Four.Five Years Old

 4.5 Years Old

• We came home from Hawaii Sunday night and that Monday, we x rayed your leg and got a cast put on that night. The next morning, we drove up to Moscow to have your tonsils out. What a reality to come back to after Hawaii. It was a rough week for you, having me to carry you all around, having your throat hurt, watching a lot of movies and feeling left behind from your friends when they are running around. Maggie Kohrman heard about your rough week and she brought over the funniest gift basket for you. It was full of games, stickers, treats, and a ton of tattoos. That was so sweet of her to remember you. I kept the basket in the living room and that kept you entertained for hours since it was hard to move around.  It has been fun to have all your friends sign your cast. 
• After a week of school, we had our real spring break. We tried hard to fill it with fun activities and friends. We rode bikes around Winchester Lake, had a walk around town day, made crafts at home, cleaned out all your closets, and played with lots of friends. The big kids loved having you in the cast because all of you got to watch a movie every afternoon so you could rest from all the scooting around on your bum. 
• We ended Spring break with Easter. We went to the city's Easter Egg hunt. You were given permission to go to the 0-3 section since you had to scoot on your bum everywhere. We had our own egg hunt at home, found your baskets (you got the book Never Let a Unicorn Get Spots) and ended the night with a bunch of families over for dinner. The dinner was a bit hard for you because all the girls were running around and you just couldn't keep up. This whole experience has made me think of Oakley and especially her mom who takes care of her. We have always been good about hanging out with Oakley, but I have been trying to make an even bigger effort to reach out to her because it has to be so hard to stay so positive when you are being left behind a lot. 
• We finished our birthday celebrations with Dad's. You kids were excited to give her hot honey and seasonings for pizza. 
• After four weeks from the accident, we took your cast off. We have been looking forward to this day. The whole time with the cast, I kept telling you how we were going to get milkshakes. Well, I asked Dad to take it off a day early so you could do dance the next day. It came off smoothly. I had Dad take you home while I went to an RS activity. I guess you were screaming that it hurt so bad on the way home. He dropped off the other kids and went back to re x ray it. Everything was fine on the image and our Ortho friend said it could be a bit before being back to normal. Well, post cast was worse. That last week of cast, you were tip toeing everywhere. Now I am back to carrying you. I took you to dance, but I had to help you through all the exercises. I am writing this post 2 1/2 weeks post taking off the cast and you are still limping. 
• We postponed your fieldtrip for preschool to gymnastic 360 but we finally got to go. You are still limping funny so I am nervous that you weren't going to be able to keep up but you did get. We drove Macie in our car and Nora and Addy was in the other car. It was fun to see you guys running around together. We went out to Costco afterwards for lunch. Now you are asking when you can go on another fieldtrip.

