Nine.Two Years

 9.2 Years

• I hope you have noticed a trend in these last two photos. You are quite the wild child! But I truly love every bit of it. 
• For Grandma's birthday, we gave her a footbath to use during her pedicures. She wanted us to keep it at our house since we do most of the pedicures here. Well, we scheduled a time for her to finally come over and get a full pedicure done. Every we set it up, you and JoJo were so excited about the whole thing. You ended up taking over and scrubbed and massage Grandma's feet. She was laughing the whole time because you kept tickling her. Then you got a turn in the seat. You couldn't handle all the ticklish feelings of getting your feet scrubbed. 
• You went on another field trip. This time, you went and visited Western University. I think you are colleged out for now on field trips, but the rock wall was will a highlight. I think wherever you go to college, it should have rock wall for you.
• Volleyball is going strong this month. You are getting more consistent on your serves, which your team really needs. There has been several times where you served all five point before they switched to the other team. This spring team is pretty much the same girls as your fall team, just your jerseys are green this time.
• We started renovations on the upstairs. You love walling through the walls (not dry wall yet) and playing in the construction zone at night. Thankfully, it hasn't disturbed our lives too much, though the plastic all up the stairs and in the hallway is getting annoying at this point.
• The talent show was this month. You really wanted to do something with your friends, but it is so hard to organize something, so instead, you played the piano. I was really impressed that you picked out your own song (Seven Years) and had Sister Bland help you learn it. You did such a good job! I was really proud of your hard work and bravery.
• I took off for Washington DC with Maggie so Dad helped man the house while I was gone. That first night was hard because Dad was working a swing shift, so he wasn't going to be there all night. Sam and you stepped it up big time. You came home and got all your chart finished. I had Sister Loving stop by around dinner time to check on you all, but she didn't need to stay long because you had it under control. You all made your own dinner (you heated up sloppy joes and made a salad mix) and was able to watch a movie at night. I was really worried, but it worked out well. The next day, you got to go to Piper's birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese. You thought that place was awesome with all the video games. Maggie brought you home a cheery blossom keychain for your backpack.

