WaTCH OUT--INDEPENDENCE MISSOURI here HE COMES!

My brother Brendon Berc Hutchings got his mission call to...

Independence Missouri Mission!!!!!!!

WAHOOO!

He will enter the MTC on February 11th--(one month after his 19th birthday)--and will be gone for 2 years!

He is such a STUD! He electively chose NOT to attend BYU this past semester so he could leave as soon as possible on his mission. He is also the only 3-4 yr. old I knew who electively woke up, got dressed, and waited by the front door w/ his scriptures to go to early morning seminary with his teenage siblings-NO LIE (he went a few times with us and would have kept going if my parents had not toned down the issue!)

He is the 8th of 9 Hutchings children to serve--he is potentially the last missionary to serve in both Dan and I's families...(since my 17 year old sister is pretty sure she is marrying Edward the Vampire before she can go!)

We are going to treasure having a missionary again in our family's-there has been a "break"!

We cannot wait to write letters and send packages!!!

We are so proud of the decisions you have made to get there!

WE LOVE YOU ELDER HUTCHINGS!!!!!

Colton is sure going to miss his 'older brother'!!!!!

Happy Belated Birthday Uncle RusS!

(Russ in 'the line' at our wedding October 2000)

Allrighty this is Russ (far left above) around the time I got to know him. It was during Dan's and I dating days (I think my favorite part is his braces).

What I remember about Russ at this age is that he always had a girlfriend! ha ha ha. I was an EFY counselor the session that Dan's brothers and sister attended at BYU one summer. I remember seeing Russ comforting one of his 'girlfriends' during a dance I was chaperoning. Russ was NOT a player however. I could tell he was sincerely concerned about the girls welfare and whatever was making her sad. He always had a few good best friend guys...but there was always a girlfriend. He knew how to snag those women! I got to know Russ even better during the time that Dan and I went and lived with Dan's parents for 3 months. We were finishing up grad school and doing a clinical in Phoenix. To save money we lived in Dan's parents basement. Russ was the only one left at home at this point. He was a senior, and I am sure it was hard having us impose on his "kingdom".
(Dan and Russ tubing at Lake Pleasant while we lived w/ the fam!)

I am sure I kept the mommy mode around him and served out much unsolicited advice from: his high blood pressure, to how he should be dating. However, he seemed to take it all in stride and actually listen to me sometimes!

I had 2 boys (Colton and Sterling)at the time, and they LOVED their cool uncle. They always looked forward to him coming home as much as daddy! They loved wrestling and playing with him. They also LOVED watching him spin all the couch pillows with his one finger super fast!

(One of the boys favorite parts of the day--Colton playing with Uncle Russ)

I got to see some of Russ's passions during this time (besides girls... EVEN though he did have a serious girlfriend). He loved playing basketball. He was on the high school varsity b-ball team, and would go and play pick up games almost every night off-season.

Russ LOVED cold cereal and cheez-its.

I remember we all would go work out together (Dan, I, Russ, Slice and the boys) at the Y we had a membership too.That was always a treat-ha ha ha.

Russ was smart! That kid was a last minute procrastinator when it came to school work--but somehow he always managed to pull it off and get GREAT grades. I remember him writing a bazillion page paper almost all night one night.

He was always helping his girlfriends sister who struggled with academics to advice. Like I said, he has a sensitive nature.

He was not afraid to hang with an 'old married couple' when we did get together. He was not embarrassed to be around me or the kids.

I also remember Russ being very conscientious about money--which has not changed!!!

(Russ's missionary Homecoming September 2007-hanging with the girl cousins Lola (l) and Dacie (r))

I remember getting very teary -eyed when he left on his mission to Guatemala, because he had ALWAYS been a part of my kids growing up and I KNEW they would change drastically while he was gone for 2 years. However, he just picked up where he left off-lovin' on the GALS (2 nieces)he missed being born.

We enjoyed hearing him grow on his mission, and be so humble. It was fun writing letters to him every other week and drawing pictures for him!

