Welcome to the Kilpack Family Blog!

We survived!

2011-08-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

This week was the first week of school for the kids and that also meant back to work for me! I'm happy to say that we survived this week. This week was a bitter sweet week for me, (maybe the last few months would be more accurate lots of things bothering me...life in general, but that's another post.) and my camera is broken, so I have no decent pictures.

Here's a little about the kids.

Colton:
Colton is officially a college student. I can't believe it! I got to spend some time with just him the weekend before he left. We went grocery shopping and just hung out. It was nice. I spent part of the weekend crying, but they were good tears....you know just mom tears, knowing that her baby is growing up and leaving the house. I think part of what made it so sad was that I couldn't go down to Snow with him, get him settled in and tour the campus etc. I've always dreamed about that day....taking your kid to college...moving them into their apartment...having one last meal together etc. It didn't work out that way. Colton had to finish up his externship and come Monday when he was ready to head down, I had to go work. Josh was able to stay home that morning and help him load up, so that was nice. While loading up they came across the chicken and hamburger that we bought on Saturday sitting on Colton's bed. It was nice and smelly. GROSS!!!! Anyways in Colton's rush to hurry up and leave the nest, he left his milk (had to have Costco milk mind you!) eggs, cheese, and lunch meat. I've talked to him a few times since he's left and I know that he is having fun. I know that he will do great things! I love that boy! I miss that boy!

Shawna':
Shawna' is in 9th grade this year. Holy Crap....when did that happen? She's one year away from high school...GASP! I can only hope that this year will be a good year and she steers herself away from the drama she surrounds herself by. Yikes....I worry about her so much. She has so much potential, but she doesn't apply herself. I hope that this is the year that she will realize her potential and take full advantage of all the good things that come her way. She tried out for the volleyball team this year. She didn't make it, but I am so glad that she tried. She wants to try out for the basketball team this Spring. Shawna' went to Girl Scout camp this summer, she signed up for the backpacking camp. She was gone for a week. I love that she is outgoing and wanting to try new things! Love this girl!

Dallin:
Dallin is in 6th grade this year. Wow....top dog at the elementary school. He seems to be liking it so far. I can only hope that we will have a great year. He has been working so hard on controlling his comments and trying to think things through. Hopefully that should help this year. He can be so impulsive and commentary.(I do like that he will still come say hi to me and give me a kiss when he sees me at school!) He is pretty stoked that he got to move downstairs to Colton's room and have his own room.Over the summer, he has been mowing lawns to earn money to play football. He had a pre-season game Saturday and the regular season starts this coming Saturday. He is loving every minute of it! Football has been so good for him. He also started Boy Scouts and that has been really good for him too. He went on a week long camp this summer and had so much fun. Love this boy!

Camryn:
Camryn is in 5th grade this year. She had a great first week. (At least I thought she did) At dinner tonight she asked is she could change teachers. She says that her teacher is mean. (Funny...she's really not as long as you are good!) So we talked about making sure to listen and follow directions etc. I'm sure she will end up liking her soon enough. Camryn is still taking piano lessons and is enjoying that (except when she has to practice). She loves art....drawing, listening to music, etc. She and Shawna' have been bonding and spending more and more time together. She is still involved in Girl Scouts and can't wait to go to camp next year. Love this girl!

Will:
Will is in 2nd grade. My baby is growing up! When did he get so big? He was so nervous about going to second grade. I love to watch him interact at school. I love that he gives me a big hug and a kiss when he leaves the lunch room everyday and if I'm out to recess at the same time he is, he always gives me a big hug. He is so funny. His best friend is Porter, they have been friends for about 4 years now. He is still pretty easy going about most things. He is super excited to have his own room and to be able to arrange it how he wants. Ahhh....the simple things in life.

Well, here is the start to another school year. I hope that it's a good one!

Booooo.....

2011-08-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

Boooo....my camera is broken. Josh thinks that the video card went out on it. I'm sad.

Just in time for football season too :(

Fun in the Sun!

2011-07-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

About a week ago on a lazy hot Sunday afternoon,

Josh decided to help the kids stay cool by setting up a slip-n-slide in the back yard.

They had a blast with it!

Thanks honey!

Trying to convince Will to go!

He's so funny...he was nervous!

This is what Dallin's leg looked like after scout camp.

He had over 30 mosquito bites just on his legs!

The kids had a blast rolling, slipping, and sliding down the hill.

I enjoyed sitting under the tree reading a book while the did all of that!

What a great Sunday afternoon!

4th of July 2011 and proof that we celebrated Dallin's birthday

2011-07-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

Wow...I can't believe that we have already celebrated the 4th this year. It seems like summer has just barely started for us.

Man, how time flies.

We celebrated by having a BBQ and our annual Sidewalk of Fire! We had a blast. This year, we let the kids light off most of the fireworks....and there were plenty. And of course they were ready to light them all off at 7:30p.m. Even better than our box, was that most of our neighbors bought the new legal "cake fireworks" this year, so we had quiet a show!

We all loved it!

My boys.

The neighbors even set up to join in our festivities.

The crackling whip.

Gotta have sparklers!

Notice the torch that we (the kids) used to light off the fireworks!

Safety first around here!

My favorite with the little blue sparkly streaks.

Last post I mentioned that we celebrated Dallin's birthday in June, but I didn't have any pictures.

I guess that's what happens when you don't download them for a month.

Well, here you have it, pictures of Dallin's birthday.

He celebrated by having wings for dinner with rice krispy treats for dessert.

He also planned a movie/sleepover night with two of his cousins.

Happy 11th Birthday Dallin!

I hope that you have a great year!

Josh picked out a blow dart gun for Dallin!

He loves it!

Awesome Zombie targets!

Much a do in June

2011-07-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

Wow....I can't believe that we are already into July! Half of the summer is gone! Where has the time gone?
I don't really feel like we've done much, but I feel like I'm always busy. Will has been in swimming lessons, we've had Wednesday park days with the cousins, I've done lots of yard work and house work, two of the kids traveled to Cali for a week, Cam went on a scout camp out, Will had scout camp, we've only made it to the pool once so far (I hope to spend a few more days there this month!) and lots of get togethers with cousins etc.

While I don't feel like we've done much, I know that we really have....isn't life always busy with kids?!

Shawna' decided that the dog needed to look more girly, so she painted her toe nails.
Isn't she pretty!
This was too funny. I woke up one morning and had to do a double take because I wasn't sure if I was seeing things correctly.

Will at scout camp up Millcreek Canyon.
It was a 2 day camp. He had so much fun!
This was part of an obstacle course they had to do.

Will at the dig site.

Treasure!

Getting ready to shoot the wrist rockets!

Atop a big rock the boys all climbed up.

Time to shoot the BB guns. This was one of Will's favorite things to do, along with archery, wrist rockets, and learning about pocket knives.
He's a total boy!

I think it's safe to say that camp wore him out!

We also celebrated two birthday's in June.
Shawna' turned 14 (can I just say OMG!) and Dallin turned 11. Shawna' had a few cousins over, she didn't get to have much of a party because of a few things that she did on the last day of school....(we'll chalk it up to some life lessons).
I promise that we celebrated Dallin's birthday, but it was after his actual birthday. He wanted to have a sleepover with two of his cousins and go to a movie. They saw Mr. Poppers Penguins and loved it. Instead of a cake he asked for rice krispy treats and orange and vanilla ice cream.

I have had a bit more time to read this summer!

We had a graduation celebration for Colton.

We had his favorite chocolate cake from Costco, lemon bars, and a brownie trifle.

The week before school was out, Dallin was chosen to represent his class in the district's decathlon. He competed in 10 events like cup stacking, push ups, jumping rope, hoop shoot etc.
He enjoyed himself.

