Ocean City 2012



We haven't been to Ocean City since Garren was a newborn.  We were so happy this year to re-start this yearly "Keckley Family Vacation."  As you can see from the photo, we go during the SunFest Kite Festival.  The weather was gorgeous and kites were amazing!  They boys loved playing with their cousins in the waves!

New Family Pics




We haven't had our family's picture taken since 2009, and before that, never.  So we were long overdue for a family photo shoot.  Our cousin, Airyele Rounds, is starting her photography business and she was gracious enough to photograph us for free for her portfolio.  Here are my four favorite pics!  She did a fabulous job!  Don't you agree?


New House--Before Pics

I am so excited that I've finally found my "dream house."  Here are the promised pics.  Don't worry, it won't take us long to get the "granny" out!
 
view from the road

back view, needs lots of landscaping

back and side yard

right inside the front door

living room

dining room

kitchen-sorry i cut out the stove and more cabinets on the right.  pocket door to the dining room

family room 1

family room 2-french doors to deck

half bath downstairs

laundry room-appliances convey-door to right goes to deck-door in front goes to garage-stairs on left lead to loft

loft/storage area

master bedroom

master bathroom 1

master bathroom 2-jetted tub

upstairs bathroom

not pictured are the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th bedrooms, the basement, inside garage, our new craftsman riding lawn mower that conveys with the house
 

First Day of First Grade

Garren couldn't have been more excited about starting first grade (even though he was starting in a new school)!
He went armed with a new backpack, shoes, a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt, and a father's blessing.

Happy 7th Birthday, Garren!

Garren picked a chess theme for his birthday party (It only took a little urging from me.  Don't you like how his main present fits the theme?).  Of course, family came to help us celebrate.
 


 


Californ-I-A


Calvin, Garren, and I were fortunate enough to be able to go to California to visit Cindy and her family this summer!  We had such a great time and have many wonderful memories.  Here are just some of the highlights:

This was Calvin's first plane ride since he was a toddler.  He and Garren were both so excited.

Calvin and Jacob digging in the sand

Audrey, Garren, Josh, and Ally enjoying the cold Pacific waters

We visited a miniature horse farm.  They were so adorable!

I'm pretty sure this is the biggest blackberry in the world!

Calvin loved the fresh fruit feast we got from a roadside stand and ate at a park in Solvang.

We visited Solvang, a Danish village.  I loved seeing the architecture and eating from the bakery but the kids' favorite part was the late night swim at the hotel's pool!

Calvin, Jacob, and Audrey pretending to birds at the Santa Barbara Zoo

their favorite animal, the giraffe

Josh, Allyson, and Garren "sledding" on cardboard boxes at the zoo
 

me, overcoming my fear of birds to feed these ferocious eaters
 
I'm submitting this to America's Funniest Home Videos!

Annual "School is Out" Camp Out

This year we took the boys to Blackwater Falls State Park for our annual "School is Out" Camp out.  We had a blast eating hot dogs and smores.  Our dutch oven monkey bread we ate for breakfast turned out to be a huge hit with a local squirrel (darn thing was camera shy).  The boys loved poking the fire with extra long sticks that Chris [illegally] scavenged in the woods.

"More smores, please!"


Pinterest Fun

Here is proof that my boys love Pinterest as much as I do!
 
 
 my little archaeologists digging for dinosaurs
 
 
 homemade bouncy balls
 
 
homemade gak (ironically, the gak was bouncier than the bouncy balls!)

Let the summer begin!!

Garren and Calvin enjoying the first hot day of the summer

Calvin's First Day of Pre-K


I was worried that Calvin wouldn't want to go to school.  He is very shy around people that he doesn't know and his behavior at times is a little ornery.  I couldn't have been more wrong about him!  He absolutely loves going to pre-school and his teachers always compliment his wonderful behavior.  He has received a sticker and a stamp (the highest level on the daily behavior chart) everyday!  I am so proud of my little man!