Russ never wavered. He always knew the gospel was true and never doubted living the commandments- He just did it.

(Russ front and center at his wedding! June 2008)

Russ came home from his mission in September and was married by JUNE!!! We had very little time to catch up-BUT we are so glad to have a new sis (who happened to be a family friend before the mission!) to catch up with too.

(Russ and his wife Selena...celebrating his birthday August 2, 2008 in Utah)

Now he is married and has a girlfriend FOREVER- We cannot wait to see him as a FUN dad. Russ knows how to have fun and dance (typically the Sorensen's are a bit more reserved) SO we know his birthday celebrations are always a blast! We wished we lived closer to help celebrate, but until then.... Happy Birthday Russ! There is allot to celebrate about you!

WE LOVE YOU!

SuPeR SaTUrDay!

Saturday Morning we were suppose to come and pick up the boys, and get their gear out of Grandma's. At this point every single sibling (of the Hutchings) was in town and it was CHAOS.I really starting missing Dan that day, I needed his hands and calm presence to help amidst the crazy activities and the four kids that I had by myself.

Some of us headed over to the park to celebrate Pioneer Day (the 24th of July) with my parents stake. We got fried chicken, watermelon and potato salad. They had a blow up slide thing and some pioneers painting faces! Here are the results of the face painting below Blue Bunny a.k.a Psycho Bunny!
One of the pioneer girls painting
Cousins Kayden and Boston as a Tiger and Leopard
Dacie is cute as a bug with her Lady Bug!
Ryland's dragon and kitty, I believe.
Despite most my family living in the same area, they had a major highway shut down for a majority of the time I was there... and it made for some LONG drives (I cannot live in a BIG city anymore for this reason-TRAFFIC) back and forth from houses. Saturday we were so hot and tired after the picnic...and we had my brothers court of honor in a few hours--We went and crashed at my sisters (Amberlyn's) pad as she was getting ready to go do an EFY.
We got naps where we could. I never thought we would finally get Dacie settled down enough to sleep on a bed (as opposed to a quiet, dark room in her crib)BUT she finally fell asleep a little bit, for a much needed nap.

(The Hutchings Eagle Scouts-Brendon, Kelby, Shaun, Chad, My Dad-Kent)

That evening my youngest brother Brendon received his Eagle Scout Award. He was the last male to get this award from our family. I come from a VERY strong and long line of SCOUTERS. My Dad has been a scout master for most of his and my lifetimes, as well as his father.I have never been to a court of honor (since I am older and was always gone when my other brothers got theirs). It was neat to see the Eagles Nest where all the men attending who have received this award, come and sit together. I loved hearing about what this award represents and the origins of it. They also had a cool Brendon video and a Brendon 'roast'. Since I missed his graduation and most his high school years, I felt like I was getting caught up! I am glad my boys got to see it, I hope this part of my family legacy is passed down to them.
Uncle Brendon and the Sorensen Clan!

The Wedding!!!

On Saturday June 28th-Dan's Brother Russ married Selena-(who incidentally has been a member of "the best Friends" that always hung out with Dan's sister Amy-- and as they said, Russ was the accessory-ha ha). Dan, I and the kids were able to come down the night before and attend the festivities that day!Racing (not really, if you knew Dan's dad) Grandma and Grandpa Sorensen to the Mesa temple after accidentally meeting up with them on the highway, after they had gone and picked up the flowers and we were running later than everyone else!
The kids hung out at the visitors center, and the temple grounds (THANK YOU Uncle Clint) while we were in the sealing AND after for pictures. They were pretty good troopers considering it was 110 degrees!
It was one of the sweetest and most spiritual sealings I have been to. I did not want to leave the temple. I enjoyed the sweet spirit I felt there and the overwhelming peace I was consumed with. I cannot imagine being married anywhere else and making these covenants that are not only for this earth life, but well beyond.



After having enough of the heat--we headed over to the Landmark Restaurant for a luncheon. Then we sprinted home to get some quick naps in before we had to return 1-2 hours before the reception for more pictures!

