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

Three.Eleven Years

 

3.11 Years

• School started this month. You were so sad that the big kids left you and especially that you couldn't get on the bus with them. Both Sam and Millie has joked with you to hop in their backpacks so they can sneak you off to school. It was also hard because you knew that you were going to preschool, but it didn't start the same week as them, so you had to wait even more. Waiting is hard.
• Grandma and Papa Price came for a few days. It was fun having them. The kids were in school for once of the days, so you got them all to yourself. Grandma painted with you, read you many stories, and we snuck off to town for a bit. They helped out with driving for soccer practice and enjoyed a hike and bike ride up at fish creek. The big thing was that we took them on a float trip with some of our friends. You and Grandma were buddies and you helped her during the scary bump bump parts. 
• The week after Labor Day came, and the waiting is over. You got to start dance, story time, and preschool. You were so excited to get dressed up for ballet class, but once we got there, you were nervous and wanted me to stay. It calmed you down a bit to see all your friends in the class: Nora, Addy, Trinley, and Macie. The set up is pretty awesome. On Wednesdays, you have dance, then we head over to the library, and since the weather has been so nice, we finish with lunch at the park. Preschool was here the first week. It was an adjustment because you were use to going to Noah's Ark with Millie on her leader day. So you kept asking when you were going to start "real" preschool. I have been loving the co-op. It is a small group, but it is turning out so well. It is Nora, Addy, and you. You all three love doing crafts and are so engaged in all the activities that it makes it easy to teach you.
• Speaking of teaching you, we officially started the reading book and it has gone fabulous. You are wanting to do each day, often asking to read to me before I read to you. You will peak ahead to see what the next new sound will be. And you really are picking it up. I love how well and smooth it is going with you. I knew once you decided that you wanted to learn, you would go for it. 
• I got to take you kids to a high school football game. You were excited to watch the cheer leaders. I gave you each a dollar for a treat and you were able to buy 5 airheads with it. And yes, you tried to eat all 5 during the game. 
• Dad went backpacking with Uncle Mark, so we made a quick trip out to Oregon and entertain us while we was gone. We helped out in the yard for a while and Grandma and Papa were nice to pay you guys in Lego coupons. It turned into a fun afternoon in Canby, with a lunch at the park, walking around the little stores, buying a lego set at the lego store, and ending with ice cream. That night, all of you guys had a sleep over at the Price's while the adults went to the temple. I guess I forgot your pjs, so you that it was silly to wear Jessie's. Saturday was filled with Ocktober fest. It was huge. All the families came. We bought some fun food, your favorite being the Mexican Street Corn. We waited forever for the trampoline ride, but you loved jumping on it. 

Three.Ten Years

 3.10 Years

• We got to float Kooskia to Kamiah. We borrowed inner tubes from a friend, and met up with friends that we hardly ever do stuff with. We tied all the inner tubes together, passed snacks all around, climbed from tube to tube, and got to go cliff jumping at the end (I pushed you off, which I don't think you appreciated).We rafted the river later that week with the Stones and McKnights. WE took a long dinner on one of the beaches and didn't get home until 10pm. I am so grateful that you have been so flexible with sleep so we can do all these adventures.
• General summer fun: so many days at the pool, drawing on your belly after seeing the big kids draw on their bodies at swim meets, drawing all over big Maggie's arms because I told you not to draw on yourself, going on our first overnight raft trip as a family, playing in the pond, having a sleep over at Megan McKnight's, and Maggie babysitting you and Millie while Dad and I went to Lewiston.
• The brown family moved in and Macie is your age. It is adorable seeing her fit right into the girl group. 
• This month we got to go to Utah to celebrate Mark and Kami's wedding. It was a whirlwind of a trip, but it was one of your highlights for the summer. We got there in the middle of the night Wednesday night so we could have all Thursday to spend with Grandma and Papa Matthews. We checked out DI with Grandma, played at the splash pad where it turned into a huge water war of your kids verses this other family of kids, and ended the night watching Sophia while big kids went to the movies. On Friday, we got to do some back to school shopping on the way down to Provo and have lunch at Chic-fil-a. I know that is not much, but I liked having that morning as just a family. We made it to the temple just in time. All of you cousins waited in the room off to the side. The sealing was beautiful and we were able to take pictures afterwards. We ended the night with dinner up the canyon. I loved seeing you so affectionate to Mark and Kami. You would run up and give them so many tight hugs. We spent the night at Amelia's house. We crammed all five of you girls into their room. Grandma and Papa Price were in town for Education Week along with Uncle Josh's family. That morning, Grandpa treated all you kids to $5 at the DI. I laugh at that, but that DI was huge. We joked that it was the Walmart of DIs. Millie convinced you to big this four feet tall Elsa doll with creepy hair. It was awful. I wanted to say no, but Dad said yes, so now we own a creepy doll. We grabbed a quick lunch at their house and then headed to the Provo Rec Center for a few hours. It was crazy trying to do all you girls hair in that family bathroom, but it all worked out in the end. The Wedding was beautiful. You loved having all your cousins there. You actually got to throw flower petals down the isle, which you were beaming about. It dumped while we were eating dinner, but thankfully, there were enough canopies to cover us and the moment dinner was over, the rain stopped. We dance and sang karaoke. You kids drank so much soda and stayed up way late. It was definitely a celebration. 