Dallin also got to go on his first Boy Scout camp out.
They headed up to Heber and stayed at the airport. They worked on their aviation merit badge.
In a week he will be going on a week long scout camp. He's pretty excited!

I think it's safe to say that he's pretty packed!

Will and Connor were on the same baseball team.

They played machine pitch this year. Will improved so much!

The Met's

Some random pics of Shawna' and Camryn.
(Shawna' got a camera for her birthday and is loving it!)

Shawna' on her Young Women camp out.

Big Day

2011-06-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

June 3, 2011

Colton Alan Kilpack

Bountiful High Class of 2011

Graduated with Honors

Waiting to graduate!

Colton and Rich...nice smile Rich!

Just announced his name! So exciting!

Shaking hands with the Superintendent of the Davis School District.

Shaking hands with the Principal of Bountiful High.

Officially Graduated!

One proud Momma! Love this boy!

Proud Grami and Grampie!

That's a much better smile....lol!

Well, it's official, we've successfully sent one kid through 12 years of schooling!

Wow....where has the time gone? It seems like it was just the other day that I met Colton and we discussed Sponge Bob. Then he was asking if he could call me "Mom". What and honor and a privilege it has been to be your Mom Colton. I am so proud of you and all that you have done and become. You have over come many obstacles in your life already. I am always amazed at how you handle the difficult situations you have been faced with. I am most happy knowing that you got to have a childhood and to be a kid and have that experience. You will do a great many things in your life, you have the determination to be such a successful young man. I look forward to celebrating many more joyous occasions with you!

I love you!

Love,

Mom

Misc. Spring 2011

2011-05-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

A brief catch up of what's been going on here....

For Will's 7th birthday he received his very own fishing pole, tackle box, and bait. After a day fishing with Grami and Grampi, he was ready to spend a day with his Dad. He ended up not being very happy because he didn't catch any fish. (It's just not the same as fishing at a hatchery!)
But Josh was able to get a smile out of him!

They went fishing at Little Dell Reservoir.

Later that month Josh had an opportunity to fish on the Green.

The girls had fun in March selling cookies!

We sold tons of cookies!
By the end of March we were very glad to be done with cookies!

Cam went on a field trip to the fairgrounds to learn about water conservation.
They had a few hands on activities that were fun for the kids.

Later that week, Will went to the zoo for a field trip.
It was one of the few days that we had decent weather!

Will is playing machine pitch baseball this year.
He is on the Met's.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Grami's and Grampis's.

Teen Beauty Queen!

The boys have had a great year in Cub Scouts.
Dallin earned his Arrow of Light in April and is now moving on to Boy Scouts. He's very excited!
Josh is happy to be done with volunteering for the scouts!
(Thanks honey for all that you did! The boys and I appreciate it!)
Will graduated in May with his Tiger and numerous belt loops.
Great job boys!
I am so proud of you!
(P.s. did I mention that I "retired" from volunteering for Cub Scouts? Yep, it's official, I handed my keys in and everything! I am no longer in charge and I'm loving it! I will still help my boys, but that's it. I don't have to be responsible for everyone's boys! I can be that parent that just drops my kids off...lol!)

Well, that's about it for now. May is a pretty busy month with Colton's High School Graduation coming up, the end of another school year, more baseball games, and summer activities to plan!

My kids Rock!

2011-05-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Dallin and Camryn have spent the last 5 months (or year if you ask my husband!) practicing for their upcoming performance in the School House Rock Jr. Live musical.

They had their big night on May 3 and 4 with some awesome singing and speaking parts.

You guys rock!

Getting ready for their first performance!

Camryn up with the 4th grade for their song.

Dallin as Bill 2!

Dallin as Joe in the second act.

Here are a few videos of the kids!

Needless to say, the play was a huge hit! I can't wait to see what they perform next year!

Single digits no more!

2011-05-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official! Camryn is no longer in the single digits! We recently celebrated her 10th birthday.

That's right....THE BIG 1 - 0!

She celebrated by having a friend party with Justin Beiber as the theme.

I made cupcake "microphones" for the cake.

They played a few who knows Justin Beiber best games!

(I think it's safe to sat that they all know and like him a lot!)

Enjoying the "microphones"

(I would like to point out that the weather cooperated this day!)

Time to open gifts!

Dallin had to get in on the action!

Saying Thank - you to all of her friends!

Cam and mom on her field trip.

Camryn,

You are energetic, loud, full of life, artistic, always going, curly haired young lady! I love you so much and can not believe that you are 10! Where does the time go. It seem like it was just the other day that you were one and learning how to walk and talk (no you talk all the time!).

Always believe in yourself and stay true to who you are.

Love always,

Mom

Girls Weekend

2011-04-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

In February the girls and I went along on a camp out with girls and moms from the South Davis Service Unit Girl Scouts. We stayed in the lodge at Camp Trefoil, went snowshoeing, ate yummy food, made some crafts, made some swaps, and had an all around great time! It was so fun to spend the time with my girls and try something new! I love being able to go on fun adventures with my girls!

The girls slept out on the balcony....they had fun making heart signs and standing on their heads...lol!

Getting ready to go snowshoeing!

This is what I like to do in my spare time!

Snowshoeing was a blast! I would love to go do that more often!

It was a wonderful weekend spent with my girls, some much needed mother - daughter time too!

Seven

2011-03-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

When did this little guy grow up?

He has grown from being the most discontent baby to an amazing little boy.

Grumpy Will...I swear this is how he spent his baby days!

Content for a minute!

He has always needed something in his mouth!
Weather is be food or a duckie!

He loved his Binky's (minka minka)

Will is quite the swimmer! (I think that he's part fish!)

Missing his two front teeth!

Now look at him, loosing teeth, growing up big and tall.

Will, (because he doesn't like me to call him William!) I can't believe that you are now seven. You are growing up so fast. You are such a brilliant, smart, easy going young boy. You never cease to amaze me. Not a day goes by that you don't make me laugh or bring a smile to my face. It's so amazing how much you have changed since you were a baby. You can ride a two wheel bike, swim, read, solve simple math problems, play baseball, you love all things mechanical, you love Bionicles, Halo stuff, Lego's (all Lego's!). You are generally such an easy going little person. You can entertain yourself for hours, but spend days playing with your best friend Porter too.

I look forward to watching you grow up and see the man that you become!
I love you William!
Love, Mom

Happy 8th Anniversary my love

2011-03-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

8 years ago on March 18, I married my best friend, my soul mate, my lover, the father to my children. I am so happy and proud to call him my husband! He makes me so happy in so many ways. I really feel that he is my soul mate and we were meant to be together. Is it weird to say that I feel like we have been married for an eternity. I mean 8 years, is not a long time by any means, but I do feel that we have been together forever. I can't imagine life without him and it's hard to think of what life was like before him.

Here are a few things that I love about Josh:
* When he's really happy, he hums a little tune
* He helps make dinner and cleans up most nights
* He makes the family a nice hot breakfast on the weekends
* I love to cook with Josh, I love spending time with him in the kitchen
* He is a wonderful father to our 5 kids
* Sometimes he is softer than me (when the kids ask for a sleepover, go to a dance, stay out late etc)
* He hates homework time, but still helps when needed
* I love movie nights so that I can snuggle up next to him
* He's not afraid to clean the bathroom if I ask him to
* He's very handy with fixing things (even though he doesn't always wish he was!)
* Most of all I love that he loves me unconditionally!

Happy 8th Anniversary Josh!

I love you more than you know, here's looking to many more wonderful years with you!

