Nine Years Old

 9 Years Old

Dear Millie, 

Happy Valentine’s Day. I want you to know that you truly make the world brighter just by being in it. My favorite memory of you this year was the video I got from grandma that you only wanted me to watch and no one else. You were telling Grandma what you packed and why that made you mature. I laughed so hard because you were so proud of packing a bra and that made you mature. You are such a goof ball in such a good way. My favorite part of your personality is your ability to have fun. You are a creator of joy, fun, and sunshine. Whenever you go, you have the ability to turn the place in a game or sing and dance along a path. You are so fun to be with and it really lightens up those around you. I am so proud of you for the hard work that you have put into the piano. You have been taking lessons with Sister Bland for just a 1 ½ and have learned so much. She even notices your eagerness and hard work and has asked to see you longer at lessons. The music you make is truly beautiful. Our greatest gift is your strong, independent nature. You are great about doing your work without reminders, you accomplish the goals that you want to set, and even though you love hanging out with friends, you are very comfortable just being yourself. You are going to accomplish big things in the world with that gift. You definitely add excitement to our family. You pick awesome dance music when we are cleaning up the kitchen, you are so giddy when we are reading Harry Potter, your creativity with paint keeps us laughing, and you really do come up with fun games for you and JoJo to play. I like you because I laugh more when I am with you. I love you because you are my daughter always. You were born with such a strong, sweet spirit. I feel so blessed to have you with me.

I love you more than chocolate, Mom

Eight.Eleven Years

 8.11 Years

• We got back from Utah and life got back to normal. This month, I have been working on getting your room organized and decorated. You picked out a light purple paint for the walls. We moved furniture around and got a large desk for you and JoJo. It has turned out so cute. I made a book ledge for each of you and you bought a stuff animal hammock for your bed so it is quite cute and cozy up there. It feels good to get your room to where is it functional and shows your personality. 
• On Saturdays, you like to sleep in until 10am, have a slow morning, listen to your story while working on some arts and crafts in your room, and then sometime around 3pm, want to be social.  
• We were not home for long before heading out to Mexico!! We have been looking forward to this trip for a while. It is your first time going to a different country. We went with our family, Grandma and Papa, Annie, Joe, and Elaine. It was a blast. We left on a Wednesday. We had to wake up so early to get to the airport. It was a whole day affair getting down to Mexico, with a four hour lay over in Atlanta. Thursday was a slow day. You kids got to stay at the hotel with Grandma and papa while we went to get the rental cars. We loaded up and drove south. We stopped and got some groceries and ate in Playa del Carmen. We made it to the condo and the play was amazing. We went snorkeling that afternoon. We made it out to this place where there were millions of these silver fish. They were all in sync with each other. It was crazy how many of them their were. The condo we are staying out as a room for just you and JoJo. You get your own big, bed, which you love! Friday, we went to Xel Ha. That was a favorite among everyone. The waterslide was awesome. Even papa went down it. We then headed over to zip lining. I was your buddy for this and you liked the ones you sat on the seat and went down. We cliff jumped next. I was impressed because when it was your turn, you just went for it. The cliff was 15 feet. The next stop was floating through the mangroves. We paused for lunch, ice cream and soda. Laying out in the sun on the chairs felt so good. We then walked over to the caves and snorkel. Then we finished the day rope swinging into a cenote. Papa bought you all matching shirts. It was so fun. Saturday was a colder day. While the weather was good in the morning, we hang out at the condo. You all just loved playing in the sand, flying kites, swimming in the ocean and pool. That afternoon, we visited Tulum. The ruins were just okay to you kids. What really fascinated you all was trying to open up a coconut. It took a lot of smacking, but you finally opened it and we all drank the juice and had fresh coconut. There were shops just outside the ruins, so we got some food and let you all shop. You had a bit of fun money so you got a mini dream catcher. Sunday, we drove to Chichen Itza. There was a huge storm on our drive there. But once we started our tour, the rain stopped. Having a tour guide was really helpful. That evening , we visited Valladolid. It was a beautiful city, with colorful buildings, music and dancing in the park, and big church center of town, and plenty of shops. You were still going strong on the shopping, asking the vendors how much everything cost. Monday, we stayed at the condo the whole day. It was so nice just to read, swim, play, and hang out and chill. That was another favorite day of everyone. Tuesday, we had another slow morning and then visited the cenote in the afternoon. That was beautiful. The first part was an open portion where you could see turtles. Then you swim through the cave with the stalactites and bats. After you cross that, you made it to another open part. We had lunch there and laid in the hammocks. Wednesday, you and JoJo stayed back from deep sea fishing and spent the morning with Grandma. She really likes being with you. Then, we had to make our way back to the airport and say goodbye to Mexico. It was an amazing trip.
• We tried to go on a family ski trip to Hoodoo. It hasn't snowed much so the conditions were pretty iffy. We stayed on greens the whole time because everything was choppy and icy. The one time we went on a different green, the ice got too bad and you slipped down the hill. Dad was with JoJo and I took you three older kids down the long run from the top of the mountain. There is turn on the left that is easy to miss. If you miss it, you end on some blue hills. Well, you didn't stop in time and went past the turn. When I caught up, you were trying to walk back up the hill to take the turn (none of us wanted to to those blues on the ice). It was hard to walk back up, so you had the idea to take off your skis and walk with your boots. Well, one of the skis got away and slipped down the hill. I didn't know what to do. We couldn't see it. If we went down the hill to look for it, we would have to finish on a blue or black. But if Dad cam and got it, would you finish skiing down the green on one ski? Thankfully a snowboarder found it and walked it up the hill for us.
• Some highlights of this month also includes a sleep over at Emersons. You had a blast. I guess you all stayed up until midnight and then woke up around 6am. Endless to say the next night, you went to bed early and I had to wake you up at 10:40am to go to the library. 

