Going Private

I've been thinking about making our blog private on and off again since I started it. The time has now come to make it so.

So, if you would like to continue to read updates on the Kilistoff Klan :) please leave you email address and I will send you an invitation.

Some goings on...

So much has been going on over the course of the past months and there is so much to share but here are only a few of the highlights.

Greta keeping Joe company during his illness. Swine flu... maybe. Thankfully it made the rounds without lasting effects.

Greta like most ladies loves to talk on the phone. Here she is chatting with her auntie Maria.

Dressing up with Edwin.

What up J-dog? Joseph is still loving school and is continuing to excel in learning a second language. His reading skills amaze me. Joe has designated himself as reader for family scriptures.

The band!!! Our last gig at the Halloween party.

Not happy to be posing for mom.

Raking, raking, raking. 52 bags so far and I'm guessing we'll fill at least another 7.

Cheese!

Two cuties...

Joseph is in a Steve Nash basketball program. It's such a blast. I have come to realize that I'm 'one of those mother's' yelling on the sidelines. It's even more fun for me because he's been playing at my old elementary. I used to climb all that stuff in the background.

Joe just loves it and his skill increases each week.

Here he is practicing his 'triple threat'.

His uncle Kent is one of the coaches and his cousin and best friend are on his team.

Taking a shot...

Good "D" Joe!

Happy 31st Ryan!

This post goes out to the man that makes all my wildest dreams come true.

Going to local fairs and other excursions ...

Bringing me home to the place I love...

Fulfilling all my travel desires...

Marrying ME!!...

Having 3 kids while slaving away in school... all arriving during exams :)
Greta and her daddy
Edwin and his daddy...
Joseph and his daddy.

This list could go on and on.

You are the man of my dreams!

I love you.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Happy Birthday EDWIN!!!

Edwin turned 5 last friday! He had his first real friend party. We normally have had just a family party because November was always so crazy for Ryan with exams.

Edwin was so excited. We had games, stories, make your own pizzas, make your own cupcake and blow out the candle, presents, more games, a dance party and tons of fun. We'll never be able to go back to the quiet 'family only' parties, I'm sure.

Edwin is a treasure. He has such a kind and generous heart. He truly loves his mommy... my quickest labour, only 12 hrs. Recently we were driving in the car just the two of us. He was being so quiet I asked him if he was ok. His response was, "I just thought I would give you a little peace." He does bring us much peace and joy. Edwin also has quite a feisty side as well. He loves wrestling and tickling. But he is always ready for a snuggle as well.

We love you Edwin! You are a joyful blessing to our family.

Big news!

Many of you know that my parents have been serving a mission for the LDS church in San Diego for over a year now. They will be coming home after Jan. 21st of next year. We've really missed them and have enjoyed the blessing of housesitting for them.

Saturday, my parents called to say that Dad has been called to serve as the first counsellor in the Langley Temple due to open in May 2010. What does this mean for them and us? Well, it looks like their return home will be brief and we will have a chance to continue to dig ourselves out of school debt.

We are so excited for them. It will be so nice to have them only 4 hours away.

Congratulations Dad and Mom!!!

Trick or Treat

This afternoon we headed out downtown to do a little trick or treating.

Joseph has really gotten into "homemade costumes". Yesterday at school he went as Arthur from "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Last night at the ward party he was a medieval messenger using a sushi roller as the parchment. This afternoon he was a farmer knight!?! I remember doing the same thing as a child... grabbing random dress ups and heading out to trick or treat in a costume no one could recognize.

Edwin was Superman. Before we left he thought it would be a good idea if Superman had a ninja sword because "sometimes superpowers just aren't enough."

Then he forgot the sword at home. Thankfully no one had cryptonite.

I found Greta's costume at Zellars this year on clearance and I think it's the most adorable thing ever. Probably just because I think she is the most adorable thing ever (along with her two brothers).

Our little garden gnome was a huge hit. It's amazing how quickly a child can catch on to a concept when candy is the reward. In no time she was wedging her way through kids, knocking on doors say trick or treat and thank you.
Our good camera was out of batteries so we had to use the old model! :)

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Thanksgiving

We are thankful for popcorn.

Enormous mouthfuls of popcorn.

We are thankful for sunny, crisp autumn days.

And the awesome new playground at Creekside Park.

We are thankful for strong bodies that can reach great heights.

And knee high black baby boots. :)

Catch up

This post is being reposted because now that we have two cameras that are downloaded on to separate computers it takes a little more work to put it all together.

My sister has crocheted some adorable stuffies. Greta was lucky enough to get one thanks to the reunion auction and her loving cousin Rachel.

Look how adorable this little guy is. I think Maria should go into business selling these babies. Any buyers? Think how much this would help her pay her way through her master's degree. :)

I couldn't resist posting this expression on Greta's face.

More evidence of the influence of having two brothers. Greta brought me this costume and insisted that I dress her up.

We went for a hike up at the Star on one of the two cold days in September. It's so gorgeous up there.

Greta and Edwin were playing with the hose. Greta obviously won.

On Labour day we hiked around Ellison.

It's official. Ryan is a dentist working in Vernon. It's never official until it's on the sign, right?!

We had a visit with Spencer, Ashely and Van last month. Lunch was at the Crab Pot in Bellevue. SO DELICIOUS!!! I've never had a crab boil before but I can't wait to go again.

Greta walks part of the stake 1/2. I love the number pinned to her shirt.

Two big boys headed off to school. Edwin LOVES kindergarten. Everyday after school I ask him how it went and his reply is always... "AWESOME".

Friday I received a call from his teacher saying he had been kicked in the head when he accidently walked in front of an older child that had been on the swings.

I rushed off to the school. His teacher was worried because he had gone quite pale and his ear was rather red. As I began packing up his things to take him to see the doctor, at the teachers request, he started crying. He didn't want to leave. I promised him that if the doctor said it was ok he could come back after lunch. He was cleared by the doctor and I was ready to take Edwin home to relax, I even said we could rent a movie to watch. Edwin was adamant... he wanted to go back to school!

Rock Climbing

My sister Sarah came home this weekend for her birthday. Happy Birthday, Sarah! While she was here we decided to do a little rock climbing with the boys. Ardie had taken me for the FIRST TIME just this past week. It's really fun! I don't know why I haven't done it before. 

The only problem was I had all three kids, it was a difficult climb carrying Greta  just to get to where the ropes were and nowhere to put Greta down. 

Saturday we left Greta with Ryan (thank you, honey) and set out to Cougar Canyon.

There is nothing better than spending time with my sisters, my boys and nature.

The boys had a good time on the hike in.

Joseph gives me a pose as he gets his harness on.

Good thing Ardie is a safety nut. 

Edwin had tried climbing earlier in the week.... the more difficult climb... and decided he just wanted to do some free climbing.

Joseph did so well!  

Here he is rappelling back down. 

Then it was my turn.... like the crazed look in my eyes!?!

It looks like I'm totally relying on the rope here but I promise I wasn't. I'll show you the nasty sore on my knee to prove it.

I love this picture. (but not the size of my butt)
Thank you Ardie and Sarah for teaching us to climb!