Wiltbank Family

Kindergarten show and tell

2012-01-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

What has kindergarten show and tell come to? Last Friday Ella came home with a small brown paper sack and instructions that she would be having show and tell on Monday's and she needed to put her item in the small sack. She chose a small shinny polished blue rock and placed it in her bag. Later we realized that Monday was MLK day and there was no school. I was just excited we remember to put it in her backpack and told her to keep it there until the following Monday and we were going to be prepared. Yeah check that off of the list of things to remember! She came home today and said to me she just wasn't sure about bringing her rock. She then explained to me about all of the other things the kids had brought in. Of course the one over achiever parent also came in and did show in tell with his child. I am certain none of that stuff fit in the small brown bag! Well then Ella asked me if we could just make a blanket. Then she asked me what day it was. I told her it was Tues. Then she replied, "I guess we better get started!."

REALLY!?!?!

Family Christmas Party

2011-12-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

We had the family party at our house this year. We ate lots of yummy food, played minute to win it, and did the nativity. The kids also go to build their own sleigh out of candy and then they raced them.

2011-12-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Snowflakes anyone? Ella made snowflakes and opened up a snowflake store!

Weston plays Santa

2011-12-21T15:16:00.000-08:00

2011-12-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

Weston got to play Santa outside of CMI. He got paid for standing out front of the store dancing and waving customers in to ship their packages.

Santa Clause!

2011-12-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

Ella asked for an American girl doll and boots from the Wear. She was very nervous that she would forget what she wanted. While we stood in line she kept asking if I would help her. Oh how I love the sweet innocence and excitement!

Trett wants a laptop

Wyatt wants an i pod touch

Ashtyn wants skinny jeans and boots

Weston wasn't sure suggested that a soda fountain would be fun. Would love a new phone just got one in Sept finally got a list and wants a i pad

Decorating the Christmas tree!

2011-12-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

This year we didn't have enough time to go and cut down a live tree so we set up our artificial tree. The kids wanted to draw to see who could put the star on the tree and Wyatt was the winner! I have to laugh when I see the picture of Brent and I.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

We enjoy getting to go up to Eagar. Thanksgiving was a lot of fun getting to see cousins and aunts, uncles and grandma. The kids played, we went to the movies, made flarp, did a little clean up, and made Christmas crafts. We really had a good time!

Weston's Elk

2011-12-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

Weston shot his first elk. Brent and Weston did a speed hunt over Thanksgiving break.

Snow Fun!

2011-12-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

We love when we visit Eagar and it snows!

Thanksgiving at Grandma Cheryl's house

2011-12-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

We went to Eagar for Thanksgiving. We had a lot of fun hanging out with family we don't get to see too much of.

2011-11-20T16:30:00.003-08:00

Lots of new posts. If you REALLY want to catch up with the Wiltbanks you only have to click older posts twice.

Young Women in Excellence

2011-11-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

I have been put in as young women's president and feel very overwhelmed! We just had our young women in excellence. It was about "Who" Believes and then we discussed testimonies. Each girl displayed their testimony next to their projects and each started with I believe. These super cute owl cupcakes were our desserts. We also gave the girls cute notebooks that each Sunday after the lesson they get a few minutes to write something that happened that week to strengthened their testimony. We will put their typed up testimonies in their testimony journals and then they can take them home at the end of next year and display them for next years Young Women in Excellence.

Drawing names for Christmas

2011-11-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Every year the kids draw each others names for Christmas. A fun family tradition!

Wes gets a new steer

2011-11-20T16:16:00.000-08:00

Wes got a new steer. He has a lot of work ahead of him. He doesn't have a name yet.

Modest is the Hottest!

2011-11-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

Our young women had a fashion show. Ashtyn and her beehive class showed how to be modest in everyday clothes.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

Ella the witch

Wyatt the vampire

Trett came up with costume and said he was Tron

Ashtyn decided not to dress up this year. Just kidding she was a cute nerd

I bought these fake mustaches at the dollar store. Everyone had a lot of fun playing with them.

Wyatt with his friends Zach and Taydon

Megan Riedhead and Ella

Ashtyn and her friends

We had a great time at the ward trunk or treat!

Soccer is over!

2011-11-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

Ella's team did a great job this year. She is a super athlete. Having three in soccer is crazy but the kids love doing it!

Trett turns 9!

2011-11-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

Trett wanted to have a party at the park with his friends, play football and eat pizza.

And of course all he wanted for his birthday was MONEY!

Carving Pumpkins

2011-11-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

Ella drew eyelashes on her pumpkin and didn't like them so she covered them with masking tape. Too cute!

Wyatts 7th Birthday!

2011-11-20T15:36:00.000-08:00

Musical Chairs

Wyatt begged for a pinata.

