Five.Eight Years

 5.8 Years

• We made a quick trip up to Spokane so Dad and I could go to the temple. You enjoy hanging out at the Potters and playing with Canyon. We went out to pizza and found this hang out place with ping pong tables and giant jenga pieces. 
• Other fun moments was going on a pony cart ride with a lady from Syringa, celebrating JoJo's birthday (you and Sam went in together and got her a barbie hair styling head), our big Harry Potter Party where you got to dress up as a ghost (it was fun watching the first 15 min of the first Harry Potter movie so you could understand why we decorated the way we did), and cheering on Sam at his first wrestling tournament of the season (where you love running around with your friends Lainey, Sam Stone, and Dallin). 
• Halloween is in full force. We started by going to the Ward Trunk-o-Treat. You dressed up as a ghost for that activity. You got to go around with your friend Lainey since I needed to stay back at the van. The youth put on carnival games to play afterwards like fishing, musical chairs, and bean bag toss. Cecily invited you over to her house to decorate halloween sugar cookies and then play at the park afterwards. The night before halloween, we carved pumpkins. You tried to scrap out the guts, but it still kind of grossed you out and was hard for you to do it all by yourself. On Halloween, you switched ideas and went to school dressed up as Red Riding Hood. We caught up with Dad and went through the haunted house for the first time. While Maggie was freaking out, you were boasting about how you weren't scared. During it, you jumped a couple of times, but overall, you liked it. It was fun to end the night trick-o-treating through our friend's neighborhood. 
• And just like that, fall is over and the snow is here. You woke up one morning with a tummy ache, so I had you stay home. The tummy ache lasted all of five minute after we dropped the big kids off. JoJo loved having you home to play with. After lunch, we geared all up and went sledding down the big hill. You love winter, especially all the snow activities. After sledding, we headed over to the playground, where we piled all the snow onto the slide and then have you and JoJo take turns crashing into it. We finished our day out there by making snow woman (you insisted yours was a girl and not a boy). I secretly am glad that you stayed home sick that day. 
• Dad and I took the big kids to Boise to watch BYU play so you got to have a sleep over at Annie's house. You were so excited. 

Five.Seven Months

 5.7 Months

• Soccer is in full swing. You have made friends on your team and really enjoy going to the games. You are pretty spacey during the games and will start talking to other players. It is funny to watch your coach constantly reminding you to focus on the ball. As much as you enjoyed it, I think next year you want to do dance from the beginning. 
• Kindergarten is in full swing. You have several friends that you knew beforehand in your class like Sam Stone, Annie Willis and Audrey from preschool. But you have also made new friends such as Paige and Rowen. The crazy stuff is that you have crushes already and are not afraid to talk about them. You really like Jack and Timo right now. I asked you about Jack the other day. I asked if you play with him, if he is funny, or if you sit by him in class. You replied by saying, "I like his hair." Oh boy. Then the other day, you started talking more about Timo. You get excited when you see him at Sam's wrestling practice. I guess you girls were writing cards to the two boys and you told me that you made a lot more for Timo. Another story about boys, there is this first grader on the bus. He  asked Patty if you could change seats and sit with him. Patty teased and told him as long as you don't kiss you. Well, he totally kissed you on the cheek. You then tattled to Patty that he kissed you.
• We made a quick weekend trip to Grandma and Papa Matthews's cabin. Almost all the cousins were there. We left at 4am and made a couple of stops, which made the drive feel long. Up at the cabin, you kids worked hard to build a house out of the fallen logs. you had Uncle Mark drop in a pallet in the middle of it so you could have a table. You girls were cute to pick flowers for a bouquet. It was good to spend the last night at Grandma's house and have that time for her to read to you and put you to bed. 
• Birthdays are always fun and you were able to go to two parties-one for Megan McKnight (a unicorn party at the park) and the other one for McCall Carey (a puppy party at Jungle Gyms).
• A highlight for this month was the Jog-a-thon. Dad was able to be there for the first time. You loved having him and me run around the track with you. The bubbles was really fun and I loved seeing you dance through them. 

