A visit to Gammy and Gampy's in Naples

Last weekend we had a great trip to Naples, FL to visit with Blake's parents (Gammy and Gampy) and Kate and Kevin. Some highlights of the trip consisted to Gracie LOVING the water in the pool - I think she's going to be a water girl! She didn't mind the water in her eyes and just laughed and giggled as always. She also enjoyed the sand at the beach which was a bit of a surprise. We survived the 3 hour plane ride, but were thankful to be home after she had explored every corner of the aisle we sat in - including opening and closing the window hundreds of times and playing peek a boo with the man behind us! We had a great visit, but wished it could have been longer...but the Prestonian is right around the corner - and we are looking forward to 90 degree days and days at the pool with the Cullen gang!

Playing with Aunt Kate

Exploring the beach - what is this sand stuff?

Having a tea party with Gammy

A visit to the Naples Zoo -
a frequent stop with the Cullen family

Daddy showing Gracie the lion - who definitely ROARS

Enjoying a snack in the BOB stroller -
much more interesting than the alligator feeding

Dancing with Gammy and Gampy at Aunt Kate's and Uncle Kevin's house

Bye bye - Gammy and Gampy we'll see you in about 6 weeks

She's ready for the beach...

Does this girl look like she's ready for the beach or what? Gammy, Gampy, Aunt Kate and Uncle Kevin, we are looking forward to 80 degree days and exploring the beach for the first time with Gracie. We can't wait to see you guys soon!

Happy Easter...

We had a great Easter in MN and amazingly we had mild temperatures in the 50's (last year it snowed so we'll take 50s any day). Gracie loved her little Easter basket and didn't want to let go of her plastic eggs with stickers inside. We went to 8am church service - amazing that we made it that early - and then we treated ourselves to Caribou coffee on the way home! We were blessed to celebrate it with great friends the Schatz's and Reeves' over an amazing dinner and easter egg hunt for the little ones.

She's definitely a toddler these days....

Gracie seems to be changing so much these days...She took her first steps on Friday night, however, we didn't have the camera ready. Here are a few other pics from the last few weeks.

Am I getting BIG or what?

Check out all these teeth - they just keep coming!!

She loves to make this cheesy smile!

Busy playing with her train and other toys...


Look at those pig tails - cute or what?

Busy reading - How Big is Baby Elmo!!

I love playing with anything that makes a crinkly noise...

Now this looks like fun....mmm...I wonder what this does?

Busy, busy, busy, busy there's so much to do...
I found it....

Our JOYFUL gift from God - reflections of ONE year...

It's hard to believe a year ago Sunday that Grace Elizabeth Cullen entered the world at 4:06 am...At times it feels like she's been a part of our life forever, but then on the other hand it seems like yesterday that I held her in my weak arms for the first time...If Blake and I could use one word to describe the gift God blessed us with each day it would be JOY. I know most parents would say their children bring them joy, but with Gracie the characteristic of JOY is a complete picture of who she is on a daily basis. We can be at the grocery store, restaurant or any public place and people will always say the same thing about her - "what a great smile", "that's the happiest baby I've ever seen", "is she always this happy?" - I bet over the past year we've heard these phrases hundreds of times and we feel so blessed everytime to say YES, she is such a happy baby! Don't get me wrong she will have a fussy day or moment here or there, but for the most part she's just a happy little girl that brightens so many peoples days.

On Sunday (her first birthday) we dedicated her to the Lord at church and it was a precious time. For one our church does individual baby dedications which makes it extra special, but our pastor does a great job of personalizing it for each family. First of all, he had the whole congregation (about 300 people) sing her happy birthday - gracie was a little overwhelmed at first - as she was taking it all in - but by the end she was her happy go lucky self! Due to her character of joy, we picked out the verse I Thessalonians 5:16-18 as a life verse for her.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Our prayer for Gracie would be for her to always have the Joy of the Lord fill her up and no matter what life obstacles come her way we pray that she will always look to the Lord through prayer for His joy, strength and direction in her life. We hope this joy will be a testimony to others. We love you sweet Gracie and feel honored God chose us as your parents and we look forward to celebrating you each year!

(The pictures and video below shows her dedication at Woodridge Church in Medina, MN with Pastor Paul Johnson.)

VIDEO: Click play below to watch video: