Groat Family Adventures

Packer is 1!

2009-09-22T18:51:00.008-04:00

Happy Birthday dear Packer!

Tummy Yummies make for a great B-Day present!

Dad and his little bud.

Glenhills Camping 2009

2009-08-21T14:49:00.006-04:00

Setting up our home away from home for the weekend.

Sierra trying to take Boomer for a walk.

Sierra is a little daredevil. She loved to hang,

even after she fell the 5 feet when she let go.

Nothing better than a camping weekend with

Gramy and Grampy even if it was a little cold.

Life is good for the girls when we camp ~

endless playing and endless snacks.

Drumsticks and campfire time after naps.

Karlee and Sierra sure do love their Daddy!

Last day Uncle Larry came down and camped

with us and to eat smores.

The last night we joined the crew in the camper at 12:30am

since a lighening storm was going through and we didn't think

the tent under trees was the safest place to be.

Up North July 2009

2009-08-21T14:41:00.006-04:00

We spent a morning at Amnicon State Park hiking

and picnicing. It is a beautiful park with 2 falls.

We think we have a great life with our two girls!

Todd wanted to feed the seagulls - Sierra wanted to chase them.

Last morning - had to just get a little more beach time in.

We even brought some home with us that was scrubbed out

in the tub later that night.

Cabin relaxation - nothing like it!

Govin's Strawberry Patch

2009-07-06T18:57:00.002-04:00

Sierra and Karlee really enjoyed their first trip

to a strawberry patch. Sierra ate everyone she picked

and Karlee wanted to fill her carton.

16 lbs were picked and hard to say how

many were eaten.

Freezer jam and some containers for ice cream

sundaes were made to enjoy this winter.

Visit by Grampy and Grammy Groat

2009-07-05T08:11:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Wisconsin Grampy and Grammy!

Let's go sit by the firepit and make smores.

Plus there was bean bag playing and ice cream eating.

We all went into Clear Lake Days for the parade...

wait I mean rides. Guess what the girls liked the best.

Grammy made the girls beautiful dresses for church.

Fun snuggling with Grampy and reading a book with Grammy.

Como Zoo Visit

2009-07-05T08:06:00.002-04:00

Our camping trip with Grandpa and Grandma Bergmann

got postponed because of bad weather so we went to

Como Zoo and Como Town for a day instead. Always a

fun place to visit and we stopped at the Snuffy's Malt

Shop on the way home and the little gals loved trying

everyone's mals.

Visit by Uncle Troy, Aunt Laura and Cousin Aunika.

2009-06-08T07:04:00.006-04:00

Fun time playing in the rocks and sliding together.

Trip to Fawn Doe Rosa to feed the animals.

Karlee and Aunika's favorite thing was chasing

the ducks, geese and chickens.

Karlee is our animal lover. She would have stayed all day.

We had a hard time teaching Aunika and Sierra to hold their

hands out straight with the food on it. So gave them the bigger

pieces of dog biscuits or carrots.

So much fun. The deer will come up to anyone that they

believe has food for them. They just wander the whole

park - free to go where ever they want.

Uncle Troy, Aunt Laura and cousin Aunika having fun

visiting from St. Louis.

A fun night out side playing bean bag toss and making

smores around the firepit.

Play Doh ~ what better way to pass away a rainy day

Memorial Day Weekend 2009

2009-05-25T17:38:00.008-04:00

What a fun weekend we had with

Aunt Tana and her boyfriend Ron visiting us.

First stop, Taylos Falls to do some hiking

We discoverd that Sierra was quite the little

hiker and rock climber. No back pack for her.

Wonder what it will be like at Estes Park in the fall.

Nothing like a good grill out after a day of hiking.

The girls sitting around the campfire

while the guys were away fishing.

Our fishermen. 2nd day out was better than

the first but any day fishing is good.

Can their ever be enough roasting

marshmallows and making smores?

Grandpa Groat how could you say no smores to this face

even though they are all over it?

Fun family time around the fire.

2009-05-22T15:41:00.005-04:00

Our sweet little gals...well most of the time that is.

Sierra is a little ham most of the time for the

camera.

Karlee isn't too sure about actually looking at

the camera.

Garden planting for the year - green beans, peas,

carrots, lettuce and tomatos. Going to plant corn,

pumpkins and zuchinni over at grandparents.

Packer is fitting right in with the family. Only trouble is

he keeps taking Magnet's ball.

We are having a lot of company over the next

month or so, so we decided to replace the downstairs

shower door. Only problem was none of the wall

were squared. Turned into quite the project.

Spring 2009 Turkey Hunt

2009-05-08T11:42:00.007-04:00

Brother Todd got the 1st turkey of the season on the 2nd day.

Weighed 22 lbs with a 10 inch beard.

Brother Larry got the 2nd bird and Todd got the 3rd,

both on 3rd day. Larry's weighed 15 lbs

with a 10 1/4 inch beard and

Todd's weighed 25 lbs with a 10 inch beard

and 1 1/2 inch spurs.

All and all a great season and should have some

beautiful turkey fans for the walls.

Shrine Circus Fun

2009-04-04T09:53:00.009-04:00

Even though I had the girls color pictures of clowns before

we came and told them they would have paint all over

their faces they still weren't quite sure what to think.

Flat Stanley is visiting with us from our neice Claire in St. Louis.

Karlee's favorite part was the blow up slide before hand and

watching the human canon ball. Sierra was mesmorized by it all

but probably liked the tigers and elephants the best.

Fun family picture. Don't you see the resemblence!

Sier-Rah-Rah is 2

2009-03-16T20:26:00.008-04:00

Sierra trying to blow out the candle. She needs some help yet.

I wasn't sure if I was ready to cut into the cake after all

it took to make it.

Look at all the gifts. Which one first? Karlee's present to

Sierra of course - which was a pink princess play dress.

She got so many new good books to read at bedtime.

Play-doh and bath duckies. Oh yeah, life is good!

And bathtub flutes. I don't think it will take long for

Mommy and Daddy to hide them. Hee hee.

Grampy Bergmann with his little princesses.

Thanks to all the Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents for

the wonderful gifts!!

A Nice Weekend - Finally

2009-03-07T17:51:00.005-05:00

It has been in the mid 40s for our weekend (Fri/Sat)

and we have been outside both days enjoying it.

Kite flying+bike riding+grilling=GREAT weekend

Karlee actually flew the kite by herself for the 1st time.

Then she gave pointers to Sierra and then Sierra

got to try it with some help from Daddy.

We also made spring butterfly and flower playdoh cakes.

Of course there was also some naps time.

While Sierra napped Karlee made some ladybug decorations

for Sierra's B-day party later in the week and watched some

movies with "the boys".

RAndOmNeSs

2009-02-01T15:53:00.007-05:00

Sierra still wants to hold Packer on her lap even

though he is getting too big. Todd's solution for

when both girls want a piggyback ride at the

same time-double decker.

We showed the girls our wedding video for the

first time and Karlee was upset that we didn't

invite her. Then after we explained why, all

she wanted to do was to marry Daddy.

All Todd could think about was getting his guns

out to "clean" thinking of that day way off

in the future. Both of our gals love to read

and it is fun seeing Karlee starting to read to

Sierra. It's amazing to hear how many books

she has memorized.

One of my favorite times of the day is snuggle

and reading time before bed. It sure makes a mom

realize what is important in life and how blessed

she is! As you can see Packer has really settled

into family life well.

Winter Fun - Finally

2009-02-01T15:47:00.005-05:00

We have had only 2 days nice enough for us to take the

gals out and play this winter. We cannot believe it has

been so cold. We don't want winter to end ~ we just want

it a little warmer (above 0 atleast) and alot more snow!

Sledding is a family favorite and of course making

snow angels. I think Karlee would have done it for

hours but once Sierra's hands get cold she is done.

This was on the last day of January. It was actually

40 degrees. We just had to get out and play!

Hunting Traditions

2008-12-14T12:25:00.006-05:00

Forgot to post these back in November. One of Todd's favorite

parts of hunting week is the tradition of getting a picture

with the gals. Then of course when he is gone us gals

need to do some 100% girlie stuff like paint toes.

Christmas Fun

2008-12-14T11:58:00.010-05:00

Yesterday was Santa Day in Clear Lake.

Karlee even sat on his lap this year but Sierra won't

have anything to do with him.

Christmas beauties in their dresses from Ebay.

One dress from Texas one from Illinois.

Searching for just the perfect tree and finding it.

Most expensive tree we have ever gotten since we got

pulled over on the way there for expired tags. Not sure

how that happened but it did.

Decorating Fun.

Winter fun and first time out with the sleds this season.

Just some Groat girl traditions.

One Spoiled Dog

2008-12-14T11:52:00.003-05:00

Yes he really does like to sleep wrapped around Todd's head.

Our Little Entertainers

2008-12-07T19:14:00.010-05:00

Karlee & Sierra perfoming one of their favorite songs - "Giggle, Giggle, Wiggle, Wiggle, Hop, Hop, Hop"...