Five.Six Years

 5.6 Years

• We made it to Oregon! We get to stay a whole week here with Grandma and cousins. We visited the splash pad at Wilsonville and ate frosty afterwards, crafty around Grandma's table, ate sushi and walked the Ramona tour, made the funniest "Price Family Hospital and Salon" infomercial, played at the Gilbert House, played at the beach and ate at a Mexican restaurant, celebrated Brooklyn's birthday, had a sleep over at Lainey's, had a sleep over at Sonora's, went back to school shopping, picked a lot of blackberries, and played hard at grandma's house all in-between. You had the time of your life there.
• When we got back, Grandma and Papa Matthews stopped by on their way back from Canada. We didn't get them long, but we were able to sneak away down to the south fork for a picnic lunch and swim in the river. You loved having Grandma here to tuck you in and tell you family history stories as a bedtime story. 
• We are trying to get the last bit of summer before school starts. We went to the drive in and watched Princess's Bride, swam at the swimming pool tons, went on a float trip with the McKnights, and played with friends at home a lot. One of your best friends right now is Lainey Strasser and since she is home schooling again, we have been having her over a lot. You love to play barbies and family when your friends come over.
• Our friends, the Jones in Cottonwood, invited us over for a back-to school party where each of you kids had your own can of shaving cream and on the count of three, would skirt each other. There were probably about 20 kids. You LOVED it and by the end were smearing it all over your body, you looked like mummy.
• Back to school is around the corner and you have been begging to cut your hair. We finally did it. We ended up cutting off 5 inches. The first thing you said was "oh Dad is not going to like it!" And then you giggled because you love it. It is so fun to see you have your own sense of fashion. You are very particular how you like your hair (straight with a slight curve underneath). 
• We got to visit your class for back to school night. Your teach is Mrs. Godfrey and your class totally looks like the room from Ms. Bindergarten books. You were so excited to have a home center. We found out that your other best friend Annie is in your class! You cannot wait to start.
• School started and you absolutely love every minute of it, though you hardly tell me anything. You like to tell me what your special is for the day and sometimes you will describe the book your teacher read to you, but I have no idea of the kids in your class or the work that you are doing. You are so silly in that way.
• The first day of school was also the first day of soccer for you. It was pretty much the best day of your life. You are a little space cadet on the field, but you enjoy it so I can't complain. 

Five.Five Years

 5.5 Years

• It was the girls trip with all the dads and uncles. This year, you all met in Boise and went on a three night float trip. You told me all about Uncle Joe falling in the water, the endless mosquitoes, sleeping three high in hammocks, playing Big Booty, and the grand adventure of the wheel falling off the trailer. 
• We made a quick late night rafting trip down the river with our friends. It was fun seeing you jump off the boat with the big kids and swimming around the river like a fish. Of course, eating snacks was s hit on the water. 
• Caleb and Owen came to visit us this month. We had a lot of fun with them, going rafting, playing at the river, sneaking off to Creme Cafe for drinks and games while the big kid walked around town, and playing a lot of board games. 
• Auntie Rachel took Maggie back with them to Utah so you had two whole weeks of hanging out with Sam. It took a day for Sam to adjust to being the oldest, but he really did well playing with you and JoJo. One thing that helps is our neighbor Adella. She is Sam's age but has two younger sisters that are close to your age. So whenever he wants to go over to play, he likes to bring you too so then you can all play togethers. Some of the favorite things were playing cars and setting up a water park with the hose on the trampoline/play set. 
• Grandma was feeling left out on all the playing, so her and Grandpa made a quick trip out here. We took them on a long rafting trip, had a girls morning walking around town and going into the shops, shoot the 22, hiked the water shed trail, swam in the pond, went to the pool, ate ice cream cones, played games, and had Grandma tuck you in at night and tell you family history stories. You really wanted to start your great to be eight trip early and go with them, but you had some swimming to finish up.
• We didn't sit around and do nothing while Maggie was gone. We went camping up the mountains and hiked into the lower gospel lake to go fly fishing. We watched the Minions movie in the drive in. We went to music in the park where you got to run around and play with your friend Beckett, got ice cream from Cash-n-carry, and swam at the pool more than I count. 
• We went up to Spokane for a weekend to drop Sam off at the airport and pick Maggie up. We spent the night at the Potter's and the next day played at a private lake. You really like their son Canyon. At the lake, they had a "lily pad". It is a large foam pad that you and run around on the water, jump off, and get all shaken up. 
• The big thing that happen is that you jumped off the diving board all by yourself with no puddle jumper and was able to swim to the edge!! You have been working hard at swimming across the shallow end and now it has paid off. You are getting the trending water and I completely feel comfortable with you being at the pool with the bigger kids without me. I am so proud of your hard work this summer.

