I'm Back

Hello everybody!

These past few months, or a year I guess it is, have been pretty crazy. School is starting soon and we have been taking lots of trips as a family. We went to Flower Festival in Lompoc, watching my cousins dance and hanging out with family. Having GREAT barbecues!

Then, we went to Arkansas for a family reunion. We flew into Birmingham, Alabama, and stayed there overnight, then drove to Memphis the next day and spent the night there. The next day, before we left Memphis, we went to the National Civil Rights Museum. It was so powerful and altogether breath-taking. They have preserved that hotel perfectly. It's crazy! Then across the street, there was a museum that showed exhibits of how they found Martin Luther King's murderer, and the evidence they had to prove he did it. They also showed the window they believed he shot Martin Luther King from. It was unbelievable.

We drove from Memphis to Subiaco, Arkansas, and stayed at the monastery, where the reunion was held. It was nice to see all of my relatives that I never knew, all in one place (a little overwhelming but good). After five days, we drove back to Memphis and stayed the night.

The next day we went to Graceland, and learned more about Elvis' road to fame, and what he had to do to get there. It was amazing and seeing his house, and how he had different rooms decorated was crazy cool! After picking up some cool souvenirs we said goodbye to Memphis and drove back to Birmingham, where we stayed with my great Uncle Jeff, my great aunt, and cousins.

The next morning we went to go visit my dad's grandparents, who were more than glad to see my brother and I. It was nice to sit and chat with them in the warm sun, before going back to the house to spend the afternoon with my cousins, and cooking Mexican food with my mom and Kristen (one of my cousins) for my great Uncle Jeff.  The next morning, it was time to catch our plane and head back home. Once we got home, we reflected on the great week we had and future plans to do it again.

My aunt and uncle were up here this weekend and we had so much fun catching up with them and one of my Uncle Ernie's legendary barbecues. This weekend was full of laughs and happy memories and for that I am grateful and very happy. 

Now, my last week is devoted to being an eighth grade WEB leader and guiding my group of ambling, scared sixth graders around their new school.

On Monday, it's back to school for sixth grade orientation, the afternoon that will define the way these sixth graders look at the loyal, supportive school of ACMS. I am glad to be a motivated advocate for my school and all the staff that works there.

On Wednesday, the fifteenth, it's time to get back to the grind of school and dance practice.

This year's dance schedule is going to be even more crazy than last year. Alex and I are both on dance competitive teams this year (I on contemporary and Alex on Jr. Jazz team), which means more practices and more work. I am really excited to get started on competitions and doing some fun things with my team!

As for school, being a WEB leader is a HUGE responsibility and I am honored to have been chosen, but this means keeping a good grade point average and following rules. This isn't hard, but now I have to be more diligent about what I do and say since little sixth graders are looking up to me as a role model.

Alex and I now have to use laptops for school and they came on Friday the tenth. We were extremely happy and we are so lucky to have parents who believe in us so much, that they were willing to spend a lot of money on our education. And that is all that I could ask for.

In Shelby and Co. news.....

Shelby and Co. headquarters have been trying to wrack our brains about upcoming walk t-shirts and  hoodie combo colors. We want to have enough time to check if the color is available and have time to order them. We would really appreciate your input on colors. It would help us make a great decision. Also, please start thinking about creative ways to fundraise in your workplace or town. We would appreciate any contribution to our team so we can all have fun at the Oakland and San Francisco walks (more details to come). Please help our team and headquarters make easier decisions.

Well, now we are up to speed on the ongoings of my summer and what's to come. Even all of our Shelby and Co. news. Crazy year ahead. Wish me and my family luck on persevering this eventful year ahead of us.

I will make sure to keep you guys posted!
   
        Shelby