Thankful

     Holiday Season is always such an exciting time of year, especially now that I live at least 1500 miles away from most all of my family and friends. I get to enjoy this time and be so thankful for all that I have in my life. Thanksgiving has turned into a holiday that I truly enjoy. Whether I am able to make it home or not, it really makes you think of how amazing life is and how many wonderful opportunities I have been given. This year I was not able to return home for Thanksgiving, but I was able to spend it with family and people who mean a great deal to me in life.
     On Thursday, Thanksgiving, I picked up Keith's Parents and Brother from the San Francisco Airport to begin our weekend stay.  We loaded them up and headed to the Golden Gate Bridge! Although I know they were starving, they were great sports to let us get some sight seeing done and head on our way.  We stayed the weekend in Walnut Creek, CA, right outside of Moraga where Keith had a Thanksgiving Tournament at St. Mary's University. The entire area was so beautiful and fun. We were not able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, but we made due with what we had!

     It was so much fun to be able to catch up and spend some quality time with people I enjoy. Although I may not have been the best chauffer, it was not easy finding my way around, I loved being able to listen to Christmas music, see the views around me and constantly smile thinking about how lucky I am.

     After Keith's games, we headed back to Fresno. We wanted to make sure and catch the last Fresno State Football game. Although it was a rough season this year, we love to catch the games and support all of the coaches and players. Keith's Family had never been to a game, so I did my best "tour" of what the Fresno State Football experience is all about. To begin, we ran into the Pepsi Challenge. A small football obstacle course that you were timed. Michael and I decided we were up for the challenge and ended up getting the best time of the day! They let us know they would mail us our prize and we were very skeptical of what would arrive. Sure enough, we were sent Fresno State/Pepsi Corn Hole sets and couldn't be more excited! Team Kansas were the Champs! Sorry Coke, its Pepsi here on out for this girl!

     Sunday was a day off for Keith and we got to enjoy the entire day together. We began by taking them to our favorite breakfast spot, Huckleberry's and then hitting up a little Vino and Friends to watch the Chiefs game. After running around town, we headed back to the house to watch football and relax. Our Sunday dinner was our "Thanksgiving" and we enjoyed all the food we could eat! Thankfully, Jan was there to help cook, because I am not sure it would have turned out as well if she wasn't!
     I am so thankful for Bill, Jan, and Michael, not only because they came to visit, but because of all the love and support they have shown me through the years. Thank you for all you do! I cannot wait for Christmas and our corn hole tournament!

Halloween Weekend

Halloween always brings stress to me since I have become an "adult". You have to decide early what you are going to do, or where you are going to be, because there is so much to plan for. Even the "Quick DIY articles" for Halloween costumes are insanely not easy and if they are, normally not much fun. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it is what goes thru my head. In the past couple of years, we have not done anything too exciting or even dressed up for Halloween. This year though, was going to be different!
     Before we headed on our way, we had to make sure Juco was in the Halloween spirit. By we I mean me! I dressed her up in a cape that we had won from some carnival last year. I took multiple pictures, but not many she wasn't moving and blurry. My parents also were in the Halloween mood and made sure she was included. By they I am assuming my mother. Ha Ha. She sent an Edible Greeting Card, and though Juco was hesitant that we were letting her chew up something at first, it ended up being finished, rather quickly..it must have been good!

     We were invited to take in a Jets/Raiders football game the Sunday after Halloween. Some friends of our, Kas and Adam were going for Adam's birthday and asked if we would like to join. He is from New York and a Jets fan, so they try to make a game every year. It was so nice of them to invite us, and we had a great time!
     We started the weekend in San Francisco, going to Union Square and enjoying the costumes all around us. Sometimes it was hard to tell if they were costumes or just their every day outfit. We held off till literally the last second, making sure we were able to go and no recruits were coming into town. As guys, they aren't concerned and feel that you can just throw something together at the last second, or do not care if you are dressed up at all. Not my plan though! I was NOT going to be in San Francisco and NOT have a costume on. So what did we decide...Where's Waldo and Wenda! Yes, Wenda is a real person in the books, apparently, she is not in the books here in California because no one knew she existed. We had a so much fun sneaking in people's pictures and trying to be discreet, some worked great, some we need to work on.

     Sunday, we headed to Oakland for the football game. We were all awake so early because of the time change. We got up and headed for breakfast and then the tailgate. Although the Jets did not win, it was still fun. I will say that I do not advise heading to the "Coliseum" for an NFL game and rooting for the other team. Although, we wore black, being seen with the enemy gave us some comments and crude looks. Ha  Ha.

     After a great weekend, it was fun to get back home. We got to watch the Royals game and watch them win a World Series! Although, we may not be in Kansas anymore, the cheering and support is still there!

