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. 

Eight.Five Years Old

 8.5 Years Old

• We took off for our trip to Utah. We went a few days before the family reunion so we could see friends and family. We first stayed with the Barbers at their new house. The weather was so hot, so their pool was perfect. We then headed over to the Prices. You love seeing those two families. Although Molly is older than you, you really like hanging out with her and the older girls are great about including everyone. We had dinner at Joey's where we got to meet Fritz and even Ben's girl friend. Around lunch, we headed down south for the Matthews family reunion. We stayed at an old Dude Ranch. There were so many rooms. You slept with my room in bunk beds. You really wanted to sleep with cousins, but Bonnie was with her parents also and you played so hard during the day that I just wanted you to be able to get a lot of sleep. We had a day at the ranch swimming in the pond, doing the dunk tank, playing volleyball four squares. Another day, we visited Bryce Canyon. While I was at Kaylana's wedding, you all went boating. The last day, we rafted down the river. You were on the raft with Auntie Allison and Bonnie who fell off the raft on one of the drops. It was a lot of fun. We drove back and stayed with the Cowles. Dad flew home to make it back to work, but we stayed a few extra days. We went to the Provo Rec center with the Cowles, spend another night with Molly's family, and hit up a bunch of DI for back to school and church shopping. We brought Amelia back with us. It was a great, long, and tiring trip.
• When we got back, the cousin madness has began. We planned on watching Rita and Jessie for 10 days while Dusty and Janecce took Sonora to Mexico. Amelia came with us because her birthday was coming soon and she wanted to join the madness. I know you missed Sonora, but those older girls were so good at included you in games and movies that you all made. You had swam a lot on the pool, they joined us on our morning runs. One day, Grandma took us all (2 adults and 9  kids) to the Silverton Renaissance Fair. It was so cool. So many people were dressed up, the shops were awesome, and the food was yummy. Grandma gave each of you $5 to spend and you girls picked these fancy ear wraps. We watched jousting and sword fighting. By the end, we all wanted to come back again but definitely dressed up.
• Cousins all finally went home. Life has settled down just a big. Emily visited (to pick up Amelia) and brought Molly, Kaylana, and Fritz, so although you get your room back, you are still playing hard. We went to Salem for the afternoon with Kaylana, shopping at book stores, antiques, and getting cake. We hosted a big birthday dinner for Grandpa at our house where Dad made all you can eat ribs.
• You were able to go on your Great to be Eight Trip with Grandma and Papa Price with Sonora. You were so excited for this trip. I know you wanted to go on an airplane, but instead, you all got to stay two nights in Seaside. You played a lot at the beach, took the train ride, shop along main street, and ate a lot of ice cream. Grandma recorded a video of each of you telling how you are so mature. In your video, you said you were so mature because you packed bras! I am still laughing about it as I type it up.

