Eagle Board of Review - Eagle Scout!

Bruce's Eagle Board of Review finally rolled around on the 16th. We met at the Bobier building with about five other young men waiting for their interview as well. He signed paperwork and then we waited...

Bruce and his scout leader were taken back and given instructions, then later on they were officially taken back where his scout leader, Brother Fisher, introduced him the the committee. He was then interviewed by the board. He was asked a lot of questions about his project and asked to recite some things. He was then sent back to the waiting area with us. Finally they called Bruce, his scout master, and Robert and I back and we stood in front of the board where they announced that he had passed his board of review and was now officially an eagle scout! Happy day! 

He has been working toward this goal since he was 8 years old. There were times he wanted to quit and times we wanted to let him quit. :) But he persevered and accomplished his goal. We're so proud of him. He put in so much time and effort, had to do things outside of his comfort zone, and do tons of paperwork. It all paid off. 

Introducing Bruce Thompson - Eagle Scout 

The board that interviewed him.

Jane is 12!

Jane turned 12 years old on the 16th. She had a fun birthday party at the trampoline park. She picked a chocolate/chocolate cake for her birthday dessert. Later in the afternoon Robert and Jane went to Pit Stop for her favorite grilled cheese. 
We love Jane. This will be a great year for her. This is the only year ever that she will be at a school with no siblings attending, she gets to start Young Women's at church, and soon she'll get to attend the temple for the first time! We're very proud of Jane. She always strives to do what is right. She has a good heart, she loves animals, she loves creating things, still plays the piano, and is obsessed with Harry Potter. 

Happy 12th to our sweet Jane! She makes the world a better place.

15yrs.

Bruce turned 15years old on the 12th. We love this guy. He picked Red Robin for his birthday dinner with Robert and I. His dessert of choice was of course Cinnabon. Bruce is such a great young man. He always tries to be obedient, he's super smart, and keeps us laughing. I only got one picture of him this year. Turns out that teenage boys don't always like having their picture taken. :) 

Happy 15th Bruce. We love you!

Chicago - Our Last Stop

Chicago was the last stop on our vacation. The kids loved seeing the big city. I liked watching them experience the sights and sounds of a big city for the first time(that they remember).

We had some good food, explored the city and survived a long ride on the L Train. 

We also did a lot of relaxing and swimming in Chicago. 

It was a long drive through a lot of farmland to get there. 

 Claire's school teacher had told her about the Big Bean. 

She was so excited to finally see it in person.

Carthage Jail

We had a sweet experience at Carthage Jail. We didn't get many pictures because they ask that you don't take too many but just feel the spirit present. We definitely felt the spirit there as we were able to be in the same place Joseph was when he was killed. We listened to all of the details and I couldn't help but feel so grateful for Hyrum refusing to leave his brother Joseph knowing that staying with him would likely mean his death. My heart hurt thinking of poor Lucy losing two more sons that day. Poor Emma and her children also went through so much. I am so grateful for Joseph and that he never gave up and never denied what he knew to be true. We owe him so much. Praise to the Man.

This is the window on the 2nd floor that Joseph fell out of after being shot. He made his way to that window and in so doing saved the lives of the others in the room.

 The large bullet hole is the bullet that came through first, killing Hyrum. The hole on the right is where the bullet came through shooting off the lock.

 This well at the bottom is where the mob propped up Joseph. They continued to shoot and stab him.:(

We spent our Sabbath Day here on our vacation. Can't think of a more appropriate place.

4th of July

We had a relaxing 4th of July. 

We went to the Oceanside Independence Parade where Linda marched 

with the OHS Color Guard.

That night we watched fireworks and lit sparklers in a friend's back yard. 

Bruce escaped from getting his photo taken once more.