Four.Nine Years

 4.9 Years

• 
  It was parent watch week at ballet and JoJo and I were able to watch you do your dance. Well, I watched you and JoJo wanted to join you (she wants to do anything that you are doing). I love seeing you so happy. You are more attentive this year so you are doing your dance better. 
• Each week after dance, we swap playdates with Cecily. One week she will come here for two hours and then the next week you go over there. You two will rush down stairs and I often don't see you until lunch. I went down to check in and you both had dressed up (you in your old costume and Cecily in your church dress). You had the song Classic by Mkto blasting while jumping up and down the bed. I was laughing so hard because it just reminds me of early teenage years. 
• Preschool with Miss Stephanie is going really well. You had another leader day, where me and JoJo got to go and hang out with you for the morning. I love seeing you with your new friends, eager to learn, following the rules so well, but at the same time, with sneak a bit of trouble with the twins (Lane and Lucas). 
• We went to Oregon for 8 days over Thanksgiving. We were suppose to stay with Grandma for the first half, but they ended up with COVID, so we stayed with Aunt Janecce and Uncle Dusty for the whole time. You loved all the Sonora time. We got there Saturday night, just in time for dinner and the BYU game. Sunday, we went to church with them and watch the kids in their primary program. We went to Champoeg State park for a nice nature walk that ended up being five miles. Annie and Joe's family came over for a birthday celebration that night. On Monday, we left you with Sonora so you could do her preschool Thanksgiving celebration. We took you to Annie's that night with you got to play video games and watch a movie while we went out to eat as adults. Tuesday, Hailey came over to Janecce's and babysat you while Dad and I went to the temple and Janecce had her workout session. Tuesday night, Josh's family joined the group and the party began. Wednesday, we went to the high school and played dodgeball and soccer. You cousins had a movie night. Thursday, we went to the park and played while the boys played football. We went to the movies that afternoon and saw Encanto (which you liked!). We pushed Thanksgiving dinner back to Friday so Grandma and Papa could join us (just finished their 10 days). Beforehand, we went to the church and played floor hockey and chair soccer. You, Sonora, and the little girls tried playing at the beginning, but ended up playing family in the nursery room. Dinner was great and it was so good to have everyone. Saturday, we met Grandma, Papa, Josh's, and Annie's family to go to a Christmas tree farm and get a tree. It was fun to have Papa's old truck for you all to ride in the back of. Uncle Joe brought donuts and we were finished before the rain started. We did get to spend that night at Grandma's, which was good because you girls got to do crafts and help decorate her tree. We left the next morning. It was a great vacation.
• Funny story: we had you fall asleep on my bed at Janecce's and then carry you over to the other room because you had too hard of a time falling asleep with JoJo-you two would just play. Well, when dad and I went in to carry you over. I pulled down the blanket and you were butt naked. You had taken off your night gown and underwear before falling asleep. When I asked you about it the next morning, you smiled and told me you got hot. Silly Millie. 
  

Four.Eight Years

 4.8 Years

• We were able to make it to Utah for a week. It was a good mix of Grandma time and cousin time. We went hiking in the mountains to see the pretty colors, raked leaves and painted pumpkins, visited cousins, shopped, went through a haunted maze, go to the Tree House Museum, and tailed gate the BYU game (you got to go back with Grandma while Dad and I stayed). 
• We celebrated JoJo's birthday by taking little Sam and Nora to Creme Cafe and playing in their leaves, we made her a fish cake, and you game her a wooden puzzle, which she really likes.
• I wanted to make Halloween special this year, since we wouldn't be going trick-o-treating being on a Sunday. We hosted a party for all your friends. I counted 18 kids over at our house. Every came dressed up. We had chili and root beer. The house was all decorated for it. We played three games, the candy dice game, rally race with finding stuff in the "guts" bucket, and eating donut off the string. We ended the night by watching Addams family.
• Wrestling season is happening, which is taking up every Saturday for the month. Since other friends usually come, it hasn't been too bad for you. You hang out in the bleachers, eat lots of snacks, and you are great at going down and cheering on Sam when it is his turn. 
• Halloween Eve (the day we choose to celebrate it) was spent at the Grangeville Wrestling Tournament. We zipped you over to Terri's house afterwards because she had her grandkids over decorating cookies. We quickly got into our costumes (you were happy, cute ghost) and went over to the church for Trunk-o-treating. We ended the night with friends over for dinner and watching the BYU game. We let you stay up with everyone until 11pm to finish the game. I was so glad to not go out the next day and just rest at home.
• Grandma and Papa Price came for a long weekend. We went to the pool, walked around town for the story walk, had a movie night with popcorn, watch Sam wrestle, ate at the Mexican Restaurant, and did lots of crafts, games, and books. 

Four.Seven Years

 4.7 Years

• Soccer season is in full swing. Although you were still too young to play this year you love having four days a week where you can go run around with friends. I really have no idea where you go, but you love it. Mabel Schwartz seem to be a favorite friend right now, though I still find you with Lainey and Annie. 
• Sister Lutz from the ward invited us to come by her house to jump on her carnival jumping ride before packing it up for the season. It has a trampoline and the bungee straps that make you fly into the air. You got to go on it twice. You loved it. She even made ice cream sandwiches beforehand to share with you kids.
• You have been begging for a late night with your friends for a long time. We finally found a night where we could do it. We had the Lainey, Gus, Annie, and Cecily over. You kids played outside for a long time. We then had an ice cream bar for you to chose which toppings you want (all of the toppings of course!). We finished with watching the movie Peter Pan since you had never watched it before. You loved having your moment.
• Dance has started. We put you into beginners ballet again with your friend Cecily. I love how we swap playing at each other's house afterwards. Even though you are doing preschool three days a week, you are constantly asking for friends to come over. This helps give you unstructured friend time each week. 
• While Maggie and I got to go to California for the weekend, Dad got to spend the weekend with you guys. He had all these fun plans for you guys, but then one of his patients went into labor. There was a lot of back and forth to the hospital He took you guys out for breakfast to try to still make it special. For the actually delivery, you got to go back to the Stones. On Sunday, he was able to sneak you guys off to Winchester for a fishing trip since the weather was really nice. I love hearing all the funny names that you give the fish that you catch and eat. 
• Once a month, I get to go help out in your preschool class. It was your turn to be leader for the day. You loved showing me all the fun things you play, walking to the playground for a recess, and bringing in energy balls and bananas for snacks. JoJo even got to go and play with you.
• We were able to make it to Utah for a week. It was a good mix of Grandma time and cousin time. We went hiking in the mountains to see the pretty colors, raked leaves and painted pumpkins, visited cousins, shopped, went through a haunted maze, and tailed gate the BYU game (your to to g back with Grandma while Dad and I stayed). It was a great trip. 

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.