Kai started a new adventure today! It was the first day of a two year program at South Tech in the Electrical and Robotics Engineering class. He will spend his mornings there before going to West for his other classes. I’m so proud of him for following his passions even when it means trying something new all by himself.
The Kelly Family Blog
Monday, August 24, 2026
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
School Year 2025-2026
During the 2025-2026 school year, Sage was a junior and Kai was a sophomore.
Sage ran cross country, played bass drum in marching band and pep band, ran track, and participated in endless clubs and events. He earned dozens of awards including more Best of Sno (he's up to 5 now) and 3rd place in the entire country for one of his amazing articles. Sage was busy, popular, and always so kind.
Kai played football (though he spent most of the season sidelined with a knee injury), basketball (had a great season on the JV team), and worked his part time job at Pickleman's. Kai completed the LEAD Parkway program. He also earned dozens of awards and accolades for being a great leader and student!
| So many awards! |
| We also snuck in college visits in Atlanta |
| more college visits in Chicago! |
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| Kai's LEAD graduation! |
| Sage at Junior Prom |
| Kai completed the LEGO car he got for Christmas |
| Sage completed a half marathon! |
| Sage's first official No Kings protest |
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| meeting author Ibram X. Kendi |
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| Boys on their HBCU tour to lots of colleges including Howard U. |
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| Kai did a school swap as part of the LEAD program |
| happy basketball banquet |
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| another year of Spirit of Excellence |
| Kai on the court! |
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| Sage and Kai with Pierremont AAA Club |
| at a SLU game |
| annual visit to the train show with PaPa and Grandma |
| looking at the Northern Lights at Queeny Park |
| Sage spoke at a state conference |
| Kai enjoying his job earnings |
| Sage with his Homecoming crew, Kai was sick |
| Kai got his license! |
| First Day of School Sage grade 11, Kai grade 10 |
Summer 2026
This was the "Summer of 17" for Sage - a summer to be a kid and have fun with late night ice cream runs, sleepovers with friends, swimming with cousins, and an Amazing Alaskan Adventure. It was also the longest summer we've had, maybe ever. In an attempt to be more present in the moment, I wasn't that great about taking pictures and videos. But, here's what I've got.
| Pre haircuts |
| Sage off to Boys State |
| Mom with a new summer job! |
| Kai played varsity basketball all summer. |
| Sage at Boys State closing ceremony |
| An epic World Cup game Algeria vs. Austria |
| It ended in a 3 to 3 tie. Such amazing energy! |
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| The boys final visit with Dr. Ortiz before she retires. |
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| A snippet of our Alaskan adventure |
| Reading at Forest Park and a visit to the Art Museum |
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| Dress like a Cow day at Chik-Fil-A |
| Trying new Matcha Latte recipes |
| Kai tested out his new smoker. Yum! |
| celebrating all the summer birthdays |
| with a pool party |
| Yoga under the stars at the Planetarium |
| Sage and the band perform the National Anthem at a Cardinals game |
| Sage's fan club |
| of course, there were plenty of video games |
| and band camp! |
| and lunch dates |
| and lovely, afternoon naps! |









