Alivia is SIX!

Alivia's Birthday was January 9th. Here is my letter to her:

Alivia:

My sweet, caring child. You love writing notes to friends and sending them in the mail. With the money you collect each week for chores, you always think about buying gifts for friends and family when you have money left over.

I have loved homeschooling you this year. Getting to know the way you learn has taught me so much about you (and me!). You are so similar to me in that you get frustrated easily when you cannot understand something immediately or do not do something perfectly. You are tentative in new situations and like to make sure you understand what is going on before jumping in.

You are so excited about your new baby brother who will be born in a month. You were thrilled the other night when you put your hand on my belly and the baby kicked!

You lead your brothers in a positive, caring, loving way and are such a good Mommy's helper. Your willingness to help out around the house is appreciated so much.

I love you,

Mommy

And now the interview:

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Turquoise

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: cous cous and noodles

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Marie Grace (American Girl Book)

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: A Mommy, a cheerleader and a worker (for Daddy’s company)

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: My Fur Real Dog

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: Play with my Fur Real Dog

Q: What is your favorite memory from this year?

A: Having a play date with Aubrey

Q: What is your favorite thing about kindergarten?

A: That my teacher is so nice (Mrs. Foulkrod)

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: Arthur

Q: Who are your favorite friends?

A: Aubrey, Avery, Samuel and Jane Ann

Will is FOUR!

Will's Birthday was December 5th, but I wanted to write a special note to him.

Will,

My precious boy. You are quickly changing physically and getting taller and thinner. You are still as verbal as ever and amaze me with your vocabulary and quick wit. You love telling jokes like "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Because "He wanted to jump over the moon!"

You are a bit tentative with new situations and still trying to grow into your body a bit, but right now you love riding your electric Jeep in the front yard and can drive it amazingly well.

You have learned how to annoy your sister (repeating what she says, stealing things from her) but most of the time you follow her lead and learn along side her.

You have a special relationship with Grandpa (who is also the 2nd child to an older sister and younger brother) and have gone on several outings with just him to the ranch which you love.

You are jealous of Mommy and Daddy's attention to any other children besides the ones in our family and can have wild mood swings between gleeful laughter and somber sadness complete with dramatic facial expressions to go alongside these changing emotions.

As I continue to get to know you, you make me laugh and my heart smile. I love you sweet child!

Love,

Mom

And not to forget a tradition, the annual Birthday Interview:

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Green

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Strawberries and macaroni

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Dump Trucks

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: A veterinarian, a firefighter and a worker and a Daddy

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: My backhoe

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: Make stuff

Q: What is your favorite memory from this year?

A: I like the lake

Q: What is your favorite thing about preschool?

A: That I can make stuff there

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: Clifford the Big Red Dog and Third and Bird

Q: Who are your favorite friends?

A: Henry Baumhover, Paige, Josh and Drew (cousins), and Jack (Dugan)