40 years

Joshua James (J Boy) came into our world, changing it forever, on this day - 40 years ago. He arrived in the middle of a Canberra heatwave (just like this week) and he really was as calm and sweet a baby as he looks in this picture (and he hasn't really changed in this way over the intervening 40 years).

 Joshy at almost 10 months ………

Joshy and his mate Davey creating havoc on holidays at Broulee Beach (Joshy 20 months, Davey aged 3).

 Joshy aged 3 years and 4 months -in Brisbane (after the memorable split lip incident requiring 2 stitches!)

Looking a bit tentative on his first day at school (aged 5 years)

 Joshy (growing up fast) aged 9 and a 1/2 years.

From his 10th birthday onwards (for about 6 - 7 years), Joshy's life was focused on Ice Hockey. In Dec-Jan. 1993 - 1994 he played with the Australian U/15 Ice Hockey Team in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

 I took this pic 5 years later in 1999 (in Brisbane again at a family wedding). Joshy was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Jody, when he was young. By the time they were both 20 (in this pic) they were an established couple making plans for a future together.

 By the time they married in February 2004 Josh and Jody had moved into their own home in Kambah, taken on the responsibilities of owning a dog (Nellie the Beagle) and were both making great strides in their choice of work/study.

 Three years later in May 2007, baby Ella arrived, changing their lives (and ours of course) forever!

By the start of 2010 Joshy and Jody had bought the Auto Torque business and Jody had completed her degree and was getting regular work in local schools. Josh was injured at work in April that year, giving us all a terrible fright, but he has recovered well. This pic was taken in November 2010 - Josh was in his thirties by now! 

 Then, in February 2012, Abi (Abigail) arrived, changing their lives (and ours of course) forever AGAIN! 

This pic was taken December 2014 in Coogee - a favourite holiday and mini break haunt for Joshy, Jody and the girls. Joshy works hard and plays hard and is always there for his girls.

 In April 2016 Josh and Jody and the girls joined us in Ubud Bali to help Rob and I celebrate our 65th birthday year. We all love our Ubud stays and it was just magic for us that they were able to join us for this special celebration.

 This is probably my best, most recent picture of Joshy - a calm, sweet boy and now a completely wonderful young man (while still calm and sweet too). He hasn't really changed over the years apart from getting even better at everything he does. We are so lucky to have been able to share your life Joshy. Happy 40th birthday dear man!!!