Nine.One Years Old

 9.1 Years Old

• I didn't get to talk about your birthday in the last month's post. For you birthday this year, you had a sleepover with your friends. We had Piper, Emmy, Emery, and Sadie. They came over after school. You all played outside, ate snacks, painted pillow cases, made galaxy slime, had hamburgers for dinner with ice cream sundaes for dessert. You watched a movie, played night games, and stayed up way late talking in your room. I made omelets for breakfast, and then you crashed the rest of the day. On your actually birthday, we had donuts for breakfast, you opened up your present of crocs (we got you galaxy ones, but we ended up exchanging them for light purple). After school, Maggie and her friends helped you make a red velvet cake. For gifts, Sam and JoJo got you the new Wings of Fire book, Maggie got you a how to draw Harry Potter, and Dad and I got you a drawing set that you wanted. 
• The ward had their pinewood derby activity and Piper's family came to that. It was fun having them over a bit ago to make the pinewood cars. You went for a Harry Potter theme one. The ward also had their big fund raiser. They had a pie in the face and you got the most votes so you got a pie in the face. It was an older gentleman that won the round and got to pie you.
• It is birthday season. For Sam's, you gave him a leather wallet making kit with the girls. For Maggie's, you gave her a coupon for a trip to K Koffee with you. One of the mornings in spring break, you two walked down to K Koffees where you treated her to a drink. I thought that was so sweet. You and Sonora were able to sneak into her party and got painted all over with the glow int he dark paint. 
• Spring break came! You started the weekend with the sleepover with Sonora at our house and Maggie's birthday. The next morning, you had a volleyball game that Sonora was able to watch. Sunday was the linger longer with cinnamon rolls. Monday, I ran the girls up to Woodburn for Hazel's birthday and then brought down Jessie and Sonora for a sleep over. The weather was warmer (but not that warm) but you all got in your swimsuits and had the sprinkler under the trampoline. Tuesday, I drove you up to the Prices, where you got to hang out there while the rest of us went to the temple. That night, you went to bed early. Wednesday, we tried to do friends but most of them were out of town so you and JoJo hang out, riding bikes and playing at home. On Thursday, we left for the beach as a family. We stayed in Yachats this year. The weather was amazing. The first day was really windy, but it made for the best kite flying day. Those kites were so high in the sky. Your kite string broke in half and it really showed that it is the string that hod the kite up. The place we stayed at had a pool, hot tub, and game room. It was nice to soak in a hot tub in the evening. We ate seafood for dinner and packed our own breakfast and lunch. On Friday, we went down to Seal Rock Beach. That was a great beach. It was a cove, it wasn't windy, and there were tide pools. After eating lunch, we went to the different shops around Waldport and Yachats. We caught the low tide at the Yachats tide pools. We ate at a very nice seafood restaurant. You kids are so great in trying new food. We ended with more pool, hot tub, and eating popcorn while watching Diners, Drive Ins, and Dines. On Saturday, we hiked to Cape Perpetual. On top of the hill, we could see seals/sea lions (though we thought they were whales) playing in the ocean. I really wanted to do the Hobbit trail. It was only a 0.5 mile to the beach. Most of you were tired on hiking, but gave this one to me. The hike, was through these groves that was so fun and beautiful and then you come out to this great beach. You all loved the fluffy sand there. Our last stop was the light house. When we saw that it was another 0.5 mile to the lighthouse, I decided to do it another time. We were trying to hurry home for the Wallace's farewell party. 
• We hosted Easter this year. The weather was great to be outside. All the cousins came over for an egg hunt. There are still about 5 eggs hiding in our yard. Since we were celebrating Dad's birthday also, he made brisket and we had potato salad, green salad, rolls, and peach cobbler. It was a great night. Easter this year was on General conference. We got to stay home in our pjs. We did church books this year. I gave you a Young Girl Christian book. Each chapter is a story about a different girl and the Christ center lesson she learned. You loved it and read the whole thing within a few days. We went for a hike on the trails behind the middle school and put together some baskets for Sandy Morris and Ramona Vangh. That was your favorite. You asked if we could do something like that every year. 

Nine Years Old

 9 Years Old

Dear Millie, 

Happy Birthday! I want you to know that you truly make the world brighter just by being in it. My favorite memory of you this year was the video I got from grandma that you only wanted me to watch and no one else. You were telling Grandma what you packed and why that made you mature. I laughed so hard because you were so proud of packing a bra and that made you mature. You are such a goof ball in such a good way. My favorite part of your personality is your ability to have fun. You are a creator of joy, fun, and sunshine. Whenever you go, you have the ability to turn the place in a game or sing and dance along a path. You are so fun to be with and it really lightens up those around you. I am so proud of you for the hard work that you have put into the piano. You have been taking lessons with Sister Bland for just a 1 ½ and have learned so much. She even notices your eagerness and hard work and has asked to see you longer at lessons. The music you make is truly beautiful. Our greatest gift is your strong, independent nature. You are great about doing your work without reminders, you accomplish the goals that you want to set, and even though you love hanging out with friends, you are very comfortable just being yourself. You are going to accomplish big things in the world with that gift. You definitely add excitement to our family. You pick awesome dance music when we are cleaning up the kitchen, you are so giddy when we are reading Harry Potter, your creativity with paint keeps us laughing, and you really do come up with fun games for you and JoJo to play. I like you because I laugh more when I am with you. I love you because you are my daughter always. You were born with such a strong, sweet spirit. I feel so blessed to have you with me.

