Love Day {2011}

 

Valentine's Day was quiet in the Kiefer household. I think there should be a rule that all holidays (big and small) fall on the weekend! Austin was excited about his gift basket: Bob The Builder and the Golden Hammer, a YoYo, match box car, PEZ and heart fruit snacks. I think I could have made him just as happy with the fruit snack alone! Oh well, I have fun putting together his special treats! 

We hope your hearts were full of love on Valentine's Day!

Happy Birthday Dustin!

We've been to some fun winter birthday parties this year! First there was Lila's Ice Cream Shoppe party, and then Bella's Gymbo Play & Music party and now, Dustin's sledding party! Everyone was excited when the homemade sled came out after lunch was cleaned up and presents were opened. The kids reminded me of ants on a log as they moved around the yard.

Happy 5th Birthday, Dustin!

Hold on Tight!

 This probably should have been...

against my better judgment, but

 it was the last

  BIG snow of the season,

the first time Austin didn't have a cold

 while there was LOTS of snow on the ground,

and because boys will be...

BOYS!

Bella's Birthday Party!

Bella's birthday was extra fun this year! It was at Gymboree Play & Music, where the kids could run, jump, sing and dance their little hearts out. Austin has so much fun climbing on all the different toys. It was a great way for the kids to use some of their stored up Winter energy.

 

We even got to see a train before getting into the car! Dad told us it was a "quiet zone," so we were able to enjoy it without the loud whistle!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Bella! We're so glad we got to spend the afternoon with you!

Aunt B's Potty Plan

By Austin

 

Hello, Friends! As you know, my parents set goals for me in 2011. I was able to crush goal #1 before the new year even started, and goal #2 was a piece of cake! Goal #3 is a different story. You see, goal #3 is just very inconvenient for me. They actually want me to stop what I'm doing so I can go sit on the big boy potty. They are constantly asking me if I need to go potty. Every couple of hours I have to drop my toys and say "not yet" when they ask if I need to go potty. Can you see how this goal is kind of cramping my style? 

My mom told my Aunt B that she should come up with a potty training plan because she did such a great job with goal #2. I thought I'd take a minute to share her plan with you...I think it's really great because it involves "new tasty treats" when I go potty!

Each time I go potty I get to pick out a new treat from one of the special "potty treat jars." I helped my mom fill them with all of my favorites...MeeMees (M&Ms), Kat Bars (Kit-Kats) and Twix.

We moved them to the cabinet by the bathroom after we had them full of "yummy yummy treats." Progress has been slow, but we're getting there. My favorite time to use the potty is right after everyone is snug in their beds. I like to tell my mom that I'm need to go "pee-pee" and get a "new tasty treat" right before falling asleep. You know the best part? She can't tell me no!

 

Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do!

Wordless Wendesday: Checking Pewter

NYE {Second Annual}

We decided to ring in the new year the same way we did last year - with good friends and YUMMY food! Ryan and Ju-a came over and we all enjoyed shrimp, crab legs, tuna steaks, twice-baked potatoes and cheddar biscuits. Everyone was stuffed and happy by the time the new year rolled in.

We talked Nana and Pa into coming down to visit us for awhile. Only they didn't get to visit much because Austin was bouncing off the walls and dragging them from room to room to see every toy he has.

Christmas Snow {2010}

So back in December we were all excited about having a white Christmas. Now, as I sit here with 6 - 8 inches on top of an inch of ice in February, we can't wait for it to go away! Anyway, here are a few pictures from the snow we enjoyed around the end of the year.

After playing for a bit in our yard, we headed over to Stefan's to see his BIG (like 10ft, big!) snowman....

At the time these pictures were taken, I would have finished this post with "We love snow!" But today I'll say.... We can't wait for SPRING!

Editied to add that Austin and Stefan's snowman made the North County News!