Knapp Kousins Kruise 2010

This is a photo of the Knapp Kousins who attended the annual Knapp Kousins' camp for 2010. We all went on a cruise to Hawaii and the jungles of Africa. We even got to shoot animals (which they made and were taped to the fence)with our marshmallow guns made by Grandpa. The dates for this year were July 7-9. We hope they all had as much fun as we had!

Don 't we have some of the cutest grandkids ever?

Red pepper dip from IDAHO

Hey this is a recipe for an amazing DIP-

One tall jar of roasted red peppers (found by the pickles) 16 oz. Save juice.
An 8 0z. cream cheese
1 package of Ranch Salad Dressing (powder)


Mix in your blender and eat with corn chips.

If it is a little too thick, use some of the juice from the peppers to make it thinner.

You're going to love it!

Happy Easter from Idaho

Do you like our "new" Easter outfits? It has been a great day here with a little sunshine, but I don't know if it is cold or not--been inside watching conference all day. Grandpa and Jo came for dinner between sessions--he couldn't chew the meat (it was kind of tough) and Jo couldn't eat the pie! Oh well, at least they came to enjoy the time with us. We are glad to be able to have some company once in a while.
We apologize for putting Pedro on the answering machine. His Spanish was a little better than ours or was he really speaking in English?
Conference was the greatest. Don't we all have a lot to live up to. If we just put our lives more in focus with the Savior, all things are possible--even being good parents and grandparents!!!
It was fun for me (Grandpa) to be with most of you for a spell last week. Laurie, when I see you again I hope you can play me a couple of tunes on your piano and have Hyrum eating mashed potatoes, so that when he comes to Idaho we can spoil him on real "spuds." Janie, the bread turned out awesome. It was the best bread mom has ever made! We are looking into opening a Yogurt Vibes franchise here in Idaho Falls, so be ready when you come up this way. Amy, I was so impressed with your family reading the Book of Mormon each morning....keep up the good work! Seriously, if you need us to start saving money for a fund to keep Dallon in pants that are long enough, let us know. Doug, I don't know how you do it! With all of the extras living at your house and the mold trying to push you out...hang in there! We would be happy to come when you need to "move back in" but we can talk about that later this week. Darin, I am anxious to see your legs in a couple of weeks when you have worn your new birthday shorts for a while!
It was a fun Spring Break for me even though the weather did not cooperate. We love you all and look forward to seeing you. With the good weather coming, we will have to come to Utah more often and play together. We love you all and wish you all the very best. Mom and Dad

Cheek to cheek...

Hello all--from the sunny state of Arizona! I don't know who designed the Cabbage Patch dolls, but REALLY????
I just thought I would take a moment to update you all on our "exciting" lives here in AZ...not alot going except beautiful weather and the intoxicating smell of orange blossoms :) It is heavenly!!
Tessa is a busy body--in to everything...except her own toys of course! She loves to play outside and always wants to go to the park. She has officially learned my least favorite word of all time "swinging?"--and just recently learned to say "Zip it!"....thanks to me. Lots of "TUDE"--but we were expecting at least a little. She's hilarious!
Christopher is our rock star! He loves to rock out--playing Rock Band with Kelly and the others. He's quite the little dancer--and LOVES to run, jump, and tackle. He's learning about reverence--hmmmmmmm....and can't wait for the water in the pool to be warm enough for a dip!
Carter is doing really well in school--just has a problem with talking too much--surprise, surprise! He is also enjoying playing flag football--and the coach just put him in as the starting quarterback for every game. He's doing really well and LOVES it--of course, it's time spent with dad and his best buddies. He's getting tall and growing up way too fast!
Kenna is all about sparkles, jewelry, and karaoke! She is in a gymnastics class right now and really loves it. She has finally mastered her splits and is working on her bridge and back walk-over (what?). She cracks me up with her fun fashion sense--which is basically that anything goes. She can't wait to come for Kousin's Kamp and talks about it all the time!
Kelly is keeping up with all that's going on! He's enjoying school, loves serving with our Bishop, and is plowing through things at work. He tries to be at Carter's football practice, wrestle with Chris, listen to Kenna's stories, and tickle Tess--and has no choice but to listen to me yak--because I do it whether he's listening or not :).
And I am doing GREAT! I just ran a 4.6 mile "mom's race" this morning and ran the entire distance in 50 minutes...a huge accomplishment for me--it's the farthest I've ever run and my mile was just over 10 minutes. I can't believe I did it--but there are pictures to prove it! Girl's Camp is coming along really well. It is interesting to watch the Lord's hand in the planning and preparation. I work with a neat group of women. I am also working of the US Census right now and it's been quite the learning experience and I have definitely come away with a greater appreciation for my life and how blessed I am.
I do have one goal though--I am going to try to be better at staying in touch with all of you! I am not so good at it--and have no great excuses! If I can worry about getting my visiting teaching done each month, surely I can make time to see how you all are doing--after all--family counts most...right!? I love you all and can't wait to hear how you are doing!