Eight.Ten Years

 8.10 Years

• It has been a crazy, fun holiday month. We have tried to do Christmas activities as a family. We actually made sugar cookies and I have you girls decorate them. We went to Storybook Lane in Albany. You went last year on a field trip but it was the first time for the rest of us. We couldn't decide if it was creepy or cute. You walk around the county fair barns to look at all the Christmas displays. The first was toys and dolls. Those were definitely creepy. We were joking that those dolls were what nightmares were made of. Then, we got to the movie section, and that was fun. 
• Our ward did their Christmas dinner and the primary put on the Nativity story. You were a sheep. We had to come up with the costume, so we took your white hoodie and flipped it inside out, threw on the white base layers, had you wear dad's black socks and my black gloves, and to top it off, you made ears (may have looked more like bunny ears), but it was cute. You were the "lead" sheep since the rest of the sheep were 3-4 year olds. 
• We had Red Ribbon Dinner with Grandma and Papa Price. I got you, Maggie and me matching off brand Ugg slippers. I didn't know the sizing, but it ended up that they even smaller than I thought, so you ended up with size 9, the one I go for myself. So now just you and Maggie match. 
• When your dad was working one Friday night, we headed out and 'knocked and run" some treats to friends. When we were headed out to the Epperson's, there was a road close sign right by there house. You kids were sort of freaking out because I went around it. Well, the road looked great right until their house. The creek had flooded the road. We stood there for a bit to debate if we should cross. We decided to go for it. Afterwards, you were so nervous that you wanted me to promise to never cross a river again. 
• We tried to go ice skating with Piper's family one weekend. I looked up all the different places McMinnville had the best prices. It was going to be really cool because the ice rink was in the museum (don't know how that was going to work with the temperatures). Well, it turned out to be "gliding" not ice skating. The floor was a wax that you "glided" over. It was not nearly as cool, but everyone was a good spot about it. 
• I painted your room! It is purple! And you loved it!
• Christmas break has bee great. On Monday, we got together with the Leders and Springers and played floor hockey at the school and then the Leders came over for hot cocoa. On Tuesday, We met the Smith's at the pool and then you had a sleep over that night at their house. Wednesday was Christmas Eve and Dad had to work that morning, so after lunch I took you all to see Zootopia 2. It was fun to go to the movies with you all. Christmas Eve was special. We had our candle light dinner of "Jesus" food, which this year was lobster ravioli. After dinner, we watched to the neighborhood behind the school to see the lights. We came home to put on our family Nativity play, searched for the star, opened up pjs (you got a kitty set), and watch the Christ Child movie. All of you kids slept in your room with the kid tree. 
• Christmas morning, I was surprised that you were already awake by 7am. You all ran down for your stockings. Santa brought you a purple galaxy blanket hoodie, a Harry Potter map, a water bottle, some art supplies, a mini spa kit, and some treats. You loved all of it. Maggie gave you an umbrella, Sam gave you a Wings of Fire book, and Millie gave you a squish mallow. You were so happy about them all. Dad and I gave you some Wings of Fire Books, flare jeans with a soft purple sweater, and a China doll. Yup, a China doll. You opened it and didn't know how to react. Dad and talked it up saying that I had one, and your grandma and great grandma would collect them. You said thank you and started laughing. I could not hold it together. Finally dad told you to go get the eggnog from the outside frig and there was a bike for you. You were really happy to get a big bike. After opening presents, we went to have brunch at the Prices and then just chilled the rest of the day. We had Chinese food for dinner (a big hit). 
• We got to spend the last week of Christmas break in Utah. Highlights for you was having a sleepover at Bonnie's house (first time by yourself), staying up until midnight on New Years Eve, swimming at Crystal Hot Springs, hiking in the snow (and eating a lot of it), and playing a ton of switch with cousins and siblings. A cousin gave you a bracelet kit, Grandma gave you crochet kit and money (which you bought a Harry Potter doll set and outfit the next day at Walmart). 
• We are back in Oregon and back to school, which we are all thankful for. 

