Our Family: The Kellers, est: 2006

PC North Cheer Clinic

2012-02-12T14:04:00.003-06:00

San Francisco

2012-02-01T12:57:00.005-06:00

The famous SF cable cars.

Union Square

View over the city.

View from the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge, a SF icon.

The Rock, Alcatraz.

The main cell block

A typical cell.

The morgue.

Graffiti from the 1969 Indian occupation of Alcatraz.

Cable car turn around.

I had the opportunity to spend a few days in San Francisco recently and had a great experience on my first visit. Went to the OKC Thunder - Golden State game in Oakland, toured Alcatraz and the entire city including the Golden Gate bridge and park. SF is a fun city and I look forward to taking Cathy and Emma soon.

More Holiday Stuff....

2012-01-12T20:53:00.004-06:00

Trip to the Fiesta Bowl with my brother.

Might be the world's most famous corner!

Emma & big sister Candice.

Mom opening up her ring.

Christmas Morning, going to church.

Santa was here!

Not a morning person, even on Dec. 25th

The annual gingerbread house.

The Wells Family

Happy Birthday to Russ, Cris, and Candice!

2011 Christmas Season

2011-12-17T18:10:00.005-06:00

Merry Christmas 2011 From The Kellers

Northpark Santa rocks!

School Holiday Photos

Her Advent Calendar. A gift from Nana.

Checking her Christmas mailbox.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Emma and her buddy Jake.

Jingle Bell Rock with her class.

Lighting Up Greenwick Drive!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

COWBOYS WIN!!!

2011-12-06T16:49:00.004-06:00

For the first time in our history, my alma mater, Oklahoma State University has won an outright conference football championship. Saturday night the Cowboys defeated our archrival Oklahoma 44-10 to capture the Big 12 Championship and berth in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. State barely missed playing in the BCS National Championship game against former OU Coach Les Miles and LSU. If the fieldgoal against ISU goes six inches to the left, we are 12-0 playing for the national championship. Oh well, we'll just have to settle for a BCS bowl game against Stanford. My brother and I will be heading West for the game! Congrats OSU for the 11-1 regular season! I am very proud to be an OSU grad!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T22:20:00.005-06:00

This year for Thanksgiving we ventured down to Playa Del Carmen Mexico for a relaxing and fun vacation. We stayed at the Sandos Caracol Resort which was nice, but due to a few hiccups, I don't see us going back there. We all enjoyed some extensive pool and beach time and Emma got to be a part of the Disney show Friday night. She played a monkey in the Lion King skit. It was a good trip, but we were ready to get home and start our favorite time of the year, Christmas season!

More Fall Stuff

2011-11-20T13:31:00.004-06:00

Halloween 2011

Lady Bug

Trick or Treat

The Kellers love fall!

Two beautiful girls!

Our Annual Fall Get Together

2011-11-08T16:32:00.004-06:00

We were so excited to have Hank, Tricia, and Sophie make the trek from St. Louis to

come see us last month. We always look forward to getting together and hanging out. Friday night we enjoyed the PC North football homecoming and Saturday we headed to Stillwater for the OSU-KU game. We are excited that we will be heading to their house in December for their annual Jingle Belz party! Thank you guys for another fun filled weekend!

PC North Homecoming 2011

2011-10-25T21:57:00.004-05:00

Emma was very excited to be a 2011 PC North football homecoming junior attendant. She and Jake Robison (Coach Wilson's grandson) did an awesome job and really hit it off! We were excited that the Belz's drove down from St.Louis (that story to come later) to spend the weekend with us. Emma's Nana, Pappa, Uncle Mike, and cousins Sidney and Shelby also were there. It was a fun evening for all of us!

Early Fall 2011

2011-10-02T14:58:00.006-05:00

Camping out with Dad at Roman Nose State Park.

PC North Pom Clinic

Her butterfly that hatched.

Teresa and Emma

Panthers vs Edmond

Emma, Lacey, and the Panther

Adrianna & Emma

Three Years With Emma

2011-09-25T18:38:00.003-05:00

September 2011

September 2010

September 2009

September 2008

This week we celebrate three years since that tiny, scared, little girl entered our lives! What a blessing she is to us and our families and we thank God for her everyday!

Football Season

2011-09-20T22:50:00.003-05:00

Game Day in Stillwater!

Let's Go Pokes!

PC North Panthers vs PC Pirates

St. Louis

2011-09-04T14:14:00.004-05:00

With Paige and the other Ram's Cheerleaders.

Emma & our very own Paige Hill

Our other Ram, PC North Alum QB Sam Bradford

Ram's mascot

The Keller's and Belz's

St. Louis Science Museum

Binh Duong Beauties

First Day of School, 2011-12

2011-08-18T22:18:00.003-05:00

Today Emma started her first day of Pre-K at Francis Tuttle. She was very excited and overall had a very good day in Mrs. Frazier's Pre-K class. Cathy and I also had our first day with students. Cathy is very excited to be teaching Geometry again after two years of teaching Teen Leadership. I have 3 sections of Pre-AP OK History and 2 sections of Regular OK History, as well as Cross Country. It was an outstanding first day and my kids were awesome! This is my 23rd year in education and Cathy's 25th. We are very fortunate to have jobs that we still love after all these years!