Natalie brought a friend to Idaho!

This weekend we had such a fun surprise! Natalie brought a handsome man to visit us! We played all weekend. Friday we had homemade tacos, board games and chips and dips and cadbury eggs (eat your heart out Amy). Saturday we had fun treats a new hangout called Bambinos--next time you come to Idaho, we promise to take you too. Then we had dinner and went to the school musical "Secret Garden" and then Darin and Natalie taught us how to post a blog. Are you impressed or what?? Well, time for pillow cases, let the party begin!! We love you all and wish you were here to enjoy the fun.

Love Mom and Dad

Hello All!

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to take a minute and say hello. Hyrum & I survived the week of Dan being gone by keeping busy getting the brakes fixed on the car, taking my wedding ring in for its semi-annual inspection, grocery shopping, watching Olympicsand finding Hyrum a pediatrician in Riverton. It was nice to have so many things to do to help pass the time. Dan got home Friday afternoon and it's been great having another adult around to talk to!

We are loving our house and are making plans to paint the kitchen. The whole house is the same color (except for the basement--and that hideous yellow will hopefully soon be gone) and we've been wanting to spice up the kitchen a bit.

I hope you enjoy this little video of Hyrum. He's really been laughing more lately and I think it's hilarious:

We miss you all...

So long time no write...sorry! It seems like my calendar was blank on January 1st and by January 2nd, I was booked through June. Scarey how quickly we commit ourselves...
Things are going well here! I was actually hot while waiting for my kids after school today. Is that crazy or what? We are enjoying some truly wonderful weather here this week and I can't wait for the pool to start heating up! We probably will start swimming in April--that doesn't seem too far from now.
Kelly is staying busy with work, school, and church stuff. We get to see him on Mondays--but it's all good. I can tell he is enjoying working with the people in our ward--and he's doing well in school which makes it easier for him to stay motivated!
Mackenna just started up gymnastics at a local gym. We've not put her in sports much (tried soccer--it was a disaster), but she really wanted to try this so we thought we'd give her the opportunity. So far she really likes it--and is determined to learn how to do the splits--hopefully genetics don't get in her way--I've never been flexible :)
Carter is gearing up to start another season of flag football. He seems to enjoy running mostly--whether he has the ball or not. It's something that he and Kelly have fun doing together. He's really into reading right now and has a love/hate relationship with mystery books--it can't be too scarey!
Christopher is writing his name now--and tormenting Tessa as much as he possibly can! He's a good boy and much too strong for his own good. He and I have fun together during the day while the kids are at school. It doesn't take too much to convince me to make him a treat!
And Tessa--she's growing up too fast! I gave her a drink of soda last night and she sips and says, "Yum, that tastes good"--Kelly and I just looked at each other--where does this gift of gab come from? (As if we don't know--wink, wink) She is hilarious and is quite the little mother to her dolls--it cracks me up to watch her wrap her dolly and say, "night, night" and give it kisses. It's so sweet...of course, then Chris yanks it away and slams its head to the floor...what would life be like without her older brother?
And I am keeping busy with camp planning (I know you are all still laughing about my calling), school for the kids, reading, and laundry. I just finished reading "The Hunger Games", "The Uglies", and "The Lightning Theif", and just started "The Anatomy of Peace"--I'm waiting for the next 3 books in all of those trilogies--I have been LOVING reading lately--and I highly recommend "The Anatomy of Peace"--it's all about resolving conflict--it's a great story that teaches how to deal with conflict, etc. It's by the same group that wrote, "The Bonds that Make Us Free"--anyways, it is short--so if you're looking for a quickie--I recommend it! Anyways--we miss you all and wish we could see you--well, we wish that you could come here since it is still cold there! Really I think we'd take whatever we can get! We hope all is well with you and please know that we LOVE you!

Saying Hi......Hi!

