Birthday Bash

Katie turned 6 in September and had a "surprise" PJ party! We has lots of fun playing games and eating pizza with her cute friends!
Tori turned 12 on Friday and celebrated by ditching school at lunchtime for Cheesecake Factory with me and Tony- yum! Followed by the Draper temple with me, Tony, and Michael for baptisms for the dead- so sweet!
I love my family! What a blessing!

Back 2 School

What a sad joke to start school in the heat of the summer- the kids are doing well- Tori ran for student body president with the slogan "Got Tori?" Her speech, after winning for her class, was on complimenting each other to make the school a better place and SHE WON! So excited for her! Katie started Kindergarten with Ms. Stuart, a brand-new teacher, and is doing well. Jake is finding 3rd grade to be a challenge- I hope he can figure it out soon! His class has a pirate theme this year, which is fun for him! Michael has a couple more weeks before he starts 8th grade.

Family Reunion

We just got back for our Shields Family Reunion in St. George- we did lots of swimming and water-sliding because it was hot! We also went to see Despicable Me at the movies and tie-dyed shirts.

So proud of Michael for earning his Eagle Scout! Since I'm his Mom (and the only person who knows this blog exists) I can have a Mom Moment here! Michael has been so lit up about scouting and set a goal to earn his Eagle while he was still 12- he was able to finish his project and merit badges at age 12 and had his Board of Review last week. He was the last interview of the night and the council thought he was the best- so prepared and spiritual and a true scout deserving of an Eagle. Michael's project was a food drive for the food bank- he said the biggest impact of scouting came when he was delivering food to a man who really needed it- the man didn't want them to leave. I am grateful Michael has learned to serve and to be industrious- not to mention- thrifty, brave, courteous, morally straight... I love my Eagle Scout!

A Day on the Hill

Tori was chosen from her class/school to attend the Legislature and I got to chaperone. We heard the debates on the House floor, ate lunch, and had a Q/A with Rep. Merlynn Newnold- what a fun day- government in action! I loved it!

Jake's Baptism was a success! He looked so cute- he was a little shy and unsure of the whole production- but he is a good, good boy and I pray that he will remember this experience as one of the most meaningful of his life- following the Savior and choosing the path that will reurn Jake to Him again.