Eight.Four Years Old

 8.4 Years Old

• You have been counting down for a while, but it is the end of the school year. I was able to help with the field day. I was in charge of the battleship game. They had water relay races and popsicles for the end because it was a hot day. Your teacher Ms. Weaver took a job at Stayton Elementary next year. You gave her a big hug at the end of the day and cried on the way home because you won't see her again. I don't often see you get emotional about things, so I knew you must really cared about her. 
• Since it has been so hot, we went and got us an above ground pool. The hot tub was leaking and even though we could have got it fix, it wasn't a fun hot tub. So we had someone could pick it up for us and put the pool there. It has been a huge hit! 
• We went rafting with Elaine and Brooklynn. Of course it was the only raining day of the whole month. We decided to take you on the upper stretch. Dad and I had done it the weekend before and it wasn't too bad. This weekend, the water was higher and those rapids were big! Brooklyn almost flew out of carnivore. We really enjoyed it though.
• We had a really scary moment. I was driving you and the two girls in Silverton to pick up Sam from Grandma's house. I got distracted for a half a second and crashed into the truck in front of us. Thankfully, we were going really slow so the airbags didn't go off. We are all safe, but we are without a van for a while.
• You finished up the dance year by preforming in Cinderella. You were one of the ballroom dancers. I guess you were suppose to be a mouse, but when the teacher had you all try on the costumes, the costumes were too small. so the class voted and were got these beautiful silver gowns with tiaras to wear. Next year, you are switching over to volleyball so this might be your last year with dance. 
• The Strassers were in town!! They came out for their cousin's wedding and got to stay a few extra days. We took them rafting. You loved spending the whole evening with Lainey. It was cute to see you two along with JoJo and Vella all playing together. The next day, they came over for a sleep over. It was so good to see your friend and spend that time with him. 
• We took off for our family vacation to Olympic National Park. We headed up after work on Wednesday and stayed at a hotel. I thought I was booking rooms next to each other, but they were down the hall from each other. It worked out fine, and you all thought you were cool to be on your own. Olympic National Park was so cool. The first day, we were in the Hoyt Rain Forrest. The Hall of Mosses was a favorite. You loved climbing along all the logs and jumping from one stump to another. We also hiked up to this waterfall, which ended up no being that cool of a waterfall, but we found a big fat banana slug. You kissed the top of its head with me. We camped on Mora Beach Campground, near Forks, WA. The next day, we got to the beach early to hike out to the hole in the wall and see all the tide pools. There were so many star fishes in all the tide pools. I loved seeing all the colors of the star fish. Walking back, we all made sand castles with a rock road connecting our village. We spent the afternoon exploring Forks and coming back to the camp ground for dinner, smores, and games. Dad took you, Sam, and JoJo back to the beach to watch the sunset. Our last day, we drove around to see Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge. The sky was clear and the views were gorgeous.  It was a lot of driving that day. We finished a whole book on just this trip alone-Faker by Gordon Khorman. 
• We came back to a few days of being at home. We have so many blueberries right now. The pool in the back yard has been a big hit. You have been able to hang out with Maddy but also have some chill days to recharge. And we were able to celebrate Fourth of July with the cousins. We took Grandma and Papa along with the Smiths rafting with us. Grandpa brought is catamaran. We didn't know that his oars weren't secure in. So just as Dad was saying that those rafts are so hard to flip, Grandpa flips into the water. Twice, he fell in. I drove in to save the catamaran and hat. Eventually, Grandpa got on the raft and I took his catamaran. We pulled over for lunch at the state park where you joined the big kids to jump off the rock. For going on the lower, calmer stretch, it was quite adventurous. We had dinner at the Prices were we lit our fireworks and then watched the fireworks in Woodburn.
• We are taking a break from Harry Potter this summer, mostly because the fourth book movie is rated PG 13, so I like you to be a bit older when you watch it. We have started reading 11 Birthdays together. I love our reading time together, though this summer we have been playing hard so it is challenging to find time at night to read. I have found it better to sneak reading in during the day. 

Eight.Three Years Old

 8.3 Years Old

• We got to go on your big field trip this month to the zoo. I remember going to the zoo for school when I was your age. Parker was in your group. You got to see the baby elephant!
• Mark and Kami came out to visit over Mother's Day weekend and they brought Max!!! You were so excited to have a baby in the house. It was a bit of a fight over who got to hold him. I love hearing you use your baby voice to get him to smile. You have such a sweet, nurturing heart. We took them to Silver Falls and had a relaxing Mother's Day at home, complete with a cake from Oven Lovin'.
• The school had crazy hair day (finally!!!) and we put your hair through a Ramen cup, curled the ends to look like noodles, and stuck a plastic fork in it. It was pretty funny. 
• We were able to sneak up to OMSI on a Saturday that Dad was working. They had a Lego Jurassic World Exhibit. It was incredible to so all the giant dinos made out of lego. Of course the glass elevator was a repeat and that back room with all the hands on activities is always a favorite. 
• This month was the Daddy/Daughter camping trip. This year, you all went car camping up the Mollala hills. Grandpa was able to join you and Joey fly in with Kaylana, Amelia, and Molly. You all were so excited to see Kaylana and hear all about Fritz. One day, you hiked to the top of table rock (which was 7 miles round trip). At the top of the mountain, you could get cell phone service, so Kaylana called Fritz and you each asked him a question. Your question was weird, you asked him if he liked strips or polka dots. You went mountain biking, shot guns, ate yummy foods, and made the traditional "village". 

