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.

And they came from afar

I am so glad I saw this while Eli was playing. I think my little man understands just how important Baby Jesus was. I hope we can all keep this in our hearts at Christmas time and not let the commercialism and busyness of the season distract us from where our focus should be, on our Savior Jesus Christ.

Snow Day-- Dec. 1st

Let it be known that we really are wimps down here when it comes to snow days. Although this was the FIRST snow fall of the season and there was some freezing rain before the snow started but many of our Alaska friends reminded us that several FEET of snow doesn’t close the schools there. This was about 4-5 inches. When the kids woke up and saw all the snow they were so eager to get outside and get there hands in it. I am sure Abigail didn’t remember it from last year and Eli has been waiting for the snow to fall since the leaves fell off the trees in late September. Marley was quite entertaining to watch too. I would throw snow balls at him to “fetch” and he was so confused when they would crash to the ground and he couldn’t find it at all. He also liked it when I would throw them straight up in the air and they would come down on his nose.

 

Here is a flashback to REAL snowfalls in Monticello. Luke took a couple hours digging the van out of this one.

A healthy snack

Micali is my little health conscious girl. She always asks for something healthy to eat. I will suggest several fruits or vegetables and she always double checks with asking well which one is healthy. I am so glad that something I have been trying to teach her was taught in her Kindergarten class by Mrs. Hall. They sent home the new portions plate---that used to be the food pyramid. There were several worksheets that she did with circling the healthy choices. Candy, chips, and doughnuts were ones she Xed out and fruits and vegetables were ones she circled. So now if she has the choice between a cookie and grapefruit it is most likely going to be the grapefruit.

Little Buddies

When school started for Micali this year Eli and Abigail just kind of looked at each other like “our leader is missing what should we do now?” For awhile they just kind of did their own thing but now Abigail is talking more and will repeat anything Eli asks her to say so they are having tons of fun and playing more together now.

It has been fun to watch the transformation.

It is kind of sad when Micali comes home that she now has to figure out where to fit back in but most of the time they manage just fine and allow Micali back into the lead role and play along nice together. It is such a joy to spend time with these two smiling faces ALL day long!

My favorite spot in the house

I love our little breakfast bar for the kids. This is my favorite spot in the whole house---maybe I have already posted a picture and said nearly the exact same thing because it seems like I have but---it really is. I love having them all up there together either eating or just watching me make dinner or clean up. Micali will come up here to do her homework while I am finishing up dinner. It is great having them right there with me!

Fun with Grandpa

Grandpa came over to mulch our leaves (a month ago). When he was done he took Eli and Abigail for a ride. They sure had fun riding along. Micali hates missing out on all the fun when she is in school.

Marley the GREAT protector ran down the road and back to make sure his kids were going to be okay. He loves that tractor and racing it around.

Family Fun Friday Nights

Friday nights in Monticello usually consisted of pizza and a family movie night. Since we moved into our new house and don’t have a TV our FUN on Friday’s changed a little. The kids sure enjoy it and are always asking when it will be Friday again.

Here is what it looks like:

The kids (and parents) choose a stuffed animal they think will stay on the ceiling fan the longest time. When Daddy turns on the fan everyone laughs hysterically until all the animals have fallen off. This is repeated several times until we determine a champion.  Eli happened to be the winner this night.

I just love playing with my kids and making memories like this. They are such a blessing and bring so much joy into my life.