He wanted a football cake. With life being so busy I left Brent in charge of making the cake. Why hasn't he made all the cakes? He did such an awesome job! The boys loved it! Way to go dad you have a new job as the cake decorator.

Wyatt wondering why got a box of Nutter Butter

Yeah it was full of money!

Kids in the neighborhood

2011-11-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

We have great kids in the neighborhood. They play football, ride bikes, play basketball and just hang out. I love having kids here to just hang out!

Homecoming Prince

2011-11-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Weston was nominated for the freshman homecoming prince. Such a cutie!

Apple Annies

2011-11-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

In Wilcox they have a really fun family far. Apples Annie's is full of sunflowers, apples, corn, fresh veggies and pumpkins. The kids in school get to go on a field trip to Apple Annie's. This time I got to go with Wyatt. It is always so much fun! I enjoyed spending the day with him!

Tons of corn

Lots of beautiful sunflowers

Fun corn maze

The group of kids I got to hang out with

A hayride to the pumpkin patch

Wyatt got to pick and cut his own pumpkin

More corn

Wyatt and his super fun friend Jack.

Thanks for the great day! I will always cherish it!

Safford Snow

2011-11-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

When all the cotton has bloomed we are surround by fields of white fluffy cotton. I tell the kids to enjoy the Safford snow. This is the closest we come to having it look like it has snowed.

Fair

2011-11-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

Brent does a display for the Co Op every year. They have a fun booth set up where the kids can watch a fun demonstration on how to be safe around electricity. He is a lot of fun to watch and the kids love him!

Ella made this super cute fall tree with her kindergarten class and they displayed them in at the fair!

Chuck

2011-11-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

Chuck in his pin waiting for the auction. All the kids love to come by and see the animals, including Wyatt.

Weston did great showing Chuck for the auction. In all it was a great learning experience and a lot of hard work and fun!

Chuck

2011-11-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

Chuck was a GREAT starter steer for Weston. Check him out! You have to work with the animal a lot to get them to be so kind. Good job Weston. The little kids would also go and lay on him in his pin. I tried to explain that if he were to roll over he would crush them. Brent would call him and he would perk up and come to the fence. So hard to let such a sweetie go! He weighed over 1300 pounds and went for $3.75 a pound. They only earn up 1200 pounds so the person that bought it got over a hundred pounds for free! Way to Wes!

The kids enjoying the show! One steer got mad and took off kicked the judge and tore the judges pants!

This was a great learning experience for the whole family!

Young Women in Excellence

2011-11-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

For Ashtyn's project she learned to bottle pears. Way to go it sure was nice to have some fun help in the kitchen!

Football

2011-11-20T14:35:00.000-08:00

Brent is so good about playing games with the kids. After conference we played our annual family game.

Conference fall 2011

2011-11-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

Trett earned his Wolf

2011-11-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

Trett earned his Wolf badge in scouts! We are very proud of you Trett!

Weston turns 15!

2011-11-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

Weston had a great 15th birthday! We took him and a few friends for pizza. We let him ditch football practice. When we got to Pizza Hut a few of his team mates were there. They asked where he was during practice, razed him a bit then sang happy birthday to him. He got a phone for his birthday. Check out all these cutre cousins and siblings that think he is so cool.

THE CURB?!?!?

2011-10-19T12:53:00.001-07:00

After the Saturday morning conference session I left the TV on the BYU station because I love the shows that follow. Well I did NOT like what I saw and heard. It was all about missionaries and the MTC and the new policy of leaving them at the curb!!! I have to leave my son at the curb?!? I am going to have him leave for 2 years to a new area and leave him at the curb? We don't even let our kids spend the night! I know that Weston could be left on the curb right now in his life and be fine but do they understand that a mother needs to go in meet the people and check out the facilities? The curb? What?!? I have cried in the shower and have spoke with other moms. By the way don't ask a mom that has just sent her son to explain to you about the curb. We had the missionaries over for dinner and asked if they were left at the CURB. One missionary stated that his mom came in his room 2 years before his mission and sat on his bed and cried. He said that he tried to explain that two years was a long time but his mother was still upset. I thought I should call her and talk to her. I spoke to a girl I work with and she said that her parents said goodbye at the airport and it was great! The more I speak to this is the way to go and it is so much better that way. I have come to terms wit it. VERY glad that I get to be a little prepared. I guess I am just realizing that now the clock seems to be running out!

My home away from home...

2011-09-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

I spend a LOT of time in my Suburban. I remember when school was about to start and how I was not only dreading having the kids gone but all the running I would have to do. We spend on average $80.00 a week on gas just for the Suburban. We try to stay in town if we know someone will need to be picked up soon so sometimes we are waiting a lot to try to save on gas money.