Eight.TwoYears

 8.2 Years

Here is the list of favorites from Mother's Day 

My favorite food is: Mac-n-cheese
My favorite sport is: dance
The best show on TV is: Bluey
The coolest person in the world is: Grandma
My best subject in school is: art
I’m really awesome at: riding your bike
If I could change my name, it would be: Estenya
My favorite color is: aquamarine
When I grow up I want to be: a baker
My parents are too strict about: not reading harry Potter all day
My favorite song is: Fish Heads
My favorite book is: Harry Potter
When we stop for a treat, I get this: KitKats 
4 words that describe me are: Kind, funny, thoughtful, nice
When I was little, I used to: scream
My favorite scripture story is: Nephi
My favorite primary/church song is: Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam
My favorite game is: Disney Codenames
My favorite season is: Summer
The best snack ever is: Candy
My favorite superhero is: Princess in Black
The food that makes me want to barf is: mushrooms 
The car I would love to drive when I turn 16 is: a limousine 
My best friends are: Lynee, Maddy, Cecily, Piper, Ellie
The cutest girl/boy I know is: Brian Brown
The most memorable day this year was: Christmas
If I had one wish it would be: To have my own room
The best thing that has happened to me this year is: Being in Mrs. Weaver's Class
One thing I want to learn to do this year is: how to croquet
The thing that scares me the most is: sharp things
One thing I need to work on is: learning how to do hair
If I could go anywhere it would be: England
The most important lesson I’ve learned this year is: babies are super cute. If I could meet one person from history it would be: Jesus

Baptism

 

I normally don't do a separate post for baptism, but the month you got baptized was the same month I like to have you fill out the questionnaire. I didn't want to forget that special day for you. Grandma and Grandpa flew in for the occasion. We had some fun with them on Saturday. We dyed Easter eggs and watched Wild Robot with them. On Sunday, you wore new white dress. The baptism on later that afternoon. It was so sweet to have such support for you. All your Oregon cousins were there with both sets of Grandparents. There were many from the ward that came also. Maggie was baptized during COVID so she only had grandparents and siblings and then Sam was baptized over spring break so again it was just family. It was overwhelming (in a good way) to see so many friends care about you. You had your grandmas talk, Maggie and Sam were your witnesses, and Sonora and JoJo gave the prayers. We are so proud of your decision. We came back to our house for a ham dinner with the grandparents. We ate outside, but we had to light a fire to keep grandma warm. We love you so much.

Eight.One Years Old

 8.1 Years Old

• We got to celebrate your birthday with your friends. We invited a bunch of girls over after school for a fairy party. We bought little wooden houses from the dollar store and had all the girls paint and decorate the yard with cute landscaping (flowers, bushes, fences, mushrooms). The weather was perfect and you all played a ton outside, jumping on the trampoline and finding cute things to add to the house. 
• None, let me tell you the rest of the story of your birthday party. I get a phone call from the school earlier that day saying you and another girl were using the bathroom in the gym (which the middle school girls use) and got hold of the tampons and played with them all. You were putting them in the sink and watching them swell along with fighting with them like swords. A couple of other girls came in. Some stood and watch, but one girl went and told the teacher. When Ms. Weaver asked if you knew what these were, you confidently replied with tampons (because last month you and Piper found one on the ground at the middle school and played with it on the way home, so we have already have had one talk on these before). I didn't know what to do because your party was today. Maddy's mom called me and told me that she was grounded (she was the girl with you who started it). Honestly, I was laughing during all of this because it was just funny. We decided to keep your party, but that weekend, we made you earn $5, go to the store and buy a box of tampons, and give it to your teacher on Monday in a brown paper bag with the words "I'm sorry" on it. I later found out it was my friend that had to deliver them to the bathroom and was laughing at what the story behind that must have been. 
  