Happy Late St. Patty's Day

2011-03-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say Happy Late St. Patty's Day. I don't have any fun pictures to post....but I have always loved St. Patrick's Day. (Not to mention that it's also the day before my anniversary!) I love the color green, so any excuse to wear it is great! My kids were bummed when they came home from school that afternoon because lots of their classmates had a nice "green" breakfast. Little did they know that I had a nice little "green" dinner planned for them. We had French Dip sandwiches on green rolls (thanks Dick's for supplying the green bread!), seasoned fries, green sprite, and afterwards the kids all got to decorate their own shamrock cookie complete with green frosting and sprinkles! I took a leftover sandwich to work with me and got quiet the looks and comments from the kids as I ate my green sandwich! To fun!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

When did she grow up?

2011-02-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

When did she grow up?

When did she become this amazingly beautiful young lady?

My dear sweet Shawna'.

Where has the time gone?

It seems like yesterday that you were just a little girl.

It seems like you were just taking your first steps, then going to your first day of kindergarten, and now here you are, in 8th grade and just beautiful!

I love you so much!

Things I Love....

2011-02-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

With Valentines Day being right around the corner, I thought that I would write something about love. Now, I'm not totally head over heals about V-Day....I mean I don't need one special day for my husband to tell me how much he loves me and all that other stuff. He's not a card kind of guy, and I feel especially lucky when he does bring me home flowers. I guess my point is, I know that he loves me all the time, and if I get flowers, then that's a bonus!
Anyways here are some of the things that I love:

* I love that Josh makes breakfast every Saturday and Sunday morning.
* I love a good cup of coffee in the morning, especially when the house is quiet and the kids are still sleeping.
* I love reading!
* I love my family.
* I love bargains....if there is a clearance rack, I'm instantly drawn to it.
* I love shopping at Kohl's...(clearance sales are the best here!)
* I love listening to my kids, especially when they are getting along.

* I love listening to music...I especially love having my iPod!
* I love taking the dog for walks when the weather is nice.
* I love having a clean bathroom, but I hate cleaning it.
* I love having a clean car....inside and out.

Well, that's a few of the things that I love.

Happy Valentines Day!

Ice Skating, Brothers, and Basketball

2011-01-30T14:41:00.000-08:00

January finds us with wishing the weather was a bit warmer and that there was more to do.

(I feel lucky that I've managed to put together a few posts this month!)

So, on the days that we are feeling a little cabin feverish, we've headed over to the Bubble for some swimming, ice skating, basketball playing and walking.

Will is determined to skate better this year. I've determined that I don't ice skate.

The girls do pretty well.

(Dallin is not pictured because he chose to swim)

First time around. Everyone is a little nervous.

The girls were so nice to Will and helped him go around the rink.

By the time we were ready to leave, Will had mastered skating around by himself.

Way to go guys!

Brothers!

Dallin looks up to Colton so much and tries to be like him!

I love these boys so much!

Dallin has signed up for Jr. Jazz this year and so far he has played two games and is having a blast.

It is so fun to watch him and his team play.

Well, that about sums January up.

We're buys a usual with life around here:

Josh spent two weeks of January in Denver, Colton is counting down the days until he leaves for Snow College and finally got new tires for his truck, Shawna' is trying really hard to keep her grades up and has been asked to babysit a few times this month, Dallin is having fun playing basketball, Camryn is having fun learning to play the piano, Dallin and Camryn have been having fun participating in the school musical, Will enjoys playing with his best friend Porter and loves being a Tiger Scout. I am happy to just be able to find a spare moment to read and maybe sometimes scrap book.

Christmas lamb

2011-01-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Will. He is always such a ham. We were celebrating Christmas Eve at my mother-in-laws and all of the kids re-enacted the birth of Jesus. Every grand kid had a part. (There are 21+ kids!)
will was the lamb. And what a lamb he is!
I love this boy so much! He is such a blessing to our family!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

So, I've finally got a minute to blog about our Christmas (we'll I thought that I did, now the kids are playing up here and causing problems!). We had a wonderful Christmas. We had at least 4 or 5 family/friend Christmas Parties and of course Christmas Day at our house. I cooked a turkey dinner for Christmas too. The kids all really enjoyed Christmas. It's always so fun to watch them open gifts and to see them be just as excited about giving. Here are some pictures.

Trimming the tree

Cam was so excited about getting all of the decorations out this year!

Time for ornaments!

Getting the ornaments out.

Will felt that the tree needed a train set up under it, so he went to work.

After Santa came!

Christmas morning!

All of the kids got Heelies for Christmas...Will was especially excited because this was his first pair!

Santa even left a treat for the dog.

Colton got the boys Halo Reach! They were so excited!

Colton bought Josh and I a new flat screen t.v. for our bedroom.

He said that our old t.v. bugged him!

Webkinz!

Mummy bag to help Dallin get geared up for Scout Camp.

Colton got Shawna' a necklace/earring set.

The aftermath!

Merry Christmas family!

2011

2011-01-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

Here's to hoping that 2011 brings us a great many blessings! May your year (and mine too!) be fabulous!

Colton turned 18! (like a month and a half ago!)

2010-11-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well, where do I start?

I can't believe that Colton is 18 for one thing.

That the world considers him to be an adult. That he can now make his own decisions and be held completely responsible for them

Wow!

Well, he celebrated just how he wanted. Josh made some of his boneless buffalo wings and I made a Caesar salad and we also had corn on the cob. Coltons favorite food. He had a few good friends over and after dinner we had the family over for cake and ice cream. It was a fun evening.

Getting ready to cook the chicken!

Colton and friends!

Getting ready for cake and ice cream and presents.

Look at all of those candles!

He made his wish!

Opening his gifts!

Well, I don't know that after a month or so of Colton being 18 anything has changed much. He still comes and goes as he pleases, doesn't do any chores, occasionally is home for dinner, hangs out with friends more than his family (I know, that's what teenagers do), he is old enough to vote, become a cashier at Smith's Marketplace, and be accepted to college (that's another post!).

One thing is for sure tho, I sure do love this boy!

(I know that he's not really a boy, but to his mom, he always will be!)

I am so proud of the young man that he is becoming and of what he is accomplishing!

Stay strong son, and remember that your family loves you, no matter what!

Quick update...

2010-09-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

Well, life is busy as usual. Tons going on. Getting back into the swing of things with work, kids back in school, scouts, sports, etc. Josh is in Hawaii for 2 weeks. He left yesterday. Guess what??? I GET TO GO TOO! Shut up, I know right! We are making it work and I get to go spend 5 days on Oahu with him. I am sooooo excited! I don't think that we'd ever get to go to Hawaii for as little as it will cost us. Because Josh is there for work, the hotel, car, and most meals will be paid for. My biggest expense will be my airfare. So excited!!!!

Anyways enough of my excitement, here's what's been going on at our house:

Colton turned 18...crazy huh?! Yep, I am officially the mother of an 18 year old. Who by the way is an amazing kid. He bought me lunch today...a garlic philly from Vito's. Yummm. Anyways. Colton is doing well, attending Pharm Tech classes at the DATC, playing football, attending homecoming this weekend, working on the weekends, hanging out with friends...you know the usual stuff that teenagers do.

Shawna' is surviving 8th grade and I'm trying to survive the boys wanting to ask her out. Yikes, when did that start? She is full of teen drama....what 13 year old girl isn't. She is taking an art class this year, and I have to say that she has some awesome pieces. Great job Shawna'! Other than getting thru school, she is still involved in Girl Scouts, likes hanging out with friends, and being on the phone.

Dallin is full of energy. He's all over the place. He's very active. Right now he's selling pop corn for his Cub Scout fundraiser, he's a Webelos. He's doing well. He loves to play sports and just recently Josh took him fly fishing for the very first time. He even caught a fish. Awesome! He seems to be enjoying 5th grade as well. I think I'll still having a hard time believing that he's in 5th grade.

Camryn has just as much energy as Dallin and she knows how to egg him on! lol She loves being active, playing soccer, antagonizing two of her brothers and sometimes her sister. She is excited to start taking piano lessons. She is a Junior in Girl Scouts this year and is loving her troop. She even went to troop camp this summer and had an amazing time.

Will is excited because he is old enough to join Cub Scouts this year. I signed him up last week, now he is a Tiger. He's having fun competing with Dallin trying to sell the most popcorn. Will is really liking 1st grade. I asked him about it and he told me that he really likes it because he has his same teacher from Kindergarten. He said that he wouldn't have liked 1st grade if he didn't have her for a teacher.

It's so fun to be around my kids and watch them grow. I love every day with them. (Well most days) We've got an exciting few days coming up: I'll be hosting dinner for the Bountiful High Football line, a niece is turning 2, I'm going to Hawaii, it's almost time to put up Halloween decorations, fall is somewhere around here, I hope.

Hopefully my next post will be of Hawaii.....till then, Good Night.

Back to School for the children....back to work for me too!

2010-09-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

The Kilpack children are all officially in school all day long now.

Well, sort of...
Colton has a few classes that he has home release from, so he's home quite a bit.

Colton is a Senior this year, Shawna' is in 8th grade, Dallin is in 5th grade, Camryn is in 4th grade, and Will is in 1st grade.

Wow, I can't believe that they are all in school. It seem like just the other day I was taking Colton and Shawna' to school and staying home with Dallin, Camryn, and baby Will. Crazy how time flies.

I am working at the elementary school in the Special Ed. classroom again this year. I am able to work in the mornings, so that is AWESOME!(I have time to grocery shop, read, and get stuff done as needed)

I love my job, everyday is interesting and full of appreciation for my life and my family.

I am so proud of my children, they are truly amazing souls. I love you all so much!

Here's to a great school year!

A graduation is just around the corner!

40, 40, guess who's 40?

2010-09-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

On July 31, 2010 (a day early), we celebrated Josh's 40th birthday. The kids and I threw him a surprise party! I made sure that he was gone for the day (spent fishing with his brothers and Colton!)

This is what he came home too...and on his birthday morning, he woke up to find 40 presents!

Thanks to all that came to celebrate with us, you made the day that much more special!

Happy Birthday honey, I love you!

So much to blog about, where do I start? WARNING....there are lots of pictures!

2010-08-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

I feel like we have been super busy this summer with just summer activities and such. But it's funny when my sis in law Meghan asked me today what we've done this summer, Camryn's reply was "NOTHING!" Really, nothing?! It made me start to think about what we have done. Now, we haven't had any trips to Disneyland or out of Utah for that matter, but I thought that we've had a pretty decent summer. I mean, my day's weren't filled with doing exactly what I wanted to do. The kids all have passes to the bubble (the local rec. center) that they have used quiet a bit, they've had park days with the cousins once a week, playing with friends and so on. But, still I was curious about just what have we done. So, I looked at our pictures to see just what we've done. Quiet frankly, I think we've done a ton! Here's a little sampling of our summer:

We took a trip (twice so far) to the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, which is tons of fun. Even my older kids like it. We tore up our side yard and added a new parking area for all of our extra cars, (I'll tell you later about Josh trying to kill me while we were doing this!), we hosted breakfast for the seniors of Bountiful Highs Varsity football players, Dallin, Will, Josh and I went to Webelos camp with our scout group, we spent a day at Boondocks, we've gone bowling, we celebrated my birhtday, we celebrated Josh's 40th birthday, Camryn went to scout camp for the first time with her troop, Shawna' spent two, yes, TWO whole weeks at scout camp, we went to Thanksgiving Point for $2.00 Tuesday, the kids and I went to Bountiful city's Summerfest to check out the various artist's that were there, we went camping twice, once at Lost Creek with Josh's family, then to East Canyon this last weekend, the kids all picked an art class to go do at Three Little Monkey's. Not to mention the numerous sleepovers, girls night out, and boy's night out. So, I think it's pretty safe to say that we DID NOT spend our summer doing nothing!

Here's a sampling of what we've been doing:

Dallin with his Dragon.

Camryn's sunset

Will's football helmet

The kids with their face paintings from Summerfest

Picking Shawna' up from camp after being gone for 2 weeks

Josh enjoying a little couch nap with the dog

Jake, my in-laws dog, who we watched for a few days.

My sis in law Vicki, her two kids, me and four of my kids at Thanksgiving Point going to check out the farm animals

Cousins...Dallin and Connor

Me and the kids

The kids weighing themselves at Thanksgiving Point

Petting a pony

There were a few animals that the kids could feed some corn kernels to

On a wagon ride

Sammy riding the pony

Camryn riding her pony

Celebrating my birthday

Shawna' made me a cake...I think it turned out pretty well!

At the Children's Museum...the ball pit

Will playing in the water feature

Will working in the construction zone

Dallin and his friend Cameron buried in the construction mess

Will building a contraption

Camryn sending a message across the way

Camryn driving the jeep

Fresh raspberries from my garden

Fresh strawberries from my garden

Colton napping after a long day of football practice

Connor and Will setting up their lemonade stand

Camryn ready for her first scout camp trip

Some of the football players for Bountiful High

Colton and company preparing breakfast for the group

The scouts and I out in the canoe's

Getting ready to tear up our yard

The kids picking up grass chunks

Cute Raelee and Will

Our new driveway

All finished!

Before we had the concrete poured, we had to get the area level etc. Well, Josh ended up taking out too much dirt, so my job was to bring wheelbarrow loads of dirt back down to fill in the low spots. IN THE MIDDLE OF JULY! I really thought that I was going to die...my hat goes off to anyone who has to work like that! I couldn't do it everyday!

Well, I think that's enough for now....next post will be of Josh's 40th Birthday!

Stay tuned....

Sidewalk of Fire 2010

2010-07-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

2010 Annual Sidewalk of Fire!

This year, as in years past, we went to our local firework stand to pick up some goods for our annual celebration.

Upon entering the tent, I noticed that things seemed awfully expensive this year, as in 3 to 4 times more than it should be for the fireworks that we can buy. After much consideration and tears from the kids, we decided to only get a few things ie: smoke bombs, snaps, pop thingy's that look like smoke bombs, sparklers, flowers, and snakes. I'm talking like 2 of each...that's it.

It wasn't a lot of stuff by any means, but it cost $30.00 Seriously....$30.00 for some basic firework supplies. Are you freakin kidding me? Josh and I left feeling totally taken advantage of. So what were we supposed to do...we'll we decided to head over to our local Costco and get a super size pack of fireworks and make ourselves feel better about the money we just dropped on the basics.

So, for $60.00 we got 3 to 4 times the fireworks from the Costco box than we did and the little tent. We left feeling slightly better, knowing that we'd be able to put on a pretty good show. Just for comparison, we took some pictures of the Costco box and what we got at the stand. You tell me, who had the better deal? Oh yeah, we even had enough left over to celebrate the 24th too! Woot woot!

So, after getting over buyers remorse, we had Josh's two brothers and their families over for our annual celebration.

We BBQ'd, played some TT (also known as ball toss), chatted, and watched the kids all run around.

When it started turning dusk, we headed out to the front yard to start the show.

Nothing says being a kid on the 4th of July like running around with a sparkler!

Who would have guessed that we'd need to be wearing jackets on the 4th of July? Not me, I mean come on, it's July.

Not that I'm complaining, it made for a beautiful day.

The kids waiting to see what Dad is going to light.

Do you think that the kids are a little bit excited?

Uncle Travis had just thrown some firecrackers over by the kids and it scared the crap out of them.

On a side note, the brothers (meaning Josh, Carter, and Travis..the adults...think it's funny to light firecrackers off really close to each other....the examples they are showing our kids...funny huh?)

Here's hoping that you and yours had an awesome 4th of July and many thanks to the men and women who allow us to continue celebrating our freedom.

