Happy Kansas Day, Happy 2021

Happy Kansas Day!  It was 160 years ago today that Kansas became a state.  And just four years later, they chose to create the coolest institution of higher education in the country.  Biased opinion... The only trivia Dad likes highlighting better than that one on KS Day is that James Naismith was born the same year as Kansas was.  Google randomly chose to celebrate Naismith this month too.

Another biased opinion: this is the best of all the Bernie memes.  The Naismith statue outside the DeBruce Center has become one of the most popular selfie spots in town, so it makes sense that Bernie visited.

Much like our Christmas celebration, our New Years celebration was exceedingly low-key.  It was a chilly night, but not bitterly so, and we really, really enjoyed having a double fireside evening with neighbors Ernie and Tricia.  They helped us celebrate what will hopefully be a very healing new year.

Can’t help but highlight Smink’s actions in the waning hours of 2020.  She seems obsessed with the smell of smoke, so every time we come in from an outdoors fireside event, she cozies up on whatever smokey article of clothing that is offered, and just stays there.

Here is a very cool, very important happening of the first month of 2021.  Conner is seen here creating a video application for Senior Patrol Leader for his scout troop.  His video was so great; very professional.  He got the position, and he is well on his way to completing his Eagle requirements.  

We are challenged, like everyone, to find socially distanced activities during the cold months.  We’ve rediscovered puzzles and have put together several since the weather turned.  There has also been some snow shoveling, although the boys have been doing that task so early in the day that their parents haven’t caught them for pictures!

Here's a pic of the Kansas River that flows just blocks from our house.  We've had some warm January days, allowing for nice outdoor activities.  A blessing, for sure.  We continue to seek balance between work, school and stress-relieving pursuits.

Here’s a weird one that Dad has tried. Meditation!  He sneaks into the new tv room and finds a Youtube video of very sleepy music.  The only reason the picture is blue is because it was taken while the video was showing a night scene.  He only does it for 10 to 15 minutes, but it might just be working.