• With Spring coming so early, we are getting out to enjoy it. We drove down to McDowell Creek Falls. It had some great falls and one part there was this wooden path way that had you walking over the creek and up to the falls. Elaine came with us so that was fun you all.
• This month, the ward hosted a Pinewood Derby. We did not go for speed, but went for cute. We made a minon car. We eve got a giant googly eye to go on it.
• This is birthday season, we had your party, we celebrated Maggie's birthday and will soon celebrate Dad's birthday. Dad wanted to do a big date to celebrate so he bought tickets to the Blazer game. It was late and a school night, but we had fun. We got there early enough to get your face painted and pick up noise cancelling head phones. We got the biggest bag of popcorn t share and the dancers came up to our section and passed out those sticks that make crazy noise. It was a blast. 
• Spring break has been the perfect mix of relaxing and fun. Dad had to work the first part so we had a few days at home playing with friends and seeing cousins. The weather was amazing so we played outside as much as possible. The Prices gave you all four jell guns for your birthday so we have been having gun wars in the nice weather. The day the weather turned was the day we headed out to the coast for out trip. It was cloudy, chillier, and rainy at some times, but we still had a great time. Our first stop was Astoria. I made sure that each hotel had a pool. When we got there, they were apologetic because instead of having one big room for us, they gave us two rooms that connected. It was the best. You all loved the breakfast, and watching TV in bed. We spent the morning walking along the boardwalk and visiting the column. The airplanes were a huge hit. The sun came out a bit so we just hung out on the grassy hill, re-flying those planes. We made our way to Fort Stevens, which was still cool, but most of it was roped off, so not 90's cool. We made our way down to Seaside that afternoon. Our hotel was right on the main street. We walked to the different shops (book store, toys store, and of course the candy store, clothes store where you bought a hoodie). We ended at the arcade area. We ordered in clam chowder and fish and chips (though not that good). More pool, more TV, more relaxing. The next day was rainy. We went down to the beach part and was walking along when the rain dumped. We found out quickly that Dad and JoJo did not have good rain coats. We found a small aquamarine where we feed sea lions and did the touch and feel tide pools. We ate at Mo's, which we all loved their calm chowder. We didn't know what quite to do because it was raining and we couldn't check into our place for a bit more. By the time we made it to Ecola State park, the rain had stop, but the wind picked up. We found a rocky beach with a ton of sea foam and just hung out for a bit. I had all these beaches that I wanted to see and the weather worked out just enough for us to see them. We stopped at Cannon Beach, Hug Point (all of our favorite), and Arcadia (which I want to go back to). We ended at Rockaway for the night. The place had a pool and there were other kids your age there, so that was nice. We finished watching Hamilton . The next morning, Dad took you back to the pool while I walked the beach with Maggie. We ended with ice cream at Tillamook. It really was a great trip.

Eight Years Old

 8 Years Old

• You are 8 years old!!! This is a special year for you. You have chosen to get baptized. With the craziness of birthdays and spring break, we picked April 13 for the day. To celebrate your birthday, you were able to invite some friends from school and church to come over to decorate fairy houses. The weather was gorgeous so whenever you girls weren't painting or hot gluing items to the house, you were all running around outside and jumping on the trampoline. Maggie helped you decorate a cake the night before and you ended the day with opening presents. 
• The really funny story was what happened before your party. I get a call from the school that during PE, you and Maddy got into the tampons and played with them all. Two more girls came in, one joined you and another told the teacher. You all earned lunch detention on Monday. We talked about it the next day, and you were able to earn money through extra chores and buy tampons to give back to the school. I had you deliver them in a brown paper bag with you writing "I am so sorry" on the front. Later that week I was telling my friend who works at the school and she started laughing because she was the one that had to deliver them and was so confused on the back story of this bag of tampons.
• Also this week, Dad and I went to Costa Rica so Grandma and Papa was able to watch you all when we were gone. It was a mix of staying at their house and staying at our house. They were so sweet to take care of you all. 
• This month, you also preformed in the Little Mermaid. This is your first real theater experience. At the beginning of all the practices, you complained that they were boring and you didn't want to do this next year. But as the performances got closer and the more you were able to go on the stage and make friends, you really enjoyed your time there. You were Rochelle, a very sassy mermaid. You loved all the makeup you got to wear for each performance. Your line was, "She totally brings down the tone"

Seven.Eleven Years

 7.11 Years

Dear Millie,

Happy Valentine’s Day. I know it is different being home on a snow day, but I have enjoyed having you home to celebrate with. 

