After visiting with Grandma, we stopped at BYU on the way back home. We ate dinner at the Creamery and walked around campus. We were shocked at how few people were there. We felt like we had the place to ourselves. We stopped at the Eyring Science Center and the boys loved checking out all the science displays. Dean got to show them the display he built when he worked in the lab there. We did our best to indoctrinate them all so that one day they'll also go to BYU. GO COUGARS!!
Visiting Grandma Nelson is always a highlight of our time in Utah. There's something about the slow pace of Genola that just speaks to my soul. And of course catching up with Grandma is the very best part. This year we were lucky enough to meet Jared and Genevieve there and together we provided lunch for everyone and had a wonderful visit. The boys all had fun playing in the backyard. Bridger chased the chickens around and Uncle Jared almost fed him to the cow. And Great Grandpa's homemade playground toys withstood the weight of Dean and Jared combined! That's some quality engineering. We sure are grateful for the blessing of being a part of Grandma and Grandpa's legacy.
We weren't sure if we'd be able to make it to the Temple this year thanks to Covid, but we lucked out and Mom was able to schedule us for sealings at the Ogden Temple. We got up extra early for a morning session and it was SO good to be in the Temple again after such a long time. Poor Dad was struggling with dizziness and had to take frequent breaks, but being in that sealing room with my family was heaven. Thanks for making it happen Mom. So grateful for the House of the Lord.
It was a simple gathering at the park where we all brought our own food for dinner, but man was it great seeing and catching up with everyone. (Most everyone....we were missing a few.) It's crazy how time flies and how old everyone is getting. We managed to jazz things up a bit with a water balloon fight. That's always a hit young and old. But getting everyone together always makes me miss Grandma and Grandpa that much more, but I'm so grateful for this great group of people they gave me. I've always been proud to be a Hilton and I sure love this family.
We packed the 24th with all sorts of fun from sun up to sun down. We buzzed up to the cabin for the morning and afternoon. Grandma Hilton told some great pioneer stories and gave everyone bandanas before we went for a little pioneer walk outside. We played ping pong, darts, board games, and slid down the fire-pole. We took turns playing games on the 90's computer and re-lived all our childhood memories. Some of us took a nice snooze in Great Grandma and Grandpa's recliners. We finished the day watching "Swiss Family Robinson" before heading back home for sparklers and ice cream. Logan took things a little too far when he attached his sparkler to his hair. And of course all our little pyros had to mix things up by trying to light the most sparks on one sparkler at a time and made sculptures by welding the metal sparkler sticks together. Then Grandma, Emma, Tanner, and I snuck away to see some seriously spectacular fireworks in Bountiful. It was fun getting away with just those two and they felt pretty special to be the only ones. After searching up and down a million streets filled with tons of people we found a place to park and climbed on the roof of the van to watch. Hopefully it was a night they'll never forget. We're so grateful for the sacrifices of so many faithful pioneers that have blessed our lives in more ways than we even realize. It was great to celebrate with so many people we love.
think they're in charge around here, but really we all know the boys call the shots. Dean's the cyber school coordinator at the high school and has made himself indispensable as the go-to tech guy as well. Andrea loves being a stay-at-home mom, hanging with Keaton all day. She does her best to keep up with the boys and is Activity Days Leader at Church. She volunteers with the PTA and blogs in her "spare time."
is nearly 18 and is halfway through his freshman year at BYU. He's pursuing a degree in Chemistry but changes his mind often. He has pet snails in his dorm and is working on a podcast in his spare time. He also loves to cook and is enjoying his independence.
is 15 and in 10th grade. He plays the trumpet and piano and participates in the school musical every year. He can't wait to turn 16 and learn to drive and is enjoying being the oldest now that Tanner's away at school.
is 13 and in the 8th grade. He plays saxophone in the school band and continues to take piano lessons. He rocks the school musicals, plays on the boys soccer team, serves with NJHS, and a million other clubs. His mischievous smile keeps us all on our toes, and he is best known for his scavenging skills, bringing home all sorts of "treasures" he finds at school.
is a big 10 year old and rocking the 4th grade. He's the lone Nelson at the elementary, but handles that like a champ. He plays piano and is always talking our ears off. He's smart as a whip and loves playing soccer.
is almost 3 and absolutely full of energy. He loves music and sings all day long. He is smart as a whip and has an impeccable memory. He's adored by his big brothers and gets into EVERYTHING.