Three.NineYears

 3.9 Years

• We made a fast weekend trip to McCall with the Cowles. You were so excited that you could wear you McCall shirt in McCall. We rented a lake house with its own dock, sandy beach, and hot tub. It was a blast with their kids. You tagged along with Macie, though you "Spidey" (Kyle) was pretty cool. We brought the little kayaks so you guys were all over on them. We rented a boat for a day. The water was freezing, but it was still fun, as long as we didn't fall off the tub. You got on the tub with me and were giggling the whole time. I love seeing you have fun. The real hit was the hot tub. That thing was covered in an inch of sand by the time we left. 
• Fourth of July!!! Seriously the best holiday in Grangeville. This year, we got to have Grandma and Papa Matthews and the Pavia family come join us. Grandma and Papa got their early, so we were able to do some fun activities with them before hand like getting ice cream from the stand and making tied dye shirts. Berries have been on sale, so we had fun making red, white, and blue breakfasts. When cousins arrived, the four wheeler was a big hit. The bigger kids just sandwiched you in between them and was riding all up and down the hill. We took a short hike up at fish creek. On Monday, we got to go jet boating up to the dam. You held on tight when we crashed into the big rapids on the way back. We lit off fireworks in the driveway, which the Pavis hardly ever get to do. On the actually fourth, we did the whole thing. Egg toss and foot races in the morning. We decorated bikes for the bike parade. We ate lunch at the stands. We waved at Dad and Millie as they got to be on the Syringa float. I laugh because we turn around and both Grandma and Papa had fallen asleep during the parade. We ended the night with fireworks at the high school. It was a very full day. 
• we have been on the river a lot. We have spent many days playing at the river and rafting with friends. The river is definitely our happy place. 
• We got to do our annual bike ride to Creme Cafe for a milk shake. This year, you got to ride your bike.
• Auntie Rachel and Owen and Caleb came for a long weekend. It is always great to have them over. Those boys adore you and it is precious to see them be so sweet to you. We took them to the river. Our friends showed us this trail to a waterfall where you can slide down it like a slide. I had you sit on my lap, but I don't know how much you enjoyed it. Walking back to the river by way of the creek was quite the feat in itself. While dad took the boys fishing one night, we had a girls night of painting toes, baking strawberry shortcake and watching The Great British Bake Off. Rachel loved it.