Bay Vacay!

  My parents have been talking about wanting to come out during the summer. Between the short trips I was making home, and Keith's schedule for recruiting, it is always difficult to find a time. This year, we decided on the weekend before Labor Day. My dad's Aunt, Cousin, and her family live in Morgan Hill, right outside of San Francisco. He had been wanting to get out there and see them, so we figured what better way to spend our weekend. We drove the short 2 hour drive to the Coast and enjoyed many of the sights of the Bay Area.

The first day I arrived, we spent some time with family. Dad and Mom had already been there a night, so catching up was so nice. We enjoyed lunch with Aunt Merilee and Melanie at Black Bear Diner in Gilroy for lunch, before heading off to do a little shopping. We lounged around, caught up on the news we hadn't talked about in the last couple of days and enjoyed this time together.

Saturday was an early morning. We started the trip bright eyed and excited to go (except for the non early morning person who is typing this right now, I am not sure everyone else would agree I was as excited) However, we headed to the pier and had a great breakfast at Boudin. We were able to get Trolley passes and headed thru the streets of San Francisco. We enjoyed a day at AT&T Stadium watching the Giants Vs. Cards game, and ended up with great left field seats! It was hot, and the "Dog Days of Summer" so we had lots of entertainment around us. We headed back to the hotel, got ready and headed out to Fisherman's Wharf where we got to eat right on Pier 39 and be apart of all the excitement happening around.

Keith didn't get the "wear stripes memo"

Sea Lion Island

Sunday morning was a trip we were all excited for. We were heading to Alcatraz Island. None of us had been there before, so we didnt know to expect. I had to do a little bit of a history lesson before, as I wasnt quite sure of what we were heading into. It ended up being a very cool tour and so glad that we went. It was something that I will be able to say I have been to and experienced. Amazing stories and views from the island that you cannot explain. We turned into even more tourists when we arrived back at San Fran. We headed down the Crooked Mile, went to the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fort Point. The views in that city are so amazing.

Audio Tour

We had such a great weekend with my parents and getting to experience some very cool things. I am loving that we are really taking advantage of living so close to so many things and able to make these weekend trips happen!!

Keeley Family Vacation 2015

I love that fact that my parents work so hard to make sure at least one time during the summer, we can all get together. They do such good work and always plan such a great time together. After last year's exciting, week long, non stop at Disney World, I was ready for a little more relaxed vacation this summer. So the Keeley's headed to Branson!


They rented the condo for the entire week and had told us to show up when we were available. Luckily, we all got the spend the entire weekend together, and then some stayed longer. I flew in on Thursday and we headed to Matt and Jana's in Olathe. We enjoyed the night at their place and prepared for the weekend. Dad, Mom, and I took Keeley in the morning and we headed to Branson. Jana picked Matt up from the airport with the kids and they left a little after us, and the Beck's, Mitch and Christy headed our way after they got off work around noon! Everyone had arrived by 6 PM and vacation had started!


We hit up the pool, played cards, and caught up on what had been happening. Saturday was the big event. We headed to Silver Dollar City, which none of us had been to, so we were not sure of what to expect. It was actually pretty awesome and I was VERY impressed with the short lines. I have realized that being out in California and the dry heat, humidity is just not my thing. I was struggling and amazed at the weather. SDC had a variety of rides for all ages. Cade and Luke were able to ride many rides, Lawson and Reese got their fair share in, and the adults were able to slip away and get the "monster" rides in. I think Keeley and Laney were confused at what was happening around them, and probably asking why they were having to sit in a stroller and drink lots of water when it was so hot out. They also had great new area called Fireman's Landing, that had a splash pad, indoor playground area, and kid rides. All in all, it was a fun, hot day that we enjoyed.

The Whole Gang!

Early Morning Smiles

Lawson was very excited he got a bracelet showing he was tall enough to ride!

Adult Swing

Sunday was filled with pool, putt-putt, and the Branson Landing. For those of you who have not been, a great spot to enjoy. The putt-putt game was probably the fastest game in the history to get 15 people thru that includes 6 children. I will have to admit, my patience and attitude may not have been the best at this point. The kids loved it though and were very excited for all the Pirate gear that received at the end.

Family Pyramid

#TeamPositivity  :)

Keeley Family Tricks

Luke Got a Hole in One!!

After heading back with Matt, Jana, and the kids, spending some time with them on Monday, and then flying back to California, I was wiped out. As much as I hate leaving everyone, it was a great weekend and I was ready to catch up on sleep and a little quiet time. I love this time with my family and am glad everyone makes the effort to make this happen year after year.