Five.Four Years

 5.4 Years

• We were all set for summer. Our first day, we had a ton of the neighbor friends over to play baseball and kayak on the lake. Well, that night, Maggie started getting a stuffy nose and she ended up with COVID. NO!!! Dad and I had to cancel our plans to get away that weekend. We were so bummed. It slowly made its way through the kids. You were probably the worst, but really it was just like a cold for a day. Thankfully,  Dad and I never got it. It did put a hamper on that first weekend. So instead, we went hiking down in the Whitebird Battle field and the John Creek Hike. 
• The circus came to town. We had bought tickets before you guys were sick. The other three were already better, but you started feeling sick that day. Don't judge me on this decision, but I really wanted to still go with you kids, as none of us had been to a circus before. I kept you in the middle of our front row, so you weren't near too many people. You really enjoyed it, though by the end, you were just tired. 
• We are having a little back and forth right now with the big kids as they are doing swim team and baseball. You love going to the high school for their games because you get to run around with Lane and Lucas. 
• The pond is up and running. We have had a colder month, but that hasn't stopped you guys from going kayaking with your friends. At the beginning, you were nervous to go on the kayak by yourself. It took some coaxing, but you finally got on. Now you love going on. When Sam Stone came over, both of you were out there be yourselves, just enjoying the water. 
• Silverwood!!!! We made it to Silverwood. We decided to go on a Saturday, a little nervous about the crowds, but we timed everything just right. We left super early and got there earlier enough to be able to go into the park and wait right by the rides until they open the park. Dad and Sam rushed to the blue roller coaster, while I took you girls to the wooden one. There was no line, so we were able to get all the roller coasters finished within the first hour. I first took you while Maggie stood on the side to get on the ride with JoJo. When we finished, I carried JoJo across the ride over to the exit, where you watched her so Maggie and I could go on the ride. While the boys were going on the bigger rides that you don't like to do, we made it on the Ferris wheel. That always has a long line, so it was fun to get on quickly. You shared a seat with me and JoJo. We next hit up all the kiddie rides. It was fun to have JoJo join you this year on half of them. For the second half of the day, we went to Boulder Beach. That was awesome! You had enough courage to do the bigger tube slide with Sam and Maggie. You loved it so much, you guys went down that thing 4-5 times. We spent so much time at Boulder beach, we missed the Magic show. Overall, we loved it there. 
• Your swim goal for the summer was to jump in the deep in from the edge without a puddle jumper and swim back to the edge. With the help of Lainey and Gus (we have been doing our own swim lessons with them), you accomplish that within two weeks. That means MAMMOTH ICE CREAM CONE!!! That thing was bigger than your face. You weren't able to finish it, so you were nice and let Sam have the rest.
• WE are filling our days with trips to the pool, trips to the river, we did our bike ride to Creme Cafe, and more friends playing in the pond. 
• Fourth of July was always a hit. Dad had to work a lot, but we were able to tag along with friends. On Saturday, we watched the parade and walked through all the stand in the park. Monday was our big day. We got there bright and early for the foot races (You got third place and won $1) and egg toss. You were partners with our friends cousins (Amelia) who was visiting from out of town and you two became fast friends. We bough lunch at the food vendors, decorated bikes for the kids bike parade, ran wild around town on your bikes until the parade, got even more candy, came home to rest, and ended the night watching fireworks at the high school. 

Five.Three Years

 5.3 Years

• For Mother's Day this year, I tried something new and had you feel out a questionnaire. I thought it would be fun to post it here.

