Four.Six Months

 4.6 Months

• This was another whirlwind of a month, but we can't complain when it is full of people and fun. We had our friends, the Wynn's, come and visit us. They use to live here, but moved to Utah over a year ago. We went to the river with them. It was a hot day, so it felt goo to get in the water. Then that night, we had a few friends from the ward come over for dinner. You loved running around with little Sam. We ended the night going to the drive in to watch the new Space Jam movie. I have to mention that we have had many big days and late nights this summer, and you have won the title of best sleeper. Many days, you will sleep in until 8-9am. You have been so flexible with everything. 
• After our friends left, we took off for CDA for our yearly Silverwood trip. We stayed in a hotel the night before so we could go swimming in the hot tub (you all time favorite). before Silverwood, we were able to do some back-to-school shopping. Silverwood was really fun. You loved all the rides. The highlight was that you went on the Thunder rollercoaster with me. I asked if you wanted to go (you had just barely reached the height requirement). After seeing Maggie freak out over the other ride, you were super chilled about going. Everyone on the ride was surprised to see this 4 year old just happily get on a scary rollercoaster. The ride took off and you were bounced all over the place. When we stopped, you weren't scared or sad, you simply looked at me and said, "I didn't like that." I couldn't believe it. You were a rock star. 
• Your best friends Lainey and Gus's mom was about to have a baby, so we decided to throw a baby shower/birthday party for the twins. It was a mermaid and shark theme. We set up an awesome slip-n-slide out in the pasture, and the Stones brought over kiddie pools to put at the bottom of the slide. It was a big hit. We played a few relay type games, ate cake, and ended with a piñata for all the kids your age. 
• We took off that weekend for Oregon. I was looking forward to this trip. We haven't made it out to Oregon in a year, so it felt good to be back at Grandma's house. That Saturday, you got some girl/grandma time while Grandpa took Sam, Dad, and I out yard sale-ing. After lunch, we picked up Lainey and Auntie Annie and Uncle Joe and headed out to the beach. It was cold there, so we definitely did not go in the water. But we had fun collecting shells, flying the kite, and playing in the sand. We finished the day eating calm chowder and bread sticks at Mo's. On Sunday, we went to church, where you saw Sonora for the first time. Oh boy, you girls were so talkative and excited all during sacrament. They cam over to grandma's house that afternoon, where we got to celebrate Annie's and Brooklyn's birthdays. Monday, we played around the house. In the afternoon, we went back to Lainey's house to go swimming in their pool. Grandma took you younger kids home for some quiet time before bed. Tuesday was our last day before going home. You really loved playing in the sand box with your cousins, going down the zip line, and eating blackberries. 
• When we got back, Grandma and Grandpa Matthews came for a visit. We stayed home for most of their visit because they really wanted to just be with you guys. Grandma played lots of board games with you guys. Us girls snuck out for a quick girls date to Creme. We even snuck down to the river for dinner and dad teaching you guys how to skip a rock. During their visit, we had friends, the Barbers, stop by for one night. They have a girl name Rose that you loved playing with so much. You girls would ran all over outside, play barbies and dress up. 
• We were sad for Grandma and Grandpa to leave, but we had only one more week before school started. The pool was closed so we had mostly a chill week. You kids played a lot of legos, listen to a lot of audio books (you favorite right now it Dragon Master). We made a trip to Lewiston where we got to go to Gynmastic 360. 
• This whole month, you have been asking how many more days until school starts. Well, school finally started for you. You are going to Noah's ark for PreK with Miss Stephanie. You are so excited. You already have four friends in there. This is going to be a great year for you.

