Five Years Old

 5 Years Old

·       It’s your birthday!!! I feel like it has been your birthday all month long because everyday wince I had my birthday, you have been going over to the calendar and counting down the days. For your birthday, we had donuts in the morning. Jessie is staying with us for a few days while her mom is out of town so that has made today extra special. After the kids left for school, we headed out for your party. We invited Henry and Clara and Callie to join us at Get Air. You have been so excited for this. I didn’t know beforehand but it was toddler hour, meaning no big kids were allowed so you kids could jump all over the place. They also did a Halloween theme so there were balloons and glow sticks all over the place. You had picked out a cake from the store and wanted pink strawberry soda. It was a lot of fun. We came home and you girls were excited to play with the Bluey set. You choose spaghetti for dinner. Your siblings gave you presents. Maggie gave you a watercolor notebook. Sam gave you a lego set. Millie gave you a super kitty stuffed animal. Dad and I gave you a hiking backpack. It was such a good day.

·       Other highlights from this month: going to the Gilbert House with Jessie, pizza night with Elaine, dad taking you on a date to DQ, building fairy houses in the back yard, running in the jog-a-thon, camping with the Smiths, visiting the pumpkin farm with the Prices, having a girls weekend, and exploring a new park with grandma.

·       We got a visit from Grandma and Papa Matthews this month. They wanted to come out to see the new house and be here for your birthday. That first day, we painted a fall tree scene with Grandma. We then went for a walk around town, seeing the different parks and eating pizza sticks for lunch. Grandma was so good about playing games with you. On Saturday, we went to Sam’s football game out in Jefferson. That night you got to go to Lilly’s birthday party. Sunday was the primary program so Grandma could hear you say your line. We had our big family dinner for the October birthdays and then afterwards, Grandma and Papa gave you their gift which was a jewelry kit and the cutest dress that you wear for three days in a row before I finally made you wash it.

·       Favorites: food-, book-, indoor activity-, outdoor activity-, friend-, song-, color-

Four.Eleven Years

 4.11 Years

·       We finished packing up the house and are moving. There are a lot of emotions coming with this move. You have such good friends here. It hurts to see that you won’t have many memories of them, but they were such a huge part of your life. I will also miss the fact that this is the home that we brought you home to as a baby. I know there will be great things ahead of us, but it is okay to recognize the loss that we will have. We had a good goodbye party at the Dalling’s. The weather has been great all week, but that night it rained. It felt like Idaho was crying for us. You kids slept in Maggie’s room that last night. There were many tears. Church was hard. I wanted to hug a few more people but it felt weird to say goodbye. Your girls were in Dad’s car with me. The drive went well and we made it to Grandma’s house that night.

·       I had to wake up early to open the house and be ready for when the movers got here so Grandma and Papa drove you down after you girls woke up. It’s crazy that this is our house now. You kids were running all over the place deciding where should go where in your room. Auntie Annie and Auntie Janecce with her kids came over to help. It was so nice to have Jessie here to play with you. Phillip helped set up your bed. Since we don’t have a playroom, most of your toys are in your room. We did put some toys under the stairs, which you really want to be a playroom. The craziest thing about that first day was that you learned how to ride your bike with no training wheels. All summer long, you asked to try without training wheels. I kept telling you to wait until we move because we will have a driveway and sidewalks to practice on. While I was busy unpacking and cleaning, you found your bike and had Maggie and Millie teach you. Our driveway is perfect for learning on because it is a slight downhill. Well, you learned that first day. I didn’t have to hold onto the back of your seat once. You figured out how to balance while coasting down and then added the pedaling. I am truly amazed!

·       This whole first week has been filled with a lot of fun and unpacking, which is what we all need. We spent a day doing back to school shopping and getting haircuts. You really wanted your hair short again. I cut it, but you said to go even shorter. It turned out really cute. We went to the beach that week with all the Price family. The weather ended up being great. We went in the afternoon and brought wood to make a fire to roast hot dogs. You were able to collect more shells for your new shell collection. You are up to two small mason jars full. You and Millie liked exploring the caves with me. It was a great day. The day before school started, We all got on bikes and rode down to DQ for hamburgers and blizzards. I try to take the big kids on a date before school starts but with the move, we decided to do a group date. I had you ride in the bike seat but that has to be the last time. You have gotten too big for it that both you and me were uncomfortable. We got three different blizzards to try. Afterwards, we played at the park. There were blackberries by the park, which you ended up getting a huge cut from. That was an honest introduction to blackberries.