Exciting News!

2011-08-04T09:12:00.004-05:00

We are very excited that we are going to be grandparents! Our daughter Abby and her husband Kelly are expecting a baby girl around Christmas time. We know they will be great parents and we are just thrilled for them. Abby has accepted a teaching position in Driggs, Idaho and they are in the process of moving. We are sad that they will no longer be in the OKC area, but are happy that they are excited about the move. We look forward to visiting them often and enjoying skiing in the winter and cool weather in the summer! Congrats to Abby and Kelly! We love you!

Some Random Summer Pics

2011-07-24T21:21:00.003-05:00

Our home neighborhood, BarenKeller

Emma and the kids from VBS.

Emma being a mountain climber.

Uncle Hans and Emma

Cathy in the cornfield near Barenkeller

Going for a walk

Uncle Hans, Emma, and Nana

The Augsburg Zoo

Bowling in EL Reno

Trip to Ft. Worth on Amtrack

Onboard the Heartland Flyer.

The forest near Augsburg

Going to gymnastics camp.

Germany!

2011-07-04T13:41:00.009-05:00

Taken from the balcony of Neuschwanstein Castle

Mom and my Uncle Hans

67 Lange Gewanne

Purchased by my great-grandmother in 1955

A fountain in Ausgsburg
CK at the entrance of a great place we had dinner.

Emily and Mom in Lindau.

The family in Lindau on Lake Bodensee

Lindau, the southern most town in Germany.

CK in Augsburg.

The castle Linderhoft

Having dinner at Linderhoft Castle

The German Alps with a castle in the background.

Riding on the streetcar in Augsburg

Taking the train back to Augsburg.

The famous Hofbrau house brewery in Munich.

The Munich City Hall.

Getting ready to head into town.

The main gate at Dachau Concentration Camp.

Emma with Cousin Tatijana

Emma at the fountain in the city center.

London Heathrow bound!

We Will Never Forget Her

2011-06-19T22:50:00.003-05:00

This past week we unexpectedly lost a very dear friend and important person is our life. Emma's daycare provider, Rhonda passed away on Thursday. Cathy and I have known Rhonda for 14 years and Emma has spent nearly everyday with her the past two and a half years. Rhonda was like a second mother to Emma and a close friend to Cathy and I. She took such great care of "Sweet Girl" or "Emmers" as she called her. Our hearts are broken that we did not get to say goodbye, that Emma didn't get that last hug, that we will never again make that drive to her house, and especially that we will never see her again in this life. But, we are so grateful for the time we spent with her, that friendly smile she gave you, and the unconditional love she shared with all the children at Ms. Rhonda's Daycare. Please pray for hert family and all the children she took care of. We all miss you Rhonda and we will always make sure Emma knows how much you loved her and that you took such great care of her. May you rest peacefully in heaven. With much love, Thomas, Cathy, and your Emmers

Spring becomes Summer.....

2011-06-07T08:17:00.007-05:00

One day it was spring, and the next day it was summer! I swear only in Oklahoma does it go from a comfortable 75-80 degrees to 95 in one day, and stay that way

for the next four months! I really should move to Alaska in the summer as I can't stand heat! Okay, enough rant. School is out. I just completed my 22nd year, Cathy her 24th year. I have been working like crazy on our commercial pool business. Emma is enjoying the summer with swimming, playing at the neighborhood park, and hanging out with her frtiends at Ms. Rhonda's daycare. She can't wait to start Pre-K in August at James Dennis Elementary school. We are leaving for a trip to Germany on the 20th to visit my Uncle and Aunt. I am excited to be able to show Cathy and Emma my hometown of Augsburg. At least I'll get some cooler weather there!

Spring Happenings part I

2011-05-19T12:57:00.005-05:00

Her first dance recital with Encore.

That is quite a smile.

Going to gymnastics.

Checking the makeup.

Her first prom with Daddy as her date.

Helping check the kids in at PC North Prom.

The prom was held at the

Oklahoma History Center

with a great view of the capitol.

Dancing up a storm.

Emma and Taylor, one of our

favorite kiddos. We will miss

her next year!

A Visit To The OKC Zoo

2011-05-02T10:43:00.003-05:00

Riding the zoo train.

The dragon statue.

Hanging out with the gorillas.

The Chimpanzees, very active today.

He wants a banana some kid was waving at him.

The new baby elephant born just a few weeks ago.

The OKC Zoo has a new elephant exhibit.

She loves the snakes.

The childrens zoo.

