The Kinzer Clan

Folk Life Festival, National Mall

2011-03-06T21:43:00.006-05:00

Caelan was as completely amazed by this poster as I was!

The whole gang made it for the festival.
Caden, Adelyn, Tara, Andy (hiding in stroller), Carrie and Maggie

The Three Amigos, waiting for the carosel

The wee ones, Caden, MaKenna and Andy

We march on...

The girls always kept a close eye on Caelan!

Caelan, Maggie and Andy check the tent stakes for play-a-bility

Lunch time!

Yummy watermelon on a hot day, how refreshing!

7-2-10 We met our best buds at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. The kids got to see some really fun things, music and people. But best of all

they got to make another fun memory together.

A Refreshing Break

2011-03-06T21:27:00.003-05:00

Sluuuuuuurp....

Whew!

Ahem, did you forget about this little one?
May I have a drink please?
7-2-10

Mmmmmm Yogurt!

2011-03-03T22:50:00.004-05:00

6/29/10 Today is only one month since the dainty, MaKenna feeding herself, video. She's come such a long waaaaaaay!

One in a Million Picture

2011-03-03T22:43:00.004-05:00

6/28/10 Awwww, all tuckered out!

Safety First!

2011-03-03T22:33:00.004-05:00

Like MaKenna says, always be prepared...

for all situations!

National Museum of Natural History

2011-03-03T21:46:00.006-05:00

MaKenna insisted she didn't need training chopsticks.

Practice makes perfect...

Caelan shows off his chopstick skills

6-25-10 After a fun, history filled adventure of a day at the National Museum of Natural History we hit up one of our favorite spots to get sushi, Matsutaki, in Crystal City.

Tickle Time with Daddy

2011-03-03T18:49:00.003-05:00

6-21-10

Chris and Alecia's Wedding

2011-03-03T17:03:00.003-05:00

6-20-10 My baby brother weds his beautiful bride.

Congratulations Chris and Alecia!

Wake Up Time

2011-03-03T00:14:00.003-05:00

6/10/10 MaKenna just woke up from her nap.

Lincoln Logs

2011-03-03T00:10:00.004-05:00

6/7/10 I introduced Caelan to lincoln logs for the very first time.

He was amazed to discover all the things they could turn into.

MaKenna Starts to Feed Herself

2011-03-02T23:49:00.005-05:00

6-5-2010 14 mos old The real adventure of eating begins!

Sleepy time with Daddy

2011-03-02T23:45:00.003-05:00

A moment in time...a wish it never ends.

6-3-10 MaKenna 14 mos old

Family Trip to Outer Banks, NC

2011-01-07T22:47:00.009-05:00

MaKenna makes a last minute check,

making sure we packed all the important items.

We arrive! It is amazing.

The house we are staying in is a block from the beach!

Very happy to be here!

"Look what I found!"

Caelan was so excited to be exploring and investigating

all kinds of new things on the beach.

Daddy shows Caelan how the real search is done.

Nothing like Daddy's love!

Our humble abode, crow's nest deck included.

From that deck we could see the ocean side of the island

and the sound side of the island. All of it, breathtaking!

Caelan and MaKenna fill their time

with new ways to play dominoes.

Yep, its May 27th and 70 degrees!

Who couldn't resist taking a picture of these cute lil tootsies?

Day 2, the kids and I head out for a beach adventure.

Breakfast on the veranda

I couldn't resist admiring the local plant life

(which was growing right beneath our deck!)

MaKenna looks out for Daddy and big brother

as she enjoys the shaded comfort in her little sun tent.

5/27 to 5/31/2010 The Kinzer Clan heads to the Outer Banks. We rented a fun little house in Duck, NC just a block off the beach. We could not have asked for more amazing weather. We learned from our driving out and about that Duck is the place to stay (in the Outer Banks). Caelan and MaKenna had a blast playing in the sand, the water was another story. Both were a little leery, but after some coaxing from mom or dad they adventured in, or were carried in. The waves were so strong yet beautiful! We made so many fun memories and the kids experienced many new things you can't see in the concrete jungle of Crystal City. So much fun, we can't wait to return!

The Many Faces of MaKenna

2011-01-03T21:22:00.005-05:00

Pasta anyone?

Too late, I ate it all, oops

Halllloooooooooo

How Angelic!!

5/20/2010

Kinzer's Angels

2011-01-03T21:17:00.001-05:00

5-22-10 Ready to Roll!

MaKenna 13mos, Caelan 2yrs 8mos

Chef MaKenna

2011-01-03T21:11:00.002-05:00

5-19-10 Everyone loves a fearless chef!

Daddy Time

2010-06-05T22:31:00.003-04:00

5-17-10 MaKenna was having some fun with Daddy and struttin her stuff!

Applesauce!

2010-06-05T22:29:00.003-04:00

MaKenna really enjoys her applesauce!

MaKenna is on the Move

2010-06-05T17:30:00.003-04:00

5-13-10 13 mos old

General Mills 50th Anniversary

2010-06-04T23:20:00.003-04:00

Papa's work

Safety first!