Just wanted to say and let you know what we have been up to lately. Not much really, but we had a fun three day weekend this past weekend. It is always more fun when Scott is around. We took the kids sleigh riding, and did a bit of bowling. It was kind of slushy snow so we didn't go too fast, butt I didn't mind. We spend a lot of the day on Monday with Scott's parents. His parents are having some health problems, and frankly it is sad to watch them get old - they are so awesome. I hope my kids can build a few memories with them while they can - Bryson asked as we were going whether Grandma would know who he was. She seemed to this time - so that is good news. The kids are getting anxious for good weather to show up. I have to remind them that it might be a ways off. We are on an official count down to Trey's Birthday and all he officially wants is "boy stuff." Bry and Dal are playing basketball now, and have games on Saturdays. They are fun to watch for different reasons, Bry's team actually knows how to play and Dal's doesn't so both are fun. Hope you all are swell and know we are thinking of you!

Amos

Watch out, Herriman... here we come!

Hi Family!

I just wanted you guys to know that Dan and I closed on our house this week! Yesterday we met with our amazing loan guy from Community Lending Group, our realtor, and the guy from the title company. After signing our names what seemed like a million times, it was official! We own a house!

The only bad part is that we can't move in for a few more weeks. We had to close early to get a good interest rate, but now we have to wait for the family who lives there now to move out. The latest we'll be in is January 29, but there's a chance we could be in sooner. I've got my fingers crossed!

We are really excited. It's a cute little house and I'm excited for everyone to come see it. Of course, since we only have one little couch for now, it might be on a BYOC basis (bring your own chair)...

~ Laurie

A New Year...

I can't believe it is already a new year--and what seemed like might be a slow month has suddenly filled up with meetings and homework and all sorts of business. I would like to be able

to say that I have set some fabulous new year resolutions--but I haven't had time to even think about that yet. Now that I am actually sitting--I think that my resolution will be to start each new day with a resolution for the day. Resolutions for the whole year never seem to work well for me--except for one--can I say that I am a better person at the end of this year than I was last year....

I hope the answer for 2009 is yes--it seems to me that each person added to the family and each new calling--every child that grows older--all of these things offer opportunities to stretch and grow (and you all know how flexible I am) (stop laughing)...but I feel like I'm trying harder now than I did before to be better--as a wife, as a mom, and for whatever I'm needed to be...

I just have to check myself and make sure that I'm doing what I'm doing for the right reasons--with the right motivation in mind.

I just recently finished a book called "The Shack" and it has really made me stop and think about my relationship with God. It's a good book--but be prepared--God is introduced as a big African American woman...it was hard for me to push past that...but I decided I had to be fair to the friend that recommended this book to me and finish it. I'm glad I did. I think I have been limiting myself in my relationship with God and this year I would like to really focus on having a closer--more real--relationship with Him. You know, reading my scriptures because I want to--rather than checking it off the "to do" list, that sort of thing--and yes, as hard as it will be for me--it means seeing others as He sees them and giving them the benefit of the doubt. Good luck, right? It'll be tough--but worth it! And to reference the picture so you don't think I'm too random--Kelly and I are on the "eating healthy" bandwagon again! And you'd be proud of me--I made chocolate chip peanut butter cookies today and haven't snitched a bit (the day isn't over yet...)

All in all, I am excited for what this year may bring--Dad always says, "Without change, progress is impossible"--and I believe that to be true...so good luck to you all with your resolutions!! I'm rooting for you!

The Sunday after Christmas

Boy, has the time flown by. We can't believe that Christmas is over and the new year is just around the corner. The question is --do we say twenty ten or 2 thousand 10? Guess you can say it how you want it is the same year right? This next year thanks to the raving reviews for our first published book, we are thinking about becoming authors and publishers. Seriously, it was a really fun project and we loved doing it mostly because it was all about each of you.

Anyway, we had a great time with Laurie, Dan, Hyrum and Darin for Christmas. Laurie looks way good already, and Dan was really lots of fun with the games and of course answered all of our computer questions. We got to hold Hyrum much more that he is used to. He is such a cutie and so calm!! We hope we spoiled him good.

