Four Years Old

 4 Years Old!!!

Dear Millie,

        I wanted to take this time on birthday and tell you how much I love you. You are the sparkle and glitter in my life. I feel so blessed to have such a sweet and loving girl. I love this year that I get to spend more time with you. Millie, you are so good about thinking of others. Whenever you have a treat, you get so much joy with sharing with others. I think about JoJo and get her snacks to keep her happy. You are always thinking about me and daddy and giving us such sweet notes. I love you so much for it.
Millie, I love how much you love to cuddle and share physical love with me and others. It warms my heart so much to cuddle with you each morning after the big kids go to school. When you were hurting with your tonsils, it made me feel special that you wanted me right by you. You let everyone around you know that they are loved. 
Millie, you are an incredible girl with such a strong light among you. I love you more than chocolate.
Love, 
Mom

Three.Eleven Years

3.11 Years

• This has been a really fun month. We had some really good snow one Saturday, but not enough to open up Snow Haven, so we met the Strasser family up there to go tubing. The city had groomed the hill so it was perfect, just had to hike up to the top. The Strasser had one of those really big jet sleds that Dad took all of you younger ones down once. You liked it, but it was a bit fast for you. Instead, you, Lainey, Gus, and Annie found a tiny hill at the bottom that you would all go down together. We brought a stove to cook up some hot chocolate. It was a really fun day.
• Dad was on call over Martin Luther King weekend. The big kids had a four day weekend from school. I wanted to take you all to Oregon, but Sonora's family came down with round two of COVID so we stayed home instead. That Friday, we got up early and went to Lewiston to hit up Gymnastic 360. It was awesome. You were brave enough to jump into the foam pit (took you a bit though). Me and you loved running down the bouncy stripe. While is Lewiston, you spent your Christmas money and bought a Barbie Spa and a little stuffed dog. On Saturday, we had the Strasser come over for 4 hours, playing, eating dinner, and watching Upside Down Magic. Sunday was a calm day at home. Monday, we met up with friends at Jungle gyms while Dad slept. It wasn't the weekend we planed, but we had a lot of fun.
• JoJo is finally good enough with her walking that the three of us can go outside in the afternoons and play a bit. The snow hasn't hit us yet so we still have been going for walks, pulling out the trucks to play in the rocks, and pushing you girls on the swing. You love it when I push you down the street on your red trike.
• One of the MAs at dad's work gave you girls a color street nail kit. There was enough for all three of us girls to match. Your's lasted about 6 hours before you started picking at it. It was cute while it lasted.
• One Sunday, we were all at home listening to church, when I looked over to what you were drawing in the notebook. You were writing your name all by yourself. I had no idea that you could do that. We were all so excited for you. You were beaming with all of us praising you for your hard work.
• The big news this month was that you had your tonsils out. We left at 5am Monday morning to go up there (Colfax). I was nervous that you weren't going to fall back asleep once we were in the car, but it all worked out perfectly. You slept the whole way up there and I listened to my story the whole time. The hospital was nice that we went to. They had a TV in the day surgery room where you got to watch cartoons. You wanted me to cuddle in the bed with you. The actually surgery was super short. They had be go back to the recovery room for after you woke up, but after you "woke up", you fell asleep. You were so sweet and peaceful looking. You woke up really happy. We gave you lots of popsicles and apple juice. We left right before lunch. I didn't know how hungry you were going to be (when Sam came home from his, he ate 5 packets of oatmeal). We stopped by McDonalds and got you a chocolate milk and I had a yogurt and apple sauce for you. Right before Cottonwood, all that chocolate milk hit you wrong and you threw up everywhere. It was so gross and I felt awful for you. Dad was home with JoJo, so we were able to get you into the shower right away. You have been looking forward to having a whole week of watching movies and eating popsicles. The first day, you were great, but day three came around and you really started to hurt. It didn't help that you lost your appetite so overall you were weak from not eating. Around day 10, you hit a good day and it has been fine since then. 

 