Four.Five Years

 4.5 Years

• We are entering birthday season and this is the first year that you are feeling left out. It seems like everyone is getting presents but you. You are sad but are handling it pretty good. You were able to join in on Millie's swim party at the Super 8 so that was fun. 
• Preschool is going well. We had the Q for Queen (fairy tales) lesson at our house this month. It was on the day that we were driving to Oregon for our trip so it was a lot for me, but overall it turned out. We made crowns with golden rhombus on it. We read different versions of the three little pigs and then had you girls build the different houses and blow them down with a blow dryer. We ended the day with a quick trip to Wynne's house to play with the baby chicks. 
• Hawaii baby!!! Day1:We got to go to Hawaii for an early Spring break. This trip has been waited for a long time. We drove through the night to get to Grandma's house since we were flying out of Portland. I am glad you kids slept in the car because we had to get up early (4:30am early) to catch our flight. The flight went well. It was a direct flight. Each of you had your own TV. You watched the Paw Patrol movie twice on the way there. After landing and getting the rental van, we droved and found some Hawaiian food. We tried a bit of everything-kalua pork, loco moco, teriyaki chicken, and mac salad. You kids likes most of it. I love how adventurous you are with food while on vacation. We headed over to Pearl Harbor. I knew this was going to be a bit much for you, but we had read about your great Henry Chai's story of watching the bombing so it was special for me to be there. We ended the night with a Costco trip and the drive across the island to our house rental. With the time change, you kiddos were pasted out early. Grandma and Papa Matthews made it in. We were ready to play tomorrow.
• Day 2: With the time change, all of you were up by 5am! Each morning, we let you kids watch TV while the adults slept a bit more. It was nice for everyone to have slower mornings. Today, we drove down south a bit for our family surf lessons. The beach was beautiful, a little cove right next to the mountains with palm trees every where. It was perfect and for the most part, we had the place to ourselves. We hired a BYU student. We had five surf boards and took us each out one at a time to learn. You didn't want to try, but had fun with Grandma and the sand toys. The weather was a bit chiller than we were have liked, but we stuck it out and it was nice to start the week with a beach day. On the way home, we stopped by a stand to get fresh coconut (you definitely didn't like it) and a fresh fruit smoothie (you definitely liked that). We ended the night with burgers from Seven Brothers. You loved chasing the chickens and playing corn hole. 
• Day 3: With it being Sunday, we went and walked around the temple and visited the Visitor center. We were able to attend the local ward. The people there were so kind and welcoming. We came home to a get lunch and let the rain pass. We than spent the afternoon at Waimea Falls. We didn't know what to expect, but the place was perfect. The path for paved so Grandpa could walk it. Along the path was a botanical garden and little booths were volunteers would teach the kids the cultural of their people. It ended at a waterfalls that we all jumped in and swam to. We were screaming when I pulled you under the waterfall, but afterwards, you thought it was cool that you swam in a waterfall. We ended the night at the beach, but the sand was steep and the waves were bigger. You kids loved it. Grandma hated it. Hahah
• Day 4:This was one of our snorkeling days. We headed over to Sharks cove first thing in the morning. We were able to see large schools of fish which was so fun to swim through. After an hour, other people started showing up so we head over to Turtle Bay. This was a big hit for everyone. The cove blocked the wind, the sand was perfect, the water was calm (you were able to float in the inner tube), and the snorkeling was fun. Sam and Dad saw a turtle. Afterwards, we went to the shopping market where you were excited to buy a dress and hair clip. We tried food from the trucks (kalua pork nachos were awesome). We ended the night with dinner at home and watched the movie Soul Surfer wince it was filmed in the area. 
• Day 5: Today was a lot of driving. We drove down one way to the Dole Plantation. It was fun to see the pineapples and Dole Whips were everything that people talked about. We than drove to try to famous Matsomoto Shaved Ice. We got the everything (which included kidney beans?). It wasn't as good. We than drove all the way over to the PCC (got to listen to the Candy Shop Wars). The PCC was amazing. so many fun activities for you kids. We loved how interactive it was. You ended the night with a thousand tattoos on your body. We choose to eat at the food trucks and then go back for the evening show. I loved how easy it was for you kids to follow along the story and see all the different islands. You fell asleep (go figure), but you really enjoyed it. 
• Day 6: We weren't planning on this but we got tickets to Hanauma Bay. I am so glad we did because that place was beautiful. A lot of people, but it worked. We were able to get a nice spot near the water. You tried snorkeling. I was able to take you out for about 15 minutes. You saw a big rainbow fish and after that, you were done. While everyone was playing, right next to Grandma swam a big monk seal. It was so close, that she could have pet him. It took a while for everyone to realize what was going on. Once the life guard saw, he ordered everyone out of the water until the monk swam away. We ended the day with a hike to Moana Falls and dinner at a Ramen house. 
• Day 7: After two big days, it was nice to have a slower morning. Probably not that good though because while you and Millie were playing chase in the loft, you were trying to get down the ladder fast and fell the nine feet. This was scary. Luckily, you landed on your leg and not your head. Unluckily, you broke your leg. There wasn't much we could do about it in Hawaii, so we tried hard for you to stay off it and I carried you everywhere. That day, we had a jeep ride through Kalula Ranch (so beautiful). We ended the day at Castle Beach and celebrating Sam's birthday. 
• Day 8: We flew home this day. Since you were still limping, we stopped by a Walgrens on the way to the airport to wrap up your leg. Right away, you stopped walking on it, which was our goal. At the airport, we found a wheel chair and was able to push you around and get through security easier. You watched Paw Patrol two more times on the way home. 
• Back at home, life is got rough. We casted up your leg Monday night and Tuesday morning we drove up to Moscow to get your tonsils out. I guess if there was a time to take it easy with your tonsils out, having a cast definitely slows you down. You watched a lot of movies, ate a lot of popislces and oatmeal, and Maggie Kohrman even brought you the cutest get well basket. Your friends have been so sweet to you. It has been harder to switch mindsets. I have to carry you to the bathroom, use the stroller wherever we go (even to church) and have to come up with a lot of sitting down activities. 

