Six.Four Years

 6.4 Years

• School ended. I am so excited to have you back at home with me. I was able to go to your end of the school year celebration. On the chart board was written what everyone was excited for about summer. You told your class that you were excited for our pond with leeches. Hahaha! You did get the bookworm award, which I think is fitting. That first weekend school got out, your kindle got so much use. You love being able to listen to your stories on there. 
• We finally got a shower enclosure put in your shower. It is nice now that you can take your own showers downstairs. 
• We got to go on our family vacation to Northern Idaho. We took the pop up trailer with us, loaded it up with all our bikes, and headed out the Hiwatha Trail first. It is a 15 mile bike ride along the old railroad tracks up in the mountains. You get to go through the old tunnels and over the trusses. We were able to borrow a tag-along bike for you to go on with dad's bike. You thought you were so cool to be able to ride along.  Afterwards, we picked up Panda Express for dinner and set up camp at Round Lake State Park. Dad went on a family vacation to Round Lake when he was a kid, so it was fun to do the same thing with you guys. The next day, we went to Tree to Tree Adventures and played at the beach at Farragut State Park. You were a bit nervous to the rope course, but I was so proud of you that you did the whole thing. Sunday was a camp day. We also celebrated Father's Day. We hiked around the lake, kayaked, fish, and rode bikes around the camp ground. The weather wasn't amazing, but we made the best of it. On Monday, it was Silverwood day. This was probably our best experience there. The weather was cooler so there weren't that many crowds. We hit up all the roller coasters first. You choose to go on the Timber Terror again which you didn't love, but you didn't hate this time. The raft ride got all our clothes soaked, so when we were at the water park, we landed out all our clothes to dry in the sun. No one was at the water park because it was colder so we didn't have to wait for any lines. When we got out, we hit up the train and Magic show. It started to pour during the magic show, so when we got out, most everyone had left the park. We ended the night just walking onto whatever ride we wanted. It was awesome, though the heater and hot chocolate felt really good when we got back. We spent out last day at Round Lake, playing until the last minute of check out. Then we headed down to CDA Resort for our beloved gooeys. It was such a fun trip. 
• We made a fast weekend trip to McCall with the Cowles.  We rented a lake house with its own dock, sandy beach, and hot tub. It was a blast with their kids. You played really well with Macie. We brought the little kayaks so you guys were all over on them. We rented a boat for a day. The water was freezing, but it was still fun, as long as we didn't fall off the tub. You got on the tube with me and were giggling the whole time. I love seeing you have fun. The real hit was the hot tub. That thing was covered in an inch of sand by the time we left. 
• Fourth of July!!! Seriously the best holiday in Grangeville. This year, we got to have Grandma and Papa Matthews and the Pavia family come join us. Grandma and Papa got their early, so we were able to do some fun activities with them before hand like getting ice cream from the stand and making tied dye shirts. Berries have been on sale, so we had fun making red, white, and blue breakfasts. When cousins arrived, the four wheeler was a big hit. The bigger kids just sandwiched you in between them and was riding all up and down the hill. We took a short hike up at fish creek. On Monday, we got to go jet boating up to the dam. You held on tight when we crashed into the big rapids on the way back. We lit off fireworks in the driveway, which the Pavis hardly ever get to do. On the actually fourth, we did the whole thing. Egg toss and foot races in the morning. We decorated bikes for the bike parade. We ate lunch at the stands. This year, you got to be in the parade with Dad on the Syringa float. I didn't think you would get a lot of candy because of it, but you made out like a bandit when walking back to where were sitting. I laugh because we turn around and both Grandma and Papa had fallen asleep during the parade. We ended the night with fireworks at the high school. It was a very full day. 

