Besides being Mitchell’s birthday on August 8, it was also the last day of the library’s summer reading program! The older ones loved volunteering and the little ones had a great summer of reading. The theme was “Fizz, Boom, Read!”  so science was the focus of the activities. The kids each got an animal shape to put their name on when they signed up. Each time they read five books, they got a sticker to put on their shape and a small prize.

 

Leslie read the most books of anyone in our family, with a grand total of  135!

Laci wasn’t too far behind with a total of 110.

Matthew came in third place with 60 books, which were read to him.

Lauren and Mitch had a great time volunteering. This was Lauren’s second time to do it, but Mitchell was a newbie. As you can imagine, they cannot wait until next year!

Some of my family members far away wanted to see photos of Mitchell’s cake and party, so here they are:

This is *not* musically accurate. I apologize to all of the piano aficionados out there.

Leslie Anne was my right-hand girl when I was decorating this. She makes a great assistant.

Mitchell’s reaction…and Matt’s… to seeing the cake the first time. 🙂

He’s TWELVE!

Laci drew him a picture. She had to explain what it meant. It was cute, just like her.

Leslie made Mitch a card, too, and also added $5 of her own money, without being told. This touched my heart so much that she and I both teared up. I know that she and Mitchell have struggled in their relationship. This is evidence that the Lord is working in the hearts of my children.

What a wonderful way to end the summer.