Our Harvest

The kids always have fun when it is time to "harvest" some items from our garden.  As you can see we had a successful corn harvest.  We also have cantaloupes and cucumbers.  

Coco Key Weekend - Hello Charlie

We traveled to Omaha to meet my new great-nephew Charles Robert Winters (pictures below).  We decided to make a mini-vacation of it and spent the afternoon at Coco Key Indoor Water Park.  The middle section of the park was being repaired so the kids were not able to do the "Pirate Perch" but they were able to do the other pools and slides.  They had a smaller pool which was good for Keylee.  They also had a lazy river, pool with basketball goals, obstacle pool and three slides which we were all able to enjoy.  It was a fun afternoon with the kids.  My sister and her husband live in Omaha and my niece and her husband moved to Omaha after graduating from college two years ago.  They just had their first child, Charles Robert "Charlie" (side note: she does not let me call him Chuck Bob but I think that name is funny, shh). We were able to see my nephew, Taylor, when he wasn't working at the pharmacy.  He is on summer break from Creighton Pharmacy School but works a lot of hours at a local pharmacy so we were glad to be able to see him too.  My parents were also in Omaha for the weekend so it was a perfect weekend and great to see everyone. It was especially great to meet Charlie.  

 Great-Umpa (my Dad) with baby Charlie, Kira and Keylee

 The proud new Mom, Britt, holding her super sweet baby surrounded by her super proud cousins.  (Anyone surprised by Britt's curly hair and how much she looks like my girl, Kira?)

I was able to get in some snuggle time too.  (ignore the post-pool hair, ick).

A little late - Kira is 10!

Kira turned 10 years old on June 15th. 

Kira is still busy playing soccer, tennis and basketball.  It is hard to believe she is already 10 years old and, at times, she is showing signs of a preteen and I am not sure I am ready for that.

Keenan is 8

Keenan turned 8 years old on Sunday.  The highlight of Keenan's birthday was when Joe arranged for him to see Coach Snyder and have his football autographed.  The day didn't go quite as planned as Keenan's baseball tournament was going to be played on Saturday then was moved to Sunday only to be moved back to Saturday.  It all worked out because Keenan's baseball was in Riley which is only about 10 minutes outside of Manhattan.  Keenan was able to meet Coach and then go straight to his baseball game. Before we left to head up to KSU I told Keenan to put on his football jersey instead of his baseball jersey.  He said, "I don't want to. I just want to wear my baseball jersey." (which he thinks is super cool because it has his last name on the back).  I told Keenan we were going to watch his Dad's team play 7 on 7 at KSU so grab his new football and put on the jersey.. On the way out the door I asked Keenan a quick question, "Hey Keenan, do you know who coaches to KSU Wildcat football team?"  He looked at me (like I was an idiot) and said, "Mother, it is Bill Snyder." 

 On the way to the football field I said, "How would you feel about meeting Coach Snyder?" Keenan just smiled. He was super excited and from that point forward we couldn't get to KSU fast enough.

I think Keenan managed to get everything on his list with his number one item being a Boston Celtics jersey (because his Dad has him brain-washed). Keenan and Joe are both Royals and Celtics fans.  Keenan was bummed when the Celtics couldn't pull out a win on game 7.

At age 8, Keenan enjoys to play and watch all sports.  This past year, Keenan experienced his first camping and fishing weekend and his first turkey hunt with his Dad. Keenan loves spending time outside throwing a ball against the house or going over to the neighbors to shoot baskets.

Big League Chew

Keenan had an exciting weekend of baseball as his Force baseball team took first place at the Big League Chew Tournament in Kansas City.  Keenan was excited to play in an out-of-town tournament and stay in a hotel so he could swim and "hang out" with his teammates when they were not playing baseball.  We arrived home late Sunday night which made for a short weekend but it was worth it as Keenan continues to tell anyone who will listen about his weekend of baseball.  

 Keenan plays third base.  The picture below is when he came into the dugout after fielding the ball and throwing it to first base for the third out.

 Keenan with the tag and the runner is out!

A great group of kids and some dedicated coaches made for a fun weekend of baseball.

A Memorial Weekend of Soccer

We had a Memorial weekend of soccer in Kansas City.  The team played the best I have seen them play all season and seem to make improvements each game and every tournament.  Unfortunately, we fell short of the finals losing on Sunday in the semi-final game.  We were able to take Kira's friend and teammate, Ashley, with us for the weekend.  Kira was very happy to get to spend time with Ashley before she moves to South Carolina for her Dad's coaching job.  We have really enjoyed the Underwood family and I am super sad to see them leave. 

 Ashley's Mom, Susan, and I decided to go to Dick's Sporting Goods to get the girls some last minute items before leaving for the tournament.  We now realize it was a big mistake for us to go together and take the girls with us.  The girls managed to talk us into buying them matching outfits. 

 The team decided to celebrate Ashley by hitting Orange Leaf after their semi-final game. 

Now, it seems we will be dedicating the June weekends to baseball tournaments for Keenan.  Stay tuned.

Wedding Weekend

Last weekend we traveled back to Dodge City for my nephew's wedding.  The wedding was very nice and his new wife is a great addition to the family and we are so happy to have her as part of our family.  

My sister, Tamie and her son, Isaac

 

 Kira and my other nephew, Gage, were candle lighters.

Keenan was a dancer.  He entertained everyone at the dance with his "moves."