Six.Three

 6.3 Years

• End of the year is always full of fun activities: dance recitals, rocking through the decades music concert dressed up like 80's, field trip to the farm, movie days, and field day.
• For Mother's day, we got to go on our first hike of the season. The weather was great for Red River Rapid Canyon. Lots of hiking sticks were found, some moss might have been used as a wig, and a head dunk in the river was needed at the end. 
• So we have to share about the time that Maggie pranked you with Ghost. We had just watched the Ivy and Bean movie about the Ghost that had to Go. You were down stairs playing with JoJ oand your friend. Suddenly, there was a ghost sound coming through the Alexa. Then a note got delivered under your door saying Maggie was gone. You girls ran upstairs to try to find her, but she was nowhere. JoJo got so scared. The drawers in her bathroom started to shake. That is when you all ran to me and JoJo started crying that a ghost took your sister. Dang Maggie was pranking you girls but JoJo really thought it was a ghost. You had to put a ghost-be-gone potion on your Alexa, but it didn't work because a few weeks later, that same dang ghost came back to haunt you. 
• You have really enjoyed reading Ivy and Bean together. Netflix had the first three books into movies. You will read one book in a week or two, then watch the movie all together. I love hearing you laugh while we read.
• We made a fast rip to Utah for Dad's medical conference. We got to go to the Tree House Museum, visit DI, eat McDonalds at the park with Grandma, and celebrate Grandma and Papa's 50th anniversary with a big party with all the family. You kids stayed up way past dark playing night games. It was a great time
• Quick trip to Oregon for the Daddy Daughter camping trip. This year you guys went to Florence and camped at a State Park. The weather was cooler, but you Idaho girls didn't let that stop you from jumping in the lake. One of the highlights was riding in the school bus size dune buggy on the sand dunes. This was the last year that all the girl cousins were together because Kaylana was leaving from her mission the day she got back from the trip.

Here is the list of favorites from Mother's Day 

My favorite food is: mac-n-cheese
My favorite sport is: ballet
The best show on TV is: Bazarvark
The coolest person in the world is: My mom
My best subject in school is: snack time
I’m really awesome at: sports
If I could change my name, it would be: Eleanor 
My favorite color is: dark pink 
When I grow up I want to be: a kindergarten teacher
My parents are too strict about: lying
My favorite song is: Senorita and Cheap Thrills
My favorite book is: Noise
When we stop for a treat, I get this: Butterfingers 
4 words that describe me are: Courage, happy, fun, sharing
When I was little, I used to: take other people's candy
My favorite scripture story is: Noah's Ark
My favorite primary/church song is: I Am trying to be Like Jesus
My favorite game is: Guess Who
My favorite season is: Winter
The best snack ever is: Fairy Bread
My favorite superhero is: Super Kitties
The food that makes me want to barf is: Squash 
The car I would love to drive when I turn 16 is: a pink Barbie car 
My best friends are: Laynee, Paige, Annabelle, Oakley, Rowen
The cutest girl/boy I know is: Sam Stone
The most memorable day this year was: Mark and Kami's Wedding
If I had one wish it would be: To be a queen
The best thing that has happened to me this year is: going bowling
One thing I want to learn to do this year is: how to go uphill on my bike
The thing that scares me the most is: falling off a cliff
One thing I need to work on is: Going to swim team next year
If I could go anywhere it would be: Candyland
The most important lesson I’ve learned this year is: to balance on my bike
If I could meet one person from history it would be: Grandma Peggy

Six. Two Months

 6.2 Months

• We celebrated Easter this month. You were given the book, Purrmaids. You mentioned it a couple weeks ago, so you were really excited to get the next one in the series. The weather was really nice so we were able to have our egg hunt outside. We invited the McKnights over for dinner and it was fun for you to play with both Megan and Ezra. 
• Dad had been in charge a lot this month while I was gone for Grandma Peggy's funeral and for my Florida trips. While I was in CA, you got to go to Mable's house after school. You thought it was so cool to walk home to their house, feeling pretty old. On Friday, Dad helped you guys with your chores, but after Sam's soccer practice he took you guys go to the Pizza Factory for dinner. On Saturday, you guys ran out to Lewiston for Sam's soccer game. I know you missed me, but you loved how dad spoiled you with more treats and screen time than I give you guys. 
• We had a windy day and the snow has finally melted, so we snuck outside to fly the kite. It was fun to see you guys get all excited about it. Plus, we played soccer and jumped on the trampoline. It has been so good to see the ground again.
• Just kidding, it snowed again. I had taken the snow tires off the van and the city couldn't plow the road before school. I couldn't get the van out of the driveway.We had to hand shovel it and go back and forth about 100 times. I finally got out and got you kids to school 30 minutes late. 
• I headed out to FL and you had another week with Dad. This was a hit more juggling. A few days, Maggie and you were home by yourselves after school making dinner. You were able to go to friends houses and ate more pizza at Lewiston for soccer games. You weren't sad, but you were so excited when I came home and mentioned how that felt really long for you. You are blessed to have such a great dad to do it all for you guys. 
• The weather is finally feeling like spring, I think for reals this time. We had a s'mores night where we tried Oreo s'mores and cookie butter s'mores. The winner was Oreos. We are hoping to try the different flavors throughout the summer and have a championship round with friends. 
• You needed new running shoes but when the ones that I ordered arrived with laces (didn't realize that), I guess it was time to teach you how to tie your shoes. Maggie sat down with you and I nailed it after a few tries. Way to go. 

