Sunday, October 26, 2008

Photo Contest Winner...and more

My sister Tiare, who was my "Quint Nanny" for a couple months this summer, recently found out she was the 2nd place winner in the BYU Bookstore Photo Contest! The requirements for the contest were 1) that the picture depict what the student did over the summer and 2) that a BYU Bookstore bag was included in the picture. Below is the picture she submitted:



Kaiya, Tiare, Riley, Kyndall, Rustin, Kaydence, Ryder and Kassidy

Tiare won a digital camera for placing second. Of course, I think she should have won first prize--I haven't seen the first place photo, but I don't know how it could be better than this one! (yeah, I know I might be just a little biased).


Other recent happenings at the Wilkinson household.....

The week before last my good friend Liz came to visit with her daughter Megan. Liz is one of my best friends and she has helped me so much since the babies were born. I don't know how I would have made it through the first year without her! I was so sad when she moved to Colorado Springs a few months ago. We had a blast during her visit--it ended way too soon!

Liz with Kaydence, Rustin, Kassidy, Ryder and Kyndall


Liz with Kaydence

While she was here, Liz and my other good friend, Virginia, took care of all the kids so that Jayson and I could get away for a night. We went up to Dallas to go to the BYU vs. TCU football game. Unfortunately the traffic in Dallas/Ft. Worth is awful—we missed the tailgate party we bought tickets for and we barely made it to our seats in time for the game to start. The kick-off turned out to be the best part of the game—everything went downhill from there. I can’t remember when I have ever seen BYU play so badly! Despite all this, Jayson and I really enjoyed our two-day break. We were able to go to the LDS Dallas temple and I even talked Jayson into doing some shopping. We went out to eat and best of all we got to SLEEP IN!! Just driving in the car to and from Dallas was fun---we could actually carry on a conversation without being interrupted! The kids all had a great time in our absence. Liz and Virginia are super-women. Not only did they watch all seven kids for two days, but they changed all my crib sheets, shampooed my carpets and bleached my tile while we were gone. I truly have some of the best friends ever!

Jayson and I during the most exciting part of the game (ie just before it started)

Kaiya was the student of the week last week and was recognized for exemplifying “Pursuit of Excellence”. She has been doing really well in Kindergarten and I have been amazed at her progress in learning how to read.

Kaiya's Poster for Student of the Week

Riley started taking piano lessons this summer and he recently had his first piano recital. He played Baby Bumblebee and did a great job!

Riley at his first piano recital

A family in the community generously collected diapers for us, in lieu of presents at their son’s birthday party. I was amazed at pile of diapers we received! People were very generous, and I was especially impressed that the family would do this for someone they didn’t know.

Kyndall, Ryder, Kaydence, Rustin and Kassidy check out the new diapers

The babies continue to get bigger and smarter. It seems like they learn something new every day. Whenever we have family prayer, several of them will fold their arms too (which I think is totally adorable). When asked, "Where's your nose?" most of them will point to their nose. They are starting to mimic more sounds and actions. They recently learned to say "Uh-Oh" and Kaydence and Kyndall walk around the house saying, "uh-oh, uh-oh" over and over all day long. They have discovered the great outdoors and love running around outside. They are really changing from babies into little people.

My favorite part of the day is when we get them ready for bed. We rub them with lotion and put on their jammies. Then we read them a story (which they love) and put them in bed. They all stand up in their cribs and wait for me to walk around the room to give them a kiss. When I am done, I blow them all a big kiss and say goodnight. The sight of all five of them standing in their cribs smiling and waving back at me is so sweet--it makes up for all the challenging moments that happen throughout the day.

Ryder and Kassidy


Kaydence


Rustin


Kyndall


Ryder


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15 comments:

ShEiLa said...

Congrats to your sister for being a photo contest winner. Just like you I think she should have been #1 (even without seeing the other photo) All of those diapers.... wow! Just a matter of fact for you guys... I love checking out your blog from time to time. Thank you for sharing.
ToOdLeS.ShEiLA

Kelly said...