Three.Eight Years

 3.8 Years

• I am a bit sad this month because the big kids are ending school and soon I will have to share my days with them also. I have loved having these days with you. You are so special to me. You are my buddy through and through. The flowers are blooming. I took a picture  of you holding one of the pink peonies because you wanted to share with Grandma Price how we have pink flowers in our garden. The other day, I took you to the garden store and you helped me pick flowers to plant in my buckets for the porch. You picked all the different types of pink flowers: petunias, snap dragons, and geraniums. It makes up both so happy to see them out there while we snuggle up and read Pinkalicious books together. 
• So we have to share about the time that Maggie pranked you with Ghost. We had just watched the Ivy and Bean movie about the Ghost that had to Go. You were down stairs playing with Millie and her friend. Suddenly, there was a ghost sound coming through the Alexa. Then a note got delivered under your door saying Maggie was gone. You girls ran upstairs to try to find her, but she was nowhere. She got so scared. The drawers in her bathroom started to shake. That is when you ran to me and started crying that a ghost took your sister. Dang Maggie was pranking you but you really thought it was a ghost. Millie had to put a ghost-be-gone potion on her Alexa, but it didn't work because a few weeks later, that same dang ghost came back to haunt you. 
• Quick trip to Oregon for the Daddy Daughter camping trip. This year you guys went to Florence and camped at a State Park. The weather was cooler, but you Idaho girls didn't let that stop you from jumping in the lake. One of the highlights was riding in the school bus size dune buggy on the sand dunes. This was the last year that all the girl cousins were together because Kaylana was leaving from her mission the day she got back from the trip.
• We got to go on our family vacation to Northern Idaho. . We took the pop up trailer with us, loaded it up with all our bikes, and headed out the Hiwatha Trail first. It is a 15 mile bike ride along the old railroad tracks up in the mountains. You get to go through the old tunnels and over the trusses.We were in my bike seat, so you had a fun time. The dark tunnel scared you a bit because you felt like your light wasn't as bright as it should be. Afterwards, we picked up Panda Express for dinner and set up camp at Round Lake State Park. Dad went on a family vacation to Round Lake when he was a kid, so it was fun to do the same thing with you guys. The next day, we went to Tree to Tree Adventures and played at the beach at Farragut State Park. Sunday was a camp day. We also celebrated Father's Day. We hiked around the lake, kayaked, fish, and rode bikes around the camp ground. The weather  wasn't amazing, but we made the best of it. On Monday, it was Silverwood day. This was probably our best experience there. The weather was cooler so there weren't that many crowds. We hit up all the roller coasters first. You hung back with Maggie  at first, but then we hit up some of the kiddie rides, which you loved. The raft ride got all our clothes soaked, so when we were at the water park, we landed out all our clothes to dry in the sun. No one was at the water park because it was colder so we didn't have to wait for any lines. When we got out, we hit up the train and Magic show. It started to pour during the magic show, so when we got out, most everyone had left the park. We ended the night just walking onto whatever ride we wanted. It was awesome, though the heater and hot chocolate felt really good when we got back. We spent out last day at Round Lake, playing until the last minute of check out. Then we headed down to CDA Resort for our beloved gooeys. It was such a fun trip. 

 

Three.Seven Years

 3.7 Years

• This picture is of a rock you wanted me to turn into a baby. You named her Shelly and have been carrying her around all day. You were a bit disappointed when I told you that Shelly had to sleep outside. 
• I went to Florida this month with just my sisters and mom. You were so sad to see me go. I had you stay with Nora during the days that Dad had to work. Dad took you all to Lewiston for spring soccer, but then an OB came up so he quickly drove back after Maggie's game and Maggie babysat for four hours. It was the longest that she watched you. Dad treated you guys to eating out and lots of switch and movie nights. I know you had fun, but you were so happy to see me when I came to pick you up. 
• With the weather getting warmer, we have been able to take out your new princess bike more. The peddling is getting better and better each time. You love ringing that bell. 
• Crazy time at home: dressing up in matching Elsa dresses with Maggie, turning on the disco light and having a dance party with Millie and Nora in old dance costumes, taking that old costume to the girls dress rehearsal and dancing in the isle like you are part of the show, singing along to the "We Will Rock You" during the kids music concert (which is now your favorite song). 
• We made a fast rip to Utah for Dad's medical conference. We got to go to the Tree House Museum, visit DI, eat McDonalds at the park with Grandma, and celebrate Grandma and Papa's 50th anniversary with a big party with all the family. You kids stayed up way past dark playing night games. It was a great time.