I love you more than chocolate, Mom

Eight.Eleven Years

 8.11 Years

• We got back from Utah and life got back to normal. This month, I have been working on getting your room organized and decorated. You picked out a light purple paint for the walls. We moved furniture around and got a large desk for you and JoJo. It has turned out so cute. I made a book ledge for each of you and you bought a stuff animal hammock for your bed so it is quite cute and cozy up there. It feels good to get your room to where is it functional and shows your personality. 
• On Saturdays, you like to sleep in until 10am, have a slow morning, listen to your story while working on some arts and crafts in your room, and then sometime around 3pm, want to be social.  
• We were not home for long before heading out to Mexico!! We have been looking forward to this trip for a while. It is your first time going to a different country. We went with our family, Grandma and Papa, Annie, Joe, and Elaine. It was a blast. We left on a Wednesday. We had to wake up so early to get to the airport. It was a whole day affair getting down to Mexico, with a four hour lay over in Atlanta. Thursday was a slow day. You kids got to stay at the hotel with Grandma and papa while we went to get the rental cars. We loaded up and drove south. We stopped and got some groceries and ate in Playa del Carmen. We made it to the condo and the play was amazing. We went snorkeling that afternoon. We made it out to this place where there were millions of these silver fish. They were all in sync with each other. It was crazy how many of them their were. The condo we are staying out as a room for just you and JoJo. You get your own big, bed, which you love! Friday, we went to Xel Ha. That was a favorite among everyone. The waterslide was awesome. Even papa went down it. We then headed over to zip lining. I was your buddy for this and you liked the ones you sat on the seat and went down. We cliff jumped next. I was impressed because when it was your turn, you just went for it. The cliff was 15 feet. The next stop was floating through the mangroves. We paused for lunch, ice cream and soda. Laying out in the sun on the chairs felt so good. We then walked over to the caves and snorkel. Then we finished the day rope swinging into a cenote. Papa bought you all matching shirts. It was so fun. Saturday was a colder day. While the weather was good in the morning, we hang out at the condo. You all just loved playing in the sand, flying kites, swimming in the ocean and pool. That afternoon, we visited Tulum. The ruins were just okay to you kids. What really fascinated you all was trying to open up a coconut. It took a lot of smacking, but you finally opened it and we all drank the juice and had fresh coconut. There were shops just outside the ruins, so we got some food and let you all shop. You had a bit of fun money so you got a mini dream catcher. Sunday, we drove to Chichen Itza. There was a huge storm on our drive there. But once we started our tour, the rain stopped. Having a tour guide was really helpful. That evening , we visited Valladolid. It was a beautiful city, with colorful buildings, music and dancing in the park, and big church center of town, and plenty of shops. You were still going strong on the shopping, asking the vendors how much everything cost. Monday, we stayed at the condo the whole day. It was so nice just to read, swim, play, and hang out and chill. That was another favorite day of everyone. Tuesday, we had another slow morning and then visited the cenote in the afternoon. That was beautiful. The first part was an open portion where you could see turtles. Then you swim through the cave with the stalactites and bats. After you cross that, you made it to another open part. We had lunch there and laid in the hammocks. Wednesday, you and JoJo stayed back from deep sea fishing and spent the morning with Grandma. She really likes being with you. Then, we had to make our way back to the airport and say goodbye to Mexico. It was an amazing trip.
• We tried to go on a family ski trip to Hoodoo. It hasn't snowed much so the conditions were pretty iffy. We stayed on greens the whole time because everything was choppy and icy. The one time we went on a different green, the ice got too bad and you slipped down the hill. Dad was with JoJo and I took you three older kids down the long run from the top of the mountain. There is turn on the left that is easy to miss. If you miss it, you end on some blue hills. Well, you didn't stop in time and went past the turn. When I caught up, you were trying to walk back up the hill to take the turn (none of us wanted to to those blues on the ice). It was hard to walk back up, so you had the idea to take off your skis and walk with your boots. Well, one of the skis got away and slipped down the hill. I didn't know what to do. We couldn't see it. If we went down the hill to look for it, we would have to finish on a blue or black. But if Dad cam and got it, would you finish skiing down the green on one ski? Thankfully a snowboarder found it and walked it up the hill for us.
• Some highlights of this month also includes a sleep over at Emersons. You had a blast. I guess you all stayed up until midnight and then woke up around 6am. Endless to say the next night, you went to bed early and I had to wake you up at 10:40am to go to the library. 