Becoming Best of Friends

2008-11-24T19:57:00.003-05:00

The pictures say enough about

how the gals are liking their

new puppy.

Karlee's 4th Birthday Party

2008-11-24T19:41:00.006-05:00

How can it be that our Karlee is 4 years old. She

is a pure delight to us and makes us laugh. She is

quite the entertainer that loves to dance and sing.

Princess was the theme of her party this year

and she loved all the Barbies that she got. From

the pictures maybe we should have gotten

her some new socks!

One of her favorite movies is Barbie's Diamond

Castle hence the Barbie and the guitar.

Our little groover. Maybe she will be a worship

leader some day or a country music singer.

Oh such fun toys and things to color/paint.

She also really enjoys to read and of course eat

birthday cake, or should I say birthday cake

frosting. Easier and less clothes to wash if you

just take the shirt off.

Our Family Grew by 4 Feet and A Tail

2008-11-07T14:07:00.007-05:00

Uncle Larry and us bought the girls a puppy for their B-day

and Christmas gifts. So to say they were surprised would be

an understatement!

He is a Springer Spaniel named Packer and is 6 weeks old.

There were many hugs and kisses through out the

night, and many struggles about who got to hold him.

Princess Karlee and the puppy. It was love at first

sight. On most nights she is the one that still looks out one of

the windows and asks about Samson. She recently started

to talk about getting another "Sam".

Our new family. Todd needed another male in the house!

Can we sleep with him?

Packer Fans!

2008-11-03T22:30:00.001-05:00

Go Packers Go! Touchdown!

Random Fall Pics

2008-11-03T21:29:00.008-05:00

Wood cutting with Grandma, Uncle Larry and Lady or May

(cannot tell from the pictures which horse it is) It was a

beautiful fall day to be out in the woods.

We also took a walk out into the woods to check out

Daddy's deer stand. We hope he gets "the big one" this year!

Pumpkin carving with Daddy. Neither of the girls

wanted to touch the inside stuff.

Sierra really enjoys the outdoors. Not sure how we

are going to entertain her inside for the long WI winter.

Karlee we won't have to worry about. Daddy will

just be the indoor swing. That way he gets a work

out in too.

We took Karlee for an early birthday outing to

"Playhouse Disney" in the Twin Cities. She was so

tuckered out by the end of the day.

Boy is it hard to get a good pictures with both

of them looking and smiling. Aren't they the cutest!

We even got our outdoor Christmas lights out.

They like the moose the best. We are feeling pretty

good about all that was accomplished outside

this fall for getting ready to winter.

Now let the snow come!!!

Fall Family Fun

2008-10-05T20:23:00.007-04:00

What could be better than making apple pies and

then going on a bike ride to wear it off. Now that it is cooler

we like going out to ride and check out the fall colors.

We went to an apple farm in Stillwater but weren't

too impressed so bought some honey crisp apples and decided

to have a picnic lunch at a park. Was a fun day even though

it wasn't what we started out to do. Flexibility is the name

of the game!

We also went to a pumpkin patch that had a petting zoo too.

I didn't think we were ever going to get the gals out of the

little bunny area.

There were goats, llamas, chickens and little horses too.

After getting home from the pumpkin patch we made

our favorite pizzas. Chicken ranch for Todd, regular for

gals and 3 Meat with BBQ sayce for mine. Sierra liked

dipping the meat in the BBQ sauce and licking it off

and then putting it on the pizza.

Down Yonder 2008

2008-09-20T16:52:00.006-04:00

Thanks to the help of Todd's sister Tana we got to

go the the Brewer Cardinal game. Had wonderful

seats and Cardinals Won! - Pretty exciting game.

Karlee likes very few things more then being outside.

Add food and a tea party with Aunt Tana and nothing

can beat it.

Smore time fun. They could be for breakfast, lunch

or dinner. Sorry Gene!

Karlee so enjoys being around her Groat cousins.

She cannot wait to see them again at Christmas.

We are excited that both of our gals love the

outdoors. Sierra favorite is play in and eating dirt.

A little lap time with Grandpa and Grandma.

The only glitch was that the Missouri mud

harden inside the back tires on Tren/Melissa's van.

A little banging, WD, 3 men supervising

and one doing the work fixed it all.

What a fun Labor Day Weekend!

Glacier National Park Vacation

2008-08-22T15:15:00.016-04:00

Oh where do you begin. It was such a GREAT trip.
Our destination was Glacier but we also stopped at
Theodore Roosevelt Nat'l Park in N. Dakota on the way out.

