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. 

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: