Hyde Happinesses

 First of all Jenn, I agree. Where did September go?? I thought I’d posted not too long ago… turns out it’s been more than a month! Lots has happened this month, but I will try to keep it brief.

We’ve had lots of car troubles this month. At one point I genuinely (and I’m not kidding) thought to myself “a horse and buggy would be a better option than this. I wonder where we can get one.” So if anyone you know happens to be selling said horse and buggy, please send them my way. It really did complicate our lives (and our wallet) but luckily I think we’re done for now. 

Stetson has been enjoying the last days of summer. It’s still pretty warm here so we go outside lots and have had lots of fun playing in water and throwing rocks all over the place. Between sessions today, we went up to third dam and let Stetson just throw rocks for an hour into the river. I was laughing because Cam also threw rocks for an hour. I guess they never grow out of it 😂 

We had so much fun on a trip to Idaho to see the parade of homes and to celebrate mom’s birthday. We invited ourselves and then I invited everyone else… so thanks to Ruth and Elise for being good sports and being willing to host and entertain all the time. We love it and are looking forward to more visits :)

We attended the baptism of my sister in law, Emily, in Evanston WY a few weeks ago. She is awesome. She met my brother in law in Kentucky, married him, and followed him to Evanston to work and is an absolute angel. It was awesome to be at her baptism and get to know her a little better. 

We just got back from a week in Destin, Florida. It was pretty fun! And I’m so glad that we’re done traveling for the foreseeable future 😅 I’m exhausted to say the least. Chasing a toddler all day while pregnant should be an Olympic sport, the gold medal going to the mama who can keep up and be pleasant all at the same time 😬😅 but Destin was fun. We played at the beach most days. Cam played volleyball pretty much all day everyday and was in heaven. The sand was white, very very fine (so fine it squeaked!), and never got hot! It was rather strange. The water was warm and delightful except for the jellyfish that stung us. Rude. We saw dolphins, crabs, lots of fish, rays, and frogs. Very fun times. Stetson got spoiled rotten and I’m still recovering and trying to instill a little discipline back into our lives 😅 

On the way to Florida, Stetson LOVED the airplanes. He couldn’t get enough and fell asleep right after take off on both flights. On the way home…. Well it wasn’t quite the same but that’s okay! He did great at one point and we’re happy for that😂

It’s been good. Conference was exceptional. I loved Elder Hales talk about “mortality works.” Sometimes I wonder about things and why they happen the way they do. But it’s comforting to know it will all be alright someday and we will understand. Love you all! Have a great week!

Celestial sleep during conference 😂

Flake Fun

 Where is the time going? September has been a quick month.  

We went fishing at a neighbor's pond. Each of the kids caught at least 3 little bluegill.

We got a flat tire. Change it and the spare was flat within seconds. Not the best day.

Scott pounding in market posts for the house. 

Rand helping me change the first tire!

Rand loved seeing this truck at Tractor Supply.

We got a bunny! Her name is Sparkle and Robin loves her!

Rand made a magnet mask.  Pretty cool for a 5 year old I thought. 

Our second batch of tadpoles with legs!

Nilsson News

 Wow!  I thought I'd posted on here not too long ago and it's actually been since July!  Well, a lot has happened since then.  The kids showed our donkeys at the fair, we enjoyed a lovely time at the Belliston cousins reunion, Garrett, Dane and I had an epic trip to Alaska, we've attempted to start school, and harvest season is in full swing!  The weather is gorgeous and I've decided I really enjoy the fall even though it's a crazy time trying to get ready for winter.  It was fun to have the parents, Lauren and her boys, and Emma and Stetson, come up for the Parade of Homes.  We partied at the Harts and went through some pretty elaborate houses, one of which we decided would be perfect for the Joe and Lori Belliston clan- though the price wasn't quite right.  Hope all is well for the rest of everyone!

The four older kids showed at the county fair.  Dimples (the one Addy showed) was our grand champion!  Henry was the grand showman!

The Alaskan cruise was quite the experience.  The scenery was more than stunning!

The botanical gardens in Juneau.

Garrett went deep sea fishing and caught five halibut!

I'm loving the flowers right now!  There are so many unique beauties!

Addy has been super busy with being the soprano section leader in her choir, seminary council president, and she now has a job at The Cookie Place.

Happy Birthday Grandma! (Remember what I said about the flowers earlier?!)

Hyde Happinesses

 Hello everyone :) hope your summer has gone well as it *sort of* comes to a close :) I was telling Cam how excited I was to start baking again once the weather decides to mellow out so I can use the oven 😅 it will be a great day when it comes.

We’ve had a good past couple weeks. Nothing too notable to mention. Stetson has had fun playing with some friends and joining his dad and uncle Nate on their morning runs and fishing expeditions. He has also learned how to howl just like Oakley and enjoys howling until Oakley joins in. It’s almost hilarious but mostly ear splitting. He got to go to a friends birthday party on Friday which he greatly enjoyed. 

We took Oakley and Stetson up the canyon to a quiet spot in the river. While Stetson had a good time, Oakley really was living her very best life. Cam found a stick and threw it into the water where Oakley would quite literally fly in and begin swimming madly to fetch it. I haven’t seen her that happy for a very long time. 

Stetson and I got to go with mom and dad down to American Fork to see Yanny and the progress on the house. Even though we left right at Stetsons nap time, he refused to go to sleep… quite to my chagrin. So when we got there, he played happily for a couple hours then had breakdown after breakdown so we had to leave. But it was good to see everyone for a couple hours. The house is looking amazing! Can’t wait to see the finished project! 

Sure love all you guys! Hope you have a lovely week.

We went to Ogden with a friend of mine to play at the Treehouse Museum. 

Why is it too cute when little kids do grown up things??? 

Helping mom :) 

Recently Stetson has got up a sort of attitude with grandma and grandpa… when they come over, after about five minutes, he’ll open our door and politely say “bye!” And usher them out! The stinker 

Had a delightful time snapping beans with dad. Well. Mostly delightful. Stetson reallllllllyy didn’t want us to do anything but pay close attention to him. Constantly. 

Chalk! I hate the stuff but Stetson seems to really enjoy it

The “-tude” 

Patiently waiting for dada and naaaaaaeeeeee

Happy birthday to Emma! Nate Day (if anyone remembers the Days) was there with his kids also. He’s the bishop in Corey and Maddie’s ward and Corey is the second counselor. He shook my hand and said “i think i know you…. You have a Belliston face.” So thanks to all you gorgeous people for letting me look like you so people know who I’m related to 😂

Oakley was in heaven 

  

Flake Fun

First off, Emma, don't feel bad for disliking camping.  I dread it. But maybe it will get better. 

This last month has been pretty good.  The kids still talk about how fun the cousins reunion was.  

We have semi started school. I am trying to figure the whole thing out so we are just taking it one day at a time. 

We planted little patches of cover crop where our fruit trees will go and they were looking pretty good...then the cows found them. 

The highlight of the last week was finding our toads.

James put 7 of them in his plastic boat and loved watching them escape.

Rand's first solo catch lizard

Robin's first solo catch lizard

"My hands are bleeding oobleck"

Rand saw this monster truck at Tractor Supply and had to take a picture with it.

Field peas - the cows destroyed my compost bin too!