We did 3 hikes (3 miles, 2 miles and 1 mile each way).
Karlee hiked up on all three trips and some of the way down.
Sierra rode and slept on the way down. Karlee loved
having snowball fights in the snow fields and Sierra loved
seeing all the mountain goats.

Brother Larry and Todd got to go fly fishing and the
gals and I would play in the water, sand or rocks.
The other picture is Todd exploring/rock climbing at Twin Falls

on our last hike before heading home.

This is Karlee on our first hike once we got to Avalanche lake.
She took her hiking boots off and waded as soon as we got there.
Sierra just wanted to throw or eat rocks.

At the end of the days we hiked it was either an ice cream
stop or back to the condo to make fresh chocolate chip cookies.

We saw the world's fattest chipmunk who wanted to eat
Sierra's cracker and Karlee was so proud of her rainbow trout.

It was great to have my brother, AKA Uncle Larry, travel with us.

If you cannot not tell the gals absolutely adore him.

The mommy mountain goat and baby actually wanted us to
get off the rock so they could use it. It must have some type of
mineral in it because as soon as we moved they started licking it.

We are so blessed by our little gals. They did SO good.
We are definately training them to be outdoor enthusiasts.

This is almost to the top of the road going through the
park called the Going to the Sun road. It was amazing!! Behind
the gals you can see a herd of about 20 Big horn sheep.

While we were watching the herd this one came walking
around the corner about 20 feet from us.

We could not help but proclaim ~ "Our God is an awesome God"

The scenery was unbelievable. Pictures just cannot capture it all.

This was a saying in the visitor center at the top. May we never
fall into apathy in our lives or journey to Jesus!

Finally Finished

2008-07-28T22:09:00.007-04:00

Both of Karlee's and Sierra's room focus around beautiful quilts

they have received from different Aunties. The pictures do not do

them justice. The hand quilting on them is amazing.

Karlee's room is pineapple yellow and very bright and bold.

Sierra's room is a sage green - she needs it to be a little

more mellow to help calm her down.

Thanks Auntie's for all the time and effort you put into the

quilts. They will be cherished for many more years to come!

Cabin Fun

2008-07-23T20:27:00.008-04:00

We spend a beautiful afternoon at Corni beach

playing in the water and having a lot of fun.

If you cannot tell by the pictures our girls

absolutely adore Uncle Larry.

Beach beauties!

In the morning/evenings we played at the cabin or took naps.

What a great way to spend a weekend.

The sign is true: "Up North IS a State of Mind"

We are blessed.

Daddy and his gals - does a mommy proud.

Our last night we went to Herbster beach and threw rock

and watched the sun set. I didn't think we would get the gals to leave.

Thanks Todd and Connie for letting us use the cabin.

We had a blast!

4th of July Weekend Fun

2008-07-06T13:43:00.006-04:00

We started the weekend off by celebrating Grandpa & Grandma's
birthdays at the Machine Shed Restaurant. Everyone ate very well.

For fireworks we went to my parent's house to watch the neighbor's display. One of the guys has the license to shoot off the bigs ones so we just sit on my parent's deck and enjoy. Karlee's and Magnet 1st time - she did alot better then Magnet did.

Then we went to Uncle Dan's house to play games and grill out on Saturday. We sure do like his new house on the Apple River.

Clear Lake Days Marathon

2008-06-29T08:43:00.009-04:00

A fun time was had watching the bands and princesses.

Lucky our chairs were under a canopy because it downpoured

for about 5 minutes - the bands kept marching though

Then it was off to the carnival rides.

Karlee named her blue pony paint.

Then we meet up with her cousin Kallie and they rode

rides and bounced together to their hearts content.

By the time the day was done everyone was tuckered out.

Fun day - good thing for us it only happens once a year!

We missed Uncle Larry this year at the festivities but he left this

morning with the youth group to go to the Challenge Conference

in Salt Lake City. 24 hour bus ride - oh my!! Say a prayer for him!

2nd Honeymoon Weekend

2008-06-28T09:13:00.009-04:00

"The Cabin" belongs to my brother Todd and his wife and it is a great place to get away to. It is actually the place where we went on our 1st honeymoon. Anytime we are able to go up there we call it our 2nd honeymoon. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma B for watching the little gals for us.

We had a great 4 hour hike along the lake and the bluffs. It is absolutely beautiful and was nice to just have some time together.

In the winter we hike into the caves below the hiking trail if the lake is frozen and enjoy it's beauty in a whole different way.

Quarry beach - nice and calm after the storms passed through. It is a nice beach to visit because most of the tourists don't know where it is so you are usually there by yourself.