My goal in this whole affair was to get a GOOD family photo (since we matched and all)--and this was as good as it got. My camera was running out of batteries SO we were blurry-AAAHHH!
Dacie and our only cousin (on the Sorensen side) Lola (they are exactly 6 months apart) got matching dresses for the wedding...and of course we could not photograph 'the girls' enough. Here they are sharing some snacks!

Dacie kissing her cousin!
Dan was one of the groomsmen with his 2 other brothers (Clint and Scott) and got to even wear a tux!!! This will probably be the only time besides our wedding that I will have the privilege of checking him out in one. What a hottie!

Selena is a photographer (and in fact majored in it at NAU) SO she got one of the best photographers (or the best-I am clueless with this stuff) for her wedding, and pictures were the priority. Dan got to do allot of 'photo shoots'--check out the photographers site for a slide show and pictures of the affair (look at Sorensen-Reid Wedding).

They introduced the wedding party with a spotlight and DJ, one at a time-- and had them sit at a table up front. The picture above is Dan enjoying a moment with his brothers!

The reception was held at a country club that was "out there"...but it was BEAUTIFUL!!!! Selena's family did not 'hold back' ,and so needless to say this one of the BEST receptions we have attended. It was very formal and beautiful, but also had other fun additions (like a photo booth from the mall to take photos for free!). The entire evening was MC'd with a DJ and they even played a funny little newly wed game. What would a reception be without some DANCING! Daddy and Dacie tore it up on the floor!!

The grounds

Inside the reception hall- Dacie is taking it all in!
Of course guess what part of the reception was MY BOYS favorite? (including Dan's) THE FOOD! They had a chocolate fountain with the cool chocolate that hardened on the food quickly. They had a pasta bar with chefs that would cook your pasta for you right there, with your choice of fixings and sauce. There was shrimp, and sushi, and crackers and cheese.... Dan did not stop eating from the moment he walked in to when he walked out. There was lemonade fountains, and later cups to toast with sparkling cider, etc.! It was CRAZY FUN!! We could not leave, or sneak away as we had anticipated because we were having too much fun!
We got home pretty late...so we drove up to girls camp EARLY the next morning rather than squeezing it in that evening and hitting an elk!
As a side note from my previous post archive picture: We did not have to worry about trashing Russ's car-his "energetic" groomsmen took care of that for us, and Russ got it allot WORSE than we did (with flour down the a/c vents and all)!
Welcome to the Fam Selena!

HuTcHiNgS HoLd Em' ReUnIoN- Day 2

Sunday is a Special Day!

After church, family photos, lunch, naps, western crafts and dinner...we headed up to the meeting house for an evening of FuN!(Dan, Shaun, Mom H, Colton, Kelby)

We each adopted a kid and split up into 4 groups for 'stations'

(Ryland, Booboo, Amber-Rose, Kayden, Mindy & Grandpa H dead on the floor)

Station #1 is to put on western make-up (fake eyelashes, glitter, eyeliner pencils, RED lipstick, blue eyeshadow) and bust out the boas and bowler hats-- to take B/W photos

(Dacie, Alicia, Brendon, Beth, Cara-Sterling in front)

Sterling putting on Uncle Brendon's mustache
Aunt Mara putting on My (Alicia) lovely 'saloon gal' make-up, while Dacie learns a thing or two
Dan's going to DIE!!! My brothers talked him into this-- Dan and Shaun showing off their pretty lips!!
Cousin Kayden the hard core card player!

Station #2-Included some card games (go fish, old maid, life size Yahtzee -compliments of the Krandar family) and some country western children's books to read

Station #3- Was making wanted posters for each nuclear family within our family-Drawing pictures of them and writing why they are wanted in our family (i.e.- wanted for having the the kindest heart)

Station #4- Come up with a skit from a bag full of props to perform at the end

At each station there was a family video/pictures playing of photos since the last reunion--

it took longer than anticipated and started turning into a late evening!