Birthday Party and Children's Choir

2011-04-12T07:11:00.003-05:00

Swinging at our neighborhood park.

Happy 4th birthday to me!

Going to church.

Growing up too fast for her daddy.

Lighting the candles at church.

Children's Choir.

Zoe, Emma, and Judson.

Emma's Annual BD Video, Chapter 4

2011-03-26T16:47:00.003-05:00

Cathy and I proudly present Emma's annual birthday video.

It seems to take a minute or two to load so be patient with it. Enjoy!

Aloha From Hawaii

2011-03-19T09:28:00.006-05:00

Sunset in Lahaina
Kaanapali Beach

Good Times at Cheeseburger in Paradise

Emma and her friend Kate

Iao Valley State Park

Courtyard at our Condo, Outrigger Napili Shores

Napili Beach

Emma's 4th Birthday

North Shore of Maui

My Fair Lady

2011-03-05T08:09:00.008-06:00

With the five principles. They are all so talented.

Forrest - "Freddy", Lars - "Prof Higgins", Chris - "Alfred Doolittle",

Jonathan - "Col Pickering, and our star, Abby - "Eliza Doolittle"

With Broderick, one of my fellow Cockneys.

Abby with Emma before the show Thursday night.

Becca, one of my all time favs!

Warming up before the show Friday night.

The past six weeks I have had the honor of working with some of the greatest kids in my 22 years of teaching. Not only are they plain ol great kids, they are ridiculously talented actors and singers! I got to be a small part of PC North's production of "My Fair Lady" and it was a blast! I played a cockney, a king, a chauffeur, and a footman. Our director, Rose Mary, who has been doing this for 25 years said it was one of the best shows she has seen since she has been at North. I want to thank all the kids for letting me be a small part of the show. Seniors, you will be missed! A special shout

out to Abby, Sarah, Kimberly, Becca, Lars, Chris, Jonathan, Broderick, and Forrest. You guys are the best!

Snow Skiing

2011-02-22T11:02:00.006-06:00

She is getting the hang of it.

Hamming it up!

Cathy and Abby taking a hot chocolate break.

Some good family time.

Learning how to ski at Chipmonk Corner.

Santa Fe has an awesome children's program.

Hanging out with Mom.

Taking a lesson with Ms. Marcy

Getting a tow from big Sister.

Getting off the conveyer with Mom.

Our house after the first blizzard.

We Lost A Good One Today

2011-02-10T20:11:00.009-06:00

Today was a sad day for our family. We lost our nine year old Yellow Lab Dawson to cancer. Dawson came into our lives in August 2002 when he was six months old. This was a full four years before Cathy and I got married. Abby had bought

him in the Wal Mart parking lot, and we got him shortly afterwards. He was wild in his early years chewing up everything in sight. He settled down eventually and became the best dog I have ever been around.

In 2003 he got a baby brother when I rescued a stray Lab mix with a broken leg, Biscuit. They became best buddies and were inseparable. When we brought Emma home in 2008 we were a little concerned how she would react to them and vice versa. The dogs and Emma took to each other without any problems. They looked after her and she looked after them.

Dawson had quite a personality and had no problems letting us know exactly what he wanted. He had knee surgery in September 2010 and made a good recovery. About a month ago he quit walking on his right hind leg. We took him in and the

doctor diagnosed him with an agressive type of cancer. His weight was down to 66 lbs (in 2007 he weighed 89 lbs). We spent the past week pampering him and spending some quality time together. He knew it was time and he seemed like he was ready. Today Cathy and Austin took him to Vet for the final time. We will all miss him as will Biscuit. Cathy described today as one of the hardest things she has

ever done.

Everyday for almost nine years he was a big part of our life. Dawson was such a good boy and was a member of our family. We will miss you dearly Big Boy. We love you!

New England and the Hobsons

2011-01-19T10:13:00.008-06:00

Warming up in a New Haven Cafe.

Emma Keller, Yale Class of 2029

"Old College" at Yale University

Brady and Emma

Buddies

The Hobsons

Brian, Jill, Sydney, and Brady

Keeping warm by the fire.

Snow Mobiling

The Hobson's and Keller's

Brian and I have been friends for 30 years.

Sydney and Emma sledding

26 inches of snow that week.

We don't get much of this in Oklahoma.

Working on her snowman.

You never know what you'll see hanging from a bumper.

Helping mom and dad out.

Thunder Up!

Sisters

Candice and Lindsey

friends since middle school

Family Time

Happy 2011!

2011-01-02T14:49:00.012-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone! We hope that everyone's holiday season was great, and wish everyone a prosperous, healthy, and safe 2011! We spent our New Years Eve watching the OKC Thunder whip up on the Atlanta Hawks in downtown OKC. Cathy and Emma went to Granny's house New Years Day and I spent the day at my sisters watching football. Earlier in the week, my brother Mike and I attended the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio and watched our OSU Cowboys defeat Arizona to finish the season 11-2. All in all we had a great Christmas break and we head back to school and Ms. Rhonda's daycare tomorrow. We are looking forward to an outstanding 2011!

More Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T10:13:00.010-06:00

"The snap of a few sparks, a quick whiff of ozone,

and the lamp blazed forth in unparalleled glory."

Biscuit

Dad taking aim with his Red Ryder.

Candice, home for Christmas.

Abby and Kelly

Feeding her baby that mom and dad gave her.

Her silver locket from Santa.

She loves her locket and stamps.

Leaving out pumpkin bread and milk for Santa.

Emma and Presleigh

Her suitcase from Aunt Julie.

Christmas Eve, Emma and Sidney

A master piece!

The gingerbread house.

A small sample of the LED lights at Chesapeake.

Cutie Pie

Silly face

She's a Daddy's girl.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Christmas Time 2010

2010-12-12T07:56:00.002-06:00

2010

2009

2008

Thanksgiving in Cozumel

2010-11-29T08:51:00.008-06:00

The lobby of the Park Royal.

Our new friends, the Lavins.

One of the infinity pools at the resort.

The Park Royal's Beach/Pool area.

Braving the slide in "The Kid's Zone".

The main pool area.

Walking the streets of Cozumel.

Ernestinos Restaraunt

The Park Royal's private beach.

Emma participating in the show.

The resort is right by the cruise ship docks.

Breakfast

Arriving in Cozumel.

This year we tried an unconventional Thanksgiving by visiting the Mexican Island of Cozumel. We stayed at a really nice all inclusive resort, The Park Royal Cozumel. It has a large lagoon style pool shaded by palm and other tropical trees and plants. It also has a small, private beach area, two infinity pools, and two jacuzzis that sit right on the ocean. Just beyond the beach area is a reef with some of the best snorkeling in Cozumel. The food was pretty good by all inclusive standards. We spent most of our time at the pool and beach and it was very relaxing. The Iron Man Triathlon was going on Sunday and we had quite amd adventure getting to the airport Sunday, but we made it and came home Sunday night. All in all it was a great trip!

The Next Carrie Underwood

2010-11-23T21:46:00.002-06:00

What does this mean? It means this child has been to a lot of ball games in the past two years! We are heading to Cozumel in the morning so we should have another blog update soon.

Halloween and alot of other stuff!

2010-11-07T15:01:00.007-06:00

Leaving for church.

OSU Library (her future hangout)

OSU Campus on a beautiful fall day.

Getting ready to High Five Kevin Durant!

Three Thunder Girls

Heading out to trick or treat.

Two beautiful sisters.

A butterfly princess.

Mom made the Thunder skirt.

One of our Halloween traditions.

Our lazy boys

Going to dance class.

Riding her bike.

Halloween costume contest at school.

Chilean Miners

Thunder vs Bulls

Opening Night 2010

Thunder Opening Night 2009

Thunder Opening Night 2008

The Belz's Come To Visit

2010-10-27T07:12:00.005-05:00

In front of the OSU Library.
The Bricktown water taxi.

Emma loves the boat.

Our girls with the flag of the former South Vietnam.

Binh Duong beauties!

Hanging on the front porch.

Sophie doing cheers, Emma cheesing for the camera.

Go Pokes!

In between tailgate parties.

Buddies for life!

Enjoying some Peach Wave frozen yogurt.

Eischens bar, the oldest in Oklahoma and

the best fried chicken you have ever tasted!

New York 2010

2010-10-08T18:40:00.007-05:00

The original Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" Place

"No soup for you!"

Times Square

Lunch at Virgils

Foot massage in China Town!

Our hotel, right in the middle of Times Square.

Her first broadway show.

Inside the theater.

Oklahoman Will Rogers performed here in his early days.

The original Nathan's.

Enjoying a Nathan's dog!

Coney Island

The boardwalk at Coney Island.

Lunch at our favorite place

Paesanos in Little Italy.

Happy Gotcha Day!

2010-09-22T07:01:00.007-05:00

September 2010

September 2009

September 2008

September 22nd, 2008 is a day that changed our lives forever. On that day, 8000 miles away in Binh Duong Vietnam we added beautiful, tiny, 18 month old An Thuy Le to our family. The details of that day are burned into our mind and we remember it like it was yesterday. Emma has changed so much in the past two years, going from a shy, curious, cautious little thing, to an outgoing, friendly, smart as a whip normal American 3 year old. She has developed quite a sense of humor the past two years as well. We thank God for Emma, Austin, Abby, Kelly, and Candice everyday. They each bring joy to our life in their own unique ways. We are truly blessed by the Lord!

Below is the video of the first time we ever saw her.

September 10, 2008

2010-09-10T22:47:00.004-05:00

Future Panther Cheerleader

Jessi, Emma, and Taylor

Delanie and Emma

Emma and her old buddy Mitch at the tailgate.