Friday night we had the privilege of seeing our friends John and Anitra begin their journey together as husband and wife. They had a beautiful sunset on the lake as the backdrop and we are excited for them as they start this new adventure - their love for each other and for Jesus Christ was evident that night. This by far was one of Todd's favorite weddings he has preformed.

Glenhills Camping

2008-06-15T15:26:00.012-04:00

We had a FANTASTIC time camping with

Grampy & Grammy Bergmann and Uncle Larry.

It was our first trip out this season and the

weather even cooperated. Sierra loved all the

attention and Karlee loved making marshmellows.

Visit from Aunt Tana

2008-06-01T21:04:00.005-04:00

We spent part of Saturday at Como Zoo. A fun time was had by all!!

Sierra couldn't stop pointing at all the different animals and Karlee loved

having both Aunt Tana and Uncle Larry to spoil her

THANKS Aunt Tana for coming to visit - we LOVE YOU!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-29T10:40:00.007-04:00

Karlee and Sierra had to be my helpers the week prior to Memorial

Day because Todd was gone all week starting his CECL

(Center for Excellence in Church Leadership) program.

He will be gone one week in the spring and one in the fall for 2 1/2 years.

http://cecl.glcc.org/cecl/index.htm

So when he came home we got the pool out on the deck

for the gals and got out some yard games to play

Then we planted some flowers, hopefully we won't get any more frost,

and Sierra/Magnet watched and ate cheeseballs.

On Memorial Day we went to see Indiana Jones with some

friends and then back to our house for a cook-in (since it was raining)

and Taboo playing and watching the Stanley Cup playoffs.

All in all - a GREAT weekend!

Let the Training Begin

2008-05-19T19:09:00.007-04:00

Our Economic Stimulus Rebate just arrived today and part of it is going to church and the rest is going towards our trip out to Glacier National Park in Montana. That means training must begin for mountain hiking. I am glad that I will have Sierra (20 lbs+) and Todd will have Karlee (40 lbs +). Now if August would just get here.

Blessed Mommy

2008-05-19T19:03:00.005-04:00

Karlee made me a stepping stone for our flower garden

and playing with them outside is one of my favorite things.

I am truly blessed to have 2 such beautiful daughters.

Being a mom is harder then I ever thought but

more importantly I love them more then I ever thought possible.

Fun with Grandpa and Grandma Groat

2008-05-09T14:25:00.008-04:00

The gals were totally excited for

Grandpa & Grandma Groat to visit from St. Louis.

Catching up with the gals since they hadn't seen them

since Thanksgiving - they have changed alot since then.

Music concert and playing Let's Go Fishing since it

was fishing opener and too icky to be outside.

Celebrating Our 6th Wedding Anniversary

2008-04-20T08:54:00.005-04:00

Our journey began as husband and wife 6 years ago today

And we are still in love and enjoying the journey, even

through the hard times, the low times, the high times, the fast

pace times, the exciting times...it is all the journey of learning

to love and respect and cherish each other.

Todd I love you with all my heart!! The words from

this song say it the best for me:

I can't believe its me I can't believe its me

The one that gets to love you for eternity

I am so blessed that I confess

This is so much more than I ever dreamed

I can't believe its me

A Day at the MN Zoo

2008-04-04T20:25:00.005-04:00

Uncle Larry gave Karlee a trip to the zoo last year for her birthday

and we finally made the trip for the Farm Babies exhibit.

Their favorite part was watching the fish and going

to the dolphin show.

We even met up at the zoo with one of Nettie's friends, Megan,

and her 2 kids (Hannah didn't want to be in the picture).

It was a beautiful day and a fun time was had by all.

Can you tell from any of the pictures what Nettie

did before we left for the zoo?

Spaghetti & Bath Night

2008-04-04T20:23:00.005-04:00

They have to go hand and hand in our house.

Pictures say why.

Birthday and Easter Celebrations

2008-03-25T07:53:00.006-04:00

We did Sierra's B-day party and Easter together on Saturday night

instead of Sunday. Sunday is busy enough with

church services and pancake breakfast.

It was much more relaxed and Shawn was even home from college.

Sierra took right to the presents and of course there had to be

basketball since March madness is on. Go Badgers!!

Sierra wanted to get at the cake and loved the new dolly

that Karlee gave her.

Mmmmm!!!

Guess Who Is Turning 1 Year Old

2008-03-04T19:06:00.009-05:00

How can this weekend be one year already!!