We are still trying to decide if we like Darin's whiskers. He looks a lot different with a dark shadow. It is funny how no matter what we were doing, eating, playing a game, or watching a movie, if his cell phone rang and it was a certain track star from Spanish Fork, he ditched us! Go figure---

We played lots of games, watched movies and ate, ate, ate. Dennetts spent some time with us Christmas eve and the day after Christmas. Grandpa and Jo came for Christmas dinner, Jo brought deviled eggs and seemed to really try and be interested in all of us. Grandpa is really slowing down. It makes you wonder how many more Christmases he will be here with us. It was a "lovely" dinner with some of the best food of the year made by Darin and MOM. Have you all had your fill of toffee, chocolate, etc.? It seems so easy to gain a few extra ounces this time of year.

Saturday we got up and dropped Hyrum off at Jo's then we headed to the Temple to do some family sealings. It was awesome to think of how long some of these people had been waiting for this great blessing. Most of them were born in the 1700's. There were sure a lot of Mary Knapps.

We will be heading out tomorrow for Utah to be at Tanner's blessing. It will be so much fun to see some of you for this special time for Doug and Mary. Speaking of blessings, we have so many. You all are the best ones we have. The Lord really has been good to us this year as always. We wish you a great New Year and hope that we will get to spend much time together.

Con mucho amor-
Los viejos

All aboard......and God bless us all--every one!

Merry Christmas to you all! I am trying hard to convince myself that it really is Christmas--since the kids and I picked oranges this morning--and both boys were in t-shirts and shorts! But--we decided that since we would not be traveling this year for Christmas, that we would take the kids to Williams, Arizona and take a ride on the Polar Express.

I was afraid there wouldn't be snow--but lucky for us, there was plenty! And I think the kids enjoyed that more than the actual train ride. They kept eating it--I hope it wasn't yellow :)

On the train they gave us cookies and hot cocoa and then read the story of The Polar Express before we got to the "North Pole"--it was magical if I dare say. Santa boarded the train and gave each child a jingle bell--which I had to tuck away before we got back to the hotel. Jingle Bells has never sounded so hellish....3 bells clanging away--and of course, Kelly is teasing the kids saying he thinks their bells are broken--so they try to shake them even harder. Talk about a perma-headache...but it was fun and I enjoyed getting away--even if it was for just one night.

I hope you all enjoy Christmas and know that we are thinking of you...and cheeseballs! I made empanadas yesterday and it made me feel nostalgic...thinking of the Christmas's we've had at home (you may want to grab a tissue)--and it really made me homesick and I miss you all. Christmas has always been a favorite time of year for me--and that is mostly because of you all--the memories are fun and I love telling my kids stories of home. I wish you all the best and love you all! Merry Christmas! I hope you all take some time in the next two days to think of Katie dancing to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"--and think of her saying, "And God bless us all--every one..." Then...and only then...will Christmas be truly complete! By the way--after reading Amy's post, is anyone else nervous about Trey???

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Bite!

Dear Fam,
Just thinking about you all and hoping you are having a good Christmas season. Last night we took the kids to visit an old widow in the ward - and it reminded me of Wyatts, Jane and Jerry, and all the visits Mom and Dad took us on as kids. That was as much a part of Christmas as opening gifts. I wonder how all those old friends are doing.
On Saturday we went swimming at the Legacy Center - we figured it would be pretty empty and it was - we had a great time. All except for Jace - who clung to Scott or I for dear life and cried about half the time.
I wanted to give you all a chuckle (courtesy of Trey). Sadie was holding our cat Giselle, and Trey leaned over to the cat, and in a menacing voice - he saide "Giselle, you are Jesus's prisoner" I think he gets these things from Scott's side!!!!
Mom - I am going to use your orange drink recipe that you posted for Christmas Eve - should be yummy. Anyways, Love you all and hope it is a Merry Christmas!! Love Amos

Hey, it's Grandma's first post!!!

We are getting readier for Christmas all the time. Weatherman says snow, butt so far it's just not happening. We'd like a white Christmas, but not on the roads!
We had a special experience at the temple yesterday. The young couple that just went through last month asked if they could go with us so we could help them know what to do. It was their first time back since they had been sealed. It was an awesome experience. Dad and I have been so blessed to work in the Spanish branch. Our lives have been enriched in so many ways. The Lord has been good to us for another year. The best gifts of all for us are you--our family--. We couldn't ask for anything better than to see you all active in the church and teaching your families the gospel. We love you so much!

Our branch party last night brought out many people--some new members, some less active and some non members. The primary children put on a simple pageant and it was great. The food was the same as always rice-beans-tamales and three milk cake. Of course, there were piñatas for the kids. Wish you could have all been there.

Any way--have a great week. Love you all.