Not only did school start but so did three kids in soccer, tryouts, football, soccer practice & games, rides to school, parent meetings, volunteering at school, programs, work and mutual. There is so much more but those are just a few to mention. So I put together a few things that have helped us a lot while living out of the suburban. First of all I have this fun box that not only carries all of our stuff but also doubles as something for the kids to write on. It is full of pencils, crayons, lined paper, pencil sharpener, rubber bands, a ruler, erasers, glue sticks, scissors, comb, hair ponies, and band aids. We have used this numerous times while waiting for someone or while driving somewhere. The kids mostly use it for homework and entertaining themselves.

Card games are very important. We leave the house at about 7:10 am. We drop off the older kids then have about 15-20 min to wait for the younger kids to be dropped of at school. We park in the parking lot and play games. We started with just a few games but got tired of Go Fish and Old Maid. I love these few minutes we have we really have a good time before school.

Then after I drop the kids off I go straight to work and have about 10 minutes until anyone is there to open the doors. I also find myself waiting for the kids during and after practice. So I love having the Book of Mormon and sometimes the Ensign. The snacks are super handy for those days the kids are dying for food or I have had too many disasters in the morning and I really need breakfast before work.

I also have two bobby pins on the dashboard. They are great for myself or Ashtyn when we need one for unruly hair. Also they help hold down those papers that need to go to someone and the kids aren't stepping on them or they aren't getting crumpled.

Tape, sticky notes and I would add scissors (those are in the school box) are also big to have in your glove box. I use these all the time. Not only for other things but also for myself.

Wipes we all have those and know how essential they are.

The back of the car usually has Trett's bike helmet. When he rides to school all I have to do is load the bike and not search for the helmet when we are in a hurry. The BIG umbrella for games outdoors. Stadium seats and water. The water is a bit odd because it is soo hot here that we need the water but when we crack one open they are filled with very warm water. But many times the older kids want one for school.

Last but not least. Change or cash is also very important. Snow cones are only .50 cents and a fun way to kill about thirty minutes while we are in town. Also cash in the wallet is very important. I can't tell you how many times the kids need a few dollars for a school event. These are just a few of my helpful hints for those of us living in the car. Now if only I could fit my washer and dryer in.

Feathers...

2011-09-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

The big rage for all the girls is feathers in your hair. I think they are fun! Ashtyn got some put in her hair a few weeks ago. She was a tiny bit mad because I told them to tuck them under so that when she needed them hidden for when she was in the temple they could be. So she just pulls her hair back to show them off! Super cute Ashtyn!

Trett got his Wolf in Scouts

2011-09-30T19:00:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of the summer Trett earned his Wolf in scouts. We have been through a few changes in scouts and we have been really busy so getting his award has been hard. We finally made it to pack meeting and Trett got his Wolf! Way to go Trett!

Camping

2011-09-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

Brent took the kids camping with his family. We usually go to the Wiltbank Family Reunion during Labor Day but with the fires there wasn't the normal reunion. They went up to Luna Lake and had a blast!

2011-09-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Okay so every time I get on my blog I can't help but notice that I desperately need to update my kids pictures. For the life of me I can't. Look at those little faces! The super cute grins and the chubby cheeks. No make up and long hair. I will have to wait a bit longer before I can ever change those cute little pictures.

Soccer

2011-09-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

Soccer is in full swing. This is Ella's first year playing. On her team there is another Ella, herself Ella and a Bella. When the coach was trying to figure out what to call each Ella our little Ella said just call me Wiltbank! Her team name is the Pink Tigers. Trett is playing hard and loves the sport. His team is called, Orange Crush. He is very good at soccer Trett Wyatt and their friends play soccer at recess. Wyatt is a natural at the sport and is very good at the game. He always scores a lot of goals during the game. His team this year are the Lemon Heads. They all are amazing!

2011-09-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

Trett gets to drive the lawn tractor! The kids love to sit on Brent's lap and help mow the lawn. This time Trett got to drive it around after they were finished! He loves to drive four wheelers so this was lots of fun for him!

2011-09-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

Ella finally crashed the second day after school. I thought it was a tradition for all of my kindergartners to crash after school. She held out the longest!
I loved this Coconut Tree project! She had to get the book to take the picture with her coconut tree! SUPER CUTE!

