Behind the Scenes

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Weekend Getaways!

The last couple of weekends we have been able to have some fun. We are traveling California and I am loving it! Here are some pictures of the weekends we have been enjoying!

Michael (Keith's Brother) was able to join us for a 3 day weekend enjoying the sites of California!

Michael trying his first oyster! (He was not a huge fan)

Checking out the Golden Gate!

Catching an A's game before heading back to Fresno.

This last weekend we headed down South to Oceanside. This is the San Diego area and stayed with a college friend of Keith's and his wife. (Jason and Jen). The boys had to make sure to get a round of golf in, rain or shine. Luckily, we didn't have any rain and it was a fun day on the course!

Had to get a game of Golf in! (Ramona, CA)

They took us down to La Jolla to the Cove and went around a fun shopping and restaurant area. When we went down to the Ocean, there were numerous seals everywhere. They smelled terrible, but it was very fun to see!

Seals were excited to pose for their audience!

Picture by the Ocean was a must!

Thank you Jason and Jen!!

Patio Rooftop Site Seeing
Can't get much better than that!

I am looking forward to the upcoming weeks of summer and a little relaxation!!

Monday, April 6, 2015

West Coast Mini Vacation

With this last weekend being a 3 day weekend for me, I was really wanting to go out and do something fun! I wanted to go somewhere I hadn't been and enjoy some of this beautiful California weather. After MUCH discussion with my co workers, I decided on Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Pismo Beach. Although, I did not know exactly what to expect from any of these places, I was pleasantly surprised by all. I am trying to plan another trip out to continue with such a fun area!

To begin with, Keith and I stopped in Paso Robles for some wine tasting. We had heard they had some great wineries around there, and again was not sure of what to expect. This is a little less than two hours from us, so we woke up early Saturday and began on our way. About 15-20 miles outside of Paso, there begins a winery about every 1/2 mile on both your left and right sides. I had looked into some of the reviews, as well as suggestions, so we kind of knew where to begin. When we began, we walked in like we had no idea what was going on, because we didn't have any idea what was going on. I learned very quickly, that I am not the most classy person to have ever wine tasted. I was loving the Saltine Crackers they placed in front of you! We went on cave tours, tasted whites, reds, and learned all about growing grapes and building vineyards. We had so much fun trying something new and going winery to winery. We hit 5: Robert Hall, Vina Robles, Tobin James, Eberle, and Wild Coyote. These places are all so unique and fun in their own ways. It is amazing how many Wineries there actually are in this area. We learned there are around 300 wineries just in the small area. I do not know how anyone could come close to hitting them all!

Later on that night, we drove into San Luis Obispo. This is also where Cal Poly University is located. They had a very "artsy" downtown with a lot of fun restaurants, shops, and bars. Again, there was no way we could even begin to hit all the places that were suggested. This is a town I would really like to go back and see what it has to offer. The downtown was just the beginning and it was so fun to walk around.

Saturday we hit up Pismo Beach. A very "beachy" town. I loved this town because of all the surf shops, casual wear, and fun atmosphere. We walked out onto the Pier, walked the boardwalk area, and were able to hit up some fun little patio stops. I couldn't imagine living near a beach. I do not know how any would go to work. You could tell the "lifers" and the "tourist" very easily, and I believe I would fall into the "lifer" stage very quickly if I ever got that opportunity. What a fun way to get to spend a three day weekend!

Easter was very laid back and enjoyable. A nice Sunday brunch, a dog park visit, and outdoor enjoyment were taken in by all! I hope you had a very Happy Easter!

Robert Hall Winery

Robert Hall Cave Tour

Winery #2

3rd Stop!

Eberle

Beautiful View

Pismo Pier

Love this view

Lunch Stop! Highly Recommend!

Easter Brunch

Dog Friends!

February/March Madness

     Another month is passing by so quickly. I cannot believe it is April. So much to talk about in one blog! I guess waiting a little longer isn't a bad concept, I have no worries of what to add! February was mainly filled with lots of basketball, as always. This means, Keith is out and about and busy as ever, and I am catching any game I can, but also finding new things to do in Fresno. I am absolutely loving the weather! Who knew you would be able to do so many outdoor activities during these early months. I have enjoyed being able to take the dog for a walk, bike ride when I can, and lay out by the pool as much as possible. This whole job thing however, is taking a toll on my lay out times, which means weekends are key.

     Fresno State Women's Basketball team finished regular season with a 20-8 record. It was such a fun season and great games to watch. We headed to Las Vegas for their conference tournament and lost in the semi final game. Because of the great season we had, we were invited to the WNIT. We beat San Francisco to head into Round 2, where we lost to St. Mary's to conclude the season at 22-10. Although you never want to end your season on a loss, the season was filled with a lot of positives and a great 1st year at Fresno State.

     Las Vegas was overall a great time. How can you not enjoy being in such a crazy atmosphere for a week. Both my parents and Keith's were able to join us for the week and catch two basketball games and lots of laughs. We were able to do all that we wanted and only left with a little less than I came with ;). We wont talk specifics. My parents set me up with great lodging, and we were so close to everything in need. UNLV put on a great tournament and we were able to find our own entertainment when we were not watching basketball. We were very "touristy" on the off days and enjoyed, the Pawn Shop, Eiffel Tower and its amazing view, Bellagio Fountains, and Fremont Street. It was a bit wild, but a whole new side of Vegas I had never seen before. It was such a great atmosphere with the Mountain West, Pact-12, and WAC conference tournaments going on. College basketball fans were everywhere and made for a very memorable trip.