Six.One Years

 6.1 Years

• When we git back from California, it was party time for you. We had about ten of you girls over here for a mermaid party. We started by having an after school snack. We then played a few games like pin the shell on the mermaid, hot potato with a shell, and bingo. We then had everyone get in the hot tub. It was pretty crazy, but you girls were giggling the whole time. We came out to eat cupcakes, open presents, and then end with a painting craft. You loved having your school friends and your church friends both there.
• March has been the new February this year with lots of snow. It has not let up. You love bringing your snow gear to school so you can play in the field with your friends. I laugh because when we got your class photo back, you were wearing your snow pants on the bottom and your cute floral shirt on top.
• The two big kids have started spring soccer. Because of that, we have been going to Lewiston each Saturday. It feel crazy at times with the long days there, but the weather has been better there (though still cold) so it has been nice to be able to get out and not have snow all over the place. 
• The big news is that during spring break, there were a few dry days, so I would bring your bike to  the school when the big kids were practicing. You learned how to ride a two wheel bike!!!! I am so proud of all your hard work. You still have a bit more to go, learning how to start the bike by yourself and just get in more in control, but you were riding it for over a minute before having to stop. I love seeing you so proud of yourself and wanting to go to the park to show off to your friends. 
• I have been reading the Ivy and Bean books to you and you have loved it. It started out with seeing that Netflix made a movie out of three of them. I have read a few of them before to Maggie, but we are all laughing out loud during them. The movies were just as good. This is the first chapter book that you have really gotten into. We are in the middle of the fifth book.
• Your favorite song right now is Red Balloon. You love making up "hip hop" dances in your room to this song, along with a few others. You love your kindle. You have been listening to Trap in a Video Game using your headphones and then reading all the Press Start books. Your reading has soared so much this year, really opening up a whole new world for you. Favorite shows are Super Kitties and Phinneas and Ferb. You have enjoyed the switch just as much as the other kids. I think your best friend at school right now is Paige, though you are a kid that everyone likes. I hear so many parents tell me that their child comes home telling great things about you (though you hardly share much about your day). 
  

6 Years Old

 6 Years Old

Dear Millie,

Millie, you are such  an amazing person. Dad and I are so pleased with how you are growing up. One thing that I really love about you is how you have the ability to make the people around you feel like the most important person. You are so good about treated people with kindness, including them in your play and activities, and just being plain fun with them. I have heard from so many other moms how their kid loves playing with you. You are such a good friend.

I love how nurturing you are. You are always looking ways to help JoJo. You are excited to babysit her and read her books. When Vella was here the other day, I admire how well you helped me take care of her. You are going to be an amazing mom one day.

Another thing that I love about you is how you love to have fun! You make life enjoyable by blasting music and having a dance party. I still laugh when I walked in your room one day and you and Cecily were dressed up in Maggie’s fancy dresses, jumping up and down to some catchy teenager song. Yo love life and are good about bringing joy to the people around you.

Dad and I are so proud of you are Millie. We love you so much.
Love, Mom

We celebrated your birthday while we were in California. You were given a badge saying it was your birthday. Because of that, all the cast members wished you happy birthday whenever you walked by. The best part was the parade. We were on this bend that didn't have many people. There were so many people that came out of the parade to wish you a happy birthday. Christoff stopped by and gave you a hug, Aladdin let you rub his lamb for a wish, Tinkerbell sprinkled fairy dust on you. The badge said your name on it, so they all wished you a happy birthday by name. You definitely felt like the VIP of the night. On your actually birthday, we went to Goofy's kitchen for character dinning. You loved the buffet. Minnie made you a special cupcake and the characters sang to you. You told you it was extra special  because it was your golden birthday. When we got back, you celebrated your birthday with your friends with a Mermaid party where all nine of you girls crammed into the hot tub. You loved it all. 

