The Keene Family

We had such a wonderful time at our fifth annual 17th Ave House roommates + wives + kids reunion! We were missing one family, the Shucks, who were down with the flu for the weekend - so sad. The rest of us managed to have a great time anyway. ;) We had twelve adults and fifteen children in two houses for a weekend away in the snow. We love seeing each other each year, watching our kids grow, and catching up on life together. Breakfast one morning - missing the two youngest babies Hot tubbing in the snow - feels so good! Ready for a snow walk Off we go! Haley at the beginning of our walk, jumping and playing. Haley at the end of the walk, worn out and ready for some lovin'. One of the highlights of the weekend for JT is playing with his friend Jonathan. Jonathan is just an awesome guy, and he is about two years older than JT but they play great together. He is a good role model and we love giving JT a chance to see an older kid who loves Jesus.  Jo...

Last week, Jim and Haley had their next Daddy-Daughter date to watch UW women's sports. This time is was basketball, and of course they had a great time. JT and I took the opportunity to go for a long bike ride on some local trails. We even saw a train go by. You can barely hear it from our house sometimes, and he has always asked to go see the train. What a blessing to see it go by on our bike ride, from maybe 50 yards away. So much fun!

JT is having a great time at martial arts. He is learning lots of different moves, increasing coordination, and burning off energy. All good things. He likes his instructor and is looking forward to testing for the next level in May. Haley is a good watcher. :)  

I got Jim a surprise Christmas gift (aren't most gifts surprises?). This one was a BIG surprise. Only a few people knew about it ahead of time. Thanks to Christian for helping pick it out and arrange for the purchase, and for Wendy for storing it for me until Christmas... and dropping it off Christmas morning in secret! Wendy suggested I record the big reveal. I'm so grateful she did.

Basketball started this week! We were so excited to have a large cheering section for JT's first game, including all four grandparents, an uncle, a cousin, and a sister! The Upward league is serious stuff. The kids and coaches run out through a tunnel at the beginning of the game, and there are cheerleaders. The volunteer refs do a great job helping the kids remember the rules and what to do, and it is very organized. The coaches JT said he had a blast! He can't wait to play again. Fast break! Guarding Dribbling down the court After the game, everyone came back to our house for a celebration lunch. We can't wait for more!

Jim had to work New Year's Eve, but we got to spend some time with friends and he ended up getting off two hours early, so he got to enjoy it with us. Katie and Brock on the countdown New York New Year's! Brock waiting for the ball to drop We spent the night and got up to a yummy breakfast and bitter cold. That didn't stop us from sending the kids outside!Oh, and the husbands too... Jim took his inaugural ride on his new bike and he loved it! Marshmallow Brock We came home in time to watch Alabama lose to Ohio State... what a sad end to the first day of 2015!

It has been a long time (13 years) since we've celebrated Preston's birthday with him in person. Quick side note, Haley started the day looking splendid in some new things. Okay, back to the birthday. Preston turned 20 this week, on New Year's Eve. I called it my auntiversary. I can't believe I've been an aunt for 20 years! Here are the men, getting ready for dinner. Speaking of dinner, Preston chose well: burgers, fries, and peach cobbler for dessert. Gift display: this photo is for Gena! :) Preston opening... JT was impressed with the Guinness World Records book.  Dessert time! We just loved being a part of Preston's birthday celebration this year, a couple of days early. There are many more to come!