Millie Age 5, 2022

My favorite food is: Ice cream

My favorite sport is: dance

The best show on TV is: Phineas and Ferb

The coolest person in the world is: Mom

My best subject in school is: Snack

I’m really awesome at: soccer

If I could change my name, it would be: Zilda

My favorite color is: teal

When I grow up I want to be: astronaut

My parents are too strict about: focusing

My favorite song is: Shake it Off

My favorite book is: Charlie Cook's Favorite Book

When we stop for a treat, I get this: something chocolate

4 words that describe me are: marvelous, wonderful, kind, happy

When I was little, I used to: take candy from other people

My favorite scripture story is: Daniel and the lions den

My favorite primary/church song is:  I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus

My favorite game is: The ladybug game

My favorite season is: Winter

The best snack ever is: apples nachos

My favorite superhero is: PJ Mask

The food that makes me want to barf is: squash stuff

The car I would love to drive when I turn 16 is: a pink car

My best friends are: Lainey

The cutest girl/boy I know is: Timo 

The most memorable day this year was: First Day of School

If I had one wish it would be: for everything to be obey me

The best thing that has happened to me this year is: making cards for Timo

One thing I want to learn to do this year is: pass the swim test

The thing that scares me the most is: Sam pushing me under water

One thing I need to work on is: piano

If I could go anywhere it would be: Hawaii

The most important lesson I’ve learned this year is: If you follow the prophet, you will be protected

If I could meet one person from history it would be: Dr Suess  

• You had your spring dance recital. You danced to the song, "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story. You were so darling up there. We brought you a flower, which you had in your room for over a month until I snuck in and threw it away. 
• We are wrapping up the end of the school year. We watched Sam in his bug concert, Maggie in her music concert, and we made it your preschool celebration where you got a big binder with ll your projects in it. The weather is warming up so everything feels exciting with summer getting closer and getting to spend more time with you.
• We had cousins come over for Memorial Day weekend. We loved having Sonora's family over. The weather has been pretty cold and raining, but we made the most of it. We took them up the mountains to go mushroom hunting. Uncle Dusty teamed up with Sonora and you to find almost 50 mushrooms. the rest of the kids were jealous that you got $5 to spend at the store. You girls ended up buying popsicles to share with everyone. We ended up hiking 5 miles that day and came home pooped. We made awesome burgers and watched a movie that night. On Sunday, we went to church, and hung around the house. We played games, had a piano concert, and roasted s'mores on the camp fire. On Monday, we went to the hotel to swim. The front desk lady came out once to tell us to be quieter. We came home and had you guys watch a movie while little ones napped. We had a karaoke. You chose the song from the Sing soundtrack. We ended the night with dinner at Jungle gyms were we got coins for the arcade for the big kids. 