Here is the list of favorites from Mother's Day 

My favorite food is: candy
My favorite sport is: playing basketball
The best show on TV is: Super Kitties
The coolest person in the world is: Maggie
My best subject in school is: unicorns 
I’m really awesome at: drawing people
If I could change my name, it would be: Ariel 
My favorite color is: Pink, dark Pink and light pink
When I grow up I want to be: Artist
My parents are too strict about: not burping in our house
My favorite song is: Elsa's, Ariel's and Rapunzel's songs
My favorite book is: Pinkilicous
When we stop for a treat, I get this: lollipop 
4 words that describe me are: funny, nice, 
When I was little, I used to: drink from a bottle
My favorite scripture story is: Jesus stories
My favorite primary/church song is: Mother I Love You
My favorite game is: Cupcake Game and Guess Who
My favorite season is: Winter, Fall, Summer
The best snack ever is: granola bars
My favorite superhero is: girl one
The food that makes me want to barf is: onions 
The car I would love to drive when I turn 16 is: a pink car 
My best friends are: Nora
The cutest girl/boy I know is: Sam 
The most memorable day this year was: Eat chocolate
If I had one wish it would be: 
The best thing that has happened to me this year is: Potty trained 
One thing I want to learn to do this year is: read
The thing that scares me the most is: monsters and ghost
One thing I need to work on is: 
If I could go anywhere it would be: Utah
The most important lesson I’ve learned this year is:
If I could meet one person from history it would be:

Three.Six Years

3.6 Years

•  This month has been filled with lots of trips to Lewiston for soccer games. You haven't minded too much, especially when we get pizza from Costco and there are other girls there to play with. 
• The big kids have been home for Spring break and you have loved having playmates every day. While Sam and Maggie were at soccer practice, we practiced riding bikes at the school. You kids put on a big dance production and we had lots of days with friends. 
• I have been trying to do more preschool type activities with you. You liked it when I put a white sheet of paper in plastic and had you practice writing you name but also decorate a person with the dry erase markers. 
• Easter came this month. You enjoyed coloring and dying the eggs as a family. Easter Sunday was a warmer day, so we were able to do our egg hunt outside. Even though we set them out in plain sight,  it still was a struggle for you to found them all. After finding your basket behind the chair, you were happy to get a new Pinkilicous book, and I am excited to read a new one, since we keep rereading them all from the library. Your candy did not last long. You inhaled that chocolate. 
• I left twice this month to go to my grandma's funeral and for my Florida's trip. We had you go to Nora's house for those days. It was a lot for you, but Dad was so good about handling it all. When I did get home, you cleaved to me for a long time. However, you ask for dad to tuck you in each night now. 
• You have loved getting ready with me in the mornings. It is so cute to see you line up my make up on top of the toilet, kneeling on the floor like it is your vanity, and pretend to put it on. 

Three.Five Years

 3.5 Years

• Funny note: when you take a nap, you can only fall asleep with the blanket over your head. 
• There was a cute Mother/Daughter Tea Party hosted by the rodeo royalty that we attended. We all dressed up in pink flower dress, put on gloves and pearls. The place was decorated cute. They had lace fans, tiaras, and little tea party toys for each of you girls. The food was cute tea sandwiches and fruit kabobs. You girls loved the music and dancing with balloons.
• The big highlight for this month was DISNEYLAND!!!! We have been talking about this trip for so long. We left early Thursday morning. The drive and flight went smooth. We had the tablets and the Switch for you kids to pass around. You loved getting spicy juice. We picked up the rental car and hit rush hour to get down to the Newport Temple for Dad to go do a quick session. We ate In and Out for dinner and went right to bed that night. All of you kids woke up early because you were so excited to go to Disneyland. The hotel had a fun breakfast and we were able to walk down the street to get there. The first day was Disneyland. We rope dropped to Rise of the Resistances. We should had stayed with Dad, but someone told us it was going to take hours. So I took all you kids to do Pirates while the line was short. That was a big mistake because they once they opened the ride, it went fast and Dad had to let all these people through. When we finally got back, he was at the front of the line with the three big kids when the ride shut down. It was so frustrating. Then Millie had to go to the bathroom. I talked to the worker. He let them out of line. By the time the bathroom break was finished, they let you on the lightening lane and got on the ride right away. You and me were doing all the little rides like the train and Pooh Bear ride during all of this. But this was the only hiccup we had the whole time and actually was able to do all the lines pretty quickly after that. When we were on Smuggler run, you really thought we were in space and was whining to go back to Disneyland the whole ride. You loved the Astro Orbiter and Dumbo ride a lot. We were scared of Pirates because of the drops. We bought Mickey raspberry macaroons and ate dinner at the Red Rose Tavern. The second day was spent in California Adventure. We rushed over to Cars Land. You LOVED the Mater ride. It was so fun hearing you laugh with all the whipping around. We even got to meet Lightning McQueen. A favorite of your was the Disney Junior Dance party (got to do that twice) and meeting Anna and Elsa. We got to do more shows, the the Crush show (who picked Maggie for a question) and the Donald Duck 3D show. We were able to go a bit slower in CA and stop to dance at a concert. There was this one moment where Maggie didn't want to go on Guardians of the Galaxy again, so she offered to sit with you girls near the ride, eat lunch and go inside and watch the crush show. We gave her a phone and everything was fine until she tried to take you into the building. There was a cast member who stopped you girls and told Maggie that she had to be 14 to watch the younger girls. You guys just went back tot he bench when two security guard showed up. They were really nice, but it freaked Maggie out. We weren't gone for long, but the security guards kindly informed up to not do that again. We felt bad for Maggie. The last day was Disneyland again. We wanted to rope drop to Mickey's Runaway Railroad, but it was closed in the morning. We ended up doing the Nemo ride instead. It all worked out because we were right by Mickey's when they did open up and we were able to walk right on. We were able to do all our favorite rides again, do the ones we missed and try the ones we have never done before like the railroad and the Tikki room. We had lunch at the New Orleans Cafe and ended the night with the parade and fire works. It was a great time. Our final day in California was Millie's birthday. We opened up presents in the hotel, chilled out and watched TV, and had lunch at Goofy's Kitchen. Our flight got delayed so we found a park to play at for a bit and made it home safely. It was a fun and tiring trip. So glad we took you guys. 
• We came back to full swing birthday season with a party for Millie, Sam and Maggie. A lot of treats, a lot of wrapping paper. You feel a bit left out and keep asking when it is going to be your birthday. 
• Crazy moment: used conditioner on you for the first time and you broke out in hives all over.
• You were asked to give your first primary talk. You colored a picture of Jesus, we practiced saying two sentences, and when we got up to the pulpit, you cried. You didn't;t even want to hold your picture. Oh well. 