Four.Five Years

4.5 Years

•  We made a goal at the beginning of the summer for you to learn to float on your back. You went through a few rough patches (a lot of tears about trying), but something clicked this month. I think you finally realized that you could stand in the shallow end so it wasn't as scary to try anymore. Well, you did it. You floated on your back for 30 seconds. We celebrated by getting you a double scoop ice cream cone. 
• We went camping at Winchester this month. We brought the bikes so you kids could ride around the loop. You did really well, but there was a slight down and up which was hard for you to peddle on your own so we helped you through those parts. The next morning we went fishing and kayaking around the lake. The best part was watching you guys jump off the dock. You were scared to goo off the main part of the lake but didn't mind jumping into the weeds. 
• We have had a few visitors this month. The first one was the Shippen family. You loved hanging out with the big girls. You got them to paint rocks with you and read books. We took them on a little tour around town and then made our way to Pine bar for cliff jumping. You jumped off a three foot cliff and loved it. Right after they left, Uncle Josh's family came to visit. The highlight with them was going rafting down the Salmon. You kids were get excited for all the little rapids, jumping off the side of the boat, and pulling over to play in the sand. 
• We had one whole weekend as just our family this month. We were suppose to go to Silverwood, but it had to get postponed due to fires up there. Instead, we spent Saturday going on a fun railroad hike. There was a long tunnel that we hiked  through. When we were in the middle, we could turn off our lights and be in total darkness. You fell pretty hard and your forehead hit right on the metal track. You had a goose head the rest of the weekend. We then headed to a lake past Winchester. It was fun, but we definitely like Winchester better. We ended the night at the pool for the ward Pioneer Day party. I don't think I saw you at all. You took off to the pool and played with Cecily the whole time. That Sunday, we went backpacking as a family for the first time. Dad got you your own pack this summer, and you were a rock star. You never complained about carrying it. Dad told a Mowgli the dog story while we hiked, and there were plenty of huckleberries to eat along the way. Jo and I did not make it the whole night, but you had a great time with dad and the big kids.
• We ended this month with a visit from Auntie Rachel, Caleb and Owen. Even though those boys are older than you, you liked playing with them. The favorite thing was the play structure. You loved having others that wanted to swing with you. We took them out on the raft also. We spent the whole day at Schocumchuck. You met a new friend there that loved playing in the sand. It was been a busy, but really fun month.

Four.Four Years

 4.4 Years

• Summer official kicked off this month with the big kids finishing up the school year. We celebrated by signing up for the summer reading program and getting drinks at creme cafe. This summer, you have made the switch to wanting me to read you your own chapter books. You really like Princess in Black and The Fairyland Series. 
• You have loved having the big kids home, especially during quiet time. You and Maggie will put on an audio book and play legos together. Legos has become so popular in our house that just today, we rearranged the whole playroom so you guys can have a lego area, along with a table to store all your creations that JoJo can't reach. I love seeing you start to build your own houses. 
• Usually, June is rainy and on the cooler side, but this year it has been hot and dry. We got a really bad heat wave come through and we had temps over 100 for five days in a row. We haven't dipped much below 90 this whole month. Because of this, we have been in our swim suits for one reason or another almost every day. We have been to the river a lot, our new favorite spot being Schookumchuck. We got a pool pass. We have done lots of sprinklers, even a water balloon fight. We are in the middle of setting up a slip in slide. We have used it twice now, but if you go without a tub, bruises will be left on your hips. I had you set the goal of floating on your back for 30 seconds this year. You were doing great at the beginning of the season, but something flipped in you one day, and you refused to go in the water, literally crying for over an hour one day. Then suddenly, it clicked in your head that you can stand in the shallow side and all of a sudden, you started trying again. You reached you goal and we were able to go out for ice cream as a family and you got the double scoop. 
• We were suppose to go Silverwood, but it was during the heat wave so we decided to re schedule and go camping up past Elk City on the Red River. We are getting this whole trailer camping thing down. We had the whole camp are to ourselves. As we were exploring, we found so many wild flowers. I had you kids go and make a "museum" of all the different types of flowers that you could find. We ended up with 19 different types of flowers. We did a lot of fishing in the river, but being so hot, you just jumped in the water and played (which made for not as successful in the fishing department, on well). We ended the night with burgers from Elk City. It was good to get away as a family and just play with each other. 
• Fourth of July is awesome here. Your matching outfits still fit from last year. We went to the parade twice. On Saturday, Dad joined us for a full day of fun. We got into town just as the foot races were starting. You partnered up with Laynee Strasser for the egg toss (lasted about two rows). We walked up to the park and visited all the booths. We had lunch at home and got a quick rest in before the parade started. It was so hot that we made a last minute trip to the pool. It is always fun when Dad gets to go with us. We ate Korean food for dinner from the food trucks. While we were eating, you keeping keep your head up. We planned on going to the rodeo, but we were all so tired from the dad that we bought a big bag of kettle corn, brought it home, and ended the night watching Sandlot. 
• Favorites! You are actually at a friend's birthday party right now so I can't ask you, but I will write down from what I have observed. Book-fairyland series, movie-Spirit, TV Show- Mira, food-berries, treat-everything, indoor activity-playing with your siblings, outdoor activity-jumping on the trampoline, friend-Laynee and Annie, song-Perfect by Ed Sheren.          