Selina Gomez

2011-08-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Ella was so excited to let me know that she has Selina Gomez in her class. She knows who Selina Gomez is because her brothers, 8 and 6, are madly in love with her and give no excuses for being in love with her. There just happens to be a girl in Ella's class with the same name. Selina was trying to convince Ella she was THE Selina Gomez from Wizards of Waverly Place. Ella then told her if she were a wizard she should take out her wand and make her some soup. (My first thought was soup? Gee I would ask for something better then soup!) Selina then told her that she didn't have her wand. I then tried to explain that she looked different then the girl on TV. She then said yeah because those guys on TV are much smaller. Yesterday when she came home she said that Selina told her to meet her and she would show her some magic. Poor little Ella is convinced, regardless of what I and others try to tell her, Selina Gomez is in her class. I then told her no more! Be nice to Selina but go and play with your other friends. I think it could get way out of hand! I then explained to Brent what was going on and added a few things I had heard from Wyatt. She then said mom how did you know that? I then stated I am a mom I know everything. She just stared at me. Too funny! If only Selina were really from Wizards of Waverly Place I would have her over for a play date!

First Day of School

2011-08-10T12:31:00.001-07:00

Ella is starting to spread her little wing and fly. My baby has gone to kindergarten! She is very excited and has Mrs. Smallwood for a teacher. Her first morning went well and she will do great!

Waiting in line to go into her classroom

Trett has Ms. Irwin. When I wasn't sure who his teacher was I asked him if she was the really pretty teacher. He smiled, shook his head yes and said I guess!

Wyatt also got a good teacher, Mrs Garcia. She said she has taught for 16 years so she knows exactly what to expect. She loves for parent involvement. Wyatt also has a lot of his friends in his class.

Ashtyn had er first day in middle school. She had a real classy first day of school outfit picked out so I was surprised when she came out in some cute jeans and a T shirt. She was worried about PE. She was a tiny bit nervous but is excited. She is also trying out for volleyball!

Weston is now in High School! WOW! He was calm an cool this morning. He has already started football so I think the first day wasn't too nerve racking because he already knows a lot of the guys.

I can hardly believe that I have all of my kids in school. And my first year of it my oldest goes to high school! Life is crazy a lot around here. I did have a few tears this morning after I left Ella. I called Brent and that is when I had the hardest time. I am unsure of this new chapter in my life. I have started working part time and will be home when the kids are home. I love to be at home, this is a big adjustment. Things are going well. As much as I am apprehensive about all this change and would love to have them all back to babies I do see how much they have grown and it is fun to see what they become.

Family Time on the Mountain!!!

2011-08-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

Heading up to the mountain. Just what we wanted rain and cool weather!
Saturday we went to Mason's baptism. On the way home Brent said lets head up to the mountain. So we swung into the store on the way home got some food and drinks ran home changed, packed up and we were off. We did call the family and even some friends but no one answered or called back so we were off just as a family. It was such a good relaxing time! It rained and the temperature was about 58 degrees. We really enjoyed being together as a family and we were all glad we went!

Playing cards

Relaxing

My kids even run around in the mountains without shoes!!!

School Lists Posted

2011-08-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Every year the kids ask all summer long if the list is up. This Friday it was posted and the kids get to see who their teacher is. I think this year the kids all got good teachers.

2011-08-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

Okay maybe my complaining is making it worse. Today Brent came home from work and said I think the car is done. Then he said, "could you imagine what our life would be like if we were not serving in the church? We have been blessed with so many blessings I don't want to think what it would be like otherwise." I then thought I am glad one of us is in the right frame of mind because that wasn't my first thought. Such a sweetie!

2011-08-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to wonder if my house is starting to fall apart. Not to be a pessimist but I thought I might list a few things in my home that have decided to break on me all around the same time.

Dishwasher well over a year ago NEED and WANT one SOOO BAD!

Refrigerator since we had to have this more it was bought before the ever so wanted dishwasher

Oven

VCR/DVD Player

Washing Machine
And while I was complaining to myself wondering what will break next I happened to be getting some ironing out and well lets just add the ironing board to the list!

Weston and Chuck

2011-07-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Weston and his friend Riley. Riley's and Weston have known each other since they were both in the womb. No kidding, his parents and us took Lamaze class together. Riley's family has shown Weston a lot of love and support. They got him started on the steer and and have helped him every step of the way. On a side note Riley's family has also known my grandpa and great uncle for a long time. I think it is wonderful how things get to go full circle and I think there is a little help from the other side since those two sweet men have passed. Along with Riley's great grandpa who was dear friends with my grandpa and great uncle. I love thinking about it!

Weston got to show his steer this weekend. He learned a lot and did a great job!

Weston and Wyatt on the Taco!!!

2011-07-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

Wyatt hung out with me with the younger kids for a while then he and Weston were off to ride all the rides. I just love those big walls to hold them in if they were to go over the side.

Sunsplash

2011-07-31T20:42:00.000-07:00

Being lazy in the lazy river

Waiting for the bucket to drop lots of water

The two thrill seekers! And yes Trett did come but I only got to see him a few times he and Hayden were too busy riding rides. We had a lot of fun!

