I, like other families who have relatives living from coast to coast, find it hard to keep up with everyone. I'm so grateful for our Hylton Family Reunion (My mother's family). It started many years ago and has been held every 3 years over the Fourth of July weekend since 1938! It is held at the old Hylton Homestead where my Uncle Maynard has always lived. With the passing of Uncle Maynard last year, I had wondered if relatives in neighboring states would try to have another one this year. Thankfully they did decide to have it this year, and Delmus and I were able to attend. I can remember many times visiting with Grandpa Hylton and Uncle Maynard and listening to the many stories related to our family heritage. They recalled much information and in 1995 Uncle Maynard published a book, John and Nancy Howell Hylton Decendants and Ancestors, which contained information from 1690-1995. In the book are old wills, deeds, land transfers, receipts and many family pictures. This book is such a treasure to refresh and learn more about the family. The name Hilton (Hylton) dates back to Durham, England, where an old Hylton castle still stands. A few years ago one of my first cousins had the opportunity to visit the castle. Also my sister's Gleda and Treva were able to visit several months later. This castle is a great reminder of our family heritage.

We made the journey with Del's son Byron and his wife Shauna, along with Grandaughter Tasha and her family. We flew from Salt Lake City to Lousiville Kentucky where Tasha met us. We drove in a big white 15 passenger van to their home in Danville, Kentucky. We spent the night at Tasha's and enjoyed a nice night's rest. It was wonderful to see our precious great-grandchildren Jesse, Colton, and Peyton. The next day we started our trip to Virginia, with Byron as chauffeur and Brett as navigator. Brett had lived in the Kentucky area so he took us on a site seeing tour into Virginia. It was wonderful to enjoy our family's company as we rode along in our big bus-like van.

Over the years I have gone back with children and grandchildren and introduced them to the family and given them a tour of my childhood places. It meant so much to visit these places and have my family share them. There's no place like the old home places; no matter how long I've been away, they quickly renew old memories.