Thoughts from Dad

It has been an amazing experience for me to study the November Ensign and take notes on the talks of the apostles and prophets. I want to share an idea with you. As you know the Branch President has to pick the topics for the 4th Sunday, "Teaching for Our Times", for the year and I always use talks from the conference talks of the previous General Conference. Well this year as I was studying the talks, I decided to take just a "one-liner" from each of the talks of the apostles and members of the First Presidency. By that I mean, just one thought from each of their talks and write them all down on a paper that I keep by my bed and read each day. This helps me stay focused on what the current church leaders are telling us today. Maybe this would work for you.

Don't forget just 10 days until Christmas. I hope this note finds you all happy, healthy and still with your sanity. We had my dad's Christmas party last Sunday evening and it really has changed since the grandkids became adults. It is much more boring and the caroling lacks....It is hard to see my dad getting so old, but then he is pushing 87. Well, in the spirit of Elder Bednar's talk may I just say that I love you all and am so happy that I was picked to be your dad.
I pray for each of you each day and think of you often.
Love,
Dad

Christmas Time - Oh Sweet Joy.......

I think it is finally starting to come - the Christmas Spirit I mean. But not in the ways I thought. I have been thinking a bit about how fast time is going, especially as I watch the kiddos grow way too fast. And mostly, I am just grateful for my fam. And that includes all of you!!! Also - do you not just love the sweet food! I made my first batch of toffee for the year and most of it is now conveniently located on my hips, but in hind sight (pause for laughs) it was worth it. Hope you all are swell and doing the fun little things that make it Christmas. Love Amos (Do you not love the classic almost crusty Jace is dishing here?

Hyrum's Blessing

I just wanted to say thanks to all who came out for Hyrum's blessing. I think it went really well and I loved seeing so much family together. I posted some pictures of the event on our blog, www.maxlds.blogspot.com for those of you who just can't get enough of Hyrum and need to see even more pictures...

I thought for you all I'd post a little video of Hyrum for you all. He just started smiling this week and it's been so much fun! This is him just this morning, smiling and with the hiccups:

Isn't he the cutest?!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

We are so glad that we drove to Idaho yesterday after Hyrum's blessing, which was great. It has snowed most of the day today and it is nice to be inside by the fireplace! It has been cold enough outside to make it slick on the roads and that makes it nerve-racking to drive, but then you all remember how that goes in Idaho!

We have so much going on with faculty parties, work parties, Branch parties, Grandpa Knapp's party, that we are trying to find a time to put up our Christmas tree! The snow makes it more like the holidays, but the Christmas tree really brings the Christmas spirit.

Here is a "tip": (no cream cheese--sorry Krista)

To make your home smell nice and have a great hot drink just try this recipe:

Spicy Orange Drink
Bring to a boil 1 gallon water and 2 1/2 cups sugar
1 12 oz. can orange juice
1/2 cup lemon juice or 2 lemons juiced
1 T whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
Simmer and enjoy!

Put in crock pot for a sweet smelling house and to have all day long!

This week will bring lots of activites for us all. Good luck Darin as you finish up your classes at BYU. Janie will still be moving things around at the new house. I hope you are all baking and making fun Christmas goodies.

Happy Birthday to Brielle and Christopher this week! We sure love you all!

I'm so impressed....really....

Amos--you deserve a round of applause! Pat yourself on the back! Head to Arctic Circle! You did a great job on your first post...hope to see more coming soon! Call me if you have any questions...

Now family--we are seeing lots of HAPPS being posted--how bout those tips and dips? Tis the season...

And, how many of you vote that we post a video of Kate doing her "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" dance on the blog? Do you think we can convince her to do it?

Love you all!!

My First Official Blog (could you die?)

First, I must say thanks to Kris for the blogging lesson. I am way excited to do this!!

Last night, my fam and I put up our Christmas tree, trying to put it up faster than Jace was taking it down. Jace's favorite part was taking off all the ornaments on the bottom branches. Trey loved finding the old ornaments that he made in preschool last year, Dallon danced around while hanging (?), Bry helped Scott put the lights on, and Sadie tried to make sure all the breakable ornaments were on her eye level and not Jace's. I love pulling out the old ornaments, it seems like there is a memory with a bunch of them (tissue please).

Can't believe Christmas is so soon. I sure do love you guys and am excited to keep in touch better. - Love Amos

PMS This picture is the fam at Yellowstone when Jace was tiny.