Happy 6th Birthday, Levi!

My dear Levi, you are 6 years old today! There is snow on the ground, you've been riding your new scooter around the house, and we're getting ready to go see the movie "Playing with Fire" this afternoon and enjoy birthday dinner with you. How do I summarize a whole year? How do I keep track of the multitude of things you've said that were funny or brilliant? This year has been a big year of growth and maturity for you. You are regulating your emotions better, expressing yourself more clearly, and have become a great helper!

 Birthday Interview -- December 17, 2019 
What is your favorite color? Purple and red
... movie? Wreck-It Ralph
... TV Show? Green Eggs and Ham
... Book? Flash Saves the Day
... Fruit? Bananas
... Animal? Cheetahs and lions and tigers and leopards
... thing to do every day? *Points to his scooter* ride my scooter!
... about Naomi? When she hugs me when I'm hurt.
... Zoë? when she plays peekaboo with me.
.... Zeke? When he plays with me and lets me build stuff with his own Legos.
... Mommy? When we have special time!
.... Daddy? When we go fishing! Woohoo!
What do you want to be when you grow up? Policeman or a Zoo Keeper
What do you like most about homeschooling? Doing my new books from humans.
What do you like most about KidCity? Everything!
What is your favorite food? Pasta

Your new LL Bean sleeping bag! 

 - You are learning to recognize and write your letters and numbers. We read aloud stories most every day during snack time. You enjoy the history stories and activities we do together. We play games, do arts and crafts, spend time in nature, learn hymns and habits, memorize Bible verses, and talk about how to live a healthy life. You are learning every day and I love that we are homeschooling and spending time together and creating a family culture that promotes cooperation, empathy, and a love of the outdoors!

Daddy and I worked on your birthday cake together this year! You seemed really happy with it. Holding your new cheetah "Fluffy" which you picked out at the Zoo on Saturday

Birthday party 12/15/19

 - You loved practicing for your song on stage and did a wonderful job remembering the actions and singing along. You were even careful to step back a little so you wouldn't run into the kids next to you.

You did an awesome job singing on stage at church! 

- You are very aware of the emotions and actions of those around you. You stand up for those who are being picked on or hurt and have a very strong sense of justice. You enjoy "peace and quiet" as you told us at your birthday party. Although, you seem to have a lot of fun when we're all noisy and listening to loud music as well!

KC Zoo trip -- watched Santa deliver presents to animals around the zoo. 12/14

Gingerbread House Cookie 

Mrs. Malia painted your faces at our small group Christmas party 

 - Within the last month, you learned to ride Zeke's bike! You'd been riding your balance bike for a long time, and I think once you saw Zeke learn to pedal and ride his bike, you thought it must be time for you to do it as well. :) {Not competitive at all} You fly down our hill in the back yard. I'll be interested to see how you do out on a trail. Especially since you'll be getting your very own bike tomorrow. {Shh!}

Pony ride at the Fall Fun Night at Alldredge Orchards 

Spiderman! 

 - You are a big fan of Superheroes! When we go to the library, you always pick out books that are written like comic strips; books about batman, spiderman, superman, the Avengers, and more. Your attention span has really grown and I'm glad you're able to sit and listen for longer stretches of time.

Picking out pumpkins at Red Barn Farm 

Jiu Jitsu stripes are a big deal! 

 - As of last night, 12/16, you have completed 80 classes for Jiu Jitsu! After you complete the next 20, you'll be participating in your first ever Bully Battle against your teacher, Mr. BJ. He'll act like a bully and you'll have to remember all the moves you have learned and protect yourself against him for 3 minutes in order to earn your first belt, a yellow one. We have it scheduled for March 25. At that point you'll have been taking jiu jitsu for an entire year! You have learned how to sit and listen, slow down your actions, tell a grown up what's going on instead of fighting back, and have gained lots of strength and confidence. I am so proud of all your hard work!

Working on your artsy side 

Catching bugs at Grandma's house 

Swim lessons went well this summer! 

Levi Olin, you love other people, talk to everyone, and are learning to make friends. Pretty sure you're an extrovert! Sometimes your energy seems boundless, but you are learning to reign it in at the right moments. Other people have told me you have great manners, which is a relief, because the past several months we've really worked on eliminating "poop head" from your vocabulary :oP You're not afraid of much. We rode on the Ring of Fire at Parkville Days in August -- not sure you'll ever ride it again, but you wanted to try it and you did. Probably not the best ride for a 5 year old to take, but since you are tall for your age you were permitted! You started fishing with Daddy this year and you LOVE it! You seem to be a natural as well because you have caught several fish already. You seem to be a natural around most all animals which always makes for an adventure when we spend time outside. You help around the house by letting the chickens out in the morning, checking for eggs, helping with dishes, vacuuming, feeding the cat, cleaning up the toy room, and tidying. You like when we have fires in the back yard and play hide and "Zeke" as you call it. Sometime you and I butt heads because we are similar in the way we view the world and handle our emotions. But hopefully we can spur each other on to loving big and always being kind. I love you so much and can't wait to see what the next year together will bring for you and our family! Love, Mommy

Naomi is TWO!

Happy Birthday Naomi Irene! You are two years old today!

Big Sis & Little Sis on Halloween

 - Your hair is curly and beautiful! I love working with it, but you do not like me doing so. You leave in bows and ponytails well for me, but not the headbands.