The next day we went school shopping :) That was a long day but we all made it through okay!

Girls Camp

2011-07-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

Ashtyn went to girls camp for the first time. They did have to come home a day early because of the Wallow Fire. She said that she had a lot of fun!

2011-07-17T17:06:00.001-07:00

Sock Skating

2011-07-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

The kids love to sock skate. Some how they interpreted go to bed to go sock skating.

Evacuees

2011-07-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

My mom and my sisters family had to leave their homes when the Wallow Fire got too dangerous. They came and hung out with us for a few days. We had a really good time! We went swimming, went for walks, played games, visited and I got to learn how to use my sun oven and I love it! I also got to learn from their experience. I had a great time and hated to see them leave.

Lunch in the Tree House

2011-07-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ella and her friend Megan made their own lunch and spent a long time eating, giggling and talking up in the tree house.

Toothless Wyatt

2011-07-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of these cute smiles. It always amazes me how much a f a gap that two tiny teeth make once they are gone. My favorite is the way they talk and sing without their front teeth. Love it!

Wallow Fire

2011-07-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the mountain when you are first comming into Alpine.

Water Fight

2011-07-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Ella and Wyatt went outside to have an innocent afternoon of playing in the water

Then everyone got in on it. Weston was running from Brent with the hose and his pants fell off!

Then Brent and Weston thought Grandma and I needed to be in on it too! I was sitting by Grandma watching the fun when Brent grabbed me and held me while Wes sprayed me down. My oh my.... well water is COLD!

Richard Reunion

2011-07-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

We went to the Richard reunion in Show Low the kids had a blast!

Fishing

Canoe rides

LOTS of swimming

These two cuties swam across the length of the lake!

Very impressive!

4th of July

2011-07-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Brent had these shirts made up to show his frustration with the Wallow fire

Ruger made this awesome bike made out of PVC pipe from his parents hardware store. He invited Wyatt to jump on and help him throw the candy before Ruger finished his sentence Wyatt was on the back of the bike throwing candy and waving like a celebrity!

Last year this float was Abraham Lincoln I wonder what next year will be!

We went to Tonya and Bill's for hamburgers after the parade. While we waited for everyone to get there Brent had Ashtyn do a little driving. She even got up to a speed of 25, she was a bit nervous but now begs Brent to take her again.

When the Dutton escaped from the fire to our house Weston and Ruger worked on the go cart. Ruger took it back home and got it running. The boys had a really good time taking it for a spin!

Being a mom keeps me humble

2011-05-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

We were getting ready to head to the public pool and Ella insisted on helping me get my swim suit on. She was present in the stuffing of the swim suit. I have a lot to stuff into this spandex suit! She said, "are you putting your shorts on?" I said, "yes" and she said, "good then people won't go ugh look at that girl!"

A Tiny Get Away

2011-05-29T23:54:00.000-07:00

After all of the graduations, permotions and awards Brent and I decided we would leave the kids with family and friends when we went to Markie's graduation. We stayed at this cute little cabin overnight and did a tiny getaway. I love that Brent keeps talking about how much he loved getting away. It was VERY short and we will have to do it again. We headed back home the next morning to get Brent back to Safford to a BBQ cook off competition. He and Kurt did a great job and took home a few awards. Brent's parents also surpised us and got into town just a few hours after we got in.

I feel like we have been going and going and going.

I think after the last few weeks we need a vacation away from it all. I know that I have been really short with the kids (Sorry kids I will do better!) so a little R and R away from all of it and just concentrating on our little family is something we really need. Now if only we can find some time to do that!

I think I could live here all summer! Bring the kids and play outside all summer long.

Markie' High School Graduation

2011-05-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

Markie graduated from High School. We are very proud of you Markie! I got to see my sisters and mom whom I don't get to see very much so it was a fun treat to see them for the night. Congradulations Markie we love you!

Ashtyn's Last Day at Elemantry School

2011-05-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

Ashtyn didn't want to leave school. She hugged all of her friends and held on forever. She had tears and said mom I don't want to go. I don't blame her she is growing up way too fast. In her 6th grade class she got, Best Girl Basketball Player and Best Girl Athlete. Yeah way to go!!

Trett's Second Grade Class

2011-05-29T23:34:00.000-07:00

Trett has an amazing teacher!! She has a dog that she brings to school with her it is a therapy dog. The kids love having her in the classroom. This year Trett got a certificate for second grade as Mr. Outgoing. Way to go Trett!

Wyatt's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-05-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

Mrs Reidhead and Wyatt. Keri, Wyatt's kindergarten teacher, took on a huge task taking on this class. This little class lost one of their dear friends and then their teacher moved away only a few weeks later. Keri did a great job and the kids had a super year!