Caelan can't believe Ty is driving Papa's forklift

I'm ready Papa, lets take her for a spin!

5-8-10 General Mills had a 50th Anniversary celebration. Tours, food, free product and free fork lift rides on Papa's truck!

Ty's Big Basketball Game

2010-06-04T23:11:00.005-04:00

Ty and Coach Rogers (Dad)

Arms up everybody...

and the crowd goes wild?

I'm so proud of my cousin!

Ty Rogers or more commonly known as Ty Michael Jordan

Blackberry Farm Fun

2010-06-04T23:06:00.004-04:00

Oooooooo, the train ride

Caelan and Jaedyn

The Big Race

...and MaKenna wins!

The real reason why we go to Blackberry farm...their candy sticks!

5-8-10 We had a fun picnic at Blackberry Farm with Aunt Sarah, Ty and Jaedyn.

Special Visit with G'ma Betty and Aunt Robin

2010-06-04T22:54:00.004-04:00

Hello Aunt Robin

Caelan tells G'ma all about "it"

Caelan receives "the lunchbox" from G'ma

This was Shawn's lunchbox when he was in kindergarden

MaKenna's new bonnet

Caelan received this costume as a gift,

when asked what he is, he says "I'm a knight-guy".

Love you G'ma

G'ma, the "Knight-Guy" and Aunt Robin

Awwwwwweeee

5-5-10 G'ma Betty and Aunt Robin made the trek to come see the babies. We had a wonderful visit! Lots of laughs, lots of treats and lots of fun!

Makin Music

2010-06-04T22:12:00.002-04:00

5-4-10 The gang warms up for their big jazz gig.

The Ding-Ding Man

2010-06-04T22:03:00.004-04:00

The Approach

The Decision

The Exchange

The Thanks

The Amazement

The Elation

5-1-10 Caelan gets a bomb pop from the ding-ding man. (When we were kids we used to call him the ding ding man because of the bell he would ring as the truck would drive through the neighborhood.) This was Caelan's first experience approaching this man who delivers popcicles to your home! How exciting!

THE Kick Bike

2010-06-04T20:30:00.004-04:00

4-29-10 Tyler and Emily brought over their kick bikes. Kick bikes are sort of starter bikes, they don't have any pedals and help develop balance. Well, Caelan climbed on one of the bikes and spent the entire day on it. He went everywhere on it. Never took his little buns off it. In the morning when he first got on he was a little unsteady and unsure of the steering, but by the late afternoon he was a pro! He was gliding and steering all over the yard. Watch everybody--here I come!

Cute Shoes

2010-06-04T20:26:00.003-04:00

Check out my cute shoes

Ooooch, ouch, what is this thing between my toes...

Okay, so maybe they aren't so cute!

Fun with the Schutt Kids

2010-06-04T15:30:00.005-04:00

MaKenna riding and riding at Ty Warner Park

Ready or not here I come...

Mr. Digger Man

Whoa, serious diggin going on!

Lots O love from Aunt Karen

So crazy!

Pondering the meaning of life...

Tyler, I figured out the meaning of life!

Playtime with Megan

Whoa, Marla the Mighty

Say whaaaaaat?

Miss Beauty Queen

Ok, who shrunk my hat?

Buzz...

The Gang

4-26-10 We had a great day with the Schutt gang. The fun started at the Ty Warner Park where the kids played and played and I believed they played some more. Then on to the Schutt house. More playing and playing...and playing!

Yea! We're back at Grandma & Papa's

2010-06-03T20:25:00.004-04:00

4-21-10 to 5-10-10

We're baaaaaaack!

Watching the Planes

2010-05-22T12:54:00.006-04:00

Caelan waits for a plane to take off

I think I see one...

Does MaKenna see one too?

Nope, she 's checkin' out those cute lil tootsies

Caelan, MaKenna and I took a hike on the Mount Vernon trail

to go see the planes take off and land from Reagan Ntl Airport.

Keeping Up with the One Year Old

2010-05-19T15:18:00.014-04:00

Wow, our little lamb is one! It is so exciting to watch our little MaKenna grow, explore, laugh and love. She definately is her own person with her own personality. She is so lovable and affectionate. Loves to play and learn with Mom, Dad and Caelan.

MaKenna's nicknames: MaKenna-Coo, Kenna, Muh-Kennnnnna, MaKenna-Babe, Babe (Caelan's nickname for her), sweetie pie, Scoochie, Pumkin, Baby, Baby Girl (another of Caelan's nicknames for her), Princess

Stats: 4-5-10 one year exam Weight: 17lbs10oz, Height: 29", Head cir: 18"

Signs: more, please, excuse me, eat, thank you and she blows kisses, waves bye-bye, (for the rest of the stuff she mainly points)

Words: Da-da or Daaaaa (Daddy), MeMe (Mommy), Buhbuh (Bubba), Beebee (baby), puhpuh (puppy or any small animal) and Hi

Activities:

She can stand for 3-4 seconds

Can step along if holding onto our fingers

Crawls very, very fast.

