Summer is in the air in MN

We are enjoying the beginning of summer days here in MN. Gracie is becoming quite the walker now and LOVES being outside in the fresh air. We are especially looking forward to a few trips in the coming weeks!

A casual Sunday afternoon with Mama and Dada

An early Sunday morning still in her PJs and enjoying a chat with her baby doll

 (A new thing for Gracie is to sit in a big girl chair with her baby doll and sometimes even her sippy cup.)

Friday afternoon on the screen in porch - a necessity for the MN mosquitos!

"Don't worry baby - I won't push you out..."

Look - I'm getting SOOO big! 

(She reminds me of her cousin Abby in this picture)

Check out my hair - it's getting longer, but I still LOVE to pull out my hair clips!!

I'm hanging out in my pool given to me by my best buddies next door....

Adventures of a Walker

I feel blessed to be the mama of sweet Gracie on this Mother's Day 2009! She continues to bring us such joy and loves to interact with other people and kids - our waitress at brunch today said I don't want her to leave!

Gracie is loving her new skill of walking - it's amazing how efficient they become in such a short period of time. Below you will see her walking around "shopping" as she carries her bag and pushes the stroller - quite the multi-tasker already. She also loves to take her baby around with her, but she hasn't quite mastered the gentle skills of handling a newborn. Check out the video below and the pictures of our little girl growing up right before our eyes:

After Mother's Day brunch at Sunsets in Wayzata, MN

Gracie getting into trouble! (oops - daddy forgot to close the door!)

Gracie our little shopper - you can also see Gracie's hair is getting longer - I think she'll be getting her first haircut soon. I wish she wouldn't constantly take out her hair clips!

Click play above: Gracie on Saturday

She's a walking machine

Over the last month, Gracie's taken a few steps here or there, but Thursday night(April 30th -a day shy of 14 months) it CLICKED and she took 6-7 steps back in forth to Blake and me a couple of times. And now she's a walking machine! Check out a couple videos from this week...

Gracie on Saturday

Gracie on Monday

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.