These boys are adorable! I loved snapping a few pictures of them. Wyatt is a special kid. He has this HUGE Heart and as soft as they come. He loves his mom and still goes out of his way to please me. Lots of fun to be his mom!
Just a side note. Looking at Wyatt shirt I think we could have chose a bit better for graduation. I think the skull shirt with the football head is all in good fun but far away all I could lthink was what was I thinking! Sorry Wyatt you will look back and wonder what kind of a mother you had!

Graduating

2011-05-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Weston leaving middle school for the last time

Weston looks so handsome at his 8th grade permotion. Way to go Weston we are very proud of you!
Weston gets good grades, doesn't have to be told to do things he just gets things done and in a excellent way. We are very blessed to have such a good kid!

Weston's Friends

2011-05-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

Proud Parents

2011-05-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

After 8th Grade Promotion Party

2011-05-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

After Weston's 8th grade permotion we had a get together with his aunts, uncles and cousins. We made ice cream sundaes, opened gifts and did a little dancing! Then they had a big party at the Manor House for the 8th graders!

Athlete of the year

2011-05-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

Weston got athlete of the year at Safford Middle School. Lauren Lewis was the girl athlete of the year. Wes is very dedicated to working and constantly playing ball. It amazes me how much he loves to play basketball. Some days he would go to practice for 2 hours and then come home and play outside for another hour. He runs, works out and lifts all the time. Way to go Weston!!

Preschool Graduation

2011-05-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

Ella has graduated from preschool. It is hard for me to take in that my baby will be in kindergarten. Ella will do super in kindergarten she is very grown up and very secure about who she is. For graduation she and I had to make a doll that looked like her.

This is the BEST preschool teacher ever! She, Susan Norton, has survived three years of Wiltbank kids. We just loved her and it is sad we have no more kids to take to her.

Fathers and Sons

2011-05-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

The boys left on the annual fathers and sons camp out. This year they went to Snow Flat on the mountain. They left early and went fishing at Riggs. Wes and Cooper went fishing with them. The girls and I went to dinner and ice cream. Ella went to the Reidhead's house to sleep over and Ashtyn had a friend and her cousin sleep over. Lots of FUN!

Mothers Day

2011-05-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day around here can be..... well for a lack of better words a BIT overwhelming. This year wasn't bad. The night before was really fun! We cooked BBQ chicken in the dutch oven and then roasted marshmallows over the fire. Ella fell asleep snuggling her dad and the boys and I laid on the trampoline and looked at the stars, talked a lot then snuggled in and fell asleep. The boys fell asleep sooner then I did and snuggled in close to keep warm. I couldn't help but think how blessed I was. I love being a mom!

2011-05-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Ashtyn and Weston got to be on a 3 on 3 tournament for basketball. Both of their teams took first and did a really great job!

The Dutton's came and visited us. It was good to see them we had a lot of fun when they came. We went to Spring Sing, the 3 on 3 and supported Brent on Sunday!

A friend of theirs, Michael, came with them and was a huge hit with the boys because he sure had some SKILLS!

Wyatt and baseball

2011-05-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Wyatt would love to watch the "big" guys play ball. So he was thrilled when we signed him up to play baseball. He loves it but also said it is a bit boring.

Just a side note on Wyatt he is doing so well now I am very proud of him for over coming such a huge trial. He is a sweet boy and still showers me with kindness. It makes me realize there will be many more trials to come to all of us and with the love of family, friends and lots of prayers and faith we will be okay!

Easter

2011-05-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

I love those morning faces!

Wyatt found the Golden Egg!!!

We had a fun Easter weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Wiltbank came and celebrated with us. Brent was also released as the second counselor in the bishopric. He is such a sweetheart. It tore him up to leave and says he will miss the youth a lot.

2011-05-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

This tooth hung on for dear life. Wyatt would smile and the tooth would be sticking straight out forward. It just never wanted to come out. Then one day the boys were wrestling on the trampoline and Trett kneed Wyatt in the mouth and out it came. Wyatt has never been so happy to be kneed in the mouth! Now we are working on the one next to it. Funny how once one tooth falls out they all start to fall out and how can such a tiny tooth leave such a big hole. Such a cutie!

Pizza Oven

2011-05-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

Kurt made this wonderful pizza oven! I love it! The pizzas cook in just minutes and the pizza is fabulous! When eating the pizza you loose track of how much you have "tried" each different pizza looks so good and is that you just have to try every kind that comes out! Brent promises to make us one. I was talking to some friends of Kurt's and Diana's and they say they have also cooked a roast and bread in their oven. I am so excited I just hope I really will get one!

New chicks

2011-05-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Yeah the new chicks have finally arrived! We currently have 8 chickens that lay eggs. Not enough to eat on for a family of 7. Especially when we do baking. We are suppose to be getting more soon and then we should be set this fall. We should have extra eggs then so come by and get a few!

