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."



Turkey Time

Keenan was super excited to go on his first turkey hunt with his Dad and Uncle John. Keenan called to give me play-by-play details on how they got the turkey. Apparently, it was Joe's shot but his gun would not fire so John got the shot and the rest is history.

The last picture here was not the best. I could not figure out my camera settings for the poor lighting in our garage.

Lent and Easter

This past Christmas our church, St. Thomas More, gave the book below out free after Mass. Ever since Christmas I have been meaning to read the book. When looking back over the years I struggle to remember what I gave up for Lent each year. I can barely remember what I "gave up" last year. Most people ask, "what did you give up for Lent?" I always explain that it is not necessarily about giving something up but it can also be about taking something on or just adding something to your life. I decided during Lent instead of "giving something up" I was going to make time to read this book. Next time I try to remember what I did for Lent I will remember because this book was unforgettable. There were a lot of good take-aways from the book that I can transfer into so many areas of my work, family and religious life. Easter Sunday: Keenan hates to dress up and convincing him to get in khaki pants and a button up shirt is torture. He did manage to smile for the picture below but it wasn't without some bribery.

Keylee loved the Easter Bunny at brunch. She ate one waffle and spent the rest of the time looking for the Easter Bunny to come around the tables.

Kira tolerated the Easter Bunny and managed to smile for a picture but Keenan isn't pictured because he would rather not be bothered by the Easter Bunny at brunch while working on his third plate of food. Priorities.

Spring Break in SOUTH Texas

Spring Break road trip to south-south-south-south Texas.

We drove sixteen (16) hours one-way to visit my parents who winter in Alamo, Texas (Winter Texans). The road trip was easier than we anticipated with three kids. However, Keylee did ask when we started off on our trip if we were there yet when we were only in Junction City.

My parents had several days of activities planned which included everything from golf, swimming, dining at great restaurants, traveling to the Mexico/US border, kids driving golf carts, shopping at a great outlet mall, spending time at the beach to just relaxing with my Mom and Dad.

Grandma, Kira and Keylee

Umpa and Keenan

We were able walk through the Stations of the Cross at the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle National Shrine. My parents' home is about one hour from South Padre. We traveled to South Padre for one day and we were able to go to the beach and take a boat ride for look for dolphins.

Keylee working on a sand castle

While looking for dolphins the boat pulled a net and when the net was pulled in the crew on the boat would show the fish and tell facts about the fish. We were on the water on a rather windy day with some high waves and I will just say the boat ride back in was a lot better than the boat ride out. Kira is standing at the back of the boat with the Queen Isabella Causeway Bridge in the background (longest bridge in Texas)

Keenan holding a starfish that was pulled up in the net

one of the many dolphins we were able to see