·       School started. You are going to Little Country School in Aumsville. We don’t know anyone there but the teacher seems super sweet so you are excited about going. They have the different play areas set up and she does a lot of sensory play with you kids. Your favorite thing about preschool is playing letter bingo and picking out a prize.

·       We are starting to make friends, but it is hard since most of the kids that you are meeting go to kindergarten. You have met Henry Leder and Lilly Springer.

·       We went to a pool party for day’s work and I have decided that I don’t need to bring a puddle jumper again to the pool. You were jumping off so well off the pool and was trending water like a champ. You officially learned how to swim and ride a bike this summer!

·       We have tried to play as much as we can while we are not unpacking and organizing. We went to the October Fest, visited the cake shop in Salem, went to the Oregon gardens with Grandma, watched Phillip play football, watch Sam’s play football, visited Ikea (sorry the day care was closed), hiked Silver Falls, and played pickle ball.

Four.Ten Years

 4.10 Years

• We got to go to Bear Lake for a week with the whole Price family. We rented a big house that was in this neighborhood with a pool and roads that were good for riding bikes. We first hiked into this Glacier lake. It was beautiful. The water was freezing. You went in and swam for a while, but needed to bath in the sun afterwards. Uncle Josh brought his paddle board, so they became a huge hit with you and Jessie. The next day, we went to the beach and rented a boat. We went first with all the girls. This wasn't your first time tubbing, so you were excited to try again. We had music blasting and snacks getting pasted around. We switched out with the boys. While they were on it, we played at the beach. There were these tiny snail shells all over the place. You spent most of your time collecting them. You loved them so much that I broke my rule and let you bring them home. We went to adventure the next day. You were too short to go on the rope course so Grandpa took you and Jessie to go on the big slide and play at the play structure. We walked around town later that day and got raspberry milk shakes. The evening were fun with celebrating birthdays, learning family history, eating great food, and even "Santa" came. The older boy cousins had found a Christmas tree in the garage so after we all were asleep, they set it up and placed our random these (like your bike) under it. It was funny. Dusty prepared a white elephant gift exchange for Grandpa's birthday, but everything came from a yard sale and everything the price was negotiated. You got a big floor puzzle. The funniest part of this trip was seeing your crush on your cousin Ben. You love him so much. You always wanted to sit next to him at meals, have him play games with him, and constantly was holding his hand. I had to draw the line when you asked Ben to give you a bath. Ben was a good sport about it. 
• Grandma and Papa Matthews came for a quick trip. Since this was their last time in Grangeville, you had to stop for ice cream and sweet potato fries at Jungle gyms. I haven't started packing, but Grandma wanted to be helpful, so we packed and clean out a few closets. Now I feel like I need to start. It is hard for all of us to start.
• We are trying to squeeze in as much friend time as we possible can. We went bowling, the river with all our friends, the pool, ice cream, and more play dates. You kids also have been trying to cross off your bucket list items like sleep on the trampoline and go to Gymnastic 360 one more time. The fair was at the end of the month and it was good to spend time there with Addy's family. Addy's family has pigs there so she was able to give you the inside scoop to the fair.
• Our cousins the Wares came into town. They are a really fun family. The highlights for you guys were rafting and playing night games each night. Those kids are a lot of fun. 