Four.Four Years

 4.4 Years

Dear JoJo,

Happy Valentine’s Day! I love you JoJo so much. You are such a fun girl and you bring our whole family so much joy. I want to share with you some things I love about you.

First, I love how happy you are. You love to smile and laugh. Cuddling with you and tickling you in bed is one of the best things in the world. I know that there has been some hard days at work for dad and when he comes home, your happiness and cuddles just warms his heart and makes his day all better. You have been able to share that happiness with each of your siblings. They each love you so much and you are so good about sharing your happiness with them.

Second, you are so dang funny. I was just telling my friend about how everyone needs a little JoJo in their life. You are so good about teasing your dad. It still makes me laugh that you told him to kiss your butt. You love to tell silly jokes. You dress up in the most girly outfits that so are unique it puts a smile on every one’s face.

Last, I love how you are my buddy. You are so happy to hang out with me and go along on my errands. Some of my favorite times are getting ready in morning, and there you are kneeling next to the toilet, doing your hair and makeup. You are so good to visit the grandmas in the wards who need a little extra love. I know that dad loves it when you hang out with him in the garage.

I love you so much,

Mom

P.S. I wanted to share some funny things that you have said this last month.

• One night you ran upstairs in just your pj bottoms, but no shirt. I asked you why you weren't wearing a shirt. You said you wanted to be like Sam.
• "Dad, your legs are hairy. Dad, your nose is hairy. You probably can't pick your boogers."
• "Day, I don't love you. Why? Because your eyes are made of candy, your lips are made of sausage, and your nose is a grape."
• Dad comes over and ask to give you a hug and a kiss before going to work. You tell him, "Kiss my butt."

Four. Three Years Old

 4. 3 Years Old

• Christmas Eve was special. We have been going going all month. I really wanted to go to GHR to visit Grandmas with you kiddos, but I was visited out with RS. so after not seeing dad for the last four days, we just stayed home after church and chilled out. We watched a movie, played games, and got ready for our evening. That night, we had clam chowder in bread bowls by candle light, reenacted the Nativity story, sang We Three Kings, opened up robes for the hot tub, and wrote a letter to Santa. You all slept in the girls room. I dragged the kids tree into that room so you could sleep with the lights on. It was magically. 
• Christmas is so special. I love it. We told you kiddos to not call us until 7:30am on the Alexa. I think you guys woke up around 6 and just played with each other until we came down. I am amazed that none of you have figured out that you could just peek if you wanted to. Well, Santa brought you a pink doll bunk bed. You were so excited. You also got ski socks, hair clips, and hair coloring stuff. Dad and I gave you a white cardigan and tights for church, a new pinkalicious book, and a gymnastic bar. You of course love all the chocolate, and ate half of yours by the time we were finished opening gifts. Maggie gave you clothes for your dolls, Millie gave you Disney princess Lego set and Sam gave you a unicorn rocket. We ended the night with the Browns coming over for Cafe Rio. 
• The week after Christmas was full of movies, playing switch,  friends over for hot tubing, and slow days. By the end of the week, you kids were ready to go again and have a crazy week in Utah.
• Utah was a big trip-drove to cabin, sledding at the cabin, painting nails with Auntie Kami, going to the semi final rounds in Uno with the help of cousin Sarah, day in Provo with the Cowles, warm weather so we could play outside, Cedar city, hiking with both Price family, skiing at Brian Head (you were awesome on the green hill!), another day in Provo with the Barbers at the trampoline park, Brigham City, Day with Grandma and going bowling, building snowmen, and playing games, watching Wonka movie, up late for the last night. We were all so tired by the end, but it felt good to be with friends and family.
• It never is a trip with family without someone getting sick. When we got back, you got strep throat. You hated the steriod. You told me that it tasted like soap, but you love the pink antibodics and ask for it everyday so we haven't missed a day yet. 
• The other day, you were fighting over a teacup with a younger boy and it broke and sliced the pad off your thumb. We have had to badge it up all week. Maggie was cute and took her sharpies and drew cute pictures on it like a case. I love all the cuddles, but boy you are not that tough with pain. 

