The Keene Family

We scheduled a close-to-home, one night stay at a nearby state park for our first overnight in the camper. We are learning lots of things like propane management, condensation management, and storage management and it seemed like playing it safe was a good idea. We had so much fun! We even took the bikes with us (see photo) which meant we could go on a family bike ride... which I love to do. When we arrived, it was getting dark and toward dinner time. JT and Haley sat down to play cards. I started cooking! I have to say, my work triangle is small and efficient. I made three meals in my little kitchen and it was all so easy. I had plenty of space for what I was doing and had everything I needed. It was really fun! Then we piled in bed for an after dinner movie complete with popcorn. The kids were so excited to try out their "bunk beds." JT sleeps in the converted dining area and Haley's bunk folds down from up above. The next morning, the rain let ...

Haley has been asking to cut her hair for well over six months... maybe a year. She thinks it would be easier to brush out, style, and it won't get in the way at gymnastics (critical). Even in a ponytail, sometimes her hands land on the ponytail and that's not good. So we talked about it over the weekend, Jim gave his approval, and I cut NINE AND A HALF INCHES off her hair Monday night. Gah! Then she took a selfie to send to Grandma Keene, since we knew we wouldn't see her anytime soon. Then I took some more photos as she worked on her piano theory book and hung out with me in the kitchen. She was not happy with this photo shoot but I managed to get some smiles. :) We did her hair for school the last two days and oh my, it is pretty adorable. I'll have to get a couple of photos when she's in the mood!

I've been waiting ohsopatiently for my knee to be ready to get back to snow skiing, and the rest of the family has gone on Saturdays without me since Thanksgiving. January 20th was the day! We got a little later start than planned but the relaxed pace is worth it. We stuck together in the morning, and then after lunch we split up. Jim and JT went off hiking to get some powder (JT's idea) and Haley and I went up Forest Queen, where she started getting adventurous and conquered a tough blue square hill with lots of moguls! I was so proud of her! It was a completely awesome day weather-wise: lightly snowing the whole time, some sun breaks, very cold. It is such a blessing to be able to do fun things like this as a family!

JT and Haley had a big week last week! JT had his first basketball game of the season. We've been working on puzzles like maniacs this winter. This is our second one finished - and JT and Haley helped a lot. They can often be found hovering around the puzzle board before breakfast in the morning! Haley keeps getting stronger and was recently pull-up class champion at gymnastics. She crushed her old PR of 10 with 14 pull-ups! Her class was chanting "Ha-ley, Ha-ley!" as she finished. Pretty cute. Haley was also recognized at school for her participation in her the annual Reflections art program. She submitted a piece of visual art to support this year's theme, Within Reach. Here she is with a friend from school receiving her trophy during an assembly. I love that they are recognizing all kinds of accomplishment, not just sports and reading! Finally, JT received his Global Learner badge! He had to be recommended and then apply with an essay and then i...

Jim and I have been looking at truck campers for a loooong time. We have visions of four-season camping (not just summer) and we love the idea of doing more adventures with our kids. New campers are crazy expensive, so Jim scours Craigslist for used campers in good condition often. Every end of the summer, we say "next year, we might have a camper" but we hadn't found the right one for the right price. Jim and I each have a list of must-haves: dry bath, bunk bed, a/c, driver side slide, generator, awnings, etc. And then he found it! It is a 2008 Lance 971. It was previously owned by an older couple, no pets or kids, and stored under cover. They didn't use it much (only 11 hours on the generator) and sold it back to the dealer they bought it from. This was ideal! We went to look at it with both kids to make sure we felt comfortable inside with four people. It is perfect for us, and it is so clean and well maintained... with neutral décor instead of the horr...

We so look forward to our weekends in Naches with our group of friends from Jim's house in college. We've been reunioning for the past seven years and it is so fun to watch our families grow together. We stay at www.bethelridgeretreat.com - reserving both cabins plus the main house for our 6 families with 12 adults and 17 children. We arrived Friday night fairly late, and enjoying some "adulating" Saturday morning in the main house while most of the kids played Legos downstairs. After lunch, Jim and the kids hit the hot tub while I read by the fire (read: napped by the fire). After that, it was out into the snow! I love how kids from all six families are comfortable playing, hugging, sledding, and laughing together all weekend long. It's like extended family you see at holidays. Jim and Haley started a 300-piece puzzle before dinner... it was finished by the next day!   JT packed his rifle and got some shooting time in as well. ...