Eight.Nine Years Old

 8.9 Years Old

• Dad and I went out of town for a weekend, so you all got to spend the time with the Prices. Uncle Dusty took you to see the high school play of Clue. You loved watching having a movie night. It is so nice to have family near by for things like that. The production that was put on was Willy Wonka and you played Charlie!
• On a Saturday, we went over to Salem to help with the garden winter clean up of the Liberty House. It was our ward's service project. You liked having Harper there to hang out with. 
• You had your Christmas concert at an assistant living center. You played Up On the House Top, We Three Kings, and Angels We have Heard on High. We have worked so hard on them, it really showed when you preformed them. You are excited to play We Three Kings on Christmas Eve.
• I got to help out in your class for your apple tasting experiment. I love being in your class. I have now subbed once, done one art lesson, and helped with the apple experiment. 
•  Our fun, crazy Thanksgiving week began. We met all the cousins at the temple. Aunt Janecce stayed with you and all the kids that weren't old enough to do baptisms and took you to the visitor center. Grandpa treated everyone to Chi-Fil a for lunch. Afterwards, we went thrifting with the cousins. All of you kids stayed at Sonora's house, eating pizza and watching a movie while the adults went out to eat. Thursday was Thanksgiving. We started the day playing dodgeball at Gervais. That is always so fun. We were also able to play Gaa Gaa Ball and just run around the play structure. In between play and dinner, we ran home and cleaned up, and then head over to the Smith's to hang out. Dinner was at the Prices. It was a lot of fun. Lots of food and lots of pie. On Friday, we got a Christmas tree and then headed over to Silver Falls to hike the North Falls to Winter Falls. It ended up being longer, but you stayed with Grandma at the Winter Falls parking lot so she wouldn't have to hike back. That night we had you and the younger girls here for a sleep over. You and Sonora got to watch a movie by yourself downstairs and then sleep in Maggie's room without the little girls with you. The cousins all went home on Saturday, so we snuck off to watch Wicked for Good at the movie Theater. It was a great weekend. 
• December is here and so we are starting strong on the Christmas celebration. We decorated our tree, I got to go to your class and teach a Northern Lights art project, and starting the advent day calendars. I gifted you all an escape room advent day calendar this year which has been fun and challenging. At the beginning of the year, I asked what traditions you all wanted to do this year, and shopping for the giving tree and seeing the lights with a milkshake was on the list! Dad was able to come with us this time. 
• Funny moments this month: we were driving along the freeway to an ortho appointment when you see the lvy leaves along a wall blowing in the wind. You told me that they were just waving to us. I thought that was such a fun way to see the world, very Grandma Price of you. Emery came over and you let the little girls cover your whole face in glitter. You looked like the tin man. 