Four.Two Years

 4.2 Year

• We spent Thanksgiving in Oregon. Some of the highlights were dodgeball at the school (you loved getting me out) and hungry hippos, last time at Grandma's old house (so you had to do the zip line and took over the piano room with paper dolls), eating KFC on actually thanksgiving day, watching Wish with Grandma and Papa at the movie theaters, Thanksgiving dinner at Annie's with all the cousins and sushi, dressing up and making up plays, and ginger bread houses at the library. It was crazy and awesome at the same time. I love how you got a lot time with Jessie. She really is one of your favorite people. 
• Side note: you got the Princess Aurora night gown from Grandma for your birthday and you wear it all the time. One time, I caught you wearing it night, the next day, the next night, and was trying to wear it again during the day, but I finally told you to put it in the dirty basket. 
• Preschool here this month was on snow. There happened to be snow outside (we haven't got much yet this year) and it was fun to see you fill up the bikes with snow and ride around. That same day, after we painted pictures of Christmas trees, we delivered them to the different Grandmas in the ward. They all loved your pictures and shared candy with you girls. We were also able to go on a field trip this month to the post office to mail our letters to Santa and then walk over to Creme for drinks and games.
• Christmas is going strong here. We have been doing the different advent day calendars (I should say we did them the first half of the month but then it got to be too much for me so we just put the rest of the playmobiles together on the 24th), had the Happy Birthday celebration with the Rupps, cut out snow flakes, had Santa on the Fire Truck come to our house!!, and been trying to watch more Christmas movies. 
• We got to watch your first dance recital. You loved being on stage and really worked hard on doing your dance moves. The next week, your picture was the main photo on the front of the local paper. It was darling. Millie was jealous that you were the star. 
• We invited a few families over to the church to play floor hockey and chair soccer. It was really fun to run around on a Friday night. Its hard to be the youngest one, but you worked hard at getting in the action and hitting the ball a bit.
• We went skiing as a whole family and you got to go!!! You have been asking about skiing these last few weeks, so it was so fun to take you. Dad taught you on the bunny hill while I was out with the big kids. I guess it was not going well and you wanted to be done at lunch. You told dad that you wouldn't go out unless I was with you. Well, I am not good enough to teach you, so after lunch we all went to the bunny hill to encourage you. It was sweet to see all your siblings cheer you on. You were doing so well and I was able to help you. Dad then took the big kids off to do the bigger hills. By the end, you wanted to go down and do the lift by yourself (don't worry, I stayed with you) and you even told Dad that you were better than him. I am glad that you love it now. 
• Dad had to work the weekend before Christmas so we invited Laura Collins from Elk City to come out here for four days to spend it with us. You think Laura is so fun (may have a hard time sharing her with your siblings). I would find you, Millie, and Sam all cuddle up in her bed with her in the mornings watching silly clips of dogs or something. One of the days, we went to Lewiston to go ice staking. The place had big stakes of buckets that you could use to hold on to while skating. It was just a bit too heavy for you to push on your own, so I ended up skating backwards the while time pulling you along. I love that I got to see you laugh the whole time. You told me that you felt like Pinkalicious. We ended the night at Tomato Brothers and the Train park with the fun lights. It really felt special. 