Five.Two Years

 5.2 Years

• We couldn't take our spring break trip over spring break because of Dad's work schedule, but in April, we were able to visit San Diego with Grandma and Grandpa Price. We took off after dinner on Thursday and drove to a hotel in Spokane. Each of you kids asked separately if I had booked a hotel beforehand because you didn't want to get stuck sleeping in the car again. The next morning, we caught an early flight to CA. It was so hot when we got there.  We met up with the grandparents at the harbor, where we did a one hour boat cruise around the harbor, seeing all the different battle ships. We ate street tacos for lunch and then spent the rest of the day at the beach. Grandma borrowed her friend's boogey boards, so we were all able to go. On Saturday, we spent the day at Sea World. They had some big rides (you freaked out on the Atlantis ride so you didn't do too many big rides after that) and great shows (you were creaking up during the whole seal show). We ever stayed in the splash zone for the Orca show, which Grandpa and Dad didn't love, but all you kids were screaming out of delight when you got soaked. We stayed until the end, which made for a long, and cold day at the end. Sunday, we caught a local sacrament meeting, visited Dog Beach and tide pools, and ended the night with Mormon Battalion and Mexican food in Old Town for dinner. Monday, we go to go to the Zoo. It was so well done. The landscape was tropical. There was a bus tour at the beginning where we could see all the animals. The park itself was enormous, so even though there were tons of people, it hardly felt crowded. We even took the sky tramp over the whole park at the end (you were laughing at Grandma freaking out in the air). You loved seeing the sea turtles and climbing on all the structures along the way. Since we got home earlier, we went to the beach again, but it was a lot colder so we didn't last long.  Tuesday was at Legoland. The rides were smaller there, so you could go on everything. What I loved about Legoland was all the areas that you could just build with lego bricks and all the cool play structures they have. The awesome part was JoJo throwing a fit on the water boat ride. She wouldn't stand straight for the employee to measure her and was just crying that she couldn't go on the ride. The employee felt bad and gave us one fast pass that we could all use for the Emmett ride. Yay!!! That ride was 2 hour long and I did not want to wait that at all. We were not only able to walk up, but they struggled with loading the next group behind us so Maggie and Sam were able to go again. Grandma Matthews gave you some money to spend, and you chose a drumstick ice cream cone. There was a splash pad and you were the only one who spent more than three minutes in it. Grandpa stayed with you so you could run around longer while the other kids played somewhere else. Wednesday was our last day. We headed down for the beach one last time, which ended up being a beautiful day. We checked out of the Airbnb with no minutes to spare, and spent 5 hours at the USS Midway. It felt long to get home. Our flight didn't leave until 7pm, so by the time we flew in, got off the plane, got to our car, and drove home in the snow (that wasn't a fun welcome home), we finally got home at 2am. 
• We came home just in time for Easter. The weather has been really cold, which made you disappointed in not being able to do an outdoor hunt this year. We did a fun shaving cream dye kit which made the eggs look tied dyed. After they dried, I gave each of you ad sharpie. I love how you turned yours into the eggs from the book The Great Egg Escape. We did an indoor egg hunt with one egg having a coupon to stay up 30 minutes lates and another one with $5. Your book this year was I am Not a Chair. I loved reading it. It was funny. 
• We made a quick trip out to Oregon so Grandma and I could see Hamilton. We got there late Friday night, just in time to get a snack and glass of chocolate milk before bed. Saturday, we went down to Lainey's school for a pancake breakfast. The weather was great. We left you kids with Auntie Annie while Dad and I went to the temple with Grandma and Grandpa. That night, the dads had you all over al Grandpa's house, playing, putting on a play, eating Costa Rican food, and watching a movie. Sunday, we had an Easter part with all the cousins. Grandma does a big egg hunt full of coupon ad prizes. It was a blast. I know the trip was way too short, but we love making it down there every time we do.
• The snow is starting to melt and we have been able to get outside a bit more. On one of Dad's day off, we made a picnic lunch in the lunch box (your favorite) and had you and JoJo eat in on the hay stack while Dad and I installed barn doors. 

Five.One Years

 5.1 Years

• This was our birthday month. Sam turned 8 and Maggie turned 10. Sam had his party at the church with a bunch of boys. Maggie watched you and JoJo at home. You girls watched a lot of girl shows, which was probably the better choice than to be surrounded by 20 something boys. Maggie had a cupcake party here. Sam and you were able to sneak in at the end and make your own cupcakes. 
• It was parent watch week for dance. You were thrilled to have me stayed the whole time. I loved watching you dance and be a leader in your performance song. 
• The weather has gotten warmer so we set up the trampoline. You guys were excited to play on it. We had about a day or two of sunshine before a cold front swept through. The sandbox is still going strong. We even brought back sand the other day when we went to the beach. We are hoping to add a little more each time we go.
• Sam got baptized this month. Both sets of Grandparents were able to come for it. He asked you to give one of the prayers for it. Afterwards, we came home, grabbed a quick bit to eat, then headed down to the river to enjoy some sunshine. Over the weekend, the Grandmas played so many games with you. I think Grandma Matthews was gamed out by the end. It was just fun to hang out with them, be outside (first warmer days in a while), eat pizza and watch a movie. Grandpa Price was feeling good this trip (the last two times he has came to visit us, he was been sick) so it was fun to see him wrestle with you kids so much. You guys loved playing on the trampoline with him. The pond is filling up, so each day, we would walk out there with Grandma and Grandpa Matthews to check it out. It was really good to have grandparents!