My favorite memory of you this year when you and Lainey got into the green food dye. I acted like I was really upset with you, but inside, I was laughing so hard. I will never forget that image in my mind.

I was so proud of you when we were skiing up at Hoodoo. Maggie picked the run and she picked a black. Sam was too scared to try. I wanted to try but deep down I was nervous. I hadn’t really done a black. I wanted to be brave in front of you kids. When I said that I was going to do it, you replied that you were going to do it too. Then you just flew down the steep hill. You were awesome. 

A favorite part of your personality is to take whoever is around you or wherever we are and turn it into a fun time. You have this ability to be friends with everyone. You bring whoever is near you into your amazing circle of fun. It doesn’t matter if they are a boy or girl, you see the best in everyone. You are also able to come up with the most imaginative games, whether you are stuck inside on a rainy day or exploring a new park. You can always come up with a fun new game.

Your greatest gift is your ability to stick with and work hard on your goals. You have focused on the piano this year and your improvement shows. When doing your chart, even after a tiring day at school, you can push through and get it all done without complaining. Your diligence will take you far in life.

If you could see yourself through my eyes, you would know you are always loved and wanted in our family. Being the middle child can be hard because you are stuck in the middle. But I promise you that we need you and love you so much.

Without you our family would bland. You spice us up with your exotic dancing and colorful projects. You keep us on our toes and have caused me and dad to laugh so much. I really do love it, even when it is extremely messy.

I like you because you are spunky and sassy and make life so much more fun.

I love you because you are my daughter. I thought we were finished having kids after Sam. But both Dad and God told me that we needed to have another one. And then you came along. You were the child who I didn’t know that I needed. When I held you, I just knew you were going to bring us so much joy into our lives. I am so grateful you chose our family. 

I will always love you, Mom

Seven.Ten Years

 7.10 Years

• Christmas festivities are under way. Dad and I were able to go to your Christmas concert. It was cute to hear you all sing. You kept telling us that there was a surprise for us. The last song, you all had snuck hand bells and sang a Christmas version of "We Will Rock You" with the bells. You loved how you wore a matching dress with your teacher. Other fun things that we did this month was visit the Keizer lights, decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa at the Ward Christmas brunch, and had Red Ribbon dinner where you got cute animal post it notes.
• You were able to preform in the Nutcracker for dance. This has been something that you have wanted to do for a while. Your class was assigned snowflakes. The costume was so beautiful. For your dance, they had your class come out with the older girls, so it was darling to see you all blend together. Grandma and Papa along with Auntie Annie, joe and Elaine came and watched you the first night. Lizzie Leder came the next day to watch you.
• This year was a bit different. We got to be in Utah for actual Christmas. We missed the last day of school before the break. I know you were bummed about missing the party, but your class has had fun all week so you were just missing the movie Polar Express. We made sure to watch it on the way to Utah. We stopped first in Brigham City and slept at Grandma's. It was nice to have a slow morning and breakfast with them. We then buzzed on south to visit our friends, the Barbers. We got to see the house they are building, eat yummy sandwiches at the gas station (where each of you were bold enough to ask for free popcorn), and end up at the trampoline park in Provo. They have a girl named Rose that you really liked playing with. Afterwards, we headed out to the Cowles. We introduced them to Happy Birthday Jesus and spent hours in their hot tub. You were all so excited to sleep in the same room together. The next day, we got ready for church and met up with Stinky Face's family for church. The weather was awesome in Springville. After church, we walked to a park and played fetch with Boba. McKay was home for the weekend, and all the older boys were so nice playing legos with you all. The next morning, Josh took our family skiing at Sun Dance. The snow was horrible, but that didn't stop us. He wears is bright BYU jacket, so it is easy for all of us to follow him. He is so good about making it fun for you kids. After skiing, we said goodbye to Utah County and headed back north to Grandma's house.
• Grandma was so excited to have you kids to be there on Christmas. She pulled out all her sugar cookies for you kids to decorate. You are a disturbing child and turned one of the gingerbread men into a red devil. I think you had more frosting on your face than on the cookies. Christmas Eve, we watched a movie, had steak and chocolate milk for dinner, and reenacted the Nativity (you were an angel). We hunted for the star, where you found donut pjs. It was hard to fall asleep, but you all slept in the same room together and eventually fell asleep. Sam was the first up in the morning. He turned on the TV and we watched a christmas movie downstairs while we waited for everyone to get up. You all ran upstairs to find your stockings. This year, Santa gave you a Harry Potter lego set. You screamed and jumped up and down. You opened it that day and got it all built. You and JoJo gave each other the ear muffs that you really wanted from Target. Mark and Kami were there and they loved seeing all your reactions. More cousins came over for dinner that night. It was a full house. We finished the week with a family party at the church and swapping gifts. 
• We made it home before New Years. We hosted a big Price Family New Years party with Hawaiian food, Just Dance on the Switch, and games. We popped out confetti at 9pm. 