Ella

2011-05-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

5 things I LOVE about Ella!

1. Her creativity
2. Her confidence
3. Her smile
4. Teachable
5. FUN personality

Happy Birthday Ella!

2011-05-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ella helped decorate her birthday party invites! I thought the rainbows and clouds were super cute!

I think it looks like Ella in the box

Ella and her cousin Clark are such good little friends. On her birthday, after preschool she had Clark come over to play. We got two happy meals. We rarely get to go to McDonalds and they thought it was a real treat. We just went through the drive in and on our way back home Ella and Clark had a cute conversation. Clark said once I got to play on the playground at McDonalds and Ella responded me too. Someday I think they will be glad we gave them some good homemade meals!

Ella turned five! Yes my baby is now five! I can hardly believe it! Ella's saw that her cousin Saylor had a rainbow party and she had to have one. She made it really simple on me this year. She didn't want a cake just rainbow popsicles. She and her friends ran through the sprinkler, jumped on the trampoline, did water balloon games and played musical chairs.

Gold Panning

2011-05-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

Brent loves the idea of gold panning. So for Christmas a few years ago he got gold panning stuff. He has gone a few times to a creek and did some gold panning. He also did a little panning when he went to Alaska. Then some friends of ours brought us some dirt from a mine that their father is mining in. We found some gold and the kids had fun thinking that any moment we were going to find that huge chunk of gold!

Kindergarten Registration

2011-04-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Ella is officially signed up for kindergarten. She thought for sure that now she would be going to kindergarten not preschool. On our way there we talked a little about what she was going to be asked. She was a bit nervous and hoped she would answer everything right. I tried to reassure her that she would do great and not to worry. We went in filled out lots of papers and they took her back to start her testing. I finished my paper work and was waiting in the hallway. She walked passed me with a big smile a wave and went on to her next room to say the alphabet. Soon I heard this loud beautiful voice singing with a very beautiful tune belting out the alphabet. The moms in the hallway giggled and told the mother of the child she had a beautiful voice, and she did! I then realized Ella was the poor child that had to follow such a performance and knew all too well she was now wondering if she too had to perform at that level and kindergarten was on the line. Later I asked her what she was thinking while that other girl was singing the alphabet so good. She said, "I sat there and thought, WHAT THE...???" Too funny to imagine her sitting there in a big chair feet dangling watching this girl belting out the alphabet and thinking WHAT THE??? Luckily they let her into kindergarten! What a relief!!

Planting the garden

2011-04-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year when everything is blooming and turning green. Planting flowers and the garden. Brent teased us about our bare feet but the freshly tilled ground feels so good on your feet. The BIG plus is that we are together as a family.

Albuquerque

2011-04-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Wiltbank took us on a trip to Albuquerque New Mexico. We had a really good time!

On the way we stopped at this neat rock formation
One of these kids is not like the other....

Wiltbank grand kids

When we got to Albuquerque we checked into our motel room and then went to this neat park to eat lunch. The park was also surrounded by museums and fun statues.

The kids loved this slide. I never would have thought that it would be so fun!

Then we went swimming at the motel. Brent went into the lobby and turned on the game so he could watch it through the glass and enjoy swimming with the kids. (March Madness)
The next day we went to the zoo and the aquarium. We got to ride a train in between both of them. Here is a picture of the boys waiting for the train. It took some time to get there so they decided they would listen for the train to see if it was coming.

At the zoo I got Wes and Brent in their natural environment. Just kidding! One of the mama's was nursing her baby and she even leaned over and kissed her baby on the shoulder. Too sweet!

The kids acting like a bunch of orangutans! The kids loved to watch the orangutans there was this little baby orangutans that played it up for the on lookers. He would fall off a branch and keep rolling then when he got up he would look at us and hold his hands in the air!
This was Brent and Wes's favorite! He would eat then spit it up and then look at everyone and eat it again and then do it over again each time the food that he spit up got bigger and bigger.
Sweet little Pierce got lost. I thought Wyatt's T shirt was fitting. "No one Gets Left Behind" He was probably confused seeing how it is always a zoo when we get together!

At the aquarium the kids could touch the sting rays and the little sharks

This tunnel was full of fish and lots of fun to walk through!

Jellyfish and Weston

This huge fish never closed his mouth

White turtle

There was this huge of glass wall and inside there were sharks, turtles and fish. This was fun and a bit serene watching the fish. The kids LOVED it!

There was also a lot of neat things surrounding the zoo and aquarium. Lots of different gardens and this fun park that made you feel smaller then an ant. There was also an old homestead,a Chinese garden and a garden that had play trains and if you pushed the button you could watch them travel through the garden.

