Eli turns 4!

I am pretty sure I figured out how to make a four year old a very happy boy on his birthday…

The day before show him all sorts of cakes you could make him. Let him pick anything he wants. If you get lucky he might just pick a Snake Cake.

Cheesy? Yes! But it made him oh so happy. It works for me.

Next you let them pick the menu. If you know a little boy doesn’t like restaurant food even if it is his birthday he probably won’t be impressed. So Cars macaroni and cheese with a side of blueberries and watermelon will have to suffice.

A nap before the celebrations begins really helps too. All the excitement can get a little tiring.

Oh and before the party make him change into an ADORABLE outfit you found on clearance when you were shopping for all the birthday necessities.

It just helps the picture look better and the four year old will look so proper and well-mannered.

Then take it easy. Let them eat all the mac and cheese and blueberries they can handle because, we know even though he wanted a snake cake doesn’t mean he is going to actually EAT it.

Get through the cake and candles as quickly as possible. There is a present waiting still.

Bring out the present and leave the rest of the night open for him to play with it.

Before bed let him talk to his Favorite Aunt KayKay so she can hear all the fun details of the day.

Then let them stay up playing in their room until they crash because they know when they wake up it won’t be their birthday anymore.

Also if you have a child who has watched Signing Time---the Birthday one, they will automatically assume that party hats, whistles, and balloons are absolutely a MUST.

Family pictures with the Kueser Side.

We had these pictures taken a few days after Christmas. They sure do make me happy!

The great WHOLE family picture was taken first. The kids did pretty good.

The grandkids picture was next. Micali for some reason got all sorts of grumpy. I tried bribing her with gum. Didn’t work. The photographer took a picture of her grumpy face and showed it to her….

Then we got this cute shot of all the grandkids. Micali even smiled.

She was happy as can be for our little family picture. I think it turned out great. Definitely shows the kids cute little personalities.

Next up is the Original Kueser Klan minus Dustin who is on a mission in Paraguay and Karissa is of course still in heaven watching down on us. We are a great looking crew.

The spouses and girlfriend make some of us look better but I won’t single anyone out!

And my amazing parents who work so hard and love us all.

When we all get together the only thing my mom wants scheduled is family pictures. I am so glad we were able to capture these this time. What an awesome family I get to be a part of!

Kueser Family Christmas

We flew down to Kansas and had a week to spend time with my family. We had a great time seeing everyone. Unfortunately my camera died soon after we got there so I don’t have a lot of pictures but we did get a couple Christmas morning.

I do have a video that is too cute not to share. Eli sure does appreciate anything he is given. Here is a little video showing that enthusiasm.

Peless Eve of Christmas Eve

We got together with Luke’s family on the eve of Christmas Eve this year. We enjoyed some delicious chinese food and then the kids enjoyed  a little treasure hunt Grandpa put together. At the end they had to wear all the stuff they found. They looked pretty silly!

After the silliness the kids were ready to open presents. This time Grandpa got to decide how everyone would open presents (not sure if he does everytime). He said, “1, 2, 3, GO!” The present unwrapping was done in about 30 seconds. It was really funny. In my family we drag it out a little longer but it seems to work either way. There was still a room full of happy kids.

--I had been packing up our stuff to go to KS the next morning and Abigail insisted that she get to wear that swimming suit.