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.

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.