Tori's Family Party

This year for Tori's birthday all she wanted was a Kindle.  You can see how happy she was to get it!  It fits her perfectly because anyone that knows her knows she loves, loves, loves to read.  She just devours any books we put in her hands.  Now she can buy them for cheaper on-line or take advantage of the electronic library lending system.  She takes it with her everywhere already.

I say this every year, but I can't believe Tori is 11.  One more year until YW.  That hit us hard this year.  In good and bad ways.  She's growing up so fast, but we're so excited for her to have all the wonderful opportunities that come with turning 12.  Young Women's, girls camp, temple trips etc. 

Doesn't she look excited?

We love Tori for so many reasons.  She is very creative.  She loves dramatic play where you or a toy acts out stories.  She has taught her sisters to play this way as well.  They play school, rock stars, pioneers. . . you name it.  She is smart and does well in school.  She is kind and always wants to make sure people are included.  She told me of a time a few weeks ago when there was a girl standing by herself at recess.  Tori asked her group of friends if they could ask this girl to play with them.  I guess she has a little bit of a lisp and doesn't have too many friends Tori says.  Her friends were a little reluctant, but then they agreed.  Tori said they all had a good time, and this girl has been hanging out with them now.  I was so proud of her that she would be such an example like that.  Tori is very nurturing.  She's chomping at the bit to babysit and will make a great babysitter because she loves playing with younger kids.  As Tori has gotten older, she has this funny confidence about her.  For example, she made up this thing once where she winks, points at someone and makes this clicking sound as if she was someone famous.  She was doing it to complete strangers, and it was cracking us up!

We love you Tori!  Happy 11th Birthday!