Four.Nine Years

 4.9 Years

• We had a blast up in Silverwood this month. We went the night before and stayed the night at the Potters. The next morning, we swung by the airport to pick up Elaine! She gets to spend a week with us. The weather was perfect for Silverwood. We were nervous going on a Friday (we normally go on a Monday) but the crowds weren't too bad. You loved going on all the kiddie rides. Your favorite ones were the dumbo and helicopter ones, where you got to control the thing going up and down. We got early to the magic show and was able to sit in the front row and get pizza. Because we were in the front row, Elaine got picked to the helper for the card show. We stayed until closing. I had booked a hotel for that night because I always feel like we get home too late and it is hard to drive home that late. When we arrived at the hotel, the website that I booked through messed up and instead of 2 queen beds (that we were going to squeeze 7 people in), there was only a king size bed. We ended up driving home that night and getting in at 2am.
• The week with Elaine has been awesome. She loves having all of you guys around. When the big kids are at swim practice, you get her all to yourself. She is so good about playing games with you and reading you books. One of the days, we rode our bikes into town from our house. You rode in the bike seat with me. We made it to Creme, where we all got drinks. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip with a Smith girl without a play. You played the hotel desk receptionist and got all dressed up for the part. We also took Elaine to the pool, the library, the park, and Jungle Gyms.
• Grandma and Papa Price came and joined the party. We have always talked up Fourth of July, so they decided to come out for it before we move. We started the day with homemade crepes with berries. We got out of the house early to catch the egg toss and foot races. You were my partner in the toss and we made it about four tosses. We came home for lunch where we quickly decorated your bike for the bike parade. We sat with all our friends for the parade and you kiddos made out like bandits with the candy and swag. We had hamburgers, watermelon, salad, and root beer for dinner. We roasted marshmallows and lit our own fireworks. You were loving the sparklers until you waved it too close to your arm and burned the inside of your arm. I felt so bad. It was a bad burn. After that, you were scared of fireworks. We stayed up late to watch the fireworks. You get really silly when you are tired so you were running around and being loud. But the moment we got you in the car afterwards, you crashed. The next day, we were able to have a much needed slow morning. We went back into town for lunch at the food cart. We ended the night at the rodeo. We haven't been to the rodeo in a long time. It was a hot evening, but we were lucky to find seats in the shade. They happened to be right near where they release the riders. It was thrilling to see them all crash into the gate. On Saturday, we took everyone rafting. We brought the little blue kayak and that became a favorite with everyone. Sunday was a good day to rest. We painted rocks, played games, and just hung out. On Monday, our family had to go home. It was so good to have them.
• We got to go on our family's overnight rafting trip. We did the same stretch as last time. You were really wanting to learn how to fish, so on the shore when we landed, dad got the rod out for you. The weather was so hot (110 degrees) so we jumped in a ton. We drank soda, ate a bunch of snacks, and enjoyed our time together.
• This summer, you love being my buddy in the garden. You often will run out there in your pjs right after you wake up to help pick/eat berries. We have the mornings together while all the big kids are at the pool. You love going with me early to pick them up so you can see Addy or Trinely and play at the park. We spend many afternoons at the pool. You hate wearing your life jacket so has now become a great swimmer. I am horrible at doing reading lessons with you. There is just so much playing that there is big gaps between lessons so the lessons are getting hard. We will pick it up again when school starts.
• Summer favorites: jumping on the trampoline (especially with water), jumping off the diving board with no puddle jumper, being on the raft (actually jumping off the raft), playing with your friends Addy, Nora, Megan, and Macie, reading Pinkalicous books, and eating mac-n-cheese. 

Four.Eight Years

 4.8 Years

• Its the end of the school year and you are being a great sport about going to all the events. You have been the the science/social studies show case, Maggie's camp play, student of the month for Sam, field day, Millie's class party, and the last day of school BBQ.
• We were able to go drive to Oregon for the Daddy/Daughter camp out. We packed a moving van up with a lot of our stuff to drop off at the new house. There was a strong emotions from some family members, but you are so young, that it is not a big deal for you. You were so excited to see the new house since you hadn't seen it yet. You and Millie were running all around, happy about your new room and exploring the new backyard. We literally dumped everything in the garage, took a tour of the school, ate the most amazing pizza sticks, and hoped that the house will do well for the next four months without us. The next morning, all the dads and girls headed up the Columbia River area to go back packing. It was suppose to be this long hike, which I was so nervous about you doing. Well, there was too much snow on the road and you guys couldn't get up to the trail head. You bush whacked to an area that the map showed there was suppose to be a lake, but ended up a swamp. It was fun though. We met up with you guys in Hood River to eat burgers and milk shakes and then drove home.
• To celebrate the start of summer and work through our Idaho bucket list, we did a hike in Hells Canyon. It was so beautiful and warm there. I am amazed at how you are such a strong hiker and rarely complains when you are tired. 
• We created "I'm Bored" list for the summer. You girls have taken to it so well. I love seeing all your creations and imagination develop. My favorite was a bird house that you made out of card board and your sock puppet that you made with the socks that you were currently wearing (yes,  you drew with markers right on your socks. I thought it was so funny). 
• Pool season has started and we are loving it! You decided that you are too big to wear your puddle jumper and has learned how to swim on your own. It started with wanted to jump off the edge in deeper and deeper water without me. That led to swimming around in the 4 feet section and then swimming back to where you could touch. You pretty much float on your belly, plug your nose and kick. Its awesome to see you develop so much.
• We headed out to Utah to pick up Sam from his solo trip to Utah and do a girls trip to southern Utah to see Frozen. It was a lot of driving, but you loved the trip. Your favorite part was the pool at the condo's neighborhood. It had a lazy river and fun water slides. Even months later, you still ask to go back. The play was incredible. The talked through the whole thing, "Is that the REAL Elsa? She that real magic?" Can I say hi to Elsa?" At the end, Elsa came on stage and waved to different people. We were pretty close to the front, and by this point, you were standing in the isle waving to her. She looked right at you and waved back. You were on cloud nine.
• We celebrated father's day in Utah and got to be be both dad and Grandpa Matthews. You guys gave dad the ugliest bacon tie.
• This month, you were able to complete in the kids 208 Triathlon. You sawm the length of the pool (dad got in the pool with you for that), rode your bike around the loop and ran around the loop. I stayed with you for the bike and run and was so impressed with how determined you were. You worked really hard and I loved seeing how proud you were of yourself afterwards. You also enjoyed the popsicles afterwards. 