Five.Eleven Years

 5.11 Years

• We started this month by setting goals as a family to go along with the primary program. Your goals this year (with some guidance from me and dad) is physical: to learn how to ride a two wheeler and run to the stop sign and back; spiritual: read the comic scriptures of the New Testament; intellectual: read a chapter book by yourself; social: play with a new friend at recess each week.
• It's been a pretty regular month around here with school. Your teach put you in your own reading group with a separate teacher that comes in and just reads to you. I received an email from your reading teacher that they wanted to start reading Magic Treehouse. I was so excited because you were nervous about setting the goal to read a chapter book and I thought when we were setting goals, that Magic Treehouse is a great first chapter book. This email came the day after you agreed to make that your goal. It was nice to see that God will help you and care about you.
• Grandma and Papa Price came and stayed with you kiddos for 9 days while Dad and I were on a trip. You guys had a blast without us. For Christmas, you each made a coupon of a date that you wanted to do with them. You got to take Papa out for a brownie sundae at The Trails. At night, instead of reading books, Grandma would share stories of her life. There was hot tubbing, movie watching, dollar store craft buying, thrift store shopping, board gaming, and partying. You guys were so good to them and I know they really enjoyed their time here. 
• We have been skiing twice now as a family. I was going up the lift with you. I asked you, "Millie, I am scared of going down fast the hill. How do you go so fast?" I loved your reply. You told me, "I just tell myself that I am Millie and I can do anything." I was so proud of you and your bravery. But in all reality, you smoke me down that mountain. Especially jump hill. Dad loves taking you up the lift because you guys will play 20 questions and I Spy. 
• You started dance this month. The ballet class was full and later in the evening, so you switched to Jazz this year. The class only had three girls in the fall, but now there are 12 of you. You have really enjoyed it.
• We had the worst playdate with your friend Paige. First, you girls wanted to do science stuff. So you got out your science kit and made your own volcano. I told you girls that if you were going to make a mess, you were in charge of cleaning it up. Well, your definition of clean is a lot looser than mine. I had to reclean the kitchen. While I was doing that, you girls got into the hot tube Good, you can't really make a mess there. Well, Paige thought it would be fun to rip the muddy grass out of the ground and make mud pies in the hot tub. I walked down there to check on you and the water was dark brown with clumps of dirt and grass all over the place. AHHHH! I am grateful dad was there. We had to drain the whole thing, wipe it out, and refill it. I was so grateful that the weather was warmer so we could use the hose. Needless to say, you were grounded from the hot tub for a week. We still love you though.

Five.Ten Years

 5.10 Years

• Pre Christmas Fun: Us girls snuck off to Lewiston when the boys were gone to get your ears pierced! You were so excited that we were finally getting this done. You were so braved about it. We made the whole day fun by playing at gymnastic 360, eating dinner at Panda Express, and going to the Train Park to see all the cool lights. We celebrated Happy Birthday Jesus with The Stanzak family this year. We were able to go to your music concert. I love how Ms. Carla is so good about including fun dance moves and this year you had glow sticks for Jingle Bells. You received the Empathy award for Character Counts in the month of December. I feel like that fits you well. Once school got out, we delivered flowers to some grandmas in the nursing home. We were able to have different families over for sledding parties. On Christmas Eve, we had Noah's family over. It was fun to see you guys explore the different hills. With the Stone's, you guys made it out to the pond (you called it the half pipe). By the end though you were pretty wet because the ice creaked at the bottom. It was nice to end each sledding session with the hot tub, hot cocoa, and cookies that people brought over. Also, we spent one evening decorating mini gingerbread houses. We have made an effort to try to watch new Christmas movies, though the Home Alone series is still your favorite. 
• For Christmas Eve, Dad was able to make it back for dinner. We had shrimp, homemade bread, grapes, dates, olives, cheese, and grape juice. We set up the candles again and made it all fancy.You kiddos loved putting on the Nativity play. This year, your role was Mary. We did our We Three Kings song which ended with matching Mickey Mouse pj bottoms (to get us excited for our Disneyland trip). We ended the night with all four of you kids sleeping in your room. We dragged the kid tree into the room so you could sleep with the light on. 
• Christmas morning was so magical. Santa brought you a makeup kit and a sticking full of goodies like ski goggles and LOL surprise doll. JoJo gave you a little backpack for your American girl doll, Sam gave you a slinky, and Maggie gave you a fairy potion kit. You gave Maggie and ribberband bracelet making kit, Sam a safe to keep his candy safe from JoJo, and JoJo the Rapunzel shoes. Dad and I gave you overalls, your own Alexa, and a Kindle reader. You loved all your gifts. We went to church in the middle. When you came up from getting dressed, you had put so much make up on. You had blue eyebrows, red lips, and blush all over. We ended the night with Salmon chowder. It was a great day. 
• Two days after Christmas, we packed up to go to Utah. It was fun to be with Grandma and Papa. We went bowling with them, played games (Uno Attack is a favorite at their house), and ate way too much candy. We met up with cousins to play at McDonalds and played at Bonnie's house. We did have our big family party. We brought the dodgeballs out with us and introduced the Matthews to a bit of a Price family tradition. Grandma had to unwrap game and then we all ate a big lunch and opened up presents. Grandma gave you a microphone. Tally gave you a Barbie. You had Henry and gave him gift card and some popcorn. Dad and I left for a New Years Paper, so you got to party it up with Grandma and the cousins. She let you guys stay up to 11pm and shot off fireworks. It was a blast for you guys.