Eight.Ten Years

 8.10 Years

• It has been a crazy, fun holiday month. We have tried to do Christmas activities as a family. We actually made sugar cookies and I have you girls decorate them. We went to Storybook Lane in Albany. You went last year on a field trip but it was the first time for the rest of us. We couldn't decide if it was creepy or cute. You walk around the county fair barns to look at all the Christmas displays. The first was toys and dolls. Those were definitely creepy. We were joking that those dolls were what nightmares were made of. Then, we got to the movie section, and that was fun. 
• Our ward did their Christmas dinner and the primary put on the Nativity story. You were a sheep. We had to come up with the costume, so we took your white hoodie and flipped it inside out, threw on the white base layers, had you wear dad's black socks and my black gloves, and to top it off, you made ears (may have looked more like bunny ears), but it was cute. You were the "lead" sheep since the rest of the sheep were 3-4 year olds. 
• We had Red Ribbon Dinner with Grandma and Papa Price. I got you, Maggie and me matching off brand Ugg slippers. I didn't know the sizing, but it ended up that they even smaller than I thought, so you ended up with size 9, the one I go for myself. So now just you and Maggie match. 
• When your dad was working one Friday night, we headed out and 'knocked and run" some treats to friends. When we were headed out to the Epperson's, there was a road close sign right by there house. You kids were sort of freaking out because I went around it. Well, the road looked great right until their house. The creek had flooded the road. We stood there for a bit to debate if we should cross. We decided to go for it. Afterwards, you were so nervous that you wanted me to promise to never cross a river again. 
• We tried to go ice skating with Piper's family one weekend. I looked up all the different places McMinnville had the best prices. It was going to be really cool because the ice rink was in the museum (don't know how that was going to work with the temperatures). Well, it turned out to be "gliding" not ice skating. The floor was a wax that you "glided" over. It was not nearly as cool, but everyone was a good spot about it. 
• I painted your room! It is purple! And you loved it!
• Christmas break has bee great. On Monday, we got together with the Leders and Springers and played floor hockey at the school and then the Leders came over for hot cocoa. On Tuesday, We met the Smith's at the pool and then you had a sleep over that night at their house. Wednesday was Christmas Eve and Dad had to work that morning, so after lunch I took you all to see Zootopia 2. It was fun to go to the movies with you all. Christmas Eve was special. We had our candle light dinner of "Jesus" food, which this year was lobster ravioli. After dinner, we watched to the neighborhood behind the school to see the lights. We came home to put on our family Nativity play, searched for the star, opened up pjs (you got a kitty set), and watch the Christ Child movie. All of you kids slept in your room with the kid tree. 
• Christmas morning, I was surprised that you were already awake by 7am. You all ran down for your stockings. Santa brought you a purple galaxy blanket hoodie, a Harry Potter map, a water bottle, some art supplies, a mini spa kit, and some treats. You loved all of it. Maggie gave you an umbrella, Sam gave you a Wings of Fire book, and Millie gave you a squish mallow. You were so happy about them all. Dad and I gave you some Wings of Fire Books, flare jeans with a soft purple sweater, and a China doll. Yup, a China doll. You opened it and didn't know how to react. Dad and talked it up saying that I had one, and your grandma and great grandma would collect them. You said thank you and started laughing. I could not hold it together. Finally dad told you to go get the eggnog from the outside frig and there was a bike for you. You were really happy to get a big bike. After opening presents, we went to have brunch at the Prices and then just chilled the rest of the day. We had Chinese food for dinner (a big hit). 
• We got to spend the last week of Christmas break in Utah. Highlights for you was having a sleepover at Bonnie's house (first time by yourself), staying up until midnight on New Years Eve, swimming at Crystal Hot Springs, hiking in the snow (and eating a lot of it), and playing a ton of switch with cousins and siblings. A cousin gave you a bracelet kit, Grandma gave you crochet kit and money (which you bought a Harry Potter doll set and outfit the next day at Walmart). 
• We are back in Oregon and back to school, which we are all thankful for. 