Four.Seven Years

 4.7 Years

Here is the list of favorites from Mother's Day 

My favorite food is: Cotton Candy
My favorite sport is: gymnastics
The best show on TV is: Super Kitties
The coolest person in the world is: Ellie and Macie
My best subject in school is: Snakes
I’m really awesome at: riding my bike
If I could change my name, it would be: Eleanor
My favorite color is: teal
When I grow up I want to be: Artist
My parents are too strict about: doing my reading
My favorite song is: This is the Season
My favorite book is: Pinkilicous
When we stop for a treat, I get this: gumball machine
4 words that describe me are: friendly, laughing, eat teeth 
When I was little, I used to: watch Super hero
My favorite scripture story is: Little Nephi
My favorite primary/church song is: This is the Season
My favorite game is: Dragon wood
My favorite season is: Winter
The best snack ever is: granola bars
My favorite superhero is: Super Kitties
The food that makes me want to barf is: mushrooms 
The car I would love to drive when I turn 16 is: a super fast car 
My best friends are: Macie, Nora, Ellie
The cutest girl/boy I know is: Brian 
The most memorable day this year was: Going to Macie's house to do the water slide
If I had one wish it would be: Going to Candyland
The best thing that has happened to me this year is: eating cotton candy at the triathlon
One thing I want to learn to do this year is: pick flowers
The thing that scares me the most is: tarantulas
One thing I need to work on is: riding my bike without training wheels 
If I could go anywhere it would be: Spanish places
The most important lesson I’ve learned this year is: spiders
If I could meet one person from history it would be: God

Four.Six Years

 4.6 Years

• Life with a broken leg is not so glamours. You really are not suppose to put any pressure on it so I am having to carrying you around everywhere. You have been playing with that basket that Maggie Kohrman gave you every day. I let you watch more TV than usual. You love having all your friends and even your sibling friends sign your cast. Your break-dancing moves are coming along well as you roll around swinging that cast in the air to dance to the music. The hardest part though is seeing you get left behind with your friends. They all came over and it was hard when they could run around and you couldn't keep up. It has made me think a lot of Oakley Smith. As much as we have tried to include her and sit with her, there will always be times that she has to sit on the sidelines. She has increased my hope for a resurrection. 
• We are staying around for Spring Break. It has been nice to have the other kids here to help play with you. We went to Winchester Lake with the Newsons one of the day. We started by riding bikes around the lake. It was colder up there so we took a bigger snow boot and put it over your cast so your toes wouldn't freeze. You enjoyed sitting in the bike seat.
• We went to the city's egg hunt for the first time. You were not the only one in a cast there. One of the nurses daughters who is your age was also in a cast. Both of you were stroller buddies. Because of that, they let you two go hunt eggs in the 0-3 section. Dad pushed you to a corner and let you scoot around on your bum to get the eggs. We came home to dye eggs. You guys loved dying eggs so much that after you dyed all the hard boiled eggs, I let you guys decorate raw eggs. Sunday morning, we hid your baskets with treats and a book. I hid your on the ground so you could crawl around to find it. You loved the Unicorn book. 
• Oh my gosh, not only are you in a cast that is getting banged up from crawling everywhere and your body is covered in tattoos thanks to Maggie's gift basket, Millie and you had a pair of scissors downstairs and somehow by the influence of Millie, you cut off a chuck of your bangs. It looks like we don't even care for you anymore.
• Woo hoo!! The cast came off. From the time of your accident, it was four weeks. It was such a short time compare to others, and a blink of an eye compare to Oakley being in her chair, but I am not wanting to repeat that at all. I was hoping that once it was off, you would be wanting to run around. Nope. You cried for the first few days saying that it hurt. You cried so much that first day that Day went back and had you x-ray again. It took over four weeks from when we got your cast off for you to week without a limp.
• Your class got their Dance Recital outfits and they look like Jasmine. You girls were so excited to try them on. 
• For preschool, we went to Lewiston for a field trip to play at Gymnastics 360. We brought along Macie, which was really fun. You were still limping a lot, but the fun was over powering so you tried hard to keep up with the others. We went to Costco afterwards for lunch. I love this group of ours.