Maiden voyage

2010-07-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, we've finally taken our trailer out for her maiden voyage, and boy was it fun!

We went to Lost Creek for a family camp out with all of Josh's siblings on his mom's side.

There were 35 people and 7 dogs, and there was never a dull moment.

Our trailer all set up and ready to go.

View of the property.

The boy's hanging out waiting for some cousins to show up.

We came up a day early, so needless to say, they were slightly bored for a few hours.

The Beaver Dam/swimming hole. The water was absolutely FREEZING....but that didn't stop Dallin, Shawna', and Will from jumping in.

Fishing

Once the rest of the family came, they brought some rafts with them, hence the kids were busy for two days.

The would have races down the river.

Getting ready to take a ride.

The fam around the campfire.

Every one's campsites.

The boy's off for another trip down the river.

Cam not looking to happy...probably because the boy's kept using the raft.?.

Cam and Will at the river.

Getting ready to race...boys vs girls.

The boy's didn't win.

Will and some cousins getting a snack.

Dallin stopping to get a snack before more rafting.

My feet in the freezing cold river.

The water comes out from the bottom of the dam.

Josh and the kids crossing the river so we can go home.

Some cool looking clouds on the way home.

We had a great time camping, (Other than Josh and the two boys having hay fever so bad and Shawna' and I getting a fever)

The kids were so dirty I had to line them up and spray them off with a pressure washer before I even let them in the house. LOL

Between Josh, myself and the dog, we were extremely happy to be bask home and have a shower, well the dog didn't enjoy the shower.

Can't wait for the next camping trip! :)

Double Digits...

2010-06-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Dallin celebrated his 10th birthday on June 13. He is officially in the double digits now!

He opened presents with the family. He got a MP3 player, a new book, a t-shirt, and a new football.

I think he was pretty excited.

His new book and shirt.

Opening his MP3 player...totally excited!

Opening gifts...

MP3 player

New t-shirt

Awesome football....it's sweet!

So excited!

On Wednesday June 16, we celebrated Dallin's birthday at the park with the family.

Bethany got Dallin a mini Nerf football.

Dallin's football cake.

Dallin and Connor at the park.

Dallin received another football for his birthday from Connor, Sam and family.

He was so excited to have all the cousins at the park for a game of flag football.

Dallin, I can not describe to you how the last TEN years have been with you. You are a bright, compassionate, caring, aggressive, competitive, sports loving guy.

You make every day memorable in so many ways. I hope that you know how much your family loves you and how much you mean to all of us.

Here's to you being 10, and never being in the single digits again!

13!

2010-06-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

On Sunday June 6, Shawna' turned 13.

We celebrated by having Josh's chicken wings for her birthday dinner.

(Dallin wanted the same thing for his dinner, so we combined their birthday dinners)

Throwing done some yummy wings!

Soooooo GOOD!

Afterwards we invited the whole family over to celebrate with cake and ice cream.

Shawna' wanted Lily Pads on her cake with blue icing.

Singing Happy Birthday!

She is sure beautiful!

Opening gifts...she got lots of new shirts...even a few New Moon ones!

Checking out the goods.

Even days later, I can't believe that she is 13 already. Where has the time gone? It seems as if she was just a little girl not that long ago. I remember so many things like when she learned to pull herself up at 5 months, walking at 9 months, frequently cutting her hair, taking her to her first day of Kindergarten (and yes, I cried!), loving to play babies and Barbie's, loving to spend time with her Grandparents, loosing her first tooth, learning to ride her bike, learning to play the violin and the trumpet, dropping her off for her first day of Junior High.

Thinking back about all of these things makes me sad. She is no longer a little girl, but growing into a fine young lady.

Shawana', Happy Birthday love!

I love you so much and I'm so proud of the young lady that you are becoming!

(Minus all the drama! LOL)

Some fun times and swimming

2010-06-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

Shawna' and her Girl Scout troop went to Boondock's for a night of fun...an all night long of fun!

Waiting to ride the virtual reality ride.

Getting ready to go.

The picture doesn't show it, but Shawna' was soooo nervous!

A day at the Bubble...the kids love to swim.

Shawna'

Three of the munchkins swimming in the lazy river.

So cute! I love these kids!

Dallin hanging in the lazy river.

Camryn in the lazy river.

Now that summer is here, we will be hanging here quiet a lot!

Front teeth anyone? How about a really big snake?

2010-05-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Will lost one of his front teeth!

The Kindergarten class went on a field trip in May. They walked up to Rocket Park and had a presentation put on by Scales and Tails.

Will was totally excited to check out some reptiles!

Listening to the guy talk about the various items he was showing.

Will was chosen to come up and hold onto a surprise.

Getting ready!

Waiting.....

The surprise was a 15 foot anaconda named Bubbles!

This thing was huge!

Will is starting to look not so sure about holding this after all.

He was trying so hard to be brave and strong. He was totally worried about dropping the snake.

Yeah, he's really not liking holding the snake now. They boys that were supposed to be holding up the head, had let it go and the snake had started to wrap around Will. It terrified him!

Part of the snake.

I asked Will later if he ever wanted to hold a snake again and he said, Yes, but only if it was a smaller one.

I only wish that I had gotten more pictures of his little terrified face.

I know that's mean, but that's what a mom's for!

It's been week, that's long enough to start laughing about it now, isn't it?

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

What is the best part of Mother's Day?

It's not what I receive on this day, but what I get everyday that I truly LOVE.

It's being a mom to my children....

It's watching them grow into fine young adults....

It's hearing their laughter....

It's seeing them smile....

It's them asking for help to bake a cake to hide a question in for a girl....

It's seeing the joy they get from the simplest things....

It's watching them learn new things....

It's being by their side as they embark on a new journey....

It's teaching them how to drive....

It's taking them to their first day of Kindergarten....

It's taking them to their first day of Junior High....

It's teaching them how to ride a bike....

It's taking them to their first friend birthday party....

It's a boy calling the house to talk to your daughter for the first time....

It's being there when they need you....

Being a mom is so many things...it's joy, it's happiness, it's tears, it's hard, it's frustrating, it's the BEST job I've ever had.

I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the whole world.

First day of school 2004

Camryn and William 2003

Shawna' at her band concert, she plays the trumpet. 2010

Colton 2004

Will and Dallin in the back of Colton's new truck. 2010

The three stooges. 2010

Christmas 2009, playing the Wii.

Colton and friends getting buzzed...check out the stash on him! 2010

Trip to the Planetarium 2003

Little Will, just born 2004.

At the zoo 2003.

These are the reasons that I love being a mother.

Happy Mother's Day!

Narrated G...for Ghosts, Goblins, and Gobblygook

2010-04-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

Dallin and Camryn were in their school play this year.

It was called Narrated G, for Ghosts, Goblins, and Gobblygooks.

There were three small plays:

Liza Lou and the Yellow Belly Swamp,

It Could Always be Worse,

and Rumplestiltskins Daughter.

(sorry for the sideways pics...I'm tired and don't want to take the time to go and fix them correctly)

Dallin and Rumplestiltskin

Camryn as the Grandma

Doesn't she make a cute Grandma?!

Rumplestiltskin

Grandma

Dallin was also a Guard in the Rumplestiltskin play.

The musical

Dallin trying to look all mean and scary.

More music

Grandma and the Swamp Haunt

Grandma getting ready to hit the Swamp Haunt.

Rumplestiltskin started out as a puppet show...but them turned real!

Here's the maiden telling Rumplestiltskin that she'd rather marry him than the King.

Colton even came to one of the kids preformance's. You can't tell, but Colton grew a "mustache"!
Thanks to Wendy for help with the costumes...they were Great!

William turns 6!

