My Life at a Glance - Part 4

July- 4th of July, My 18th Birthday, Bible Bee fun and the end of locals

I was actually able to get some decent firework pictures this time!

Glowstick fun! (Below and to the side)

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On my birthday, I received many texts, phone calls, chats, emails, gifts and even a video call! Thank you to those who made my day so special by contacting me somehow! My Mom said she had "hacked" into my email and asked people to say happy birthday to me, to make my day special!
​I felt so loved, yet little did I know the real reason behind the email hacking...

Opening a boxed shipped to my from my awesome mentor and friend in CA. It was full of sweet little gifts!

Eighteen candles!

Pictures with my family.

The next day we had a Bible Bee meeting at our house. Apparently, there was a lot of whispering behind my back and smiles... I never noticed though (for a few reasons.) After the meeting was over, everyone started getting ready for lunch. Mom said that we needed more food and if I wanted to, Dad would let me drive to go get more food. I willingly took up that offer! Dad and I went to one fast food Mexican restaurant and picked up some food. He checked his phone and said Mom needed more food, so we made our way to Fry's. I knew something was up... I could just tell. Plus, Dad never usually walks around the store with his phone out, texting every so often! ;) After buying a few more items, Dad said he got this long text from this guy from a school where Dad does landscaping. Supposedly, something concerning water needed to be turned off. He directed me to the school and where to park. After parking I jumped out and with Dad. We went toward the building. I was slightly confused as I didn't think the water thing was in the building. Suddenly, Dad started to almost run to the door the of the building. I followed, more slowly and what did I find as the door of the buildling was swung open by Dad? A surprise party!!!

Yes, I guess I was pretty surprised!

Mom hugged me as everyone sang happy birthday. I was crying. Crying because of the surprise, feeling so loved and especially crying because of the many missing faces that I wished were there but couldn't make it for one reason or another!

My parents ordered the BEST tasting cupcakes ever! They were SO good!

Mom prayed a special prayer over me and said some things. It was very special and sweet! Then, she invited others to come and say words of encouragement or anything to me. (See below some pictures of the people who spoke such kind words to me!)

I hadn't got a picture with mom the day before, so we got one the next day.

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The large group for the last Bible Bee hive meeting. It was bittersweet for me... being the last meeting before the last local's Bible Bee test I would ever take.

Played LOTS of games

To see more pictures from the last Bible Bee hive meeting of 2016 click here.

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August - Bible Bee Celebration Day, Bible Bee Campout, Mr. O. Goes Hunting for the First Time 

All the Primaries

Primary National Qualifiers

All the Juniors

Junior National Qualifiers

All the Seniors

Senior National Qualifiers

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The Bible Bee campout was such a blast! We most certainly enjoyed our time together after the summer study!

The group (with only a few missing.)

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Owen really enjoyed his first time hunting for deer with Dad and Grandpa. Unfortunately he didn't get anything.

September - Sweet Sis' Birthday, Parents 25th Anniversary, Family Pictures, Nationals Practice Fun

Sweet Sis turned four this past year!

Happy Birthday Sweet Sis! Love her smile and joy!

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My parents celebrated their 25th anniversary in September. To celebrate the day they are going on a trip to Hawaii!

Ever since Dad and Mom got those awesome cupcakes for my birthday, we have had cupcakes for every birthday and occasion, which included my parents 25th anniversary! Dad picked silver sprinkles for the 25 years and a blue heart, the color of their wedding color!

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We have been needing to get our family pictures done and we finally got around to it! It was a privilege to photograph my family! It was my "official" photoshoot!  

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We asked different families if they would like to host a Nationals practice. Here we are enjoying time at the T. family's house for a Nationals practice.

Until next time...
​~Holly