Eight.Eight Years Old

 8.8 Years Old

•  You had a Halloween late night with some friends. Maddy, Piper, and Emery came over. We had a make your own pizza for dinner along with soda from the frig. You all tried to watch Harry Potter, but your friends were having a hard time following along so we turned it off. You roasted marshmallows, played night games, and mostly watched another movie. You had a great time. 
• You were able to finish your volleyball season. Your serves haven't been consistent, but you wouldn't let me work with you. Finally, the week before the tournament, I told you that your team needed you to get this down. I took you to the back porch, worked if you for 10 minutes, and then you had it. You even scored the last few points to win a set for your team. It was really exciting. 
• You went to Emerson's house for a late night for her birthday party. It was so cute. You all got matching pjs, did crazy make up, ate a ton of junk food, and giggled until really late. It was good meeting her mom because now I feel like I know her better to do other things like this. 
• Grandma and Papa Matthews came for Halloween. They were able to stay for a while. We craved pumpkins with them, took them to the North falls at Silver Falls, visited the Gilbert House, ate out, and played a lot of games. 
• Halloween was this month. You wanted to be Ginny Weasley. We had everything for the costume but the red head. I offered to get a wig, but you wanted to just spray her your hair red. I found a cheap bottle of red dye that sprays on just like hair spray. The problem was, it rubbed off onto Sam's dress shirt and onto the couch when you sat down. We did your whole hair for the church party, but only the top for Halloween night. We went to the ward trunk o treat. And then the Prices came down Halloween day. We went to the assistant living home across the street from us. You were all so good to talk to the residents there and get to know them a bit (though we were definitely holding up the line). Afterwards, we visited the library and did their haunted maze. We came home for some dinner and then headed out for Hassler Farms. The Prices had to leave early. We went back to the house to drop off the Grand parents and then headed over to the other neighborhood. We ran into Emery and Hazel, which was fun to be with them the second half of the night.

Eight.Seven Years Old

 8.7 Years Old

• We got another cat! Dad had a co-worker who knew someone giving away kittens. They had a orange and white one, my favorite. I asked you to come do an errand with me. I didn't tell you where we were going. The place was 20 minutes away, out in the country on a dark night. We we finally pulled up to someone's house, you guessed that we were getting a kitten. He was so friendly. You felt very special for being the first person to snuggle with him. We named him Hobbes. I did not want an indoor cat, but he loved being indoors. I just installed doggy doors which Hobbes figure out very fast. Each of you were so good about going outside to play with him each day. One night, I brought quilts outside so we could do our reading out there with Hobbes. He was so snuggly that night. Sadly, we went to church one Sunday and then quickly to the Prices for dinner and when we came back, he wasn't home. He could have been eaten by a raccoon, but he could be in someone's home as an indoor cat. We were sad to see him gone.
• Oh my gosh, you are so crazy. You came home from church with a beard and mustache drawn on your face. At the end of class, you all color a picture, and you decided to be the picture this time. I love your sense of humor.
• You have a friend at church that's family needed a working car. Grandpa was so kind to find one for them. You worked really hard and helped me detail the inside of it. I love your giving and service focused heart. 
• We snuck in one more trip while the weather is good. We went up to Mt. Rainier and Seattle for the weekend. We left Thursday morning and made our way up to Mt. Rainier. It was overcast when we rolled in, which was a bummer because Mike said seeing the mountain makes it majestic. As soon as we started on the trail, the clouds started to part and we could see it. The mountain was awesome. We hiked up to a ridge. We saw waterfalls and marmots on the way up. The view was beautiful. Out towards the valley, the clouds were think so it looked liked the clouds were floating on top. we were debating to finish the loop or not. None of you kids wanted to, so we just turned around. The moment we do, the fog rolls in and by the time we get to the bottom, we can't see 6 feet ahead of us. We ended the day with hot cocoa from the lodge and we stayed at a place near by. The next day, we look the longer way to Seattle, so we could ride the ferry over. We spent most of our time at Pike's Market, shopping the different stands, putting gum on the gum wall, and eating at Ivar's. We had your try the raw scallops (not your favorite) and sampled all the different flavors of Apple cider (you liked that). We then took the monorail over to the city center where we saw the Space needle, toured the Gates Foundation, and played at the cool park. We headed up north for the hotel because the next day, Dad was competing in the Spartan Beast. While we was racing, we visited the Reptile Zoo, ate lunch at a park, and played in the river. We were able to catch the very end of Dad's race and watched him cross the finish line. 
• Volleyball is starting. This is a whole new sport for you. You have mostly done dance so it has been fun to see you try something new. You are on a 3/4 grade team with mostly Sublimity girls. Maddy our neighbor and Lizzie from church are on your team. It has been great. You got a great, consistent serve that helps get your team points. With each game, you are getting more aggressive with going after the ball. Our Saturdays have been full of sports with you and JoJo playing in the morning and then Sam playing two games in the afternoon. 
• Your school hosted their jog-a-thon. The weather was great this year. I dressed up as the Wildcat this year, but all the other PTC member were in inflatable costumes. When you were running, Maggie's grade got to go out and cheer your group on. I was impressed that you ran I think the whole time. 
• Lately, you have been turning into a porcupine. You have not wanted to snuggle or give hugs. I told you that you have to give me at least one hug each day. This has sparked me into thinking what is your love language. Part of me thinks that you might be a gift person, being a middle child who gets lots of hand-me-downs. So I want to try and find a test to give you and see what is your language. 
• So each week, you bring home a slip that tells how you did in school that week. For the first few weeks, you told me that you weren't doing them. Then, I found one in your backpack. It has a 2 out of 4 on listening to directions and participating in discussions. I guess you have been getting them, just didn't want to show me them. I read the note. It said that you weren't playing attention during direction, watch what your peers are doing, and then get the work finished. Honestly, you do go into your on lala land, but if you are getting the work finished, I am going to be okay with your day dreaming/thinking time. As far as discussions go, you told me that it was easy stuff they were talking about. I told you that you should speak up and add more depth. So, in conclusion, i don't care if you get 2s in those areas and you have been showing me them afterwards.