2010-04-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say....on March 7, 2010 we celebrated William turning 6. I can't believe that my baby is 6....he's almost finished with Kindergarten, which means that he will be going into first grade in the fall.

When did he grow up? I mean I know that this has taken six years to come to where we're at, but come on, REALLY? HE'S SIX?

I LOVE this boy!

I love that he likes to sit and watch how something is done and then try it, Ilove how out going he is, I love how his favorite t.v. show is How it's Made and Dirty Jobs, I love how he's learning how to read, Ilove how kind and compasionate he is, I love how genuine he always is, I love how he is always willing to help, I love how he calls me Momma, I love how he always needs a hug and a kiss before I go somewhere, even if it's just up the street. I could go on and on about how much I love him, but if your reading this, then you know what I'm talking about too.

Singing Happy Birthday and getting ready to blow out the candels on his WallE cake.

Will helped decorate his cake!

He also asked for a Bluberry pie, so how could I not make him a Bluberry pie with dog bone as well.

Besides, how many six year olds ask for Blueberry pie?

Waiting to open presents.

Getting ready to open his gifts.

Oh my...Star Wars guys...Awesome!

Just what I wanted!

Ahhh...a ship...cool!

Happy 6th Birthday son! I hope that you had wonderful day, with many more to come!

We love you!

Dirty, Filthy Children

2010-02-21T19:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend I have come to realize that my children are dirty filthy heathens. (I have been well aware of this for some time, but have not wanted to fully admit it!) They absolutely did not inherit my OCD tendencies. They are perfectly fine to wallow in their own filth, and enjoy it too! Various items are just strewn along their rooms. Wet towels dropped on the floor, better yet even left in the basement. Will's idea of cleaning up his room is to sweep everything under his bed, then later ask me where a certain toy is. Will is also my cyclone kid. He enters a room and in no time flat, every toy that he owns is all over the floor. My girls are no better either. They are pack rats, they try to keep everything, and I mean everything!

What's a mother to do??????

(I would post pictures but my computer is having issues and we have yet to replace it)

Done!

2010-02-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

We have officially wrapped up the selling of Girl Scout cookies at our home.

Shawna' sold 400 boxes and Camryn sold 315 boxes!

Way to go girls and a huge thanks to all of our family and friends who support them every year.

So, until early March when I have picked up 715 boxes of Girl Scout cookies that will need to be delivered.......we wont talk about cookies!

There's cookie's in the air!!!

2010-01-16T12:31:00.000-08:00

There's cookie's in the air!!!

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES THAT IS!!!

Today kicks off the first day of Girl Scout cookie sales. As I am typing this, both of my girls are out taking orders for cookies! They are each trying to sell 300 boxes +. A goal that they both will easily reach. (As past years have shown!)

So, if you know of anyone looking for cookies, then leave me a comment and we will call you to take your order. Feel free to let family's and friends know. We'd be happy to take orders for the Bountiful/Centerville areas!

Thanks for your support!

Below is some fun cookie facts!

Cookie Fun Facts

Little Brownie bakes over 4,500,000 Thin Mints Girl Scout Cookies per day during peak baking times.
We make our own caramel for Samoas®. It‘s cooked the old fashion way in copper kettles to 234 degrees.
Do-si-dos® and Tagalongs® take 230,000 lbs. of peanut butter per week.
Peanut butter crème is deposited onto Do-si-do® cookies at the rate of 2800 per minute.
After exiting the oven, Thin Mints travel 300 feet on a conveyor belt to cool before being coated in the chocolate.
A rotary die shapes Trefoils. There are 300 identical Trefoil shapes engraved in one rotary die. The die rotates 17 times a minute equaling 5100 cookies a minute.
Samoas® go through a cooling tunnel at 40-50 degrees before chocolate is applied.
Do-si-dos® are wrapped at 64 packages per minute!

WEEKLY INGREDIENTS (during peak production):

Flour: 21 truckloads, 1,050,000 lbs.
Shortening: 7 truckloads, 300,000 lbs.
Cocoa: 50,000 lbs.
Chocolate coating: 500,000 lbs.
Sugar: 14.5 truckloads, 650,000 lbs.
Peanut butter: 230,000 lbs.
Toasted coconut: 75,000 lbs.

MIXING TRIVIA:

Mixers are machine operated. Ingredients are weighed and released with the push of a button.
Each batch is 1200-1500 lbs... It takes 10 minutes to mix the dough, which lasts 20-30 minutes and takes 5-7 minutes to bake.

BAKING INFORMATION:

Each oven approximately 100-280 feet long and has 4 baking zones with very specific jobs…
1. 1st: prepares the cookies to be baked by softening them.
2. 2nd: bakes cookies from the bottom up
3. 3rd: brings the cookies to a flat shape
4. 4th: gives the cookies their color

It's Christmas time!

2009-12-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

I cant believe that another Christmas is here! Where has all the time gone? It seems like we were just celebrating Christmas of 2008! (Which was great by the way!) I would like to post pictures of our adventures over the last few months and current adventures, but my computer seems to be having issues. So, here's a little bit of what's been going on since my last post:

September: the kids started school and all seem to like their teachers. Shawna' is adjusting to Jr. High, it's been a little rough, but she's pulling thru! (Sounds like my new position at the school! LOL)

October: School is in full swing, the kids are doing great. Football is in full swing as well. The Bountiful Braves are doing great this year. Josh and I managed a week long escape to Arizona sans kids! We went down to my friend's wedding in Sedona. Can I just say beautiful?! OMG...the area is beautiful...as was the wedding. Not to mention the resort that we stayed at. Can you say room service! I would go stay there again any day!

We celebrated Halloween: Shawna' dressed up as Medusa (she won best costume at the school dance!), Dallin was a bloody psycho dude, Camryn was a vampire, and Will was a Star Wars Clone Trooper. They had a fun night of trick-or-treating! Tons of candy!!

November: A month to be thankful! We have some many things to be thankful for...and yet we all to often take them for granted! We celebrated Thanksgiving at my sister-n-law Vicki's house. Her family was in town for the holiday. We had a beautiful dinner! It was a wonderful day!

December: Shawna' had her first band concert, she plays the trumpet. The whole band played very well. For cub scouts, we participated in the annual Bountiful Light Parade. We pulled a trailer that the cubs decorated. We even had a fire pit (Yes, with a fire in it!) The trailer was packed full of boys! It was so fun, and cold!! We've had a few Christmas parties, and are enjoying the time together. (Well trying too!) Josh has the week off, so it has been really nice to have him home. He took the kids to the bubble...they wore him out! No that's funny!!

So, that's about it. I am ready for Christmas! Gifts are wrapped and we are counting down the days till Santa comes. The kids are excited...and I'm excited too!

From our family to yours: We wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

What have we been up to???

2009-11-08T14:29:00.001-08:00

You may be wondering what we've been doing for the last three months.

Well, let me tell ya...we've been BUSY!

Since school has started, we've had nightly homework and reading, I've been working at the school, we've had soccer games and football games. We've had sickness, a wonderful vacation to Arizona sans kids, we celebrated Colton turning 17, partook in Halloween parties, pumpkin carving, and Trick-or-Treating. We've had Girl Scout meetings and Cub Scout meetings.We've gone to a corn maze. I picked up some extra hours at the school on top of what I was already working. Josh has been to Idaho every other week for work, then he pulled a muscle in his back. (He's ok now)

Did I mention cooking, cleaning, laundry, bills, running a house etc?

Well, that about sums it up...as you can see we've been busy.

Pictures and posts to come.

(Eventually!)

School has begun...

2009-09-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

Ahhh....the first day of school....the end of summer frivolities!

The end of having no routine...no schedule...no plans set in stone!

No trips to the park with cousins...no trips to the bubble...no homework...no school!

How I love thee...how I miss thee...how I welcome thee change!