Five Years Old

 5 Years Old

Dear Millie, 

Today you turn five. You were so excited to be a whole hand now, but even more excited that you are old enough to start Kindergarten after the summer. We celebrated by having a princess tea party with your kids. We invited some boys, so they came dressed up as knights and one was a Star Wars character. We played games like pin the nose on Olaf, Snow White's hot potato game with an apple (they had to fall asleep if they end up with the apple and I would "wake"them up with a kiss-hershey's kiss), blind man's buff, rescue the princess scavenger hunt, and ended with making fancy tea cups for our tea party. Each of your friends adore you because you are so good about being kind and including everyone. Today, Sunday, you requested store bought oatmeal for breakfast, mac-n-cheese with hot dogs for lunch, fancy ramen for dinner, and molten lava cakes for dessert. We watched Enchanted (your first time). It has been so good to have this special time to show you extra love. 

I love you so much Millie. I love how you are such a caring sister. There have been many times where you take JoJo downstairs and play barbies or babies with her so I can make dinner. You are always proud to be her sister. When she comes to your leader day, you take the time to have her come up with you to count the numbers and always find a sit next to you for her to sit. This all comes back to your caring and nurturing nature. You are going to grow up to be an amazing mother.

Millie, I also love how happy you are with life. Sometimes, life can get boring, running around on errands or visiting an older couple with me. You are so good about finding fun moments wherever you are. You are an awesome buddy to have, asking to play 20 questions when I curl your hair or riding the lift up at Snow Haven. You love coming up with creative ideas (also very messy ideas too). The other day, you were making a baby hotel. You even made me money to spend at it. At night, when you should be reading books in bed, there have been time where you sneak out and play. The other day, I found a whole bed set up in the storage room. When I asked you about it, you told me you did it the night before. 

Millie, I love how you do hard things. The reading lessons were a real push for you. I noticed that you have a slight dyslexia which made getting it down a lot harder and a slower process. You kept at it all year. When you finished, you were so proud of yourself. Even now, we have finished set 4 and set 5 of the bob book series and are reading actually picture books. I love hearing you call yourself a reader. Another time when you have done hard things with with your room. Oh boy, it can get messy. I try to help you here and there so it doesn't get too out of control. But on those times that it is, you are good about taking it one task at a time without complaining. 

Millie, I love every bit of you. I love cuddling on the couch in the mornings before breakfast because you need a few minutes to wake up. I love how you need to give me a hug and a kiss to calm down. I love how you will sit by the window waving goodbye to your friends until their car is over the hill. I like working on puzzles with you and having you tell me silly stories. You have brought not only me but all those you are with so much joy in our lives. I look forward to seeing you continue to grow up to be the person that God wants you to be.

Love, 

Mom

Four.Eleven Years

 4.11

• For the last two months, I had a puzzle going on in my room that was really challenging. You always kept asking to help me, but it was just too hard. This month, we found a puzzle that was just right for you and Sam to work on. I brought the card table into the kitchen and had you guys work on it here and there. You finished it in three days. I really liked how it was something that you and Sam enjoyed together. 
• We had a few warm days which melted the top layer of snow. Then it dropped over night, leading it all to froze over. It made for some awesome frozen "lakes" all along our road. We went on our Sunday walk and it was so fun seeing you kids pretending to ice skate all over the place. You loved stomping through the gutters and cracking the ice. 
• Grandma and Papa Matthews came up to watch you guys for a week while dad and I went to Mexico. You had so much fun with them. We left on a Saturday. That day, they took you bowling and then to the movies to see Sing 2. On Sunday, you played more board games than I can imagine. Monday there was no school. You guys were able to go to Jungle Gyms and play. I know that Grandma took you to the dollar store and bought craft supplies. I am so glad that you got this special time with them.
• Snow Haven has been a big hit with our family this year. We got a gift card for the tubing hill, so we went as a family. Since JoJo was too little to go down, we took turns watching her. We also have been skiing as a whole family again. You kept wanting to go down the left side, which is steeper and is more narrow. I wiped out each time going down, but you were awesome and loved the speed. Another favorite area of yours is the jump trail in the trees. You kept practicing it and at the year, you were so excited to go down it with Maggie so she could see how much you have improved. 
• According to Millie-favorite food: Mac-n-cheese, favorite treat: blondies with chocolate chips in them (Grandma made you some), favorite book: Doc McStuffin Books, favorite song: Kids bop Kids, favorite TV show: Elena, favorite movie: Sleeping Beauty, favorite indoor activity: crafts, favorite outdoor activity: playing pirates on the play structure, and favorite friend: Lainey.