• you knew the 

Eight.Six Years Old

 8.6 Years Old

• We got to go backpacking as a family to Pamelia Lake. You tell us that you don't like backpacking, but you seemed to have a great time. We camped right next to the lake. There were logs all over the place so Maggie, you, and JoJo used them to build this big lean-to style fort. We slept in hammocks. Having the hammocks up during the day was a big hit. You loved swinging in them and read in yours. When we hiked back, you asked me to give you math fact questions and spelling words. We ended with getting milkshakes from the Gingerbread House place in Lyons. 
• We seem to not being able to slow down this summer. We were able to go camping at Crater Lake. We drove down and spent two nights in the park. The lake was beautiful. We hiked up to the look out and then hiked down to the lake. We brought our swim suits this time and swam in the very cold water. You jumped in for about 1 minute, then found a hot, big rock to lay on like a lizard. We played games, ate yummy foods, and even went back at night to watch the sunset. On the way back, we hiked Diamond Falls and Salt Creek falls. They were so beautiful. I am so happy we made the stop. For dinner that night, we ate pizza and drank root beer. 
• Summer is wrapping up and so I wanted to be able to have one more big day on using our Berry Pass. I called it, "Big Summer Blow Out!". We met the Prices and the Smiths and tried to cram in all the activities that we could in one day. We started with Get Air. You loved doing the obstacle course with Sonora. Next, we made our way to the driving range. We had to take turns using the driver and chipper. Your favorite was using the driver because you could smack it hard and far. Afterwards, we headed to mini golf. I was in your group with Sonora and the little girls. Counting the swings were very loosely done, but there was a lot of giggles. We broke for lunch at Chick Fil-A. The last event we got in was bowling. We ended the night with pizza at Annie's to celebrate her birthday. It was such a fun day.
• The last thing with our Berry Passes that we got to use them for was going to Enchanted Forrest. I have heard such mixed things about the place. People either love it or think it is creepy. We were excited to experience it ourselves. We met the Prices there but they were going to be late so we went early and waited in line for a few rides. The log flume was really fun and the other one was sort of like a mini Hatterhorn. Once the Prices showed up, we walked through storybook lane (even went down the slide in the house). We listened to an Irish band and water show. We walked a Jack in the Bean Stalk play. And at the end, you went on the log flume ride again with Uncle Dusty. 
• We had back to school night and first day of school. You really wanted Mr. King but you got Mrs. Schurter. It was also hard because most all the kids from your class last year got Mr. King. Luckily, Emery is with you, so you were happy about that. I have to say that going back to school shopping with you was hilarious. We stopped at Once Upon a child, where you found a lot of "gems". You kept picking out these black, leather mini skirts with really fluffy pink sweaters. Yes, hooker clothes! Maggie and I were laughing so hard and tried to gear you towards other items. I got you to pick mostly better choices. First day went well. You are a very adaptable person, so I am sure it is going to be a great year.
• We made it to the Sublimity Harvest Festival. We met up with the Scott's and Horner's there. We were so unprepared, but the friends helped us out with ear buds and cash. I asked Sam to take you and JoJo to walk around. Ian was with him so he was being a big brother. You were able to play on the jump house. The night was going so long though. At one point, you started crying because you were so tired. I took you and JoJo home early to sleep.