She has become a sweet little girl, who is quite the

adventurer and who can throw a pretty good temper

tantrum when she doesn't get her way.

(That has to come from the Groat side! Hee Hee)

Birthday Dinner (finally) With A Night Away

2008-03-04T18:57:00.003-05:00

Todd and I finally got to celebrate his birthday at his favorite
restaurant - Red Lobster. For waiting he was reward with Lobster Fest.
Let's just say he ate well. After that we went to a Gary& Greg
Smalley "I Promise" seminar in the Twin Cities. We recommend it.

It was also the first time we left Sierra over night.

Snowshoe Weekend 2008

2008-02-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

It was a guys only snowshoe weekend this year since the gals were going to stay home for various reasons and it was a good thing because the adventures began before the trip even started. A little before 11am Connie called and said the furnance repair man did not close the door on the cabin and everything was frozen - pipes, toilets, - and icicles hanging from the sinks. Plan B then took effect and the guys went to the hunting cabin. They can handle the no water, outhouse only and the cooler temps inside.

The first morning they got up and started out on their adventures.

All the ravines made for many ups and downs. Quite the workout!

Larry lost a snowshoe, Todd stopped to help but ended up sinking in too.

Beautiful scenery up north - so they hiked and hiked and hiked....

The gang 2008. What great friends!!

40 Years and Fabulous

2008-01-21T20:36:00.001-05:00

Yes we are 40 but we are still smiling, laughing and playing.

My birthday wish for the Packers to make it into the SuperBowl

did not come true though. There is always next year!

Still young enough to run the gals over to Grammies and Grampies

and take an afternoon stroll through the woods on

snowshoes in the beautiful snow.

My favorite birthday present is going on a date with Todd to my favorite restaurant (Tony Roma's at the Mall of America). We eat until we cannot eat anymore and then walk. Todd also gave me a certificate for a 1 hour massage while he watches the girls.

Favorite cards that made us laugh.

Inside reads: Don't worry there's plenty of time left on the clock.

Back reads: HALFTIME is pretty close though.

Inside reads: The higher your age, the lower your pompoms!

Samson a True Companion

2008-01-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

I picked Samson out about 1 hour after he was born 12 years ago and he had been my true companion ever since.

The guys in my life. Samson was first and then he shared. I always got a kick out of him growling at Todd when he came in to bed after Samson and I had been there for a while. Guess he didn't want to share me a bedtime though.

Karlee loved her "Little Bud". The picture on the right is our last picture of him.

Sierra was just beginning to play with him.

We let him out to go to the bathroom and he never came back home. I cannot believe he is gone. Part of our family is missing. I cannot seem to stop the tears but it helps to remember all of the good times we had with him.

Look Who's Walking!

2008-01-10T12:32:00.000-05:00

Christmas Greetings 2007

2007-12-21T09:17:00.000-05:00

We hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas celebrating Jesus' birthday. Isaiah 9:6 says, "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us...and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." Our prayer this holiday season is that you know this Son and the words/names describing Him! MERRY CHRISTMAS

Here is our 2007 family Christmas Letter: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcj2mb9z_1qx3nmvg3

Here are the pictures to go with it:

Baaah Humbug

2007-12-20T20:58:00.000-05:00

Church's Christmas program ~

Even though they don't look it they did have fun!

Of course there was nose picking again this year.

Programs at Little Lambs daycare/preschool. She was an Angel

and there was no nose picking.

Christmas Traditions

2007-12-20T20:44:00.000-05:00

We've cut our own tree ever since we got married.

Karlee gets to do the star and even has a tree in her bedroom.

Newest tradition - Mommy did most of the decorating

and Karlee ate the candy.

Fun making cookies - Sierra even wanted to get in on it.

Santa Day in Clear Lake

2007-12-20T20:34:00.001-05:00

Every December for atleast the last 20 years Clear Lake has a Santa Day where kids can come and see Santa and go on sleigh rides. My family has thoroughly enjoyed doing the sleigh rides with our team even in the sub zero years. There is also a bonfire to sit around to keep warm. The mares are called Lady and May and Karlee loves them.

Thanksgiving in St. Louis

2007-12-19T21:40:00.000-05:00

Fun visit with Great Grandparents

Hugs and fun with cousin Kaylyn

Actual Thanksgiving meal & Sierra with cousin Claire

As always good times with Grampy and Grammy

Couldn't get enough hugs from the Uncles

Deer Hunting Tradition

2007-11-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

This is one of Todd's favorite photo traditions. It is fun to see how life changes each year.

Family Matters

2007-11-17T13:00:00.001-05:00

3rd Birthday Party

2007-11-17T12:51:00.000-05:00

Dora is a favorite!