Emma's shot of Boone Pickens Stadium

Emma's shot of Mom and Dad!

That is a date we will never forget. That night, while on the phone I was checking email, and we got the message we had been waiting on, approval of our I-600 which cleared us to go to Vietnam. The next day we had our schedule, and hotel plane reservations. We left OKC 9 days later for the journey of a lifetime. Here are a couple of new pictures from the start of football season.

Summer Rolls On

2010-08-21T21:53:00.006-05:00

Emma took this pic with her camera.

Self portrait
Hanging out at Remington Park with Dad.

Emma's pick for the 4th race.

The Jenks Aquarium

The Daddy Gorilla at the OKC Zoo,

She makes friends with anyone.

Petting goats at the OKC zoo.

Posing for Mom.

Emma with our good friends Brian & Jill Hobson

Dinner at the Boulevard Steakhouse.

Memphis

2010-07-30T22:36:00.005-05:00

Elvis Lives!

The South's Grand Hotel!

Clinton Library Gift Shop in Little Rock.

President Clinton's Oval Office

Beale St in Memphis

Graceland was pretty much what we expected.

The Keller's are big fans.

The world famous Peabody Ducks

The Peabody Duck March

Hanging out with the Belz's......

2010-07-21T08:12:00.006-05:00

Our stars, making the jumbotron at the Cardinals game.

Good times (in 100 degree heat).

At the Butterfly Park

Trying a fried worm (not kidding).

Sophie gives a fried worm a try.

Finger painting

Friends 4 Ever!

Hanging out at the Arch.

The Girls with the Dads.

Heading to the game.

A quick nap before the Cards game.

Downtown splash park.

Bath time!

We had a great trip to St. Louis the past few days to visit Hank, Trisha, and Sopie Belz! Friday we had some great Vietnamese food. Saturday we went downtown to a splash park, the Cardinals game, and the Arch. Sunday we were going to the zoo, but it rained. Instead we went to indoor carousel and a very cool butterfly house and botanical garden. It was an awesome weekend andwe want to thank the Belz's for their overwhelming hospitality and friendship! We look forward to having you all in OKC this fall!

July

2010-07-11T22:08:00.005-05:00

Five Generations:

Great, Great Grandma Rachel Keller (my g-ma)

Great Grandpa Lanny Keller (my dad)

Grandma Julie Wilson (my sister)

Kaleb Wilson (my nephew)

Presleigh Wilson (my grand niece)

Cathy, Presleigh, and Emma

Emma and her 2nd cousin Presleigh

Playing at the mall.

Happy 4th of July!

Kiddie Land in Duncan, OK.

Cousins: Emma, Judson, and Zoe

Redbud Park in Marlow.

4th of July in Marlow.

Aunt Cristi, Cousins Judson & Zoe, and Emma

Growing way too fast!

Carnival Cruising

2010-06-27T14:39:00.005-05:00

Formal dinner night on the Ecstasy

The Kellers heading to the white sand

beaches of Cozumel Island.

Mom and Emma at Sunset

Having breakfast on the Ecstasy

Cozumel, Mexico

Mom and Emma at Paradise Beach, Cozumel.

Playing on the beach trampoline at Cozumel.

Emma and Madison dancing with Paul our waiter.

Enjoying the Water Park

Getting back in line. I bet they went down

that slde 200 times!

The Griffons, Harts, and Kellers

The Kids

Emma and Madison, wearing out the slide!

Hmm, what should we do today?

Breakfast at the Woodbine Inn before heading to Galveston

This past week we had a great vacation on the Carnival Cruise Ship Ecstasy. We embarked from the Port of Galveston, visited Progresso and Cozumel, and spent two and a half days at sea. Obviously we ate well, and also made some good friends, the Griffon and Hart families. We went to a few Las Vegas style shows, went to the pool and water slides. We also visited Paradise Beach on Cozumel Island. The ride was pretty smooth overall and we really enjoyed a relaxing time

Summer Begins...

2010-06-06T21:11:00.004-05:00

Swimming at the Warwick Place pool.

At the Willow Creek pool with Ms. Rhonda's daycare.

At The Beacon Drive-In Movie to see

"How to Train Your Dragon".

One of Dad's favs, The Stables in Guthrie.

Getting ready to chow down!

Stirring Dad's iced tea.

Emma and Dad's night out.

Gymnastics

Ms. Natalie's gymnastics class.

Mom's Day

2010-05-12T22:37:00.002-05:00

TK & CK with Kevin and Cheryl

Dinner at the Boulevard Steakhouse

PC North Prom

Busy planting flowers

Our little gardener

Happy Mothers Day!

On the way to church

Emma took this shot of Mom

A Lot Going On Lately

2010-04-29T22:14:00.007-05:00

I guess we're Rams fans now. Former student

Sam Bradford, the #1 pick in the NFL draft!

The family and Sam in 2009.

Another one of our kiddos. Deji Karim goes
in the 6th round to Jacksonville!

