Breaking News

As of this morning, Grayson officially has four teeth! The two on top finally broke through the gums which means, yes, we finally have our happy boy back (he's been a bit cranky the last couple days). If you look closely, you can see the two swollen areas in his top gum line, and the two little slivers of white. He's been grinding his new chompers together and enjoying every minute of it. When we tell him, "Don't grind your teeth Gray", he smiles and laughs, and then grinds his teeth together.

Picnicing at Pawtuckaway Park

On Monday we went to a state park just 20 minutes from our house called Pawtuckaway Park. It's so beautiful! There are huge climbing rocks/boulders, a great sandy beach on the lake, hiking trails, kayak/canoe rentals and camp grounds. We all loved it! The kids had fun swimming and splashing in the water. The water was nice & warm, but the breezy air was cool in the shade. Looking forward to going again!

Ella & Daddy take a break in the cool shade.

Gray & Abbie Talk Politics over Cheerios & Apples

Meal Time Giggles

We were eating lunch one afternoon while listening to some music. Ella enjoyed the beat of the music so much that she decided to include her brother in on the fun she was having....whether he liked it or not. Click on the play button below to see the footage!

Story Time Lovin'

Check out the footage of Jeff reading a morning story to the kids. It's so cute!

Kayaking at the Lake (Labor Day Weekend)

On Saturday we went Kayaking with our good friends from church (manchesterchristian.com), Josh & Pilar (who have 2 kids the same age as our kids). Pilar and Janine took Ella & Abbie out on the lake (about 5 minutes or so from our home) while Jeff & Josh stayed ashore with the baby boys, Andrew & Grayson. The men later went out kayaking by themselves. What a memorable evening! The water was a smooth as glass. We are now officially kayak-lovers! We can't wait to get out on the lake again soon. We had such a wonderful time!

Another Adventure Weekend....This Time with the Longs

The weekend following the Dueck/Forbes/Snyder Family Reunion weekend here in New Hampshire (scroll down to read more!), our best buddies from Lewiston came to visit us! What troopers! The Longs drove from Buffalo late Friday afternoon and arrived to NH late Friday night just in time for hugs, kisses & bedtime. The next day we ventured out to New Castle Beach (about 40 from our house) to enjoy a New England ocean view. After a day filled with ocean fun & kite-flying on the beach, and play-time at the "Park by the Lake" (what Ella likes to call the park by our house), the Long family packed up and headed for home early Sunday morning! Crazy! But it was so very special to be able to spend time with B & C and the Kiddos!

Ella & Daddy Fly a Kite at the Ocean

Grayson So Tired After a "Long Day" at the Beach

Mommy & Ella Get Ready to Fly on the Zip Line!

Aunt Christina Shows Us All Who's Boss of the Zip Line

Thanks guys, for a great weekend! We love you!

Dueck/Forbes/Snyder Family Reunion New England Style

In mid August Jeff's parents, grandparents, and sister & husband & their 5 beautiful children came to New Hampshire for a few days to celebrate Jeff's mom's (aka: Oma's) 60th birthday celebration. Okay. So we didn't get the chance to all sit down for a family photo shoot. All? Did we mention all? With 7 children ages 7 and under, 2 "great-grandparents", 2 grandparents, plus the 4 of us "younger parents", life was too fast and too much fun to get the chance to actually sit down, all at once, for a family photo. Of course, when we did sit down all at once, it was for a delectable meal & warm conversation. And who wants to have a camera in hand when you can have a fork and knife? You had me at food. What a blast we had, though! We spent the weekend playing, dancing, singing, eating, and fellowshipping. Check out some pictures of our very memorable weekend with the Dueck Seniors, the Forbeses, and the Snyders!

Wagon Rides with cousins Ben, Nate, Isaiah & Lydia

The Forbeses with 3 of their 4 great-granddaughters

Tea Time with the Snyders!

Stylish Ella wearing Oma's Cool Shades.

Ella was so excited to hold "Baby Naomi"

Mommy & Grayson play at the table

How Big is Grayson? Soooo Big!