Three.Four Years

 3.4 Years

• Grandma and Papa Price came and stayed with you kiddos for 9 days while Dad and I were on a trip. You guys had a blast without us. For Christmas, you each made a coupon of a date that you wanted to do with them. You got to take Papa out for Mac-n-cheese and chocolate milk at Seasons. At night, instead of reading books, Grandma would share stories of her life. There was hot tubbing, movie watching, dollar store craft buying, thrift store shopping, board gaming, and partying. You guys were so good to them and I know they really enjoyed their time here. Grandma brought with her a box of Book of Mormon band aides that she shared with you for every scratch that you got. Well, at the end, she left you the rest of the box. You used everyone of those band aides like a sticker and decorated a picture with them. 
• Two amazing things have happened since Grandma has watched you. Grandma forgot a couple of times to put a diaper on you at night and you stayed dried. so we tried not using a diaper and just like that, you are fully night trained. You gave all your diapers away. It was awesome. Also, grandma had you lay down with her a few times, and she got you to nap. Whenever I tried laying down with you, you would just play on the bed. Well, Now I can get you to nap about twice a week. I love napping with you. 
• One of my favorite things we started this month is Mommy and Me Yoga class. You have a few friends go, like Nora and Trinly. I love how it is a good time to connect with each other. Your favorite pose is called lizard on the rock, where I curl up like a rock and then you lay with your back across mine, like a lizard basking in the sun. Another fun pose is where the parents do downward dog and you kids pretend you are doggies and your crawl around in circles underneath each of us. 
• We made a quick trip to Oregon. We told you kids the trip was for us to go to the temple. Actually Dad went to interview for a job there. I am typing this up, even though you still don't know. We took this interview mostly to see what is out there because Dad is feeling over worked and we have had this big pull to move back to family. The job ended up being really good. We haven't decided whether we are going to take it or not. I just thought that you should know, even though you won't read this until you are 18. We had fun while we were there. We helped Grandpa in the yard. We raked up the sticks leftover from trimming the grapes. You loved that you got to ride the four wheeler down each time with grandpa to take the sticks to the burn pile. That night, you guys got a sleepover at Dusty's. I am pretty sure you and Jessie pulled out every dress up dress and changed at least 10 times in that first hour. The next day, we went to a chicken and waffles lunch at their church and then headed over to Gervias to play Ga Ga Ball. We had a lot of fun with it. We ended the night at Grandpas with pizza and a movie. We got to hear Grandpa speak in church and then buzzed quickly back home so we could be back for Valentine's Day.
• Valentine's Day was a hit with you. First, we helped make Sam his box. This year, he thought it would be funny to be a toilet. Well, you were convinced that it was a really toilet and wanted to pee it in. Last minute, we invited some of your friends over for a party and lunch. It was a big hit. we had each of you decorate a brown paper bag and then pass you cards and candy to each other. It was so cute. The whole time, you kept telling me it was your birthday party.  I tried to set the table fancy and had hearts taped over the room. For dinner, we had heart shape pizzas with chocolate covered strawberries. We ended the night with you kiddos doing a crunch lab box with dad.

Three.Three Years

 3.3 Years

• For Christmas Eve, Dad was able to make it back for dinner. We had shrimp, homemade bread, grapes, dates, olives, cheese, and grape juice. We set up the candles again and made it all fancy.You kiddos loved putting on the Nativity play. This year, your role was the angel. We did our We Three Kings song which ended with matching Mickey Mouse pj bottoms (to get us excited for our Disneyland trip). We ended the night with all four of you kids sleeping in your room. We dragged the kid tree into the room so you could sleep with the light on. 
• Christmas morning was magical. You were so excited to pull out all the different things from your stocking, especially the candy and lip gloss. Santa brought you an Elsa and Olaf barbie. Elsa can make Olaf move by raising her hand. In your stocking, you got a necklace kit, a frozen book, bath paint, a coloring book, and candy (which did not last very long). Maggie gave you an Elsa lego set, Sam gave you pink kinetic sand, and Millie gave you Rapunzel shoes. You gave Maggie this fuzzy white blanket that you picked out at Larsen's, a snowball maker for Sam, and an American doll backpack for Millie. Dad and I gave you some unicorn outfits that you love, a fairy book, and a big polly pocket set. 
• Two days after Christmas, we packed up to go to Utah. It was fun to be with Grandma and Papa. We went bowling with them,  pulled out all the fisher price toys repeatedly from the hall closet, and ate way too much candy. We met up with cousins to play at McDonalds and played at Calvin's house. We did have our big family party. We brought the dodgeballs out with us and introduced the Matthews to a bit of a Price family tradition. I was not going to hold you again, so this time you sat with one of your aunties on the side. Grandma had to unwrap game and then we all ate a big lunch and opened up presents. Grandma gave you a puppy dog that can walk. Sarah gave you some new water wow books. You had Will and gave him beanie with a light in it. Dad and I left for a New Years Paper, so you got to party it up with Grandma and the cousins. 
• With the new year, brought Sunbeams!! You have been so excited about going to the big kid primary class, especially with all your friends. You were jumping up and down on the pew all sacrament long to go. Well, the excitement didn't last long. The next week, you were already complaining about missing the toys at nursery. I guess when Grandma was with you at church, you stayed with her for the second hour and just cuddled the whole time. 
• There was a colder day and I thought it would be fun to treat you to a date at Creme Cafe. You love getting the steamers with me and sharing a muffin. I love all this one-on-one time with you. I feel like we will have this special bond forever because of it. 
• Millie has rubbed off on you and now you love dressing up in "hip hop" clothes and dance for me. Some of your favorite songs to dance to are Katy Perry's Fireworks song.
• Grandma and Papa are coming to watch you kids and we have been counting down the days for them to get here. You get so excited as the number gets smaller. 
• With your Christmas money, you were able to buy a pink princess bike with a seat for your dolls. It has streamers and training wheels. You have been so excited to learn how to pedal it.