She loves to be chased or play hide and seek.

Walks along furniture and coffee table.

"Talk on the phone" anything can be used as a phone which she holds on her shoulder and she babbles away. It's funny, each time she is on the phone the sounds of her talk is always the same.

Play with Caelan. They play together so well. I hear a lot of laughing, some crying, but mainly laughing when they're together. She also can hold her own. If Caelan starts messing with her or takes something from her she starts yelling!
She loves to climb. She started climbing at her birthday party, on the soft equipment, then to Grandma and Papa's stairs, our platform bed and now into the stroller.

Loves to push buttons. If it has a button she will attempt to get at it! Ie: remotes, house phones, cell phones, cameras, toys etc.

Enjoys playing the piano at Grandma and Papa's house. She will crawl over to the piano, pull herself up and walk along pushing the keys.

Plays peek-a-boo. Covers her eyes then says Peeeeeeeee.

Food:

MaKenna is a goooooooood eater. She pretty much eats anything and everything. She could eat often and a lot!

Dislikes: We have had a slow start with our Milk intake. We've tried all kinds of tricks. Heating, not heating, different styles of cups, putting stuff in the milk like vanilla, vanilla or strawberry Carnation instant breakfast, etc. Hopefully with time she'll learn from Caelan, who is the Milk Man!

Special Treats from G'ma Betty

2010-05-19T15:04:00.005-04:00

Oooooooo, yummy! Veggie marshmellows!

See my beautiful hat!

How prettty

Caelan had to try on the hat (like usual)
He is a hat man!

Born to Rock!

Need I say more?

4-7-10 Caelan and MaKenna received some very special Easter treats from Grandma Betty and Aunt Robin. It was like Christmas without the

"Christmas man" (snowman) around, as Caelan says.

Thank you for all the wonderful gifts!

Swim Time

2010-05-18T22:35:00.002-04:00

Caelan is ready...

MaKenna is almost ready....

We're ready!

4-7-10 We had to take a quick dip in the pool. This was MaKenna's first time in the pool. She floated around in her "boat" and splashed and splashed. I believe she had a fabulous time! Caelan was The Man. He held on to me, to MaKenna's boat and the wall, but was kicking the whole time! He did great!

Happy Easter!

2010-05-16T00:38:00.009-04:00

Caelan and MaKenna just found their Easter baskets

She was so excited to see all her little goodies!

So Handsome!

Grandma reads to MaKenna her first Easter card

The Kinzer Clan after Easter mass

Dad and Mom

I'm just so haaaaaaaappy!

In their Easter best

Caelan prepares himself for the big Easter egg hunt.

The Easter bunny left many eggs in our courtyard for Caelan to find.

I found one.....

"Papa, look at the egg I found with Daddy."

Caelan enjoys the spoils of the hunt

Our little bunny

4-4-10 MaKenna's first Easter! We had such a blast. My Mom and Dad were here to celebrate with us. We began the day with breakfast, then finding of the Easter baskets, church and the glorious egg hunt in the courtyard of our apartment building. (It was like we were in our own backyard! No one was out, I hid the eggs all over and we had our very own hunt.) We had told Caelan the Easter bunny had just been here and he left many eggs for him to find. After the hunt we returned to the apartment for the Easter dinner preparations which we ate on the roof. We topped off our Easter day with a very special birthday cake for MaKenna.

What an incredible day!

4-3-10 Happy First Birthday MaKenna!!

2010-05-06T23:51:00.008-04:00

4-3-10 Good Morning Birthday Girl!

Grandma and Papa arrive

4-4-10 We continue the birthday celebration with cake

and singing on the roof of our building

Oooooooh!

Like this MaKenna...

Caelan helps out his lil' sis

Mmmmmm, frosting!

Finally, my first bite of cake!

Happy Birthday MaKenna! You amaze us every day. You are beautiful, so full of love, funny and the perfect lil sister for Caelan! This year has been filled with so many "firsts", each and every one a joy to watch and experience with you. We cherish every moment together and look forward to every single one to follow.

We love you MaKenna-Coo!

Happy 5th Anniversary!

2010-05-06T23:26:00.007-04:00

4-2-10 Our fifth wedding anniversary! (celebrated on 4-3-10)

Shawn and I are so blessed! We have two amazing children and family & so many good friends that fill our lives with moments that make life exciting. This time last year we were expecting our second baby,

matter of fact, MaKenna was born the following day!

This year our anniversary dinner at Rays the Steaks was special as well, we were able to share it with my parents, who flew out for Easter weekend.

Shawn I love you, I would choose you all over again!

Coloring Easter Eggs

2010-05-06T22:56:00.005-04:00

MaKenna wanted to make her own egg

Caelan was having so much fun!

See Mom, I can do it!

(Earlier that day we had been trying on our Easter outfits and

Caelan loved the tie so much he didn't want to take it off.)

He was ever so gentle!