Four.Ten Years

 4.10 Years

• We got to see your dance concert at the beginning of the month. You had on this bluff, fluffy blue tutu. You did great in your dance. Since you are the oldest girl in your class, you were really focused and did a great job staying on the beat and doing each of the moves. We celebrated by going to get hamburgers for lunch afterwards.
• We have had a lot of fun with all the different Christmas tradition. Dad and Sam came home from the store with a gingerbread house kit. We each got to decorate one of the walls. We have four different advent day calendars going, so we have you all rotate which ones you pick. We have a Harry Potter Lego one, the tree with a piece of chocolate in each slot, the hanging of the nativity piece and then the activity board. Some of the activities that we have done are write a letter to Ben on his mission, have a Christmas dance party, open a present with a new Christmas book, and of course leave your shoes out for the elves. Connor, our elf that comes each year, even left a letter for you all. For red ribbon dinner, instead of individually gifts, we opened just one for the whole family. It was exploding kittens, a game that you all feel in loved with over Thanksgiving at Dusty and Janecce's. 
• We went to Utah before Christmas this year. We made it just in time to watch the Nut Cracker ballet with the girl cousins. When we lived in Ogden Maggie and I would go each year with Jane and Laura. Well, you were old enough to come this year. We all met at Lucky Slice for lunch and then walked over to the Theater to watch it. I am amazed at how much you liked it. I think you spent most of the show on my lao, which I didn't mind. On Sunday, we got to meet up with all the family for the big party. This year, you had Tally for the gift exchange. You picked out some pink earrings and candy for her. Bonnie had you and gave you these scrubby animals. Grandma and Papa of course gave you and Bonnie the biggest in size gift. This year, it was a huge package of ponies. It was a great trip overall.
• We had almost a week before actually Christmas and we spent a lot of that time sledding with friends. We had the Strasser, Stones, and the neighbor kids over. It was fun just to play all week.
• Christmas came! Dad was on call, so we had to work around his schedule. For Christmas Eve, I let you kids pick out the dinner. We had a shrimp platter, homemade ciabatta bread, cheese plate, and artichokes. It was awesome. We acted out the Nativity (silly style) and found new slippers under the star for We Three Kings. Dad went back to work while we watched a movie. We set up ground rules so no one was going to wake up at 5am. I blocked the stairs and had you call me at 7am at the earliest. Joke on us because Dad couldn't get back from work until 9:00am. I snuck downstairs and played games, read books, watched some shows. I brought a box of cereal down to keep our tummies at bay (which lead to lots of cereal all over the floor). We finally got to go up. Santa brought you Encanto barbies, a little lego set, and funny trinkets in your stocking. Dad and I got you a light brite, two dresses (one matches JoJo's), and a set of Princess in Black books. Maggie gave you an unicorn pj set for your doll Allie, Sam gave you a bath bomb with hair bows and JoJo gave you an electric toothbrush. We also you you kids a subscription to Kiwi Crates and a laser tag set. It was a good day. 
• Since there was so much snow over the break, Snow Haven was opened up. Dad took you and me up. It was so fun to learn how to ski with you. And then on New Years Day, we got a sitter for JoJo and all five of us went skiing. Dad spent the morning with you and then I got to go down with you and watch you do your snakes. On our last run, the lift stopped. We were almost to the top, so we decided just to hop off and go down the blue hill. I was so nervous about going but you just did the widest pizza (snow plow) that I had even seen and just went straight down the hill. I was so impressed. 
• Other fun activities that we did during the break-swimming at the hotel, finishing up my puzzle that has been set up for a few weeks in my room, watch lots of movies, read lots of Princess in Black, tons of legos, and enjoyed the snow a lot. It was a good break.
• Super duper exciting news-you finished all 100 reading lessons in your book! You worked so hard on it. It took you 15 months and came out such a confident reader. I am really proud of you with sticking with it.