So many presents she didn't know what to do

She got a strike on her first try

The kitchen that took Daddy 2 hours to put together but the look on her face when she took the sheet off made it all worth it!

Decorating cupcakes for daycare/preschool since her actual birthday was on the one day a week she goes.

Birthday Outing With Mommy and Daddy

2007-11-17T12:45:00.000-05:00

We took just Karlee to the Children's Museum and had a wonderful day. She just adores Curious George. We stopped for lunch and told our watress it was her birthday and she got a HUGE ice cream sundae.

What Do I Want To Do When I Grow Up?

2007-11-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

I could ride Boomer in the rodeo or be a pilot...

I could work at the zoo with the animals or

be a wheel barrel racer in the circus with Daddy...

Or I could be a quarterback for the Packers and

beat the Vikings again 34 to 0 !!!

Do they look alike?

2007-09-17T21:49:00.001-04:00

Todd and Karlee June, '05

Todd and Sierra August, '07

St. Louis Down Yonder Trip - Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-17T21:35:00.000-04:00

Kid's table for meals and 4 wheeling with Tucker

Snuggles around the camp fires.

Down Yonder Camp ~ where camo is in!

Fun with the Grandpa and cousins Bryan and Kaylyn

What camp looks like - 7 tents total this year.

Before and after going down to camp we did lots of visiting.

Sierra and Abby on the floor

Great Grandpa & Grandma Faries, Grandma Groat, Todd and Gals

Aunt Tana, Sierra and Karlee. Shirt says it all!

Church Happenings

2007-09-17T21:26:00.000-04:00

Some fun teaching experiences for Todd this summer.

Great Outdoors Sunday in the park talking about "True North",

Avalanche Ranch VBS Sunday and Pastor Paul's retirement

and the kid's lesson that had them talking.

Dinner Cruise down the St. Croix with some of our church family.

Beautiful evening, great food, good music and fun company!

www.andiamo-ent.com

Mini Vacation - Lake Superior

2007-08-10T21:42:00.001-04:00

Looking for the perfect throwing stone and climbing on the rocks

Watching the waves and family hike

Beautiful view and Upper Falls at Gooseberry Park

Hugs for the little sister and Lower Falls at Gooseberry Park

Fun on the sand beach and hugs on the rock beach

Sierra sleeping on the beach and walking in the waves

PB & Js and Puzzles

Pool fun and Sierra by the fireplace in our room

Feeding the birds and climbing under drift wood

We took a 3 day vacation up to Two Harbors, MN

which is on the north shore of Lake Superior.

It was an incredibly fun time and full of many adventures.

The north shore of The Lake is rocky and

the south shore of The Lake is sandy.

As you can see we had a great time and Sierra was

tuckered out by the time we hit the last beach.

Family Love

2007-08-10T21:37:00.000-04:00

Summer Fun

2007-08-10T21:30:00.000-04:00

Summer fun on the hammock at Aunt Renee's

What a fun way to stay cool with Daddy!

One of Karlee's favorite passtimes ~

Aunt Connie's too by the looks of it!

Just some summer smiles

Fawn Doe Rosa Visit

2007-07-04T17:39:00.000-04:00

Fun trip to Fawn Doe Rosa with Grandpa and Grandma Groat.

Great place for kids: www.fawndoerosa.com In Taylor Falls/St. Croix Falls.

Boating with Friends

2007-07-04T17:31:00.001-04:00

Boating and eating dessert with our friends Amy and Steve Monson.

Fun night out even though it sprinkled a little and was a cool night.

Sierra looked like she was wearing a sumo wrestling suit.

Clear Lake Days Weekend

2007-06-24T21:52:00.000-04:00

Many activities to do this weekend including riding rides at the carnival with the cousins, going to the parade with Uncle Todd, Aunt Connie, Grandpa and Grandma. Then home to play in the pool and relax in the air conditioning. Not pictured is eating ice cream with magic shell - too busy eating to take a picture!

Mommy's New Hobby

2007-06-11T22:17:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Aunt Melissa for teaching me tricks and programs for photography. I have great models to practice on! Anyone else want to let me practice by letting me take pictures of their families or children?

Life After the Work Day

2007-06-11T21:42:00.001-04:00

Nothing better than to come home to family at the end of a work day!

Camping Pictures With Grandpa & Grandma Bergmann & Uncle Larry

2007-06-11T21:35:00.000-04:00

I don't think a minute went by that someone wasn't lovin' on the gals.

Of course they thought it was just great!