Shawna' will be in 7th grade!

Holy Crap...when did she grow up?!

And where did all this tween drama come from?

Dallin is starting 4th grade in Mrs. Glass's class.

Loves to play football every chance he gets!

Camryn is starting 3rd grade in Mr. Cassler's class.

Loves everything about her class...especially playing hockey in the class on Wednesday's!

Will is officially starting Kindergarten in Ms. Arthur's class!

Loves going to school to learn new things...loves seeing his mom at his school too!

The kids all seem to like school and their teachers. They have great teachers and go to wonderful schools...so that helps too!

Have a great year kids...I can't believe it's time for school...and that your another grade older!

And of course Colton is not pictured...cuz mom...that's so lame! I don't like to take pictures!

The boys get buzzed...

2009-08-05T20:12:00.001-07:00

heads that is!

(The photos loaded backwards!)

How about Q-pi style!

He tormented the boys by only shaving some parts of their hair off and telling them that they were done!

Dallin was not having any of that!

During the haircutting process...(and what a process it was!) the boys decided that they didn't want a Mohawk anymore. So Josh did what nay normal dad would do.

Classic!

The boys decided that they wanted to have a Mohawk for a summer hair cut!

What do High School Football Players eat for breakfast?

2009-07-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

So, what do high school football players eat for breakfast you ask?

Well, let me tell you...

Servin up some grub

Half of the JV Bountiful High Football team!

There was hash browns, eggs, sausage, cheese, steak and maybe more. It's hard to say...I left for fear of being overrun. Well, not really, they're good boys. Maybe it was fear of what my kitchen was going to look like!

Summer Garden 2009

2009-07-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

After reading my sister-in-law Abby's blog about her garden, it inspired me to post about mine.

So here's a peek at what's growing at Casa Kilpack.

Yellow pear tomato's.

These are so yummy, I have to keep my eye on Dallin, he could eat them all day long!

We have 2 red and 2 yellow bell peppers growing this year.

Basil...need I say anymore?

Some wild flowers from a mix that I got.

This is a marigold from Abby's garden. I grew it from some of her seeds.

Ahh...the piece De resistance!

Tomatoes! There is nothing better than home grown tomatoes (or any produce for that matter!)

I am so looking forward to a BLT!

Jalapenos! The next best thing. We like to make poppers with ours.

I have about 20 jalapeno plants this year. I'm going to try making some jalapeno jelly!

Dallin's cabbage plant.

This picture does not do it justice for this cabbage is freaking HUGE!

Yellow squash and zucchini.

Some flowers that are blooming in the backyard.

My raspberries! I've only had one or two so far this year, but boy were they tasty!

Some onions.

And right up there with the tomatoes and penos are cucumbers!

I'm drooling just writing this.

I love my garden!

June Roundup 2009

2009-07-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well, June is now over, and what a busy month it has been. We've celebrated 2 birthdays, had some Girl Scout activites, had lots of rain with some occasional hail, some beautiful sunsets, Will dragging his butt, and so much more!

Here are some photos to fill you in on the last month.

This is a big post, so be prepared!

You've been warned!!!

We've had some beautiful sunsets!

This is Will...

Will decided that after dinner he needed to show us how a dog drags it's but across the floor.

The pictures don't quit capture exactly just how funny this was!

Dallin with his awesome face painting!

In my last post I mentioned that we had some hail and that the cabbage took it pretty well.

Since last month, the cabbage has doubled in size!

Some of the hail.

We harvested all of our Sugar Snap Peas.

Boy were they tasty!

This was the second bowl of peas!

Camryn at her scout awards.

She earned 6 badges and won the elephant for selling over 500 boxes of cookies.

Gotta love the Girl Scouts!

Some playhouse modifications.

We've added two bubble windows (you can sorta see one is the left corner) and what playhouse wouldn't be complete without a pirate flag!

(the pirate flag says: Pirates for Life)

Shawna' attended week long Girl Scout Camp.

The family drove her up to camp to drop her off and see her off.

Camp is located up above Park City.

It is beautiful!

View from the deck.

The main lodge.

The lake.

Camryn and Will at Camp Cloud Rim.

Shawna' participated in the Road Trip Camp.

The girls who went on this camp (about 10 of them) all had to agree on the trip and plan it out.

They choose to go to St. George, see some of the area attractions, hike in Zions National Park and have tons of fun, which she did!

(Let me tell you that the lodge and surrounding facilities are just beautiful. There are some cabins around there as well. Girls Scouts know how to camp!)

(I also have to note that Shawna' knew absolutley no one on this trip! She went solo and met some great girls! I am so proud of you Shawna' for being so willing to do new things on your own!)

At the end of the month we had the awards ceremony for Shawna's troop.

We held it up Mueller Park Canyon. It was pretty up there!

Connor and Will hanging out on the big rock.

Some more beautiful sunsets!

Shawna' receiving her awards.

One of the projects that the girls earned a badge for was making a scrapbook.

(I helped out with the cover page)

Well, now that June is over, what will July bring for us?

Stay tuned!

My yard in the spring.

2009-06-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I meant to have this posted earlier this spring when things were starting to bloom, but time seemed to have escaped me.

But, I figured better late then never!

Purple Iris...a transplant from my sister-in-law Meghan.

I was so happy to have tons of blooms from them this year.

I can't tell you how HAPPY I was when I saw that my Hosta had survived the winter!

(Side note: It did not stand up so well to the hail storm we had last week. A post for another day)

The very back of my yard. My work in progress. Last summer/fall I transplanted a few of my Irises and Lilies back here. This "hill" is always in need of work!

These little beauties have grown from seed that my sister-in-law Abby gave to us for Christmas.

Thanks Abby.

(p.s. could you remind me what these are again? I don't remember. Thanks!)

The first buds on my rose bush.

The sugar snap peas.

(Pretty sad to say that as of last week we have harvested the peas. Boy were they tasty!)

The garden was put in just after Mother's Day.

(everything has since quadrupled in size, I have some tomtaoes, bell peppers, jalepenos, and zucchini already. Just waiting for them to ripen.)

Another picture of the back "hill". The strawberry and raspberries are planted over here.

The strawberries have done great this year. Not only have we eaten to our hearts content, but I've also made two strawberry pies!

Tasty!

I love my garden. There is nothing better than growing your own vegetables. I love that my kids can go outside and pick peas, grape tomtaoes, strawberries and such from the garden and eat them. It doesn't get any better than that!

Another Birthday at the Kilpack house!

2009-06-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Dallin turned 9 on June 13th. It started out as a great day. Everyone wishing him Happy Birthday wishes and such. As time grew closer to the party time, (Dallin wanted to have a friend party) Dallin was getting a little nervous. By 2:30, no one had arrived yet! The party was supposed to start at 2:00 p.m. His birthday party was ruined and he was devastated!

So what does a family do when things don't go as planned?

Well, we improvise and make it better!

The kids and I snuggled in to watch one of Dallin's favorite movies (one of the old Pink Panther's) with some homemade popcorn and after dinner Travis, Vicki and family and Carter, Rozz and family all came over for some cake and ice cream and to celebrate with Dallin!

What better way to spend the day then surrounded by those who love you the most!

Happy Birthday Dallin!

Know that you are loved by so many!

Dallin's cake.

Thanks to Megale for another fantastic cake!

Singing Happy Birthday!

Making a wish!

Thanks family for rescuing Dallin's birthday!

We love you guys!

This Girl...

2009-06-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

is officially a "tween"!

I cannot believe that she is already 12. Time has gone by so fast. Sometimes it feels like it was just the other day that she was born, and I blink and she's starting Jr. High. She is beautiful, smart, funny, caring, creative, happy, healthy, and wonderful!

Happy Birthday Shawna', you are growing up into a beautiful young lady. I am so thankful to have you as my daughter.

