The Keckley's

Calvin's Field Trip

I was so glad to be chosen to help chaperone Calvin and his classmates on their field trip to the pumkin patch. They listened to pumpkin/fall related stories and got to pick out their very own pumpkin. The trip ended with playing at the waterside park and icecream from a local ice-cream shop.

Mrs. Tanner's kindergarten class

riding the school bus

looking for the perfect pumpkin

found it!

Fort Fremont

After visiting the Penn Center museum of St. Helena, SC we went to Fort Fremont. It was very cool to be able to climb on the old fort. Afterwards, we went for a walk on the beach.

exploring the ruins

Taking a picture of this palm-sized horseshoe crab shell was the only way Chris would agree not to take it home.

Port Royal, SC

We found a very small apartment to rent (on a month-to-month basis) in Port Royal, SC. The apartment is furnished so all we had to do was bring our clothes. It will be great to get into a house and get our things out of storage. The boys are having fun with the "order up!", a peek-a-boo from the kitchen to the dining area.

New Creek House "After" Pics

The house is finally complete (just in time to sell it and allow someone else to enjoy our labors!)! It took 1 year but the "Granny" is out and I'm very pleased with the results. Now it's time to pack and move to Bluffton, SC!

Garren's First Target Practice

shooting his new Marlin 60 .22

shooting Dad's Makarov

turns out he is quite the marksman!

Garren's Baptism

Is it possible to dread something and be looking forward to it at the same time? This is how I've felt ever since Garren's 7th birthday when I realized that I would be planning his baptism in only 1 year! On the one hand, I don't want my little boy growing up and this milestone in his life would be evidence of that. And on the other hand, I'm so excited for Garren to offically become a member of the church and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (a gift I treasure in my own life). Garren has such a special spirit and he knows that following the Savior's example is the only way to begin his eighth year! (A special thanks to Craig and Elizabeth for taking all the pictures so I could focus on more important things!)

a special cake made by Cindy with help from Mike

Grandma Keckley showing Garren her present to him--My Spiritual Book, a scrapbook to record all the spiritual milestones in his life

Garren showing off a huge potato chip (also picture are Audrey, Calivn, Carter, and Chris)

Happy 8th Birthday, Garren!

This was an extra special birthday for Garren. He turned 8 and is soooooo excited about getting baptized. Also, this is the year Chris decided he was old enough for his first gun, a .22 with a scope. Since we have been feverishly working on completing house projects before we move in a few weeks, Garren's party was pretty simple. He wanted a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing and we decorated with balloons and streamers. Happy Birthday, G-man!

Garren popping open his present from Uncle Josh and Aunt Kayla with his shark tooth necklace

Garren thanking Hayden for his gift

Fortney Family Beach Vacation 2013

We had am amazing Fortney family beach vacation this year! Mom and Dad rented us a huge house that even seated all 23 of us for meals! The kids had a great time playing together, riding the trolley, and going to the beach. Some highlights included almost getting hefty tickets as a result of illegally parking, eating at Philips, minitature golfing, and a girls night shopping trip on the board walk.

Mountaineer Muck

The boys wanted to make Mountaineer Muck while we were working on projects around the house. It quickly became apparent that this needed to be an outside activity! When they were done I sprayed them off with the hose. I got a little carried away and they ended up drenched!

Calvin's Pre-K Graduation

We are so proud of Calvin for completing his Pre-K program with flying colors. In the second video below he says he wants to be a race car driver when he grows up (just like every other boy there). Love you, C-Boy!