When the Nelsens come to the 'Sip

The whole Nelsen clan came for a visit this week! It has been so fun! Alyssa and I counted down, anxiously awaiting their arrival! And it came! It finally came! We visited Monroe and Poverty Point in Louisiana. We ate at Frog Head Grill in Clinton. Natchez and Vicksburg reminded us of the war that raged as a divided nation sought to preserve unity and expand freedom. 

The true joy came from the time spent together doing new things and remembering the good ol' times! We tried alligator (...everything is good when it is deep fried, right?!) and ate donuts. We swam in the hotel swimming pool! Alyssa spent a couple of fun nights with Grandma and Grandpa in their hotel room, and she entertained and included everyone in her Barbie's escapades! She also had us all in for a salon treatment - face wash and lotion included! Our friendships deepened. Taft became familiar with everyone. We laughed until we cried! 

Time passes quickly and moments are fleeting. It's so hard to remember every little thing that happened, though I wish I could! Ultimately I hope I can remember how it felt to have everyone around. I hope my children will know how much they are loved by Grandma and Grandpa, Jacob, Ben, Claire, and Porter. We are so blessed to have visits like these when many miles separate us.

Until next time!

Grandma and Grandpa

Tonight my family is sitting around Grandpa and Grandma Nelsen's graveside. It's July 24 and it is Grandpa's birthday. This is the second birthday he has spent with Grandma on the other side of the veil, but we're celebrating like they still live at 3216 Joyce Drive. 

We spent many Sunday afternoons sitting on the patio, eating creamies, drinking Pepsi, feeling the canyon breeze and talking. Grandma and Grandpa were always there for us. They supported us in all that we did, coming to recitals, plays, baby blessings, baptisms, and birthdays. 

We always celebrated every birthday in the family with them. They would come to our house for cake and ice cream. Grandpa often brought me a rose from 7/11. They would talk and smile, sitting on the sidelines of the celebration, giving their full heart and support to the occasion.

You may not be able to see them in the circle around the graveside, but I'm sure they are there. God has lent them some spiritual resin chairs, and they are laughing along with everyone. Grandma has her pink shorts and cardigan on, Grandpa has his legs crossed, elbows resting on the arm rests, and middle finger to pinky finger intertwined with pointer to pointer and thumb to thumb. They miss us like we miss them, and that is why it is wonderful that families are forever and that we will all be together soon enough.

 

My Brother, Ben

Oh Ben. I'm glad you came another summer. I'm glad you make Kool-Aid for dinner every night. I'm glad you play with Alyssa and teach her ridiculous sayings. I'm thankful you play the guitar for Taft so I can exercise. I'm thankful you mow the lawn and do the dishes. I'm blessed that you are willing to drive six hours sitting "back seat, middle, feet on the hump" just so Erik and I can go to the temple together and you can get a fried catfish po boy! Can the next three weeks be a little longer? It's gone way too fast and I hate to see it end so soon.