BYU Volleyball Camp

 With less than a week's notice, a spot opened up for Claire at the BYU Volleyball Camp this summer. We were on a waiting list, so I had signed her up for the SUU camp instead. The stars aligned and our friends the Knudsons were also going up to the same camp, and had room for us in their rental house. Claire and Maddie had an exhaustingly fun time - they learned a lot and got some positive feedback. Claire's coach was from Vegas and plays for the BYU Mens team. Another coach talked to him at one point later in the camp, and Claire overheard her say that Claire was the best setter in the gym. So that really helped her confidence! 

I was also able to meet up with my BYU roommate and friend from back home, Jamie Ortwein. We met for lunch and had a nice catch up. 

I've never hiked the Y - seems weird that we never did while at school, but also, it's super steep!

Another friend, Ken Craig, works for BYU now and lives very close to campus so he was able to meet up at the BYU Bookstore, allowing us to catch up and also spend more money there. :) He has been in some recent LDS pop culture movies (Once I Was a Beehive) and will be in Vegas soon for another movie, Once I Was Engaged. So, he's famous! ;) 

Good times were had by all! We would definitely go back next year if we can, and are making plans to come watch at least one BYU volleyball game. 

Zion's Youth - Prep

Claire and Miles got to be in an awesome choir and orchestra preparatory camp put on by a local music group called Zion's Youth. For three days, they learned about music theory, how to sing with an orchestra, follow the conductor, and how the audition process works for the Zion's Youth. I know they had fun and learned a lot - being in the full choir would be a lot of work and time, but I hope we could make it happen if Claire chooses to audition. Miles won't be quite old enough yet, but he hung out with his friend Beau so that was enough to keep him coming back each day. 

Claire sung a solo in the song Glorious, I was so impressed she even auditioned, and she did a great job with her part. She sang alto, and Miles sang tenor. 

The kiddos from our ward - we carpooled all week

May and Grandpa came down to watch too - it was only about 30 minutes, I think we waited longer to get inside to our seats :) 

Miles and Beau 

Las Vegas Temple

Miles went up to the temple with his youth group recently and their leaders sent me this picture - so handsome! 

#Spoiled

Claire got highlights! She was so excited and loved that they turned out even blonder than we had planned. I took her to Melinda, who I have known since our single days - she has done my hair for years. Claire is often found admiring her new color - it did turn out pretty awesome and natural looking, I think. 

Hiller Reunion 2021- Bryce Canyon

I organized the 2021 Hiller Reunion at Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah and it was so fun! Perfect weather, great hikes, and lots of time to hang out with family around the pool. We played games, talked, ate too much junk food, and visited one of the most beautiful places on earth - Bryce Canyon. Uncle Joe and Aunt Joan came as well, with their daughter Tess and her family. The other aunts decided to skip this year - COVID still affects many decisions. I hope we can all get together at the next reunion - and that someone else is the lucky one to plan the bigger event :)  

Kindergarten Graduation - Mr. Henry

Despite saying they wouldn't have one, the school changed their mind and held a kinder graduation. I think everyone just needed a little "extra" this year. Henry had Ms. Meyers, the same teacher Penelope had for kindergarten.  Henry was so ready to be done with school - he is just too smart for his own good and I think he was getting bored. He went to the nurse like 4 out of 5 days, trying to get sent home. He made it though, with a little bribery to earn a Pokemon stuffie (he ended up picking a "hug pillow" that is a super cute, soft dog.  

Henry had his good friend Cooper in his class this year and these two are just adorable. Amanda, Cooper's mom, is my carpool buddy for the last four years and she said at pick up they always walk out holding hands. Henry said his summer bucket list is to stay friends with Cooper. I really hope they get the same teacher for first grade! 

8th Grade Graduation

Claire is on to high school! She finished the second half of 8th grade going to school in person for 3 hours a day, the rest of her work done online but at her own pace with prerecorded videos or activities. Not many 8th graders chose to come to school in person so she had very small classes - sometimes just 6-8 kids going in person. But I think it was so good to go in person - some semblance of normalcy during this pandemic year. 

                        Violet and Claire - Violet played on our varsity volleyball team this year. 

                                                Coach Dale and Claire - our fav P.E. Teacher 

Claire's two main teachers - Mr. Petrello and Ms. Cross

Last Day of School

We made it! Last day of school 2021! The year we had all the kids, with a kindergartner and an 8th grader as the bookends, all at the same school. Miles finishing 6th grade gets the award for growing the most in one year! I need to make sure to line up the kids better with the for to see how much they grow, but it's always pretty cool (and a bit sad) to see how much they change in just 9 months. 

Easter Pictures 2021

 We went to the back side of Floyd Lamb Park for family photos this year, and after Miles BEGGED me to bring Merzey, I gave in. She was super annoying and wanted to chase every single bird, but by some miracle our photographer Amy Rhodes got a few great shots with Merzey included.