First Camping Trip of the Season

2007-06-11T21:29:00.001-04:00

Our 1st camping trip with Sierra wasn't really roughing it since we had the Grandparent's 5th wheeler and Uncle Larry's pickup camper, but a fun time was had by all. Karlee even caught her 1st fish.

Aunt Tana's Visit

2007-05-20T17:59:00.001-04:00

Thanks Aunt Tana for visiting and playing wit us! We had a great time.

Outdoor Fun

2007-05-20T17:58:00.001-04:00

Tulip Girl

Telling Mommy Stories

Showdown at the Groat Corral

Our Sweet Sierra

2007-05-20T17:52:00.000-04:00

What A Cutie!!

I made you a present!

What's all that noise I'm trying to sleep

Our 2 Sweeties! Who will never be able to date.

Come On - Laugh with me!

2007-04-29T21:28:00.000-04:00

2 Kids & a Kite

Sleeping beauty

Biker babes

2 Beauties

What's up Mom?

Mommy's little helper

Karlee's First Fishing Trip

2007-04-22T18:37:00.000-04:00

Karlee & Daddy going fishing with her

Princess rod that Daddy picked out for her

Daddy's been waiting for this day!

Our little fishing girl!

Her hat says "total irresistable". We agree.

Visit from Groat Grandparents

2007-04-12T08:49:00.000-04:00

Karlee & Grandpa G Reading

Grandpa G & Sierra

Grandma G & Karlee Playing With Play Doo

Grandma G with Sierra

Grandpa and Grandma G thanks for the visit!

So glad you got to come up and meet Sierra.

Wisconsin's 1st 80 Degree Day in 2007

2007-03-27T19:07:00.000-04:00

Kicking the ball for Magnet

Swinging with Sierra

Now that she out she doesn't want to go in!
Too bad it is supposed to be back in the 40's within 5 days and rain every day between now and then. Oh well summer is coming!

Family Life

2007-03-27T19:02:00.000-04:00

Girls, Girls, Girls

Building the new shelf for Karlee's room

And that makes 4

Our 2 Sweet Girls!

Introducing Our Newest Addition

2007-03-15T16:32:00.000-04:00

Sierra Grace Groat

6 lbs 8 ozs

19 inches

Proud Daddy

Karlee Reading to Little Sister

Proud Mommy

Leaving the Hospital to Take Her Home

Pretty In Pink

Thank you so much for your prayers! It is great to be home together as a family!

Fun in the Snow

2007-02-17T08:47:00.000-05:00

On top of "Snow Mountain" with Daddy

"Hold On!"

We love the snow!!

Finger or should we say Karlee Painting

Perspective

2007-01-28T08:44:00.000-05:00

Snowshoe Weekend 2005

Snowshoe Weekend 2007

Time goes by so fast!

Am I making the most of it?

Snowshoeing Weekend Up at the Cabin

2007-01-27T20:19:00.000-05:00

Family fun in the snow!
Say "Cheese"
Iverson's, Johnson's & Uncle Larry

Thanks for the fun weekend!

I couldn't love these 2 anymore than I do!
The love of my life!!

Glasses and Contacts for Sale....

2007-01-22T19:41:00.000-05:00

...because Todd had lasik eye surgery done on his birthday

and is now seeing 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in the other.

It was amazing to watch the procedure and even more

amazing for him to wake up in the middle of the night

and be able to read the time on the alarm clock!

It's Official

2007-01-11T18:30:00.000-05:00

My arrival date has been set for March 9th,

c-section starting at 8:00am.

Who knows - maybe I'll decide to come earlier.

Please pray for my Daddy and Mommy as they prepare for that day

and that I keep growing big and strong until I make my appearance.

~ Baby Groat

Family Vacation out West

2007-01-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

I love the mountains!

Mommy & Karlee at Mystic Lake

3 miles up a mountain in MT

All of us viewing the upper falls - Yellowstone

Rushmore as a backdrop

10 Days of camping in SD, WY & MT

with Uncle Larry and Grampy & Grammy Groat.

None of us wanted to come back.

Started planning the next trip on the way back.

Karlee's Best Friends

2007-01-09T20:12:00.000-05:00

Karlee & her "little bud" Samson and her "big bud" Magnet.

Christmas in St. Louis

2007-01-09T19:53:00.000-05:00

We had a great time visiting Todd's family.

Christmas 2006

2007-01-09T07:18:00.000-05:00

What a fun time Christmas was this year. Karlee loves to open up gifts and to sing. Too bad all she wanted to do during her Sunday School program was pick her nose.