Kinast Connection

This blog has been created by and for the Kinast Family. As we begin to grow and branch out, we thought it might be fun to create a place where we could learn and share about one another. In this blog, you will hear stories about funny situations we have been in, current status on family, things that have helped us to grow as people and other positive impacts that we have each experienced in our lives. So, sit back, take a few moments to relax, and learn about those you love who will always love and support you in your life...

12.14.2018

A Mea Culpa Posting

Hello Family!

Nate and I have failed to post this year. It's been a series of string of unfortunate events but mostly we just didn't seem to find a time when we could sit down and post something. But we're now on vacation in Branson and Nate had to do some work so I've got time to get this post in. Sorry to steal the Rutherford's thunder. But we wanted to make sure we got in a least one post this year.

Photo from our NYC trip in December 2017

It's been a very busy year. Nate's been settling in to his new role at DCI. He's been promoted to Card Services as a Card Services Specialist. Essentially, he serves as the go between for customers of DCI and VISA and Mastercard. It is tedious work and often leaves him feeling exhausted at the end of the day. Since he works with numbers most of the day, he is happy to come home and work on various home projects, play with the dogs, work on the yard or as happens in November, work on Christmas Decorating. Believe me when I say we've out Griswolded our parents.

We've taken a couple of trips this year. Our first was to Branson, MO. This will always be a special trip as Nate asked me to marry him in a dome car on the Branson Scenic Railway. This is a picture of us shortly after the engagement. We're getting ready to ride the railway again today as we are on our last vacation of the year. We're seeing the lights at Silver Dollar City and riding the Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Christmas Train this weekend on a romantic getaway.

We also went on a trip to California, Washington State and Alaska in September. It was the longest vacation I've taken in five years and probably the longest vacation Nate has ever taken. We visited Disneyland, spent a couple of nights in Seattle and stayed with my friend Estelle in Ketickan, Alaska.

Nate and I Zip-Lining in Alaska

Eeyore Looks Cuter with Nate and I.


Nate getting his License on a Toon-Town Firetruck

Nate Kissing Minnie outside the Disneyland Hotel

Nate Running away from the Headless Horseman at Disney's California Adventure Park

We also took the Johnston Family Vacation to Cape Cod this year. We got a wonderful house and explore the Cape. It was a delightful time. Nate and I went whale watching in Provincetown and had the most amazing experiences with Humpback Whales you could possibly imagine.

So...this isn't whalewatching. It's a picture of Aurora, Nate and I on the stairs of the house shortly before we left to come back home from the Johnston Family Vacation

While its not exactly vacation, we also enjoyed time at the Kansas State Fair, including the traditional train ride with the Grandparents and mother...you know...the usual.

Here it is folks...in all its glory!

It's been a busy year for me at Stage 9. I've helped produce or direct all of our productions this year. Those include Dog Sees God, Fiddler on the Roof, Stage 9: On Broadway [Underground], Avenue Q (which I had to fill in as an actor), The Laramie Project, Talking Tombstones and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Thank you to all of you for continuing to come to the productions at Stage 9.

Me as Princeton in Avenue Q

Me giving the Curtain Speech at Fiddler on the Roof with the President of the Symphony

And, don't forget our kids....Aspen and Hampton. They continue to enjoy the run of 1022. The Christmas decorations are a curiosity. But needless to say, we're living the dream. Here's to a great 2019.

Aspen..trying to join us in the hot tub.

Hampton...reminding us he is still a puppy.

12.13.2018

The Rutherfords Are Back!

Greetings! Wishing you all the very best Christmas season. We are thinking of you and sending lots of love as Christmas and the New Year approaches.

Here's 3 Fun and Interesting Things About Each of the Rutherfords:

Kurtis - - -
1. Kurtis now knows 8 tracks on 3 different Broadway shows. He can be found any given week subbing in on Kinky Boots, Mean Girls or Pretty Woman.
2. October brought the long awaited induction in to Local 1 for Kurtis!!! We celebrated and look forward to one more year of hard work to get that pension vested before he is free to just enjoy working with his own goals.
3. Kurtis has spent this year growing his career, but also helping Mary grow hers, which means that he has been a very primary caregiver to Aurora. Their relationship has grown in the very best way because of this.

Mary - - -
1. Mary spent her year in many many tech processes - 3 total (that's a lot!). Each of these takes anywhere from 2-3months depending on how many changes are made to the show and how much work is required to get understudies up and running.
2. The final opening for the year was December 3! The Cher Show is now up and running where Mary is working as the Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor.
3. One of Mary's favorite things this year is the special time that has been spent with Aurora, Kurtis and family on visits and vacations in between all of the work.

Aurora - - -
1. Aurora is sharing all of the words. Our favorite phrases from her are "a little tiny bit" and "maybe Tuesday". She has also learned to try and bribe her babysitters with beer when she really wants something in the kitchen. As we have these taps locked, it doesn't work in her favor, but it's a very funny picture.
2. Recently, she has started singing many of the songs that she hears. Jingle Bells is our Christmas favorite, followed by the theme song to Doc McStuffins and then the Clean Up Song.
3. Maybe the very best part about Aurora is the wonderful perspective that she gives us to the world. She is always happy around others, often making people smile and pause. Learning at every corner, we have our moments, but she is a pure joy to spend time with. She loves to give hugs and blow kisses. What a gift!!!

Here are some family pictures to enjoy. We'll be sending our cards late this year, but you can look for a little update there, too.

Lots and lots of love!
Mary, Kurtis and Aurora

11.28.2018

Time Flies By!

Randy and I have been enjoying our time together and with family. Randy is finishing his speaking and consulting for the year the week of December 16. It is later than normal so it won't be as nice a break for him. I have been enjoying the grandchildren by playing, volunteering in their classrooms once a month, taking them to a puppet show at the Fox, library and music time for Emily and helping in any way I can. I have also been volunteering at Dillon Nature Center. This fall I learned about spiders, quite unique creatures as well as doing a CSI investigation about a dead animal. I was a witness and ended up killing it with chocolate - oh, dear!! I look forward to more fun to come at the nature center. Auntie and I are still doing puppets once a month for the Early Learning Center and have a request from her work to do one in December as well. Here are some pictures of the adventures we have had since the last time I wrote.