Grandma Groesbeck

My mom needed a picture of herself doing something she loves to do, so I took one for her during our last visit. She is an avid reader. She goes through books so fast! She always has a huge stack by her bed. I love you Mom!

Applefest

Mariokart Wii

The boys LOVE to play Mariokart. It is great motivation for them to get their practicing done. They get 20 minutes of playing time if they finish their homework, practicing, and reading and still have enough time before bed. If they whine or beg, their next 20 minutes is taken away.

Alexander loves watching too:)

Baptism

Thomas's baptism was so special.   He was very prepared and ready to make that commitment.  He was supported by so many friends and family.  Both sets of grandparents, all aunts, uncles, and cousins that lived within a 4 hour drive, three friends from soccer and their families, his primary presidency and bishopric.  During the program he played "Teach Me to Walk in the Light" on his violin with Jackson on the cello and me on the piano.  Jackson performed both the baptism and the confirmation.  Standing in the circle for the confirmation were:
Grandpa Berry (Bubba)
Grandpa Groesbeck
Uncle Judd
Uncle Chris
Uncle Jake
Uncle Cody
Uncle Jordan (soon to be uncle)
Great Uncle Alvin
Dad's cousin Shane
Bishop Douglas Rock

I have noticed an increased sense of responsibility in Thomas.  He is maturing and making good choices.  He seeks after the truth.  He is determined and hard working.  I feel privileged to be his mother.













After the baptism we had dinner with everyone at our house.  We ate lots of soup, bread, and dessert and finished off the evening with a bit of Just Dance2 on the Wii.  

Giant Sunflowers

The favorite thing we grew in our garden this year was giant sunflowers. They were SO TALL...at least 8 feet! We harvested, soaked, and roasted them. They are delicious!

Make a Funny Face Mommy

After I had finished taking way too many pictures of my kids in the driveway, Essie said she wanted to take a picture of me.  I got everything set, showed her the button and helped her hold the camera up facing me.  After a few shots she said, "Okay, now make a funny face Mommy.  That was good, now a different one."  I'm not very good at making funny faces.  I planned on just deleting them, but decided against it.  These are for you my funny face queen!

Graceful Dancer

When I have seen other moms ask their kids to dance, I have usually seen the child do a fast, wiggly, twisty jig.  When I ask Estella to dance, she swoops and glides gracefully in an interpretative dance style.
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