Fall Fun Night at Alldredge Orchards 

 - You say so many words, especially at home with your family; around others, not so much. When we go places, especially new places with new people, it takes you about an hour or so to start branching out and moving away from me. You are saying a few phrases too. You love pointing out animals, particularly horses, dogs, and birds. You also like to point out the moon and airplanes. When you really want my attention, you grab my head with your hands and make me look at your face.

Heading to Maryville for NWMSU homecoming parade! 

 - You take one afternoon nap each day, and sleep overnight from about 9 pm - 7 am. You are still nursing to sleep! I have been shocked you've lasted this long! You are sleeping better, so I am too, and I'm so very thankful!

Pumpkin picking at Weston Red Barn Farm

 - You have begun to play more with your siblings, so I am able to do a few more things around the house and focus on homeschooling. You don't love to ride in the stroller much anymore, you like to walk like the rest of us. You do pretty good on our W+F hikes and I still get to carry you in the back carrier for those! Your attention span is increasing and you are sitting to listen to books for longer stretches. You still aren't very interested in TV or movies, which I am ok with! Now to wean your siblings off as well...

She found the pacifier and now she thinks it's fun to use it. Ha! 

 - You like to play the piano and dance to music. When we get in the van, if I don't turn on the radio quick enough, from the back seat I hear you demand, "Music!"

Perfecting her selfie :o) 

 - I have already painted your finger and toenails several times since Big Sis has hers done.

"Painting" with water -- she wants to do what everyone else is doing! 

 - You like to stay up with Mommy and Daddy and eat our snacks while we watch Netflix. I think you feel pretty special sitting with us. You like eating our oatmeal, cake mugs, bananas with melted chocolate and pb, apples, and nuts. Also, you may or may not drink more coffee from my mug than any of the other kids ever have. Who can be sure?!?! ;)

Naomi loves her Bubba! 

 - You play a little differently with each of your siblings. Recently, Levi has been chasing you and growling and you back away and say, "Scared! Scared!" which is so sweet and sad at the same time. Also, great job expressing yourself!

The face you made when you'd been in the car sitting all the way home from Colorado! 

 - You have begun to carry your baby Lena everywhere! You call for "Baby" at the table, from the bed, anytime you suddenly remember her and want her. It's very sweet! Tonight (11/10) you fed her some of your cracker at suppertime.

She loved her first carnival ride at Parkville Days in August

She loves to give me this face. 

She now has her own pair of headphones... captivated! 

Learning to snap green beans! 

Naomi, you are just the sweetest, most darling little baby girl! I want to squeeze you and hug you and kiss your little cheeks. You are indeed living up to your name -- both pleasant and peaceful! I pray we are able to continue helping you find your gifts and talents and natural abilities and help them grow and blossom in the coming years. You scream loud and smile big and generally get your way. Oh dear. But I cannot imagine our lives without you and cannot wait to see what this next year with you brings! Love, Mommy

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 

18 Months Old!

Naomi, this may be the closest I have cut to preparing a child's milestone blog!

- You are getting so big! Participating in family conversations at the dinner table, clapping, laughing at the appropriate times, looking out the window above the bed, grabbing your shoes and bringing them to me when you want to go outside. It's so much fun! But I do love that we can still snuggle while you're sleeping. Right now your schedule is to wake up around 7:30 am, nap from 1-3 pm (although the past few weeks, you've thrown in a few 4 hour naps!! Yesterday you got up around 5:30 pm) then you typically go to sleep around 8:30/9 pm.

First time wearing pigtails -- on our way down to the Lake of the Ozarks 

 - I believe you are are most expressive child. You have so many facial expressions and ways of communicating with us! Plus you do say several words, especially when I ask you to: please, apple, banana, bubba, dog, yes, amen, mama, and dada.

 - You received your first doll on Easter from Mimi! You love playing with Zoë's Rosie, so I thought it was probably time to pick one out for you. You like your baby and have fed her a bottle and carried her around some. I have a feeling you'll be using your doll sooner than big sister did.

- You're a pretty good eater. You like most everything we make. When we made our family trip to the Ozarks we forgot your chair, so we sat you on a pillow at the table and you looked like a tiny human, but you did pretty good nevertheless.

 - Selfies with your brothers :D

 - I love your curly hair! Now that it is getting more humid, the curls are tightening up even more. And I think it's more noticeable because your hair is getting longer. You have quite a bit of hair that hangs in your face so I try to clip it back or put it in a ponytail most days. But I love how it looks right after your baths.

 - You really enjoy riding on little cars/tractors/trucks. You seem to really enjoy being outside. I could tell when we were at Mimi's house for Easter you loved roaming around in the grass and flowers without getting jumped on by a dog!

 - You are adventurous and brave! Very little scares you. Except loud noises as I noticed the other night. But you will climb and jump and try all kind of things to see what your little body can do. You have great balance and are already going down the stairs facing forward! You climb the ladder up into the tree house. It's really quite terrifying to me because sometimes I'm not sure where I'll find you. And it's usually up!

First day of spring ice cream treat! 

Naomi Irene, it is a joy to be your Mama! I love your giggle and the two bottom teeth that always show when you smile and laugh. I love that you get to sleep next to me at night and you sometimes follow me around like a shadow. You are strong and independent and love to pester everyone in the bathroom. You think the pink stool is yours, so you push them all off while I'm trying to brush their teeth at night. You have 2 toothbrushes because you think it's funny to keep pulling new ones out of the drawer and shoving them in your mouth. The sound of your bare feet slapping the ground as you walk around the house has become one of my favorites! I love to see the little girl you're becoming and I look forward to the next six months with you! Love, Mommy