Three.Ten Months

3.10 Years

• This was a magical month with you. I love this age during Christmas time. Santa is so real, the lights are breath taking, and every treat is the best in the world (that one is still true for me). We didn't end up writing letters to Santa this year, but focused more on serving others. We did the straw in the manger. Whoever you got, you always drew them a picture with lots of hearts on it. Another thing we did was go through our books and give some to the lending library. We went to the nursing home and decorated the windows (though it was cold for you so you stayed in the van after a while and listened to toddler music). 
• One of the best things we did was hunt down Santa on a first truck. Every night for the month of December, Santa drives through town on a lighted up fire truck playing Christmas music. Dad was on call, so we thought it would be a good night to drive around to see the lights and see Santa. We would drive a few blocks, stop, roll down the windows in the cold, and everyone had to be so silent to see if we could hear him. After about 15 minutes, you said you heard something. Sure enough, it was on the other side of town and we tracked him down. We pulled over and all ran out to the sidewalk. You were so excited to see the real Santa and that you were able to tell him "I hope you have a good night!"
• We hosted the preschool Christmas party where you dressed up and reenacted the nativity story. You played the shepherd and Gus was your sheep. It was funny watching you try to herd him around. We had a big lunch with all the moms which gave you kids lots of extra playing time. They left us a manger scene kit to make like a gingerbread house. 
• We tried to make Christmas Ever fancy and spiritual. We had calm chowder in bread bowls, We used the German candle spinner thing (which you loved) and busted out the nicer Christmas plates and cloth napkins. You love helping set the table all fancy with me. We read the scriptures, reenact the nativity with your siblings (you were the angel), and opened your pj pants. After you were in bed, we could hear Santa running across the backyard, so you girls quickly went to bed.
• Christmas morning was wonderful. Santa Brough you a doll. You named her Ally. She came with a bunch of accessories, which will last probably about two days before getting lost. You love her and have carried her around the whole house. It is special because Maggie has a doll so now it is something that you girls can share together. Dad and I gave you a new heart sweater and unicorn skirt, a few picture books, and a pick sleeping bag. Maggie gave you those bracelets that turn into a unicorn toy and Sam gave you. . .I can't remember. I will have to ask you. You ate so much candy in the morning. It was fun.
• We left right after lunch for a fast trip to Utah. We crammed a week worths of activities into four days. We stayed with Grandma and Papa Matthews. We were able to have special night with them while the big kids had a sleep over at cousins house. We visited Bonnie's house and went sledding with all your Matthews cousins. One of your favorite things was going down south to hang out with your Price cousin, where we went swimming. They had a fun splash area with slides. You weren't technically suppose to go in the hot tub, but we were able to soak our feet in it. 

Three.Nine Months

 3.9 Months

• This month has been full of dance, reading, and preschool. You absolutely love dance. It has been great girl time and something special for you, especially since you see your big siblings getting special activities. Your friend Cecily is in your class, so often, we swap houses afterwards to give you girls more time to play with each other afterwards. We couldn't hold the big performance on the school stage due to COVID, but you still were able to preform for all the parents in the studio. Oh my goodness, I think I died of cuteness overload. I put a bit of makeup on you. You were just beaming all day long. I loved it. 
• We had our Thanksgiving preschool lesson here. I had you kids help make corn bread and then eat it for the snack afterwards. It was a big hit. I love watching you with your friends. You truly are so kind, fun, and happy girl. I love how you include everyone. You eager to do all the activities. You are very obedient and a learn listener, but with the right amount of giggles. 
• One of your absolute family activity/game is playing family. I have to laugh because most of the time, you want me to be the mom. So how is this any different than real life? There is also I fine balance between adding my input to the game (can't do too much because you are the boss of the game), but I can't do nothing because then you complain that I am not playing. We usually end up cooking food with the play kitchen or doing a check up with the doctor kit. 
• Since we sometimes have Maggie be in charge while I run a quick errand, you have taken in upon yourself to "be the babysitter" to JoJo when I am in the shower. Most the time it is cute, like you getting her a cheese stick or reading her books. Other times, I think you are basking in the opportunity that you are actually older than someone and I hear a lot of "no JoJo"
• Reading is going. We have our good days and we can have some struggles. I chose to take the whole week of Thanksgiving off to give you a rest. You are having a hard time remembering the 'i' and 'n' sounds. You have a harder time grasping this than your siblings, but I remind myself that this is not a race and you are still way a head most kids here. 
• Thanks giving was fun. We went over the the Kohrmans for dinner. They have older children who were so awesome to play and color with you. Your favorite part of the dinner was the olives, pickles, and chocolate pie. 

Three. Eight Years

 3.8 Years

• Happy Halloween, my little unicorn. Our Price cousins were suppose to come into town but Karl got COVID and so their plans were canceled. I didn't plan a costume for you because you and Sonora were going to dress up like Anna and Elsa. Well good thing we just happen to stop by the thrift store earlier just to sneak at the costumes for dress up. We found this 2T unicorn outfit. I loved the hat piece (separate from the body), so we bought it. Well, Halloween day comes around and we still don't have a costume for you. For my defense, you would change your mind about every two hours-monkey, baby doctor again, ballerina, kitty cat. I convinced you to go unicorn. I cut the pant part of the costume (way too small) and made it into a shirt and added a tutu and leggings. You were so excited. Plus I let you wear makeup. We drove through the city trunk or treat, had a spooky dinner of brains and eyeballs (spaghetti and meatballs) with witch's brew in the middle (root beer over dry ice). We ended the night with trick or treating in town. 
• We finished up soccer season. You didn't get to play this year, but had just as much fun running around with all your friends. We lucked out with good weather every time! 
• We had preschool at our house for the first time. You have loved doing preschool and the kids in the group are awesome. We talked about animals, made bird feeders, and learned a song about how animals help us. We were able to do outside recess with the nice weather. I love seeing you light up around your friends. You are really good about including everyone and just being the life and light to the group.
• One Sunday, the three of you discovered some old amazon boxes on the back porch and turned them into rocket ships. I loved watching you cut, color and design everything. The best part was seeing you guys go even further and dress up as astronauts. You put on your snow pants and boots, your life jackets, and bike helmets. It was so funny. You guys played this game for about four hours. 
• Grandma and Papa Price came out for a quick weekend trip. You loved having Grandma here to do crafts, read books, and even go sledding. It was a cold weekend, so we built a lot of fires and drinks loads of hot coco. 