Seven.Nine Years

 7.9 Years

• While Dad and Sam were in California, we had a great girls' weekend. We invited Elaine, Annie, and Grandma over for a crepe dinner. I was amazed at how many you all ate. Then, you and JoJo got to watch a younger girl movie upstairs. Lately, you love tying the fort making blanket to the bunk bed and then dragging it across to the chair so it makes almost like a lean-to fort. Then you pull out Maggie's mattress to lay on under the fort. It makes a great movie watching place. The next day, we drove with Maggie to Albany and watched BYU Folk Ensemble. Their folk dance team was amazing. You told me that you like the Philippine stacking dance and the Ukraine men's high kicking dance. There was a moment where you fell asleep. I guess we party too hard that night.
• You have been talking about a duck pond that you and Maddy went to. I have no idea what you were talking about. I hadn't seen any duck pond in Hasler Farms and I even went onto Google Earth to see if I could see it. Still nothing. Then one Sunday, I finally had you just walk me there. We had to go in this big circle because you only knew where to find it from the way Maddy showed you. There ended up being a very beautiful duck pond in Mari Ann Estates and yes, the let the public come and feed the ducks. There was one, big, scary goose. Mowgli hid behind us, so that was no help. We took the other kids the next week and you all discovered that the trees growing around the archways were kiwis. You all picked one and brought it home to ripen. They were small, but not too bad. 
• Even though it was sprinkling a bit, I wanted to get out to the mountains. I took you kids to Silver Falls and we tried a new hike. We saw four waterfalls and you all really like the middle falls. They were the kind that you could climb behind. 
• Piper has been such a good friend to you. She invited you to go to OMSI with her family and then go out for ice cream and sushi. You loved it!!
• Piano recital was early this year. You played Decked the Halls and Up on the House Top. This is your first year with a paid piano teacher and you have loved it. I love seeing you practice without asking. It has been awesome.
• Thanksgiving had a fun surprise. The Strasser came into town so you were able to see Laynee. They came to play dodgeball with us and then they invited you to go hiking at Silver Falls and then stop at our house afterwards for hot coco. It was great having Idaho friends see us. 
• We ended the Thanksgiving break with going out and getting a Christmas Tree. Before we left, I told you all to grab your jackets. Well, when we arrived, you were just in pants and a long sleeve jacket. I asked why you didn't grab your coat. You told me that you didn't think it was that cold. Well, it was 35-40 degrees outside. I lent you the gloves that I brought for myself and told you not to complain. The fireplace afterwards was well received by you.