Zoë is FOUR!

Zoë, you are 4 years old today! You are full of life and laughter and bravery! Here's what you've been up to:

 - You completed 2 weeks of swim lessons on August 1. We took them at the Springs Aquatic Center this year and had a great experience! As the picture shows, you were all in and passed your first level with flying colors! You were glad to be in the same level as your cousin, Miriam.

 - We had a fun all-girls morning at Dagg Spray park earlier in July. You and Naomi had a lot of fun splashing and playing.

 - 4th of July at Mimi's house in NE! You love being outdoors -- playing in the water, finding bugs, playing with animals, riding trikes and scooters, running, climbing, sliding -- you go after it all!

 - On July 1, we started our new school year, so you are officially in Pre-K! You enjoy having your own books to work in while your big brothers do their school work. You like art the most, as well as music and learning your letters.

 - I decided to give you bangs in May. Your hair was continually in your face and you'd just swish it away every once in a while; when I tried to clip it back or put it in a pony, it'd only last part of the day and then you'd be there trying to see through all your hair while building legos or something and *I* couldn't stand it anymore ;) So we went for it and I think you look cute! You're totally pulling them off!

 - Your first time to mini golf was this Spring down in the Ozarks on our family vacation.

 - You love to dress up and look pretty. You don't wear bracelets and accessories like you used to, but you do like to find the right shoes and often wear dresses or skirts. You've allowed me to do your hair more, braids, ponytails, clips, etc. And occasionally you'll ask for an animal hairstyle. So far, I have attempted to make you look like a dog and a unicorn! ha! And you have requested "butterfly" for your birthday. I guess I'll see what I can come up with!

 - Your first "official" haircut. I asked for tips on FB and read through a book about taking care of curly hair. I feel like your curls are coming along now that I'm learning how to treat them better. And I did my best at a dry hair cut/trim and I think it turned out ok! You were more patient than I expected and I think it's about time to do another. Your hair has gotten so long!

 - You are pretty patient with Marshall even though the first year we had him he knocked you over so many times. I see you outside petting him calmly and telling him "easy" and convincing others that he is a good dog. It warms my heart to see the way you care for him.

 - We had special time together on Valentine's Day this year. We went to Parkville Coffee and had a protein ball and hot cocoa, read books, and enjoyed some much needed one-on-one time. I have a rotation on my phone so I am more consistent with my special times with each of you kids. We had another special time in June. We went to Jason's Deli and you picked out all that you wanted on your sandwich and then we did a little shopping. Although it's only 3 times a year, I'm hoping over the course of your life, those moments will add up and you will know how much you are loved and cared for by me.

 - You are a great eater! There are few things you reject, and those are intermittent. Like sometimes you don't want peanut butter, but other times you seem fine with it. You like all kinds of meat, roasted broccoli, corn on the cob, most every fruit, and chocolate :)

- You love to dance and I really hope we'll be able to get you started in dance class in a year or two! I think you will do very well at it. You have good rhythm and now how to shake your hips-- ha!

- You are in a phase of saying some really funny as well as endearing sentiments. One night you were thinking about a bad guy you had seen in your movie, so I was singing your new favorite song for when you are scared. When it was over you said quietly, "My heart is telling me to cry." It was very sweet and sincere.

What is your favorite food? Doughnuts
Favorite song? Let it Go
Favorite drink? Apple Juice
Favorite movie? Moana 
Favorite color? Purple and pink 
What is your favorite thing to do each day? School. Coloring. 
What do you like about homeschool? Writing books. 
What is your favorite thing about Daddy? Love 
Mommy? Love   
Zeke? He loves me
Levi? He loves me 
Naomi? Her plays with me 
What do you want to be when you grow up? A police officer and I going to be a doctor! 
What was the best thing that happened while you were 3? Reading books
Anything else you want to say? *shaking head* No. 

Zoë Kayte, I love having you as a daughter! You make every day more joyful and fun. I love your smile and your laugh. You are going through a phase where you don't want hugs or kisses from your brothers at night which is a little off-putting for them, but they're learning to work with you. I look forward to the year ahead as I watch you learn and grow and change. I pray we will always be close and that you will be courageous, compassionate, and kind. Happy Birthday! Love, Mommy