Four.One Years Old

 4.1 Years

• Preschool is going really well. Having just the three of you girls have been easy and wants me to do more of the creative things with you since I don't have to worry about behavior. I hosted the halloween party. Your favorite activity was making a witch's potion. I set up this tray with different halloween theme science stuff including colored vinegars in potion bottles, baking soda, eyeballs, glitter, cauldrons to mix them with and bones to use as stir rods. It was a real hit and I love how you girls were laughing and ohhh-ing the whole time. 
• We have had a lot of fun with Halloween. Deciding costumes has been a bit crazy with you because you keep changing your mind. I had to keep bringing you back to the idea of a unicorn princess. In the end, you hated wearing the hat, but oh well. Our friends the Zechmanns hosted a Halloween party. Each family was suppose to bring a haunted food. We made shepherd's pie and piped the mashed potatoes to look like the small intestines. The veggie tray has red coloring dripped over it like blood. You had a really hard time wanting to eat any of the haunted food. We also were able to go to the ward Trunk-o-treat. I brought our pears and gave them to each kid. We spent actually Halloween night in town. We started at the city's Trunk-o-treat and there was a hay ride. Nora started to go out with us house to house, but got too cold and bailed. I was surprised how well you handled the cold. When it was time to go, I couldn't find my keys. Both Dad and I retraced my steps, but no luck. The next day, we found them on the lawn of your friends house, which you thought was a miracle and reacted so well.
• You wore the funniest outfit to church. It included crazy curly hair, two bows, a head band, lacey dress, pink tights, painted nails, and using a barbie dress as "gloves". Your sense of style is such your own. I try hard to guide you on wearing cute, matching outfits, but you will just change it to something your own. You are loving your "Chelsea boots" and ask me to wear mine so we can match. 
• You and Millie are such best friends. I love seeing how much you two get along. Lately, you girls have been playing with dolls. The weather hasn't been too cold, so on one of our Sunday walks, Millie pushed hers in a doll stroller and you held on to Junie while riding your bike. The next time we went on a walk, you got the stroller, but after the up hill, you ditched it to the side of the road because it was too much work.
• The Browns are the new family/doctor so we have been trying to introduce them to new things here. This year, the weather was beautiful, so we took them up the mountain to cut down a free Christmas tree. It was fun stomping through the mud (no snow). You really liked all the tiny trees so we ended up picking out little ones for each of your rooms. 

Four Years Old

 4 Years Old

Dear JoJo,

Today you turned four years old. You have been waiting for so long since you have seen all your other friends have birthdays. For your birthday, you wanted to have a party with your friends where you go hot tubbing, eat "banana splits" (though no bananas but with brownies, but you insisted it was not a brownie sundae but a banana split), and end the night with the movie Barbie a Fashion Fairytale. You have such a great group of friends. 

JoJo, you have so many traits that make you easy to love. First, you have this bright joy that shows through you. This joy makes people around you feel happier. I know when you were little, you tend to not like others, but that has changed. You will run up to other adults in church and give them big hugs. Just the other day, Brother Clark was telling me how you ran up to him, told him that he was the one that help build your shower and gave him a superman hug. It made his day that you remembered him and shared that bright joy with him. 

Another reason why it is easy to love you is that you are just plain fun. I love the funny stories that you make up, you are always up for playing a game or cuddling in my bed with a book. You love to go outside (probably the most out of all the kids) and will happily go for a bike ride walk with me, even when it is colder outside. you play well with older kids but you are so so sweet to babies. 

Lastly (though there isn't a lastly because there are endless reasons to love you, I just only have so much space), it is easy to love you because you think about others often. I love how you make all these cards for me and your friends. When it was Olivia's birthday, I was wrapping up some books for her and you thought she would like a more fun gift so you went through your toys and picked out two toys to share with her. I laugh because it was a puzzle that has already been open and a microphone. It was so sweet. 

I love having you in our family. You are the perfect forever baby. Thank you are being my buddy.

Love, 
Mom