The Keene Family

 We can't believe JT is 12! We started with breakfast - cinnamon rolls were his choice. He also got gifts from his family and lots of hugs and smooches.  Later that day, we took some photos of the birthday boy with his favorite ladies.  And hosted a group of sixth grade boys for capture the flag, pizza, and cake.  On the weekend, he got to experience one of his gifts: go-kart racing with Jim! Then he came home to his family party. JT had requested chuck wagon wraps for dinner, and he got a unicycle among other fun gifts. We measured him as usual, and he is now five foot two inches. Crazy!

We were so excited for Haley to turn nine! We started with a family birthday dinner a couple of days early. Haley is now 4 foot 3.5 inches, making her 38th percentile, which is exactly where she was last year! She has dropped in weight and BMI, but her muscular gymnastics body is the reason why - and her doctor pointed that out! One of her most exciting gifts was a new desk for her room. Haley rearranged over the summer and has been hoping for this addition to make her vision a reality. We had an ice cream sundae bar for dessert... And then woke her up on her actual birthday for cinnamon rolls and gifts. JT planned a scavenger hunt with clues placed around the house for her to find her gift. It was really sweet! And she was beyond excited to get a new beam AND tumbling mat for the play room! Then we went to her birthday party with friends - an ice skating party for five friends. The girls had the best time skating together and g...

JT turned 11! We started with a party with friends, Friday night at Ocean 5, for laser tag and arcade games. We hosted a family brunch on Saturday with JT's choices: Jim's French toast, sausages, and fruit. He got some awesome gifts and noticed that this year he received "no toys, only tools." I guess he's hit that point! He is officially 85 pounds and 4' 11". I think he'll pass me by age 13. Yikes! He got some popsicles from Aunt Gena and Uncle Jeff (what a fun idea!) and shared with his sister later that day. The actual day, we were leaving for a camping trip, so we didn't do much except grab a photo on the deck on our way out. I lovvvve this photo of him!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Jim's 40th birthday! First, we spent time in the boat - as usual. The weather was warm and we enjoyed lunch and skiing with the kids. Then we held a family party on June 2. We were supposed to have dinner out after a basketball tournament, but plans changed after the tournament bracket was cancelled and we stayed home.  On his actual birthday, Jim had to work... but I picked up donuts and coffee and surprised him (and his entire team) with a treat delivery! The weekend after his birthday, we hosted a party with friends. It was so special to have people we haven't seen in awhile, don't see often, and see every day combined to celebrate him. The cornhole tournament got pretty competitive... We let the kids play outside and run around until 11 PM! Then we said goodbyes and headed straight to bed. We woke up in the morning to party aftermath - clothes, cups, empty water bottles, chairs, plates, and even a purse in the...

Birthday weekend started on Friday, when I got to take my time getting ready for the day while my family scurried about getting ready for school and making my breakfast. Jim made his famous overnight French toast! We also had bacon and a berry bowl, and he made me my over-medium eggs and hot water with lemon too.  I got to open gifts at breakfast, and I loved how thoughtful everyone was in selecting presents for me! When we got ready to leave for Crystal for the weekend, I found something special on my seat in the truck... And then we skied! Three days of spring skiing together. It was glorious. I also got a new hat. I can't wait to wear it on the beach this summer! We have so much fun together in the camper - playing cards and games, watching movies, hanging out, and playing in the snow. On Sunday, we tried out the chapel service on the mountain. It is ski in/out and it was really good! We will definitely go again when we...