     My new job has been going great! We are gearing up for two major events that both come in the fall, but have plenty of planning to do. I have enjoyed the people I am working with, and being able to open myself up to even more new things here in California. I still miss home and the people there. My family recently celebrated two very special birthdays. Little Reese (Matt and Jana's) turned 3! She is growing more into an adult everyday. Her amazing laugh and smile can make anyone melt. I love receiving pictures and videos of all my nephews and nieces and the frequent Face time of watching them play. Our sweet Keeley (Mitch and Christy's) also turned 1! How can that be? Her adorable outfits and bows keep me laughing continuously. I would love to see her closet and count how many times she wears an outfit, I am not sure I have seen her wear one twice!

    The next couple months do not have a lot of plans, but some fun California adventures on their way. We are looking forward to making some fun stops, as well as a trip home this summer!

Preparing for Game 1

Game 1 Victory!

Bill, Keith and Jan

The whole clan!

Kim and I ready to cheer on the Dogs!

View from the Eiffel Tower

Fremont Street!

Dad in the Pawn Shop

Finding new things to do in Fresno! Wine Festival

Keeley's 1st Birthday

Happy Birthday Reese!

Monday, February 2, 2015

January 2015

I am back to the blog world. I have decided, that since I do not have constant exciting happenings in my life to which other people want to read about weekly, I am going to try and blog once a month of what has been happening in the last 4 weeks. So here is my January update!

The New Year started off hot, and by hot I mean, in bed with a fever that I couldn’t break for 3 days. I was so excited to start off the New Year with new friends in California, but my sickness told me otherwise. Luckily, we got some days off from work because of the holiday and the weekend, so I was stuck in bed and sleeping a lot. I was woken up long enough for a Happy New Year and back to sleep I went.

Week two of January is always very special. Of course, this starts off my Birthday week celebration. It has always been right in the middle of Basketball season, and although I am not playing anymore, there are still lots of games to get to and game trackers to watch. I realized this year, that getting older is definitely not as much fun anymore. I mean, how exciting is 27? We did have a night out celebrating which was great to get everyone together for the night! I had a great day of hearing from many close family and friends. Social Media sure has changed your birthday, and even though a “notification” is still reminding many, it’s great to get so many birthday posts from all sorts of different social medias.

Week three brought more basketball and more winning. Fresno State Women are now 17-4 and 1st in their conference. I was able to enjoy a couple of the men’s games, while the men and women are always playing opposite of each other. With the new AD, they have brought in some great crowds and given away multiple Ipads, $100 bills, and Gas cards every five minutes during the games. It has really brought the crowds and a live atmosphere to both men’s and women’s games. I also started a new job here in Fresno. I was offered a position with Fresno County Office of Education working in the Special Projects department. It has been a great experience so far and I am looking forward to what’s to come!

Week four has probably been our most exciting week this month. Keith’s dad, Bill, and his friend Dennis were kind enough to drive to Fresno, CA from Lindsborg, KS to bring us a special delivery. They drove for two days straight with our full grown dog in the backseat of his truck. Juco has finally arrived in Fresno and is learning her new home. Bill and Dennis were able to stay the entire week and get to see two home games of Keith’s, one beating San Diego State and one beating the number 2 team in the conference, Colorado State. They were both great games and we were so excited they could come be a part of them. Along with the dog, they were also able to bring my bike, which I am VERY excited about considering it has been 75-80 degrees the last 3 days here!

Thank you January for starting off the year with so much excitement!!

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Christmas 2014

Christmas is always a special time of year. Since I have moved away from Kansas, I have realized even more what this time is. I have been blessed with such an amazing family and group of friends. I always get so excited to be able to fly home and spend a week in Kansas and then I feel like it is gone before it even begins. Although, I don't feel this trip was long enough, it was perfect!

My family was all together the first part of the week and able to enjoy (even with 6 kids all under the age of 5) lots of laughs, games, and memories. With the lifestyle change, we enjoy puzzles, marbles, hide and seek, and nerf wars until about 9, then lots of cards and adult time after.

Opening packages has a whole new meaning with nieces and nephews. I ended up packing 3 bags to make sure all of their presents would arrive on time. I love watching their faces light up with each gift.

I was able to enjoy time in Lindsborg, with a much quieter setting. We enjoyed the Ferguson family Christmas, and a laid back Christmas Day. I got to take some time to hang out with high school friends and catch up just where we left off.

This year was even more special. I was able to meet my brand new niece, Laney Kay Beck, and witness her Baptism. She did an amazing job, and I think she even enjoyed the water being splashed on her face.

Being away makes it so much more special to see my family. I am so lucky to have gotten to be at home with all of them and spend some time together. I love seeing the little ones grow, and watch how much they have learned. There is never a dull moment in the Keeley household and I wouldn't change it for anything!