We had a REALLY GOOD TIME! Thank you Grandpa and Grandma!!!

Happy Birthday Ashtyn

2011-04-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

I know I should try to find a sweeter picture of Ash but this also says volumes about her personality. I can hardly believe that she is 12 and loving YW! She has met me in height and always getting compliments on how beautiful she is. Love you Ashtyn Happy birthday!

12 things I love about you!

1. Your sweet spirit
2. You are teachable
3. Love your red hair
4. Personality, pretty funny
5. You were there when I needed someone the most
(ask me sometime)
6. Your caring heart for animals
7. Sweet way you love to help the little kids
8. I love that you can do hair so well and share your talent
9. I love to hear you sing
10. I love that you like to make cookies just like me
11. The way you let everyone be your friend
12. Just because you are you and I get to be a part of that!

Ashtyn turns 12!

2011-04-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ashtyn and a few of her friends went to Roper Lake to play in the water and have fun in the sun! I loved watching these girls play and laugh. Brent got this really fun trampoline from a friend and the kids had a ball on it. Weston pulled the girls around for a little while. I am sure they really loved that. I heard one of the girls that has an older sister in middle school where Wes is say that her sister told her that if you don't know Weston Wiltbank you don't anything. Lets just hope he didn't hear that.

Ella and the boys also loved getting to finally break out the suits and get wet and play in the sand!

Cutie

LOVE, TRUE LOVE

2011-04-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

When I was packing up I saw this. Brent is such a sweetie!

Really?!?!!

2011-04-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

I know it is important to teach your kids to work but really?!?!!! How can it be that they even got the door closed? Never mind I guess it does look well balanced. On the bright side they are good at balancing things! Where is that magic wand? Fairy dust anyone?

Wyatt

2011-03-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I was driving to get pick up some kids I had Wyatt in the front seat with me. He and Ella had just finished up an afternoon on the trampoline, he was home because he had strep again, so he had sun kissed skin, swim trunks on and no shirt. I was relishing the fact that he was home and playing with Ella just like the good old days last year, it was a lot of fun! He sat looking out the car window and then asked me if I wanted to know something that would be dangerous. So for all of you out there here is Wyatt's advice for the day. He said that you should never jump out of a car window while the car is moving into another open car window because that could be very dangerous. I then said you have seen too many movies. He then assured me he never saw that before on a movie. More I thought about it I am convinced that he is all boy and YES he could have conjured that up all on his own.

One more cute thing on Wyatt. Today he handed me a birthday invitation and said, "here this girl invited me to a princess party and said that I could come and be the prince. I'M NOT GOING!"

Ashtyn Makes the All Star Team!

2011-03-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

Ashtyn made the all star team this year. The team is made up of the best players out of all three schools. They play against teams from surrounding towns. She played hard and her team took third this year. Way to ASHTYN!! You ROCK!

STARZ

2011-03-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

Ashtyn played on the Starz team this year. Her dad helped coach her team. She was the highest scorer out of all of the girls in all three schools!

Beautiful Girls

2011-03-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

Look at these CUTIE PA TOOTIES! Anetta's came to play and both had pony tails so Ella had to have some too!

2011-03-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

Like I have said in past posts we have been sick at this house with something all year long. Trett had a bit of a bug and stayed home. I had it and it made you really tired and a bit sick to your tummy with a head ache. I had forgotten how much friends Trett and Ella are. Before he went to school they were best friends. Yes my last three are very close but these two seemed to share something more. While he was home the two of them had a ball. I hardly saw them and loved to peek in at them or drop in on a conversation. They made snow cones, curled Ella's hair and I caught them just hanging out on the trampoline just visiting.

Sesame Seeds

2011-03-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if I wrote this one down on Wyatt or not but it was funny so I thought I better before I forget it. One day we were eating hamburgers and we usually just get the cheap buns but on this occasion we had the sesame seed buns. Wyatt asked me what they were and I told him they were sesame seeds. He then asked me if we planted them would we grow more buns! I think I will never see a hamburger bun with sesame seeds and not think of Wyatt.

Happy President's Day

2011-03-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

I REALLY LOVE all the cute stuff the kids make. Mrs Norton is the best at super cute projects. Ella brought these cuties home with a song that she sang something like, "Horay for Mrs Washington!" I can see how she may be a bit confused on the Mr and Mrs part because they do seem to have dresses on but I thought these were dang cute! Especially Mr Washington with his cotton ball of hair pulled back with yarn!

Snow

2011-03-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday it snowed again! The snow did not stick but the kids loved the few minutes it did snow.

2011-03-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

One day I looked in the front yard and saw Weston with his steer. He told me he had to walk him to get him ready to show. This I understood but is he going to walk him in down the street next?!