The egg bandit strikes again!

Caelan shows off our finished master pieces

4-2-10

Upton Hill Easter Egg Hunt

2010-05-06T22:19:00.004-04:00

Caelan & MaKenna make sure their baskets are

in proper working order for the Easter egg hunt

Moooooom, we're ready for the Easter egg hunt?

We met our friends from Mom's group at the Easter egg hunt

Tara, new baby Caden in stroller, Adelyn, Katelyn,

Carrie & Andy, Caelan and Maggie

Caelan meets the Easter Bunny

The count down before "the hunt"

Look at all those eggs!

Caelan slowly goes about gathering eggs. He was more interested in

opening the few eggs he had, to see what treats were inside,

than filling his bucket with lots of eggs.

Look what I found!

I found mine!

Caelan shares his goodies with Maggie

The Gang

Adelyn, Katelyn, Caelan and Maggie

4-1-10 We met some of our friends from Mom's group at an Easter egg hunt at Upton Hill Park. This was a really fun event for the kids. They could do craft projects, enjoy some little treats, jump in a moon bounce, meet the Easter Bunny and of course hunt for eggs. The egg hunt was divided into age groups and each group had their own area sectioned off. We all had to laugh the Easter egg hunt had such a big build up and from start to finish the eggs were picked clean within 14 minutes flat. Caelan had a really good time and MaKenna enjoyed watching all the excitement!

Arlington County Fire Department

2010-04-30T22:35:00.014-04:00

Caelan prepares with proper gear for our tour at the firehouse.

We all meet in the lobby of the firehouse and WE ARE READY!

Fireman Leo begins our tour and tells us about the fire & ladder trucks

Caelan jumps right into the driver's seat

Hmmm, I wonder how fast this baby goes....

So many buttons, so little time!

Katelyn, Gabby, Caelan, Maggie, Sarah and Layla

Need I say more?

Hey Maggie, see what we're learning at my

Lord of the Dance class!

...and now he tries out the Captain's seat

Did I miss anything?

The fireman shows the kids how he puts on all his gear.

Caelan is taking notes, while he repeatedly reminds him to

"Put you helmet on."

Now Caelan is happy, the helmet is on!

The kids go to see the firemens pole

Fireman Leo shows the kids how they slide down the pole

Caelan needed to see where the firemen cook!

Off to the park we go. There is a fun playground right next to the firehouse.

The gang at the playground

3/31/10 Our playgroup went on a tour of a neighborhood firehouse. We saw the huge trucks, and if they wanted, the kids could climb on them. (Caelan was first in line of course.) Then we had a tour of the firehouse. Can you believe, firemen actually eat, sleep, exercise and relax?! Overall, we had fun and learned a lot.

"Goggowes"

2010-04-30T22:26:00.004-04:00

3-25-10

You never know when you need to do a deep sea dive!

Baby Powder Explosion

2010-04-27T18:47:00.004-04:00

I don't know if you can truely see the amount of powder that coated Caelan. During a "nap" he decided to leave his big boy bed and explore. Well in his explorations he found the baby powder and decided that this jumbo and I mean jumbo, bottle of powder needed to be sprayed everywhere in his room. And he did a good job too, I believe he hit every possible surface in his room with powder. It was one of those situations where I walked into his room and the anger and disbelief was there but a laugh came out instead!

A Day Trip with Our Friends

2010-04-27T18:00:00.007-04:00

Morgan and Caelan check out a cockpit of a commercial airplane

Waiting patiently for our turn on the carousel
(The Carousel on the Mall)

Caelan hung on for the both of them

Awe! Big Brother!

Mom are heading home yet?

Cherry Blossoms

3-19-10 Caelan, MaKenna and I spent a fun day with our friends Miss Cindy and her daughter Morgan. We started out bright and early for a train ride to the Air & Space Museum. In the Museum's imax theater they were having a special movie for children around the toddler age. "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure" a 20 min movie starring Elmo, Big Bird and Hu Hu Zhu, depicting an imaginary voyage from Sesame Street to the moon. The movie was really cute, it kept Caelan interested. So much so he is really interested in the stars and the moon now. After the movie we wandered in the museum for a couple minutes but decided to head to the Carousel on the Mall with Morgan and Cindy. The kids enjoyed the ride but I have to admit that was one of the fastest carousel's I have ever been on and stepped off dizzy.

I think the operator was having a good time!

After some lunch we parted ways with Cindy and Morgan. Caelan, MaKenna and I did some walking around, checking out the cherry blossoms and the incredible statue garden behind the National Gallery of Art. I was hoping they would get as excited about the art as I did, I think they were too tuckered for all that fun.

What an amazing day we had together and amazing naps did follow.

St. Patrick's Day Playgroup

2010-04-27T17:23:00.006-04:00

The 2007 Babies Playgroup gang

MaKenna having fun with her friends

Weeeee?

MaKenna's first swing ride.