Let the shows begin!...

Indiana Jones (shaun) and Afro man (kelby) fighting over Colton
Momma Shark attacking!
Uncle Chad and Aunt Breanna having a conversation about losing weight for the reunion-- on the jump rope telephone!
More of the slow motion fight scene (they actually did it in slow motion)

After returning to camp and getting the little babies in bed, the camp fire was lit and games were plentiful each evening. Bedtimes were forgotten and treats busted out!
Grandpa playing domino's with "Da Boy" cousins!!

HuTcHiNgS HoLd Em' ReUnIoN- Day1

DAY 1-Camp Set-up and...

DinneR at BLacK BaRt's SaLoOnWe took up 2 tables with 16 adults and 8 Children (3 high chairs)...

We sent in our orders weeks previously when I made reservations.

We got the tables right up front by the stage and piano-where the servers perform (they are all NAU theatre students) and the piano plays by itself (the kids thought it was a ghost that was playing, literally!)--Look at video clip below!

Since it was a old west saloon type family reunion theme-we all got boas and derby hats to wear around-Dinner was NO EXCEPTION!
Most people got some form of steaks or ribs, along with yummy rolls and cinnamon honey butter (I think Colton ate 7)--on top of potatoes--you had to "roll" us out of there.
FoR MemORy'Sake..I have included the agenda for the entire reunion--

(with such large numbers and special circumstances, we kept to it fairly well)

~REUNION AGENDA~


SATURDAY JUNE 7, 2008
12:00pm-4:00 pm—Check-In/Set-up Camp
Biggest Loser weigh-in (Alicia’s cabin)

3:30pm-Welcome, Announcements, Plans (Meal Tent at Base Camp)
4:45pm- Travel to Black Barts Saloon
5:00pm- Dinner
6:30/7:00pm until Bedtime- Free time, Game Time, Movie/Ice cream social night at KOA campground




SUNDAY JUNE 8, 2008
7:00am- Breakfast (Meal Tent)—Kelby’s Jacks, Kent’s Kings
8:30am- Leave for Church
9:00am until 12:00pm- Church (Linda Vista Meetinghouse)
12:15- Family Pictures (Back of campground—wear whatever…Sunday Dress Please)
12:45/1:00pm- Lunch (Meal Tent)—Alicia’s Aces, Cara’s Clubs
1:00pm until 4:00pm- Crafts (Meal Tent), Naps, Free-Time
4:00pm- Dinner (Meal Tent)—Mindy’s Mavericks, Black Chad’s, & Kent’s Kings
5:00pm- Family Night (Linda Vista Meetinghouse)
Picture DVD’s, Sepia Pictures, Card games, Biggest Loser Award and Bagged Skits
8:00pm until Bedtime- Free Time, Game Time




MONDAY JUNE 9, 2008
7:30am- Breakfast (Meal Tent)- Alicia’s Aces, Black Chad’s
7:30am until 10:00am- Free Time, Pack your Families Dinner for Grand Canyon (Meal Tent— Kent’s Kings, Kelby’s Jacks)
10:00am- Leave for the Chair Lift/SnowBowl Ski Resort and Grand Canyon
11:00am- Chair Lift ride
1:00pm or so- Leave Snow Bowl Ski Resort for Grand Canyon
Stop in- Tusayan for lunch- & to load EVERYONE into 4 vehicles.
2:30/3:00pm until 6:00pm- South Rim of the Grand Canyon-Eat packed Dinners
6:00pm-Meet at cars to back to Base Camp-Everyone in your car accounted for?
7:30/8:00pm until Bedtime- Free Time, Game Time




TUESDAY JUNE 10, 2008
7:30am- Breakfast (Meal Tent)- Cara’s Clubs, Mindy’s Mavericks
8:30am- Business Meeting (Meal Tent)
9:30am- Break-Down/Pack Camp
11:00am- Check-out

HUGS and KISSES!!
DRIVE SAFE, BUCKLE UP and RETURN WITH HONOR! (ha ha)