Three.Two Years

 3.2 Years

• We were able to spend Thanksgiving in Oregon with all the Price family. We left Friday morning. Dad drove separately since he has to leave early. There was no waiting for cousin, Lainey was there, ready to play. On Saturday, Grandma watched you guys in the morning while Dad and I went to the temple with Dusty and Janecce. That night we drove out to Hood River to go on the Polar Express. It was the first time for us. We got to sit with Grandma and Papa and it was so fun to see you believe in all the magic. Sunday, we went to church and had family photos taken in the cold. We had our first Thanksgiving dinner at Annie's house. Uncle Josh joked that he was going to make sushi. Well, he did and it was a huge hit. It was decided that is needs to be a yearly thing. Monday, Dad left to go home. Us girls all went to Woodburn mall in hopes of getting Millie's ears pierce. Sadly, the employee was certified to do it. Instead, you girls raided the clearance section and we ended with sushi for lunch (second time and you still don't love it, but the rice was a hit). I was able to take you girls to Target to buy Christmas gifts. On Tuesday, we moved our stuff over to Dusty's house and got to do a sleepover with the younger cousins while the older ones went to the temple. On Wednesday, we went up to Portland and did a hike to the Witch's house. You were not feeling good. It was hard to hike with you because everyone was going to fast for you to walk, but I was getting tired of holding you. Uncle Josh came to the rescue and carried yo on his shoulders, though you cried the whole time. You woke up sick on Thursday, bur I didn't realize it at first. Dodgeball was hard because you wanted me to hold you the whole time (not so fun fact, I tore my rotator cuff doing that). You ended up resting on Grandma's couch watching Elsa on my phone for most of the day. On Friday, we were able to attend Karl's Court of Honor for his Eagle and then head out to the tree farm to cut down a Christmas tree. We walked all over to find the perfect one. We tagged it with our ribbon and then walked all the way back to find grandpa with the saw. He asked us why did we pick one so far away, we are going to have to drag it all the way back to the truck. You kids did not want to do all that work, looked around for a half second and pointed to the tree next to the truck and said it looked great. we wrapped it up in plastic, threw it on top of the roof of the van, and headed home the next day. Crazy story about Mowgli. The last night, all the cousins were watching a movie at Annie's. I think Mowgli got overwhelmed and hid. We thought he ran away when everyone was loading up. We looked all through the house and all through the neighborhood. Annie even texted the neighbors, but no one had seen him. You kids said a prayer. I figured if we can't find him by morning, and he showed up later, Grandma could watch him until she came out in January. The next morning, I can hear Annie get so excited because guess who was sleeping on the couch, Mowgli. We think he was under Lainey's bed in the far corner and we just couldn't see him. 
• Sad note, Uncle Josh went home and came down sick with the flu. It was you thank you gift to him for helping you out. 
• Pre Christmas Fun: Us girls snuck off to Lewiston when the boys were gone to get Millie's ears pierced. We made the whole day fun by playing at gymnastic 360, eating dinner at Panda Express, and going to the Train Park to see all the cool lights. We celebrated Happy Birthday Jesus with The Stanzak family this year. We were able to go to the big kids music concert. Once school got out, we delivered flowers to some grandmas in the nursing home. We were able to have different families over for sledding parties. On Christmas Eve, we had Nora's family over. You girls made it a few times down the hill, but it does wipe you out walking up. It was nice to end each sledding session with the hot tub, hot cocoa, and cookies that people brought over. Also, we spent one evening decorating mini gingerbread houses. We have made an effort to try to watch new Christmas movies. The kids introduced you to Home Alone, and you would request it on nights that Maggie would babysit you.