She wasn't really sure if she was enjoying herself

Carrie holding Andy, Tara (about to burst), Maggie and Adelyn

Andy and Carrie

I asked Caelan what he was doing, he said "Cookin"

(like it could be anything else Mom!)

Tara with Maggie doing a balancing act

Enjoying the swings and deep in thought

Best Buds!

(before they were arrested)

Best Buds!

(after they were arrested)

3-17-10 We celebrated our St. Patrick's Day with our friends in playgroup. All of us at Carrie, Maggie and Andy's house having a great time! After a little inside time we all decided to head outside, enjoy the beautiful day at the playground behind Carrie's place. Both kids had some firsts....MaKenna had her first swing ride and Caelan had his first run in with some bullies (two little guys approx. 4 yrs old who were ganging up on Caelan) which he handled brilliantly. Mom was the one who lost it a little, hee!

The Biggest Strawberry in the World

2010-04-27T17:22:00.002-04:00

3-16-10

Crazy Hair!!

2010-04-27T17:19:00.001-04:00

What?!

3-14-10

3-14-2010 Sunday, St. Patrick's Day Parade

2010-04-27T16:38:00.008-04:00

Caelan has the best seat on the street
Float with Irish dancers, we told MaKenna to
pay attention to all the Irish dancing
(we see Irish dancing in her future, wink wink)

One of the Washington Nationals baseball team's racing presidents: Teddy Roosevelt

the other three are Abe Lincoln, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson

The Kinzer Clan

Its a wee leprechaun

MaKenna wearing her beads proudly.

She had to fight off many an Irishman in the crowd to get them!

Caelan and MaKenna could not keep their eyes off this dragon!

With all our walking about in DC we worked up an appetite. What better way to appease that hunger than with BBQ at the Capital Q, BBQ restuarant. This place is a little hole in the wall near Chinatown and all they serve is BBQ. It is awesum!!!

At the front window of Capital Q

Later that evening MaKenna decided the festivities were not over,

she continued to play her parade horn

Check Out these Choppers

2010-04-27T16:31:00.003-04:00

3-4-10

A Budding Artist

2010-04-27T00:25:00.005-04:00

3-4-10 11 mos old

MaKenna is creating her very first masterpiece!When I handed her the crayons, for the first time, she was a natural and knew exactlywhat to do. She was scratching and banging with the crayons having a grand ole time. Then Mommy took one of the crayons and drew a smiley face, whoooooooa, she got mad! She threw a fit.

Trust me, I now know not to mess with a master at work!

Fieldtrip to See Groovy Nate

2010-04-26T23:51:00.003-04:00

Will the show start soon?

Caelan really enjoyed the funny songs

Groovy Nate raps about the "Wheels on the Bus" (it was hilarious!)

2-24-10 Our playgroup met at a local bookstore where Groovey Nate was performing. Groovy Nate is a singer and entertainer for children. His music was great, very funny. I think all the kids had a great time (I had a great time), we'll definately try to catch another one of his shows.

Learning from the Master

2010-04-26T23:34:00.006-04:00

2-23-10 Caelan and MaKenna make such a great team in the kitchen. Caelan was showing her some of his best recipes. He did such a great job with his instruction, she thought she could tackle the kitchen herself.

Super Girrrrrrrrllll

2010-04-26T23:25:00.005-04:00

Here I come to save the daaaaaaay!

A quick costume change and off again she flies.....

All in a days' work!
2-19-10

Playin with Daddy

2010-04-26T23:16:00.003-04:00

2-18-10 Caelan and MaKenna missed their Daddy so much!

They had a great time catching up!

Shaving with Papa

2010-04-15T22:59:00.001-04:00

2-14-10 There's always time for a quick shavin lesson!

Earthquake!

2010-04-15T22:33:00.004-04:00

Wednesday 2/10/10 3:59 a.m.

Aurora was the 18 miles from the epicenter (Elgin, Plank Rd, farm field)

3.8 Magnitude, lasted approximately five seconds

I was sound asleep when it hit, but what woke me was my bed shaking so bad it was hitting the wall and the windows were rattling. The shaking felt like it took forever and the roar I could hear outside was incredible. It sounded like a freight train going by. When the shaking finally stopped, I jumped up and ran to Mom & Dad's room. Mom was awake and just staring at me, "What was that!?" Half joking, half serious I said, "That was an earthquake!" The next day everyone was talking about it. It was hilarious to see the people who slept throught it, my impression is that they feel like they really missed out!

I know it's something I will never forget!

Just Chillin'

2010-04-15T22:23:00.006-04:00

Caelan thought this would be a cool spot to hang out!

Doesn't everyone keep their light saber in the fridge?

2-07-2010 MaKenna is Crawling!

2010-04-15T22:13:00.005-04:00

Today is the day MaKenna decided to crawl! She is 10 months old and ready to move.

I noticed she was kind of scooching quickly and then moved on her hands and knees, just a little. Then she moved again. And then of course when I get the camera out she decides it is time for a rest. I was able to co-oerce her to crawl towards a Peter Pan book. I yelled and screamed, picked her up and jumped for joy! She of course looked at me with a question in her smile. "Is everything OK?"