That's awesome that your sister won the contest. I'm glad you and Jayson got to get away for the game, even though the traffic was awful and the game even worse, unless you're a TCU fan. How sweet of Liz to come for a visit, I'm sure she's having withdrawals of the babies. I haven't been over lately to help out...are you still welcoming it? That's probably a dumb question.

Starla said...

Cute picture- I love watching your video at the game a few weeks ago. Sorry you had to watch that bum-kicking against TCU. That was a rough game- you guys are loyal fans!

Arnold Quads said...

It sounds like you guys had a great time at the game (besides the butt whoopin BYU got)! I think that is so fun that your sister won the photo contest. the kids are getting so big and I love Rustin's red checks. What a cutie.

Schauers Hours said...

Great post. I love Tiare's picture. Your kids are so cute, I can't get enough of those pictures. And Riley sure is a handsome guy! That is awesome he is taking piano lessons.

The Queen Vee said...

Liz and Virginia are super women and super fabulous friends. I'm convinced that in life our paths cross with those we are meant to meet. I know you miss Liz and I'm sure she misses you just as much.

The babies, are no longer babies. All so precious and cute, I teared up when I read about the night time routine. I can see it all in my minds eye.

Congrats, Tiare on winning the photo contest. No only do you take great photos but you are also a great sister too.

Love you all!

Anonymous said...

I just want to say, Rustin, is such a cutie. Love that hair and those checks. HA! Too bad we live so far away. It is great when you come across those awesome people who are so gracious and willing to help. Glad to hear you were able to get off and do a few things alone as a couple. I think that is a major need in our lives with many children. Renew yourselves. Take it easy and I really enjoy those pics.

Moni Graf said...

I don't think you're being biased at all. That pic TOTALLY should've taken the cake! Oh well, a digital camera is a pretty nice prize, too.

That is SO wonderful that you got some "away" AND "couple" time with your man. Being able to leave your kiddos with people you love and trust is worth more than anything money can buy. My hubby and I have been planning a weekend getaway (without the kids) to visit the Jac and Torey Tubre in Louisiana and watch the LSU/Bama game. Unfortunately, the trip has to be put on hold for the time being. It's a bummer, but the reason for the change in plans is something exciting that I can't disclose yet.

Anyway, I loved the pics and I hope you don't mind that I added you to our blogroll.

Love from KS,
Moni and the Graf Quads

Spence Ohana said...

Great update post! Your sister should've totally won 1st place! And how awesome that you and your husband got away for a night!

Crazy Granny said...

The kids are as cute as ever. Kevin and I are going to a BYU game in Fort Collins this weekend and I hope it is better then the game that you two attended. Hooray for Kaiya and Riley.

Kay Clark said...

Rachell,
I am Max and Marilyn's friend from the Sharon 1st ward. I am James and Colleen's daughter. I grew up with Steven. I look at your blog often and am tickled pink with your growing family and your happy smile. You are an amazing family and I will enjoy watching your young family grow up. I especially love the sports casts you do. You have some very talented children. Thanks for keeping your blog up and I think you should have won 1st place too.
Kay Pinegar Clark

lindsay Roscoe said...

You really truly are blessed what a sight to have all 5 of them in their bed saying goodnight to you. I know what you mean about the babes folding their arms for prayers when my twins do it it really is one of my proudest moments. I am so glad you 2 got a night out. Much needed and deserved!

lindsay Roscoe said...

You really truly are blessed what a sight to have all 5 of them in their bed saying goodnight to you. I know what you mean about the babes folding their arms for prayers when my twins do it it really is one of my proudest moments. I am so glad you 2 got a night out. Much needed and deserved!

Tyler, Thais said...

We went to the game too! Hubby was very disappointed!

Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke said...

how fun that you got a weekend away! i can imagine how giddy you must have felt having that uninterrupted conversation with jayson. I'd like to see the first place picture from the contest, too.