no fear on the playground

I think having big brothers has increased your learning curve in life. You can already climb to the top of the rope thingy at the playground (which gives me a slight heartattack) and you can totally spin a beyblade without assistance.

You are anxious to get big and be independent. But, you’re still my baby! You still like to snuggle at bedtime and in the morning. You still suck your thumb constantly. You still run for a hug when you hurt yourself. You still prefer mom or dad to anyone else. Stay little for just awhile longer, sweet boy.

Click on the newsletter below to read our first update from Taiwan!

Sammy, you’re four! We love your crazy faced antics, your big hugs, your loud enthusiasm and your adorable conversations.

we made this poster for preschool to celebrate your birthday

You love your brothers fiercly. You love snuggles with mom and mornings with dad. You love pajamas and shopping and cereal and anything with sugar in it. You REALLY love the tv show PJ Masks and your most favorite character is Gekko. We are required to tell you a PJ Masks bedtime story every night and most nights you want to be Gekko in the story.

you showing off your PJ Masks toys in your new Gekko sweatshirt

You love games (especially Uno) riding your strider bike, being outside for any reason, having daddy push you on the swings and playing “tickle monster” with mommy.

You are hilarious, compassionate, and you do everything big! You find such joy in the little things and often have a thankful attitude… which makes you fun to spoil. Keep your sense of wonder even as you grow. We sure love you, Sammy Nash!

We’re getting geared up and ready to head to Taiwan! Read more about it in our latest newsletter. (To read the newsletter, click on the photo below.)