Today just happened to be Super Bowl Sunday and this is how MaKenna decided to celebrate the day!

A Moment with MaKenna

2010-04-13T16:32:00.005-04:00

Caelan showing his brotherly love with a quick tickle

MaKenna trying to get around. Little did we know she would be crawling a couple days from this day!

Grandma Betty & Aunt Robin Come for a Visit

2010-04-13T15:12:00.003-04:00

Caelan and Grandma approve but MaKenna is iffy

Who's in control? Yep, that would be Caelan!

I'm listening Grandma, tell me some more!

A full crowd approval!

2/3/10 Grandma Betty and Aunt Robin drove out to see us for a visit. They brought lots of fun treats for the tummy! And "Thunderation", did we have a good time!

The Chef Hat

2010-04-13T15:09:00.001-04:00

Caelan always wants to put stuff on his head

so he can be a chef or a "worker-man".

Happy Birthday Chris!

2010-03-24T16:00:00.006-04:00

The kids dig in to din-din

Alecia and Chris....awwwwwwe

Caelan kickin' it old school in his cap, with Chris & Alecia

I finished my supper can I have some

birthday cake too?

MaKenna watches as Grandma takes some

pics of Chris and Alecia for

an engagement announcement

in the newspaper

Hrrrrrggg...I love her this much!

Cheeeeeeeeezy!

Will you?

1/31/10 We celebrated Chris' 29th birthday. Almost everyone was there to party. We had lasagna (extra cheese, per request), Black Forest cake, and lots of craziness! It was awesum! We love you a lot Chris, Happy Birthday!

Pile on Papa

2010-03-24T15:58:00.001-04:00

...and Papa loves every second of it!

Look I'm Standing

2010-03-24T15:44:00.005-04:00

1-30-10 MaKenna stands at Grandma's coffee table. A little wobbly but so proud. You can tell she was excited! Just as excited as mom, since she hasn't stood for this period of time.

Discovery Museum in Rockford

2010-03-23T23:20:00.007-04:00

The twins are loading up packages and startin up the UPS plane

Caelan the pilot

Grandma, Aunt Jeanne, Emily, Caelan and the climbing man Nolan

Beep, beep!

MaKenna was sooooo excited to be "standing" at the kitchen set.
She loved looking at herself in the mirror behind the sink.

MaKenna playing at the light table.

She was really fascinated by the color plates.

Co-chillin' in their '64 Impala

Tyler, Ashley, Caelan and Nolan play infront of a green screen.

Their images were projected onto the computer screen in front of them.

They could "play" different sports like, soccer, snowboarding, etc.

Aunt Jeanne and MaKenna play with the air tubes

Caelan takes a quick milk break

from a hard session of flight simulation

1/28/10 We drove up to Rockford to have a day with the Leezer gang. We met at the Discovery Museum. Wow, what a fun place. The kids had so much fun. Lots of learning and lots of playing. Great naps all around!

MaKenna time

2010-02-10T22:59:00.004-05:00

Me and my Papa

Two steppin with Grandma

1-22-10

Fun time, Jammie time

2010-02-10T22:49:00.003-05:00

Knock, knock

You can't hide from me, I see you in there!

Weeee.....

The future driver for the "Tide car"

Drivers start your engines.....

Check out those eyebrows!

1-20-10

The Cousins

2010-02-10T22:27:00.004-05:00

Megan and MaKenna

Nolan, Moshe, Caelan, Megan, MaKenna, Jaedyn, Tyler, Emily and Ty

Yes, Caelan has had it and MaKenna can't believe he lost it!

The two years olds.

Tyler, Caelan, Jaedyn, Nolan and Emily

Everyone worked up an appetite

1-16-10 All the cousins got together for a fun visit.

It was crazy! Lots of running, playing, eating and fun, fun, fun!

The Toothless Fairy

2010-02-10T22:23:00.002-05:00

I thought she looked like a little fairy in this outfit!

Good Buddies

2010-02-09T00:55:00.004-05:00

1-13-10

Curious Lil MaKenna

2010-02-09T00:46:00.004-05:00

Can I touch this one?

Our Lil Angels

2010-02-09T00:33:00.003-05:00

1-13-10 We started our day of relaxation with breakfast

and some beautiful sunlight.

A perfect opportunity to capture the personalities

of these two lil angels.

Mmmm....

2010-02-09T00:27:00.003-05:00

Mmmmm.... Cake!

Mmmmm....Bib!

1-12-10

Visit with Emily and Tyler

2010-02-09T00:08:00.005-05:00

Tyler and Emily pause from playdough for a pic

Caelan, the worker-man, as he calls himself,
is preparred for anything Emily needs fixing
or doesn't.

All the cousins are two going on three, they have so much fun together. Lots of running, playing, fighting and fixing, then start over. And when they are not together, they are asking about each other, keeping tabs you know.

