Hooray for snow days

Let me start by saying I was more excited for the snow day at home than I was for Christmas break because I knew I would be home too as I had already moved my appointments at work and since even the courthouse was closed I figured, why bother going to work.  I told the kids as much as they may hate it, no play dates and no sleepovers because I was going to be selfish and keep them all to myself.  I woke up and made the kids breakfast, Joe and Keenan started shoveling the driveway and then we were off with the neighbors to sled.  Good times, for sure.  

Men at work . . .

and Keylee too.  She thought she would see if she could catch a few snowflakes on her tongue.

Time for sledding.  So much fun with the neighbors

Kira and Keenan taking it down the hill head-first

Our neighbor, Karman, giving Keenan a little push down the hill.  This was a hill by our house but then we trekked it to Cico Park.  Karman and I elected to stay in the car and watch from a distance but Joe was a tropper and got out to sled with the kiddos.  Below, are the neighbor kids, Sofie and Brady.  

Hot Shot

Keenan won the Hot Shot Basketball competition this past weekend at City Auditorium.  He had a great time and was all smiles.

Honor Choir

A couple months ago Kira auditioned for Honor Choir.  She was fortunate enough to be selected and then had several early morning practices before school and several after school practices.  This past weekend the Honor Choir ended with an event in Junction City. All the students selected from the north central Kansas region came together in Junction City for a day which ended with a concert for parents and families to enjoy.  I was quite impressed with the actual event and the concert.  Kira enjoyed the experience and said that she is sad it was over.  Overall, it was a good experience for her and something I suspect she will try out for again.

Kansas Winter - So Confused

On January 28, 2013, I left work at 4:00 p.m. to pick up the kids and take them to the KSU Dairy Bar at Call Hall and celebrate the 73 degree temps.  We picked up our neighbors to take them along for the celebration.  The following day, January 29, 2013, snow began to fall and we went from sun to snow in the blink of an eye.  Gotta love a Kansas Winter. Right?

Keenan's First Reconciliation

This past Saturday Keenan celebrated his First Reconciliation.  He was pretty nervous all morning and couldn't seem to sit still once we got to church.  I had spent time with him during the week going over some handouts that were sent home with him from his Religious Education class. We talked about if the act was an "accident" or on "purpose."  We also talked about the two kinds of sins etc.  The look of confusion and indecision on his face was priceless.  I think by the end and before the big day he finally had it worked out and was ready to go.  When we returned to our seats, after waiting in a fairly long line for the confession which didn't seem to help with his nerves, Keenan turned and said, "Wow, I am glad that is over."  Next stop, First Communion.  Yay!

Weekend - Redefined

There was a point in my life, probably before children, that I associated weekends with relaxation.  I have managed to redefine the weekend and it is now defined as chaos.  Between running kids to birthday parties, sleepovers, play dates, practices and games, getting caught up on housework, kids homework and getting my runs in, I am always exhausted when Monday rolls around and ready for a real weekend.  

Kira and Keenan had busy weekends with basketball and wrestling.  Keylee had a busy weekend being their biggest fan.  Kira had a basketball tournament and her team placed 2nd.  I wish my pictures were better but I am still trying to figure out my camera. I have only had my camera now for three years so I am hoping this will be the year I get it figured out. 

Below are super-fans Keylee and Darci.  Darci had a full day of basketball with her son playing in the same tournament but that didn't stop her from coming back to the gym to cheer on Kira too.

 Keenan got 1st place at his wrestling tournament this weekend.  The Manhattan club was the host of the tournament and, as always, the tournament was well done and well attended with wrestlers from all over.  Below Keenan is wrestling a kid from the Topeka club.

Keenan got the pin for the win.

Keenan being coached up by two of his coaches Jeff Sturdy (above) and Shawn Bammes (below) Oh, and his Dad adding in a few suggestions too.

Keenan is also playing Rec-League basketball this Winter.  I signed him up which means I also signed Joe up to coach.  However, in the picture below, there might be some confusion as to who is the coach.  Keenan is on the end of the bench shouting out some orders to his teammates while Joe is all smiles taking it all in.  

The picture above is yet another blurry pic but this time I cannot blame it on the iPhone.  Nope, this time the problem is the same as mentioned above.  It is me not knowing how to use my fancy camera with a million settings and I never know which one is the right one for indoor sports.

Christmas 2012

Christmas in Dodge City:

Before we open gifts the grandchildren always sing Silent Night and place Jesus in the manger which is shown just above their heads in the picture below.  Then,  our kids did a little prayer presentation before everyone opened the gifts.  Keylee is reading her prayer below (clearly getting help from Kira, Keenan and even Joe)

 Joe's brother, Mike, gave Keenan his first BB Gun and protective eye-wear. We wouldn't want him to shoot his eye out.

Christmas at our house in Manhattan:

The kids were pretty excited about their gifts from Santa.  Keylee wanted a Furby so she can use the iPad app to interact with it.  Behind Keylee is the American Girl Doll box which Keylee asked for the doll "Kit."

 Keenan wanted all things Skylander.  He was very excited to get the carrying case and battle arena.

 Kira asked for a variety of items this year ranging from clothes, boots and the Darth Vader alarm clock that she is holding in the picture below.

Overall, they seemed very satisfied with the treasures that Santa brought them.