Eight.Nine Years Old

 8.9 Years Old

• Dad and I went out of town for a weekend, so you all got to spend the time with the Prices. Uncle Dusty took you to see the high school play of Clue. You loved watching having a movie night. It is so nice to have family near by for things like that. The production that was put on was Willy Wonka and you played Charlie!
• On a Saturday, we went over to Salem to help with the garden winter clean up of the Liberty House. It was our ward's service project. You liked having Harper there to hang out with. 
• You had your Christmas concert at an assistant living center. You played Up On the House Top, We Three Kings, and Angels We have Heard on High. We have worked so hard on them, it really showed when you preformed them. You are excited to play We Three Kings on Christmas Eve.
• I got to help out in your class for your apple tasting experiment. I love being in your class. I have now subbed once, done one art lesson, and helped with the apple experiment. 
•  Our fun, crazy Thanksgiving week began. We met all the cousins at the temple. Aunt Janecce stayed with you and all the kids that weren't old enough to do baptisms and took you to the visitor center. Grandpa treated everyone to Chi-Fil a for lunch. Afterwards, we went thrifting with the cousins. All of you kids stayed at Sonora's house, eating pizza and watching a movie while the adults went out to eat. Thursday was Thanksgiving. We started the day playing dodgeball at Gervais. That is always so fun. We were also able to play Gaa Gaa Ball and just run around the play structure. In between play and dinner, we ran home and cleaned up, and then head over to the Smith's to hang out. Dinner was at the Prices. It was a lot of fun. Lots of food and lots of pie. On Friday, we got a Christmas tree and then headed over to Silver Falls to hike the North Falls to Winter Falls. It ended up being longer, but you stayed with Grandma at the Winter Falls parking lot so she wouldn't have to hike back. That night we had you and the younger girls here for a sleep over. You and Sonora got to watch a movie by yourself downstairs and then sleep in Maggie's room without the little girls with you. The cousins all went home on Saturday, so we snuck off to watch Wicked for Good at the movie Theater. It was a great weekend. 
• December is here and so we are starting strong on the Christmas celebration. We decorated our tree, I got to go to your class and teach a Northern Lights art project, and starting the advent day calendars. I gifted you all an escape room advent day calendar this year which has been fun and challenging. At the beginning of the year, I asked what traditions you all wanted to do this year, and shopping for the giving tree and seeing the lights with a milkshake was on the list! Dad was able to come with us this time. 
• Funny moments this month: we were driving along the freeway to an ortho appointment when you see the lvy leaves along a wall blowing in the wind. You told me that they were just waving to us. I thought that was such a fun way to see the world, very Grandma Price of you. Emery came over and you let the little girls cover your whole face in glitter. You looked like the tin man. 

Eight.Eight Years Old

 8.8 Years Old

•  You had a Halloween late night with some friends. Maddy, Piper, and Emery came over. We had a make your own pizza for dinner along with soda from the frig. You all tried to watch Harry Potter, but your friends were having a hard time following along so we turned it off. You roasted marshmallows, played night games, and mostly watched another movie. You had a great time. 
• You were able to finish your volleyball season. Your serves haven't been consistent, but you wouldn't let me work with you. Finally, the week before the tournament, I told you that your team needed you to get this down. I took you to the back porch, worked if you for 10 minutes, and then you had it. You even scored the last few points to win a set for your team. It was really exciting. 
• You went to Emerson's house for a late night for her birthday party. It was so cute. You all got matching pjs, did crazy make up, ate a ton of junk food, and giggled until really late. It was good meeting her mom because now I feel like I know her better to do other things like this. 
• Grandma and Papa Matthews came for Halloween. They were able to stay for a while. We craved pumpkins with them, took them to the North falls at Silver Falls, visited the Gilbert House, ate out, and played a lot of games. 
• Halloween was this month. You wanted to be Ginny Weasley. We had everything for the costume but the red head. I offered to get a wig, but you wanted to just spray her your hair red. I found a cheap bottle of red dye that sprays on just like hair spray. The problem was, it rubbed off onto Sam's dress shirt and onto the couch when you sat down. We did your whole hair for the church party, but only the top for Halloween night. We went to the ward trunk o treat. And then the Prices came down Halloween day. We went to the assistant living home across the street from us. You were all so good to talk to the residents there and get to know them a bit (though we were definitely holding up the line). Afterwards, we visited the library and did their haunted maze. We came home for some dinner and then headed out for Hassler Farms. The Prices had to leave early. We went back to the house to drop off the Grand parents and then headed over to the other neighborhood. We ran into Emery and Hazel, which was fun to be with them the second half of the night.