Speaking of super stars, 1991 Putnam City North

graduate and Hollywood star James Marsden.

James visited his alma mater last week and we

got to visit with him for a little bit. James has starred

in X-Men, The Notebook, Superman Returns, Hairspray,

27 Dresses, Enchanted, The Box, Sex Drive, and

just released, Death at a Funeral.

Cathy and James at the Putnam City Schools Foundation Banquet.

At the PC Schools Foundation banquet.

Ahh, feels good to beat the #1 seed Lakers.

Weren't they supposed to sweep us?

Emma loves Rumble the Bison.

Game face!

She finally got a free t-shirt that they throw to to fans.

I love the Thunder!

Abby and Kelly at the Thunder-Lakers playoff game.

She loves to get her face painted with Rumble.

A work in progress.

Emma and Dad being silly at the game.

Mmmm, Love the annual OKC Arts Festival!

A star is born. Childrens choir at church.

Bath time at Grannys.

Three beautiful gals! Cathy, Betty, and Cristi

Emma and her cousins Judson, Zoe, and Bailey.

Cousin Zoe and Emma

Emma and her friend Ike (from Korea)

The Easter Bunny Came To Our House

2010-04-21T21:56:00.001-05:00

Easter 2010

2010-04-10T09:03:00.002-05:00

Every year for Emma's birthday I make a video that chronicles her previous year. We hope you enjoy "Emma Reese Keller, Chapter 3".

Emma's Birthday Party

2010-04-02T19:25:00.016-05:00

Only in Oklahoma can you have 75 degree weather and a blizzard in the same week. The blizzard caused us to postpone Emma's 3rd birthday party a week, but we still had an awesome time! We had lot's of family there and Emma received some wonderful gifts. We also went to the OKC Thunder game vs. Portland with Granny. Thank you everyone for making her 3rd birthday a special one!

Maui 2010

2010-03-20T22:05:00.006-05:00

Aloha! We had an awesome vacation this past week in Maui! Our spring break treks to the 50th state has become an annual family tradition. We spent alot of time just hanging out at the beach and pool, but also drove the beautiful road to Hana and Cathy, Austin, Abby and Kelly bicycled down Mt. Haleakala. We had great weather and Maui is such a beautiful island. We celebrated Emma's 3rd birthday while we were there. We look forward to visiting Maui or the Big Island next year!

Today Our Baby Is Three.....

2010-03-15T13:04:00.002-05:00

Three Years Old Today!

Celebrating in Maui!

Celebrating the 2nd birthday

in Kauai. 2009

About one year old in Vietnam.

March

2010-03-10T06:06:00.003-06:00

Winter is finished in Oklahoma and we're actually kind of sad to see it go. (Yes, we're oddball people who actually like winter over summer.) We have been doing very well. As you can see Emma is growing like crazy and we are treasuring every minute of it. She could stay little forever if we had any say in it. Her birthday is next week and we are planning a big family party March 2oth. Last night was the annual cheer banquet and Cathy said farewell to her role as the cheerleading co-sponsor at PC North HS. She and Bethany had a great run with five NCA National Championships including one Grand National Championship and three Oklahoma Class 6-A State Championships. Nothing like being able to get out while on top. I am proud of her for all her success but most importantly for being a great role model and mentor to these outstanding young ladies. Spring Break arrives this weekend and we are all headed to Maui for a week of warm weather and blue ocean, but not before a fun evening of "Sesame Street Live" on Thursday. Hope everyone is well. We'll blog again when we get back from Hawaii!

Ski Santa Fe

2010-02-23T22:08:00.004-06:00

Cathy and I spent a few days in Santa Fe, NM to snow ski and just spend some time together. It was our first trip without Emma Reese and boy did we miss her! She got to spend time with Abby and Kelly, my Mom and Sister, and her wonderful daycare provider Rhonda. A big thank you to each of you for taking care of our angel while we were away! Cathy and I really enjoyed our time on the slopes. It snowed Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday so we had lot's of fresh powder. We also spent some time at 10,000 Waves. A Japanese style spa just outside of Santa Fe. The massage and hot tub were outstanding!

February

2010-02-13T11:00:00.006-06:00

Emma with Cathy's JV Girls

Go Freshman Panthers!

Just Like The Big Girls.

Cheering The Panthers To Victory!

Ready for the Big Time.

She Doesn't Miss A Thing.

The Girls!

Growing Up Way To Fast!

To bad Mom Doesn't Dress Her Cute :)

HAPPY 27TH ABBY!!!

Emma The Vet.

Emma Takes A Tumble In The Snow

2010-01-29T13:56:00.002-06:00

Finally..... an update!

2010-01-27T14:52:00.004-06:00

Four Asian dolls!

Emma and the daycare kids with Ms. Rhonda

Cathy made Emma this bathrobe.

Cutie Pie!

Emma took this picture of Biscuit.

and, this picture of Dawson.