Fun with MaKenna

2010-02-09T00:02:00.004-05:00

1-11-10 I couldn't help myself, I had to snap a few hundred pictures

of MaKenna in her new skirt from cousin Emily.

New Winter Hat

2010-02-08T23:53:00.003-05:00

1/11/10 I love my new hat?

A Story With Big Brother

2010-02-08T23:45:00.004-05:00

1/4/2010 I love watching Caelan and MaKenna together

so I put her in his crib at Grandma and Papa's house, so they can hang out.

Here Caelan is asking MaKenna about her baby book and she was

loving it, laughing and talking.

MaKenna 9 mos, Caelan 28 mos

A Spanish Lullabye with Grandma

2010-02-08T23:08:00.002-05:00

Was it the music or that special touch from Grandma?

Merry, Merry Christmas!

2010-01-19T23:16:00.009-05:00

Caelan set up the cookies and milk for Santa then rushed to bed!

Christmas morning. Caelan was excited to see some presents
from Santa near his little tree in his room.

Then he came out to the living room. He stood there and just took it all in!

After finishing the cookies and milk, Santa left Caelan a special note.

Caelan and MaKenna dive into the presents

Is this one for me?

MaKenna's First Christmas!

Merry Christmas baby, we love you!

The most beautiful gift ever!

Believe it or not, this fishing set was one of his most favorite gifts!

You would never guess this was a gift for MaKenna.

I believe Caelan really enjoyed "helping" MaKenna open

and play with this little CD player.

MaKenna opens her first baby doll! Awwwwww!

Kisses for her new baby!

...and more kisses...

...and more kisses?

The kind of gifts Daddy asks Santa for

( a book about the Influenza of 1918 and a Notre Dame jersey).

Merry Christmas from the Kinzer Clan!

We are so blessed to have many special people in our lives.
Thank you for all your love and support!

All our prayers to you in this new year!

Da na na na na na na nah, Batman!

2010-01-01T23:07:00.003-05:00

12-21-09

Christmas Cookie Time!

2010-01-01T22:59:00.005-05:00

Caelan dives in to the dishes,

we have to keep a clean work surface!

Next!!

Da Mama makin a batch of pecan crescents. Mmmmmm...

12-21-09 Caelan was so fun to bake with. He loves to cook and is a master egg cracker (cwaker, as he says). He helped pour in all the ingredients then mix them up.
We had a blast!

He's Hot!!

2010-01-01T22:54:00.002-05:00

Yep, that's my honey!

A hot blooded male

He had just finished a run, stepped out on to our balcony in the cold

and I couldn't believe the steam that was rising from his head!
That is how cold it was outside and how hot he gets when he runs.

Babushka Baby

2010-01-01T22:51:00.004-05:00

She wears it so well!

She was laughing because we were laughing,

it was sooo funny!

Good Morning MaKenna

2010-01-01T22:45:00.003-05:00

12-19-09 MaKenna will now pull down her crib bumper,

try to pull herself up a little and peek to see who is around.

She gets so excited when she sees you coming!

The DC Snow Storm

2009-12-29T23:07:00.007-05:00

The view off our balcony, early morning.

The snow was coming down so heavy we could

barely see the hotel across the street.

The street in front of our building, not a snow plow in sight!

We took Shawn's big rig out for a very smooth ride in the snow.
So much snow and so many cars stuck in it!

Caelan and his friend Ari playing in the court yard of our building.

Here they are looking at a buried landscaping light.

He loved every second in the snow, always wanted to play in it

and was constantly talking about it.

Caelan playing in the snow with his friend Ari.

12-19-09 DC is hit with almost 18 inches of snow. The snow was amazing and so beautiful. That being said, it made me miss home! I love snow!

The morning of this storm, Shawn woke up had his clothes on in a flash and offered to get some breakfast from Dunkin Donuts. I laughed, he just wanted to drive in the snow and see how his truck would handle it. Hee! His truck tackled the snow like dry pavement, it was awesum! As for far too many others out on the road in smaller vehicles, stuck, stuck, stuck! But it was nice to see so many people help to push each other out.

It took the plows many days to clear the roads and even after that, some roads didn't get touched, they just had to wait until the snow melted.

Bird's Annual Christmas Party

2009-12-29T22:55:00.005-05:00

Caelan was very popular at the party. He made lots of girl friends.

MaKenna thought she was being sneaky, but we caught her on film.
She was trying to steal Calvin's gift exchange present, a box full of
chocolate. Uh, ohhh. Her sweet tooth is showing already!

The Kinzer Clan

The whole Christmas party gang

12-12-09 The Annual Bird Christmas party. We look forward to this every year. Always lots of fabulous food, a ton of laughs and a silly Christmas gift exchange. Caelan and MaKenna were definately a hit this year. They were snagged up by our friends as soon as we arrived.

We had so much fun catching up with friends, old and new.

