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.