Sorry we have not blogged in awhile. Sometimes you get so caught up in life that you let some things slide. I try to do this every week to ten days, but obviously that hasn't been the case lately. We are doing just great! I took Emma to the doctor this week and she is 35 inches tall and weighs 28 pounds. She is in the 15th percentile in height and 25th percentile in weight.

Unfortunately her first visit to pediatric dentist Dr. Doan (a wonderful female Vietnamese dentist) she has decay in some of her teeth. Today Dr. Doan filled all her cavities, but because of her age and small mouth, we had to do it at Mercy Hospital under anesthesia. She did awesome and everything went well!

Cathy is busy with cheerleading so we go to lot's of basketball games. She and Bethany (her co-sponsor) have decided this is going to be their last year to coach cheer. It has been quite a run with four NCA National Championships, one NCA Grand National Championship, and three class 6A State Cheer Championships. Someone will have some big shoes to fill :)

I have been going to most OKC Thunder NBA games and usually go to Cathy's games too. I am in the PC North musical again this year. We are doing "Guys and Dolls" and it has been alot of fun getting ready for the shows. We are supposed to have some serious winter weather tomorrow so I am thinking this will be a short week for us. Hope everyone is well. We'll try to update again soon. Blessings to everyone!

Christmas and New Years

2010-01-05T22:16:00.005-06:00

Go Thunder!

Austin and Candice. OKC Thunder vs Utah

on New Year's Eve

Abby and Kelly at the Thunder game.

All the kids together.

Austin did this pencil drawing of Emma

for our Christmas gift.

Christmas morning

Santa brought her the pink backpack she

had been requesting for three months.

Austin and Candice

Dr. Emma's medical equipment

Yes, Santa was here!

Reading "The Night Before Christmas".

Posing by the tree.

Candice's BIG 30 Birthday!

Christmas Eve Blizzard 2009

2009-12-24T20:06:00.002-06:00

The Christmas Season

2009-12-12T22:34:00.005-06:00

Our 2009 Christmas card

One of Cathy's many talents, holiday decorating.

Our house

Emma at North Park Mall

Progress, no tears this year!

The Elf On The Shelf

2009-12-04T07:05:00.002-06:00

The Elf on the shelf.

Heading out to watch the OKC Thunder

whip up on the 76ers!

We started an awesome tradition this Christmas season called "The Elf on the shelf". If you are interested in it you can go to: www.elfontheshelf.com for all the details. It is an awesome tradition for young children and Emma wakes up every morning wanting to see where the elf is.

Thanksgiving Time

2009-11-30T22:19:00.003-06:00

Love my new hat!

Is this new toothpaste mom?

Sydney, Emma, and Brady.

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend and have so much to be thankful for. Abby and Kelly spent the holiday with Kelly's family. Candice is in Japan but will be home the 22nd. We had Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's house and went to two OKC Thunder games over the break. Our friends the Hobson's from Massachussetts are in town and it has been good getting to see them! Looking forward to an awesome Christmas season!

Keeping Us Entertained

2009-11-15T09:45:00.002-06:00

Turn the volume up for full effect :)

The Halloween Season

2009-11-07T23:11:00.017-06:00

Asian Afrotastic!

The Hydro, OK haunted corn maze

Three OKC Thunder Girls

Opening night for the Thunder.

Quite the entertainer.

She's a natural.

Pumpkins at the Keller house.

Our front porch area.

Our Pastor, Tim Pool.

Trick or Treating at our former neighbor Kirk's.

Emma and her favorite babysitter, Blaire.

Haunt the OKC Zoo.

October has been such a fun month for all of us. We decorated the house for Halloween and Emma trick or treated the neighborhood. We also went to OKC haunt the zoo and a carnival at our church. The week before we took Cathy's cheerleaders to the haunted corn maze and went to the opening game for the Oklahoma City Thunder. It has been a busy, but fun fall. Emma is talking up a storm and our girl has quite a sense of humor. We are excited about the upcoming holiday season and have already started on the outdoor Christmas lights.

The Kellers Take Manhatten

2009-10-30T14:55:00.007-05:00

Central Park

Brooklyn Bridge

Manhatten

Grimaldis Pizza, Brooklyn

Central Park

Riding the subway.

New York Stock Exchange

Battery Park

Macy's

Empire State Building

Times Square

Washington Square Park

Greenwich Village

Little Italy Bakery

She can't decide.

Lunch at Paesanos on Mulberry Street

in Little Italy

The first part of October we ventured to NYC for a three and a

half day weekend. Cathy and I have been to Manhatten many times,

but this was Emma's first trip to the Big Apple. Other than a long,

re-routed flight there, 2am arrival, and some lost luggage, we had

a great time. Cathy saw the show "Jersey Boys" and I saw

"Bye, Bye, Birdie". We went all over Manhatten and even visited

Brooklyn Heights across the East River. Emma enjoyed the Central

Park Zoo and we all enjoyed the great food!

