The Unofficial Neilsen Reunion

 Uncle Doug sent us (Hatch and Doug's families) an email a few weeks ago inviting us to a BBQ and games in his backyard on the 31st.  Even Jenny and Dan from AZ were in town so we had a large Hatch showing!  When Uncs welcomed us all there, he mentioned that it was a year ago that we had met there and Aunt Suzie seemed to be on the improve.  He also mentioned how terribly she is missed.  He invited us to enjoy the evening together playing games and eating.  AND WE DID!  We played Viking Chess- a super fun game that I want to buy now, swung on the rope swing, and other lawn games.  The kids were in heaven.  They played together like best friends.  The night cooled off quickly and the stories started.  We have always been a close family and gotten along so well with each other. I'm grateful my mom and her siblings chose those kinds of relationships when they were young and throughout their lives.  It has and continues to bless our family greatly.

Cousins' Retreat 2016

 

It is the event the cousins look forward to the most each summer:  COUSINS' RETREAT!

This year, we decided to meet at Justin and Jana's house for our day of adventure.  Their family had just returned the night before from Brandon's house for Hyrum's baby blessing so they were just troopers to have us over the next day.  

We started the first few hours of the day with 4-wheeler rides and horse-back rides.  I was in charge of one of the 4-wheelers which ended up being a blast.  Jessica and Grandpa Hatch let the kids around on horses and let them ride.  Grandpa and Austin spent extra time together practicing riding.  Austin improved a lot!  Exciting!

We met Justin in down-town Ogden for lunch at the park.  Afterwards, we went to Fat Cats for some laser tag and bumper cars.  The kids were in heaven. 

When we got back to the house, the water adventures began (except for the teenagers who decided to watch a movie in the house).  The kids were in make-believe land as the swam, floated the river, and played on the floating deck for hours.  As Austin always says, it was "epic."  

After a yummy dinner, we celebrated cousin Parker's 9th birthday with a fun homemade cake from Melissa. The kids didn't want the day to end but we finally had to say goodbye.  After we got into the car, someone said, "We have the best family ever!"  It is so important for kids to feel valued and loved by their family.  I am so grateful for the wonderful memories we made.