Shawna' turned 12 on June 6. She celebrated by having a party with some friends.

Opening gifts. This is Bob. Bob is a box of popcorn that is wearing a grass skirt.

Bob is special.

Getting ready to blow out the candles on the cake.

Shawna's birthday cake.

Shawna' chowing down on her birthday dinner. She had lobster and crab.

(I enjoyed some crab as well....mmm...crab!)

Happy Birthday, I love you!

p.s. A shout out to my sister-in-law Bethany who had her baby boy Leif Griffiths on June 6, 2009. He and Shawna' now share the same birthday (which she is totally excited about) and to make it even cooler they both weighed in at 8lbs 8oz! Crazy...life's miracles and blessings!

Some misc. pics

2009-05-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

This woodpecker was really cool to sit and watch out the front window.

It's really neat to see all the different birds that are around.

Josh had a hankering for some more homemade pretzels.

They are dang tasty...especially when he makes them!

They were huge!

The playhouse is finished!

2009-05-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the pics are in some random order for some reason, but here we go.

While Josh was working on the playhouse, Will decided that he wanted to use the scrap wood for a marble contraption, and then a racetrack! Nothing says Sunday Morning like being in your jammies and building stuff out on the back porch.

It was a beautiful weekend, and we got much done!

Will with his box of planes, trains, and automobiles!

(plus a few tractors and misc. items)

Blast off!!

Will, Camryn, and Dallin having a blast!

Will checking things out!

Our weekend was spent working outside.

The shed needed to have the South side exterior walls replaced badly!

After a paint job, it looks brand new.

Good job honey!

Ready for new walls.

Aside from not having a ladder, the playhouse is done!

(we are waiting on a railing that was built by a friend before we make the ladder)

The top is covered in a camo netting that drapes down the sides a bit.

(I didn't get a picture of it yet!)

Before being painted.

The kids have practically lived outside for the last two evenings!

They are loving having a playhouse and are planning a book of rules, clubhouse names, and everyone has jobs!

It's great!

Thanks for all of your hard work honey, I know the kids are going to love the playhouse for many, many, many years and then some!

Misc. pics from the last few weeks.

2009-04-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Sammy, Raelee, and Rozz at the last BBQ we had.

What cute girls!

It wouldn't be spring without some jalepeno poppers!

Bacon makes everything better! Mmmmm...bacon!

A couple nights back, Josh had a hankering for a pretzel.

So he made some!

They were really tasty!

Camryn turns 8!

2009-04-24T17:59:00.001-07:00

Camryn turned 8 on April 22!

We celebrated by her choosing her birthday dinner; she choose to have octopus dogs with blue noodles.

Mmmm...yummy!

Later she opened her presents from the family.

Yeah, gifts!

Camryn's birthday cake.

Shaped like a guitar for her Hip Hop Party.

One of the party games they played was pin the pick on the guitar.

The birthday girl goes first!

The birthday party crowd!

Playing freeze dance.

Singing Happy Birthday to Camryn!

Getting ready to blow out the candles.

Opening presents.

The Rockstar Boys!

The bathroom remodel...is done!

2009-04-24T17:53:00.001-07:00

We updated the main floor bathroom over the last few weeks.

It turned out quite nice if I do say so.

Thanks honey for all of your hard work, I love you!

We took down the old wall paper, painted, tore out the carpet and replaced it with vinyl.

Bathroom= Good as new

We hung up a mirror under the new light bar too.

(Not pictured)

Before pic from when we had just moved in.

Playhouse update

2009-04-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago, when the weather was still nice Josh and Will set to working on the playhouse.

Will helping with the walls.

What a stud!! haha

They got the walls up and got it sealed just in time.

We woke up to snow Sunday morning. I think it's been wet everyday since! We've either had rain, snow, or a rain/snow mix for about two weeks now. Yesterday and today have been pretty nice. Nothing like Spring in Utah. Gotta love it!

6 Wonderful years!

2009-04-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

Josh and I celebrated our 6th Anniversary back on March 18.

He bought me roses. 6 roses to be exact, one rose for each year we've been married. He's thoughtful like that. Once while we were dating, I got pink eye (not fun I tell ya!) and he sent me a dozen pink roses. Deep down he has a sensitive side...somewhere in there. It comes out occasionally.

While we didn't really do much, I had plans for a nice dinner, but somehow those plans didn't quite pan out, it did turn out to be a nice evening though.

Here's to a wonderful 6 years, with many more to come!

I love you!

The husband went fishing April 3, 2009

2009-04-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

Josh has been needing to fish. He took a fly fishing class earlier this year with his brother Travis and has been itchin for fishin ever since.
(The class was a 6 week long course with 3 river trips and some fly tying too!)

They decided to go to the Middle Prove river this last weekend and get their fish on.

Here's a brown trout beauty that Josh caught.

When the boys left it was cold and wet, but it got better!

What a gret day to go fishing!

Sad times in Bountiful...

2009-04-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it's hard times right now in the world. Financial woes are everywhere. I am sad to say that those woes have affected two of our favorite places here in Bountiful.
1st was Marbergers Meat and Deli, home to wonderful sandwiches, great cuts of meat, somewhere where they know your name when you walk in, Colton's 1st job, William's favorite place for a hot dog, and some amazing jalapeno/garlic stuffed green olives. My list could go on and on, but it won't bring Marbergers back.
So, a final farewell to Shane (owner) and crew. Thanks for great service with a smile and everything that came with it!
You guys were wonderful!

Shane Marberger - Owner Marbergers Meat and Deli.

I don't think I'll ever get as good a cut of meat again.

(I bought some steaks for our anniversary from Smith's and there was definently no comparison!)

Or a great sandwich!

The second place to go was Gordo's Mexican Restaurant. No where else could you go and get great authentic Mexican food for a reasonable price. Josh and I could have dinner for under $20.00 it was amazing. They had a wonderful Carne Asada burrito that was awesome, and so was their salsa! I could have eaten it all day long!

Farewell to my favorite places! Thanks for all of the good times! :( We're sad to see you close!

Weekend project #2356

2009-04-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

We've decided that's its time to build a play house for the kids. We've been throwing the idea around for the last couple of years, and decided that if we are going to build, it sooner would be better as the kids tend to want to grow up.

So, Travis came over to lend a hand and the guys got to work.

Busy building away.

More updates to come...it's still a work in progress as of 04/05/09. The weather hasn't been nice either!

A few more from Will's B-day.

2009-04-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Little Eden. Where's the dog?

Will got the grabber and a mop (not pictured) from Grandpa and Grandma Kilpack. These have been used quite a lot.

Presents and cousins!

Oh sweet, a Bionicle. I've been wanting one of these for ever!

More from Will's Birthday.

2009-04-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to blow out the candles! Make a wish...

Licking the frosting off.

Time to open presents, while Sammy is getting her groove on in the background.

Little Sammy, full of energy.

William turns 5! 03/07/2009

2009-04-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

WOW...my baby is no longer a baby. Not that he has been for a while, but I just find it so hard to believe that he is 5. Starting Kindergarten is just around the corner. It seems like just the other day, he was a baby. How time goes by.
Well, Happy Birthday Will!

Will with his new best friend Fluffy.

For Will's Birthday, I took him to the Gateway to the Build-A-Bear store. There he picked out this black Lab and helped put him together. He got to stuff him, give him some sound, put a heart in him, give him a bath, pick out some clothes and accessories, and take him home and love him forever. (for those who don't know Will very well, he is a huge dog lover!)

On Saturday, we celebrated Will's birthday with the family. He had a dog themed party with cake and ice cream too!

Will's cake.

I made him a train cake with dogs all over and Fire Truck cake too.

I have to admit that the Fire Truck looks more like a school bus, I could not get the frosting to go any redder!