Chloe's First Temple Trip

What a Glorious Day it was to be able to attend Chloe's first Baptism trip to the Orlando Temple.  The best part was that she was baptized for 10 family names, one of them being my Grandma, "Vera Catherine Sweet Patterson Vargo", and my great Aunt "Arraetta Patterson Palmer".

There was surely rejoicing in heaven that day!

Spring Break - MarineLand

We had a bucket list of things we wanted to do before we left Jacksonville, so we did as many as we could over Spring Break.  One of them was going to MarineLand, a dolphin sanctuary in St. Augustine.  The kids and Paul had an amazing time interacting with "Shocka".   I had an even better time standing off to the side and taking photos.  Although these photos that the professional photographer took turned out much better...so I'm using these.

 It was an extrordinary thing to see them so up close with this beautiful creature.  I hope they remember it forever!

Solo and Ensemble

This was the first year Chloe got to participate in Solo and Ensemble.  This is where you rehearse for weeks ahead of time either as a soloist, or as a small group and perform for a judge.  Chloe performed on her oboe in an ensemble along with Kaitlyn Ludlum on clarinet, and Presley Whitehead on Flute.

These 3 ladies rehearsed for weeks and performed the piece "Lift Thine Eyes".  The judge praised them for their hard work and they received a "SUPERIOR" rating.

Chloe also accompanied on the piano 4 other soloists earning her some fun cash to spend on her plane ticket to Las Vegas.  Great job Chloe!

Happy Valentine's Day

Ahhhhh!  My favorite holiday AND I got to spend it with some of my favorite people.  The Richard's came down for President's Day weekend, and lucky for me.....it was also Valentine's Day weekend.  They have a tradition that they do every Valentine's Day and so I thought the Shupe Family would start incorporating it as well.  You make a Valentine's mailbox...here's how mine turned out...more like a Valentine's Treasure Box.

 Then each person in the family has to write a "LOVE" note to all the other members of the family and place it in the mailbox.  Since we did it among the 2 families we said they could be "LIKE" notes.  (A little awkward having the 2 twelve year olds writing love notes to each other.) It was such a fun activity and the letters were hilarious....I can't wait to keep this tradition up in our family!

 Paul bought all the kids small boxes of chocolates which was a huge hit.

 Rob and Janelle- sweethearts for almost 18 years. (Let's not forget we set them up on their first date).

 Paul and Katherine - sweethearts for 18 years and 2 months.

Of course, there can be no Valentine's Day Celebration without frosting heart shaped sugar cookies!

 It was an amazing Valentine's Day and we are so glad we got to spend it with people we love!

Happy New Years - Disney World

New Year's Day was spent recovering from our day of travel on New Year's Eve back from Las Vegas.  Like they say....sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation, so we decided to head to Disney World's Epcot just a few days later and had a blast!

Callista's Birthday Party

Callista had asked for a slumber party this year.  However, we don't allow slumber parties, so I had to ask her which part of the slumber party she wanted.  She immediately answered "the breakfast part".  So...she invited her 3 best friends over....Kennedy, Lindsay, and Katie for crepes and some party fun.

 After breakfast, we decorated pillow cases....

... and here's how they turned out.

 Then we played "Live Candyland" where the girls were the game pieces.  Chloe made it all herself.

 We ended with a dance off on the Wii.  The girls all had a fantastic time.

 Callista decided she didn't want any birthday presents this year, so she asked for donations for the local animal shelter.  I promise....this was all her idea.  So after her party, we drove over to the animal shelter so she could give them her "gifts".

We are so proud of you and your sweet friends for making such great choices in your young lives.

Happy Baptism Day and Birthday Callista

Here was Callista's baptism invitation.  Her special day was Saturday December 27, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Robindale Stake Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

In her Baptism jumpsuit.

 What an honor to be Baptized by her Dad.

 These were the loved ones in attendance at her baptism.  Me, Leon and Katherine Noorda, Bryce and Becky Hardy and Family, Papa and Nana, Grandma and Grandpa, Jason and Shelly Patterson and Family, and Carol Gifford (Great Aunt of Paul).

 All the Patterson's.

 How blessed Callista was to have both sets of Grandparents at her Baptism.

 The Shupe's, Hardy's, and Aunt Carol.

 Russel and Callista.  They are only 11 days apart in age.

 Leon and Katherine with Callista.  It meant so much to me that they were able to come.

 Nana and Papa with Callista

 Grandpa and Grandma with Callista

 Immediately following her baptism we had a luncheon of pizza, salad, and fruit.  Here are some pics of us just hanging out!

Callista....it really is great to be 8, and we are so proud of your decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and to enter into the waters of baptism just as he did.  May you continue to follow his example throughout your life and share your light with others.

Happy Birthday Princess!!!