Our little tumbling tot!

Kirsten started gymnastics few weeks ago and LOVES it!  She attends once a week and since the building is nearby by our house we drive by it daily... and everyday Kirsten asks if today is the day she gets to go to gymnastics!  

This evening the parents were invited to watch the class and both Gordon and I were able to attend.  We saw the kids do a bear walk, twirl ribbons, perform with rhythm sticks, cross the balance beam, complete somersaults, and dance.  Kirsten did an outstanding job!  She followed directions, was very attentive, and completed all of her routines and tricks.  Gordon and I are very proud of our little girl!

Kirsten passed her age group and can attend the next level.  They awarded her with a certificate! 

The local newspaper came to her class and took pictures!

Happy Birthday Drake!

 Drake is already 7 years old!  To celebrate we had a bowling party in Minocqua, WI while visiting Gordon's parents for Thanksgiving.  There was fun dance music playing loudly over the speakers and the kids were having a great time showing us their best dance moves.  Later that evening Drake opened his presents and he and his sisters were excited to play with all the new toys.  The house was especially busy with all the boys (Gordon, Steve, and Drake) running around with Nerf guns trying to shoot each other.  One of Drake's favorite gifts was a Red Rider bb gun from Nana and Papa (Gordon's parents), he practiced a couple of times shooting soda cans and hit them several yards away!

Leona Fredricia Groff 1942-2012

On Thanksgiving, my best friend Tiffany lost her mother to an awful disease with no cure or medicine to prolong life.  Leona lost her battle to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  

I have such fond memories of the wonderful woman that also shared the same birthday of my own mother.  Leona turned 70 on November 10th and enjoyed a festive birthday with friends and family.  http://tiffanysparks.smugmug.com/Family/Moms70thBirthday/26481736_PVjpwD

While sadness fills my heart, I am happy Leona isn't suffering any longer.  It feels just like yesterday when I was a 20 something getting ready to go out on the town with Tiffany while Leona looked on at us eager to hear the details of our upcoming evening.  Or even more recently at Alyssa's (Tiff's daughter and my goddaughter) graduation where Leona held Kirsten almost all night in her arms, dancing and smiling the night away.  

I'll miss you Leona, sending my love to heaven!



Leona and Kirsten (7m)

Kirsten's first Shirley Temple

I had to post this photo!  After Alexa's baby dedication we all went to brunch and Kirsten had her first Shirley Temple.  This was also her first time having soda... so it was quite comical when she took her first gulp and her face turned bright red, followed by her eyes.  Then our little cutie looked at us and said, "mmmm, kind of spicy!"   Love it!

Alexa's Baby Dedication

Last Sunday was a special time for our family as we came together to announce our promise to the Lord to raise Alexa with the principles of our Christian faith.  Our dear friends, Klint and Jenny Belz are Alexa's Godparents and they were also there for this special day.  We prepared a series of photos that our church played for the patrons at the service, it was quite beautiful and it was hard not to get emotional during this wonderful time.  Alexa's biblical name means "benefactor", strong willed and a fighter for those in need.  I think this fits her perfectly.  

We love you Alexa Lynn!

Here is a link to the Dedication slideshow played at church:  https://vimeo.com/53888818

Kirsten turns 3!

This year's birthday theme was... Elmo!  Most that know Kirsten would expect a Dora theme, but Kirsten had her heart set on having an Elmo birthday cake since she saw one at Dairy Queen a few months ago.  Sounds good to us!

Kirsten brought cookies to share with her playmates at daycare, which she proudly said she made... which is partly true, she did help me open the roll of cookie dough and put them on the cookie sheet.  :)  Both Gordon and I picked her up from daycare with a huge balloon bouquet--Elmo was the same height as Kirsten!  She loved it and was all smiles.

Kirsten's favorite food is rice and beans, so we took her and the family for a Mexican dinner where they sang to her and had her wear a Sombrero hat... she didn't like the hat very much!

The next day was our family party where we took Kirsten swimming at the indoor pool, opened presents, and ate birthday cake... Elmo cake, of course!

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