Gray's in a Big Boy Bed!

On the evening of Wednesday August 12th, we decided to transition Grayson into his big boy, twin bed! Though he's only 21 months old, we thought that he was ready, and boy, was he ready! Wearing a smile as big as Texas, he curls up in his bed and cuddles his Thomas the Train pillow; did I mention that he stays in his bed?! Yes, I know, "knock on wood", because it's only been a couple of days (but it's been a fun and successful couple of days, worth mentioning, I guess). In the morning, when it's time to wake up, Gray gets out of his bed and knocks on his own door to come out; it's seriously the cutest thing!!

Ella Turns THREE! And Jeff Turns 32!

On the weekend of August 8th & 9th we celebrated Jeff's 32nd Birthday and Ella's 3rd Birthday. Wow; we can hardly believe where the time has gone! Grandma & Papa drove in for the celebration, giving Jeff & I the chance to go out for dinner to celebrate his birthday on Saturday night (the 8th, which is his actual birthday). On Sunday (the 9th-Ella's actual birthday), we celebrated Ella's special day with friends and family. Ella really wanted a "princessy" birthday cake, so I made her a strawberry princess castle cake (Jeff made the flags!) with blue vanilla frosting; the doors and windows were made of delectable Andes' chocolates (Ella's fav). When we brought out the cake, her face lit up with absolute joy (see for yourself!) Ella had an awesome time spinning around in her new Cinderella princess gown that Grandma made for her! So much fun; we just can't believe how old our little girl is getting! And to think that Gray will be two in less than three months! And to think that the latest little Dueck baby boy could be here in less than three months!!! All too exciting. Can't wait! And Happy Birthday to my sweetie pies!

Back in B-Town for the End of July

We had the opportunity to come back to Buffalo at the end of July for a Dueck-Forbes-Snyder family reunion. It was so nice to visit with family and friends again; it had been since last summer that we saw Grandma Jane and Grandpa Forbes, so it was an extra special trip to get the chance to visit with them again. We spent our days playing games with all the kids, eating, and going to the Buffalo Zoo, while we spent our mornings & evenings with the Mocks; so great to see everyone again! We also had the opportunity to hang with our best buds, the Longs......good times as always!