Five.One Years

 5.1 Years

• Fall is in full swing. We have been raking leaves and jumping in them. We carved pumpkins the other night as a family. You drew a face on a piece of paper and I was impressed that I was able to carve it pretty close to what you wanted. 
• This year, you went as Herimone for Halloween. We had an indoor trunk-o-treat at the church along with a chili dinner. Maggie was such a good big sister and took you around to get all the candy while dad and I passed out our candy. Afterwards, you were running around with Lilly. The Price's came for Halloween night. We had a spaghetti dinner and then went trick-o-treating around the neighborhood. The big kids wanted to go on their own, feeling like they could get to more homes, but you and Jessie were fast, running between houses. When we got home, you kids dumped all your candy out and swapped what you wanted to. Jessie and Sonora got to sleep here that night. In the morning, there was a lot of dress up and putting on plays. You girls came up with a Cinderella play but each of you wanted to play Cinderella. So, you all put on the same play four times so each of you had a time to play Cinderella. 
• The other day, it was so sunny and warm and we were hanging out in the backyard. You noticed that there was a helicopter in the air. It was flying pretty close by our house in a circle. At one point, it really looked like it was going to lad in our back yard. I could hear the school kids and then it dawned on me that they were celebrating Veterans Day. We ran over to the school and sure enough, there was a Black Hawk Army helicopter there. You were able to go inside and we stayed to watch it fly away.
• While the boys were in CA, I took all of you girls to OSU to watch BYU Folk Dance. That was so cool. Grandma joined us. We ate Thai food on the way down. Our favorite dances were The Philippines stacking stick dance and the Ukraine dance at the end. 
• A few more adventures this month-Millie showing us the duck pond near our house and finding the kiwis on the tree there, hiking the middle falls at Silver Falls, going with me to visit our new grandmas for ministering, going to the Gilbert as a family (favorite new room was the create it room), decorating your disguise-a-turkey, spending two different days with Grandma (one for your birthday and the other with Jessie), and going to a gymnastic place with Jessie.
• Fuuny moments this month: at church, Henry wanted to give you a hug when leaving but you rejected him. He ran away crying. You are such a heart breaker. The other moment was when I was outside raking leaves. You ran out to tell me to come inside. The song "A 1000 Years" was playing. You told me, "I don't know why but sometimes this song makes me cry. I just have tears coming out". I laughed and told you that I would love you for 1000 years and more. 

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.

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.