Sophie & Emma: Finally Got Our Girls Together

2009-10-22T09:07:00.021-05:00

This past weekend we were thrilled to finally get to meet Hank, Tricia, and Sophie Belz in person! Emma and Sophie lived together for about six months at the orphanage in Binh Duong Vietnam. The Belz's live in St. Louis, MO, but Tricia is from Sand Springs, OK and an OSU alum. They drove down and we attended the Oklahoma State University homecoming activities and went to the OSU - MIssouri homecoming football game. They stayed with us at our house in OKC Friday night and the girls got a chance to catch up with each other and play together. We all had a great time together and look forward to getting together often. Thanks Hank and Tricia for a fun weekend!

Abby and Kelly

2009-10-15T10:28:00.004-05:00

We are very happy to announce that on September 26 our daughter Abby married Mr. Kelly Williams. The outdoor ceremony was held at Kelly's brother's house with both families attending. Abby was absolutley beautiful and we couldn't be happier about having Kelly as a member of our family! We are so proud of Abby for all the great things she has done the past year. Graduating from college, starting grad school, running and expanding much of our family pool business, getting her first teaching job, and marrying the love of her life and best friend! Congrats to Abby and Kelly! We love you guys!

The Great State Fair Of Oklahoma!

2009-10-07T22:00:00.005-05:00

There are two kinds of people in Oklahoma. Those that think the state fair is redneck and trashy, and those that love the state fair. Sorry, but we are in the category of those that LOVE the State Fair of Oklahoma! Our visits to the fair with Emma Reese this year completed the circle of all the regular things we do in a calendar year. Last year we went to the state fair two days before we left for Vietnam. I looked forward to taking her there all year. She absolutely loved it! The corndogs, the midway, the livestock, the space needle, the craft displays, the vendor booths that sell everything from chair massages, to sewing machines, the petting zoo, the children's farm display, and especially the food! We had a blast!

Home Sweet Home.......

2009-10-01T06:30:00.005-05:00

Master bath

(We are remodeling next year)

Master BR

Guest BR

Emma's room

Entry way

Study

Living room

Dining room

Kitchen and breakfast area

Kitchen

Utility room

Most of you know we bought a new house this past summer. Finally, we have everything done at the house that we wanted to do this year! We started at the end of June. Next year we plan on doing some more landscaping, new guttering, and remodeling the master bath. It never ends!

Cowboys and Panthers 4 Ever

2009-09-27T14:12:00.009-05:00

Heading to Stillwater on gameday.

Go Pokes!

Emma, Dad, and Mitch at the OSU tailgate.

Tailgating at OSU.

Emma and Dad.

On the sidelines with Dad.

Two time state champs, Going for #3 this week!

Future PCN Panther!

Emma loves our Panther!

and the M&M's!

OSU Pre-Game Show

Cowboys4Ever

Remember it's me trying to hold the camera still, but this is our pre-game video.

Providing the PCN halftime entertainment!

Celebrating One Year With Emma!!!

2009-09-23T12:20:00.008-05:00

Emma, September 2009

Emma on September 22, 2009
holding her picture taken September 22, 2008,

Cheesing it up!

Emma and Nana.

Jennifer and Greg

Eric and Mitzi

Cathy and Bethany

Emma's cousin Sidney.

Aunt Julie and Cousin Rachel

Kelly and Abby

Celebrating this special day.

Emma's Gotchya Day cake.

The family.

Emma and her friend Laci

Emma and Dad with Eric and Laci.

PC North Freshman FB game.

Yesterday, one year ago in Vietnam we held Emma for the first time. For five long months we looked at her picture and dreamed of what it would be like to finally meet her. We remember that day so well. Waking up early at the Somerset Ho Chi Minh City, anxiously awaiting to be picked up, the ridiculous humidity that morning, the ride to Binh Duong, pulling up to the orphanage, nervously going inside and seeing Sam and Alex, but no Emma. Finally a door opens, and in walks a caregiver holding our little angel, so much smaller than we expected and with a nervous, scared look on her tiny face. Cathy had her back to the door and I said, "look who's here". I am so thankful I captured that first moment on video and with a picture. The look on Cathy's face when Emma is given to her is priceless. What an amazing journey the past year has been. We can't imagine life without her. She has grown in body and mind so much. She is talking up a storm and smart as a whip! We treasure every moment with her as we know she will grow up fast. We hope you enjoy these recent pictures of her and our one year celebration! Thank you family and friends for following our journey with our daughter.

One Year Ago Today....

2009-09-19T07:49:00.003-05:00

We headed to Will Rogers World Airport to begin the 30 hour trip of our lives, the trip that would take us to our daughter for the first time! I apologize for not blogging more as things have been extremely hectic at our house. We have some exciting things coming up in the next few weeks and we plan on sharing lots of new pictures and stories. Come back soon......