Four.Three Years

 4.3 Years

• We went camping for the first time this year this month. We spent the night at Hammer Creek. It was fun to play in the sand, fish a bit, ride bikes around the parking lot, throw rocks in the river, play in your secret "fort" (under a giant bush), roast s'mores, and sleep in the camper. It was our turn to stay home for church and the campsite has cell service, so we were able to stream church in the camper. 
• Lately, you and JoJo have been playing so well. I am so impressed with you are you as a big sister. You love to make her laugh. The other day, we were down stairs playing. You took the slide and set all the couch cushions at the bottom of the slide. Then you girls slid down and landed on the pillows. It was adorable to watch you set it up for JoJo. With your new friendship comes a bit more naughtiness. When I find all the toys scattered or water spilled on the floor, you try to blame it on JoJo, telling me it was her idea. 
• Your cousins came this month! It was so much fun having Auntie Janecce and the kids over for the weekend. We took them to the hotel pool, Lions Park, up the mountain for mushroom hunting and cooking hotdogs, down to the river to play in the water and sand, and stayed at home where I never saw you or Sonora because you were either running around outside or playing barbies. You loved sleeping with Sonora. Auntie Janecce was so sweet to read books to you girls each night and tuck you in. 
• With warmer weather and summer approaching, we have been staying up later. When Maggie and Sam was younger, I would stress out about them stay up late. With you, I don't worry so much because you sleep in. Yes, I said that right. You, Millie, are the best sleeper inner of our family. I love it. There has been a few days where you don't wake up until 9. Thanks babe.

Four.Two Years

 4.2 Years

• Grandma and Grandpa Matthews came for a few days. Dad had training in Boise so they watched all you kids while Dad and I had a night to ourselves. You had a good time crafting with Grandma and making a volcano. When we got back, we celebrated Dad's birthday with a big chocolate cake from Costco.
• With the weather warming up, you have been my work buddy. We wash the van, rototilled the garden (you loved sitting on the back of the four wheeler with me while belting out songs for me), and watering and planting new bushes. We usually sneak in the swings, a fun ride around the pasture, or cuddles on the hammock.
• We got new baby chicks. You wanted to name yours Owlette since we didn't get to keep your other Owlette chicken. You are so funny with them. Some days, we freak out when they sit on you, but then the next day I can't get you to stop dragging that thing all over the yard. I am surprised that you haven't squeezed one to death yet. 
• This picture makes me laugh. You came outside it a crazy combination of dress up clothes and insisted on taking Owlette onto the hammock with us. You crack me up.
• This month, we made it down to Utah. We went down for family photos with all the cousins. The weather was great that weekend and we spent so much time outside playing. The night that all the cousins were over, you guys were outside playing until 10 pm (well past dark). Jane came over for one of the days and she loved having you tag along. On the last day, we took Grandma and Grandpa to Dinosaur Park in Ogden. You were so young when we moved that you don't remember any of it. It was fun to watch you play there like it was the first time for you. 

Four.One Years

 4.1

• Your birthday was a lot of fun. We invited over 9 of your friends for a Mira Royal Detective party. It is one of your favorite shows on Disney Junior right now. I can not make a cake to save my life, so I had you decorate it to make it special. You swirl pink and blue icing all over the top and then dumped the whole bottle of gold sprinkles on top. We stuck a picture of Mira on top and called it a master piece. When your friends got here, we decorated mini detective journals with more stickers than you could ever use. We solved the case of the missing bowl fo chocolate (we got it eat it once we found it!). We played pin the badge on Mira, hit the balloon with a pool noodle into the basket, and this fun hop scotch Indian game. We finished with lunch of hot dogs, Mac-n-cheese, apples, and carrots-your favorite, though not very Indian. It was exactly what you wanted.
• For your birthday, Dad and I got you a new ice cream maker play dough set and a drawing LED tablet for the car and church. Maggie got you a Polly Pocket castle. Sam gave you Frozen art supplies. Grandma and Papa Price got you a cute purse and Grandma and Papa Matthews got you a camera. 
• You were spoiled in the fact that you got to be part of the other kids parties. Sam had a surf gun party. One of the games involved me shooting the gun at them. You wanted to be included, but after the first one shot you, you started to cry. At Maggie's party, you loved drinking the butter beer and watching with the big girls the experiments outside. 
• A highlight of this month was that Grandma and Papa Price got to come out for a weekend. You love them so much. Grandma played board games with you and did lots of crafts. You made sure that Grandma stuck you in each night. 
• Probably the best thing of the month was going to Florida!!! It was awesome. We stayed right on the beach. The first half of the week, we were in Pensacola Beach and the weather was great. We met up with our friends a lot, who have a boy your age. You guys hit it off right away. One day, we spent the whole day on the beach. It was fun to swim with you, bury you in the sand, and build sand castle. We also went to the zoo where we fed the birds, goats, and giraffe. I think we hung out at the hot tub at least once, if not twice a day. The second half of the week, we were in Destin. The favorite activity there for you kids were racing the go karts. After watching All Around Champion, you guys thought it was awesome to drive the cars. We also rented a boat and rode around the bay. It was a colder day, but we still managed to jump off the side and see jelly fishes. We also saw dolphins! We ate a ton of seafood- surprisingly, you really liked all of it, though the last day, you just wanted a hot dog. Even weeks later, you are still talking about the trip. 

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