Three.Seven Years

 3.7 Years

• This picture was taken at the Reptile Garden In South Dakota. We had a great vacation visiting Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. There was a lot of driving time, which you handled really well, especially with candy. We hiked around some lakes and climbed lots of rocks. You are an amazing hiker. There were some really hard parts, having to climb over big rocks with your tiny legs. The whole time, you kept saying that you were a rockstar hiker. It made you feel like a big kid doing some of those climbs. We watched a Lakota dancer and see a hard of buffalo. On one of the drives, some donkeys came up to the window and you kids were able to pet them. We headed over to Mount Rushmore, which went right over your head but thought it was really cool to see the faces on the mountain. We stayed in the Roosevelt Inn, which had a swimming pool and a game room. The actually room had a loft with two twin beds. We put all three of you girls up there and you that it was awesome to have your own girl room. The next day, we walked around the cute western town and ate ice cream. We spent the afternoon at Reptile Garden. You love seeing the snakes, though you also like to pretend to be scared of them. 
• Preschool has been so much fun for you. You don't tell me much of what happens during it. But you love the friends in the group. This last week, you went out to one of the girl's house in Harpster and had a whole nature day outside. You came home with a plate of play dough with all these nature stuff stuck in it. 
• Dance has been really good for you. Again, you don't tell me what you are learning, but Cecily is in the class and you two have become good friends because of this. She is in your preschool group along with playing with her during soccer. 
• Soccer for the big kids is twice a week and is your favorite time of the week. You see all your friends there and you get to roam free throughout the whole park for the two hours. It would a helicopter mom's worst nightmare. I never know where exactly you are, but you turn up at the end every time so it all works out.

Three.Six Years

 3.6 Years

• You got to start Preschool this year! You have been eating for this for a long time. I have to down play it all summer, not knowing if it was going to happen or not. But we are on! There are eight kids in your group. You don't tell me much of what you do, but will go into details on snack time. When I ask who you play with during recess, you tell me that you guys all play together. You are so kind, accepting, and eager to learn. This is going to be a great year.
• This month, we had both set of grandparents come visit for Maggie's baptism. First, the Matthews came. They took you three big kids up camping in their pop up trailer to Fish Creek. Grandma made a savager hunt around the camp site where there was a big bag of candy was the prize. The next morning, Dad and I joined you guys for the one mile hike. The night, Grandma and Papa Price joined us. Maggie was baptized on Saturday. That after noon, we went swimming with the grandmas. You loved showing off how you can go on the diving board all by yourself. We ended the night at the drive in watching Kung Fu Panda (which now you like to practice your kung fu moves by running up and jumping on the couch). Sunday we had an at home church. We went out and picked a gallon of huckleberries and ended the night with huckleberry milkshakes. Monday was so fun. We borrowed a raft and we all went down the Salmon. You loved when we got to a calm spot so you could jump off the side. When we got to a rapid part, you would yell "wohoo!" and ask for more. Tuesday, we had just Grandma and Papa Price. We went to Winchester to go fishing. We caught enough for dinner that night. 
• Maggie left with Grandma and Papa Price for her great to be eight trip. You love being with Sam, but Sam can still be a punk sometimes. I wanted this time to be a good bonding time with you. I told you guys that if I see Sam do five nice things for you, you guys got to watch an extra show during quiet time. It worked like a charm. You loved having Sam play with you and there wasn't much fighting for that week and a half. 
• We had to go pick up Maggie from the Spokane airport, so we made an overnight trip to the Potters. We got all our back to school shopping done. You were so excited because I found two swim suits on clearance for you. 
• We had to kill your chicken Owlette this month. We had a hunch that she was actually a rooster. Whenever Sam teased you about it, you would start crying. However, we didn't want to do anything unless we saw with our own eyes that she was crowing. we had just killed Henrietta when three minutes later, we heard more crowing. Owlette had rounded up all the ladies into the coop to protect them and was calling out that she (though now a he) was the new leader in the coop. We decided to do it then to just be done with the whole ordeal. I asked Sam to take you to the side to distract you but you insisted on wanting to watch. I didn't think it would be a good idea, but Dad was fine with it as long as you wanted to. We talked through what was going to happen. I didn't want you to think that the chicken was hurting. We did the deed. The chicken was flapping all over the place and blood was all over. I then hear this tiny giggle. You thought it was funny watching the chicken flap all over. Thenwhen it was all finished, you told me with a smile on your face, "mom, there is blood everywhere".  We went up to skin and gut him. It hadn't even been an hour before you were asking if we could eat owlette for dinner. 
• Things you love-me posing you on the swings, playing barbies and polly pockets, reading books, dancing to music, watching TV, playing friends at the park, picking strawberries in the garden, chasing the chickens, and checking the mail by yourself. 
• Things you don't like- not being able to get a bandaid for every little bump you get, riding your bike down the steep driveway, taking showers by yourself, cleaning up your room, and having to see the big kids go on the school bus without you.