South Arlington Mom's Group Christmas Party

2009-12-29T22:32:00.005-05:00

Our playgroup gang enjoying some lunch together at the party

Caelan and Lucy

Caelan received this special book from Santa. He was a little nervous to
actually sit on Santa's lap, so he stood next to him and told him he wanted
a fireman truck for Christmas.
As for MaKenna, she was down right scared of Santa.
Wanted nothing to do with him.

Craft time. Our friend Cindy is helping Caelan make a fun
Santa craft with "gew" and pom-pom balls.

He tackles the project himself

Caelan and his best buds. Maggie, Adelyn and Morgan
They all were wondering where Adelyn got that cookie!

Me and the babes

Caelan experiences our first snow fall of the season, first hand.

He looks thrilled. (Actually he was tired and not in the best of moods!)

MaKenna-Coo in her first snow storm

12-5-09 We went to the South Arlington Mom's Group Annual Christmas party. It was really fun. A lot of our friends from playgroup were there, they worked on holiday crafts and even had an early visit with Santa. Lots o fun!

Playing with Daddy

2009-12-29T01:15:00.004-05:00

11-30-09 MaKenna gets a little fun time with Daddy. (I think what MaKenna is really thinking is "Daddy quit messin with me!)

So Cute

2009-12-29T01:13:00.002-05:00

Ok, this Mommy can't help herself. I'm a photo junky!

11-29-09 She just looked sooooo cute!

Making Christmas Ornaments

2009-12-29T01:08:00.004-05:00

11-28-09 Caelan and I tackled the molding clay and made some fun ornaments. He decorated them with lots of love and glitter gew (glue). We made trees, footballs, stars and hand prints.

I was really excited because this was the first time Caelan and I made Christmas crafts together. The first of many craft adventures!

MaKenna's First Tooth!!

2009-12-29T00:53:00.003-05:00

Our first attempt to document "the tooth"

Our second attempt at documenting "the tooth"

The Tooth, de-da-da-daaaahhh

There it is! Lower right front tooth

Approximately 11-26 or 27-09 MaKenna's first tooth made its appearance. Yipee!

Prune Face

2009-12-29T00:49:00.003-05:00

11-27-09

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-12-29T00:29:00.006-05:00

MaKenna is getting ready for her first Thanksgiving celebration

I have my fancy shoes on, I'm ready!

All spiffed up

A wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at the Taylors

Shawn and Jeremy serve up some din-din

MaKenna is ready to eat!!

11-26-09 Happy Thanksgiving!! We have twice as many wonderful things to be thankful for this year! We have been blessed with two absolutely beautiful children. We are loving every second we can be together as a family. We have taken some fun trips and made some amazing memories. We look forward to many more!

We spent our Thanksgiving at the Taylors home with Beth & Jeremy Bird and Beth's bro Bradley. They all are our family away from family.

National Air and Space Museum

2009-12-28T23:53:00.009-05:00

The National Air and Space Museum

Hey MaKenna....duck!

We are standing on the ramp that leads to the main floor

Caelan takes a quick binkie and "bwanket" brake

The NASA Space Shuttle

Caelan is walking under the tail of the Space Shuttle

Astronaut food...yum

Redstone Missle, 69 ft tall

Shawn checks out a mini plane he hopes to fly some day, Ha!

Halloooooooo

The Enola Gay

Hey look, they knew I was coming

11-24-09 We started our day with the plans of heading to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The farther we drove the more it rained and decided to save the mountains for another day. Shawn came up with a wonderful idea, go to the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Va.

It turned out to be a great day. We saw and learned some amazing things. It was really fun to watch Caelan's face as he studied the rockets and planes.

The Xylephone

2009-12-28T23:23:00.003-05:00

Fun with Food

2009-12-28T23:18:00.001-05:00

Who needs a bowl?

I love sweet potatoes?

Yes, I love sweet potatoes!!

11-21-09

Playtime

2009-12-28T23:10:00.004-05:00

Why of course I can build a big house out of blocks, like Caelan.

Well.......maybe

The master architect!

Hello Daddy!

2009-12-28T22:50:00.003-05:00

11-15-09 MaKenna and I pose for a quick pic to send to Daddy

Our Sick Little Babies

2009-12-28T22:42:00.006-05:00

Our lil MaKenna, poor baby. So sicky,

this is the day after she was in the E.R. all day.

She was diagnosed with pneumonia.

Caelan kicks back while watching Ratatouille (for the 15th time).
Poor little guy he was really sick as well and all he wanted to watch was Ratatouille.

Caelan the Landscaper

2009-12-28T22:39:00.002-05:00

11-2-09 Caelan was so excited to help Papa with the leaves

Happy Birthday Dad and Megan

2009-12-28T22:22:00.004-05:00

Mom preps everyone for the big birthday song

Mmmm...din, din

and din,din

Happy Birthday!!

Megan's masterpieces (she is the cake boss!)

Whew, I can't believe I ate all that cake!

11-1-09 We had a birthday shin-dig to celebrate Dad and Megan's birthday. We had so much fun and tons ohhhhhhhhh cake!!

Kinzer Holiday Boogie

2009-12-16T18:20:00.003-05:00

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