Rito Alto

Jeff got to go to this amazing place about 7 miles above the sand dunes, deep in the Rockies, for a scouting/fishing trip--he and his Dad are going hunting there this fall. They went in on horses--about a 3 hour pack ride. He said (and I quote) "It was the most beautiful place I've ever seen in my life."

Summer Fun.

An early morning shot of sleeping on the trampoline.
Natalia in the sandbox, in a dress, playing with her cousins.

The boys even managed to convince Jeff to sleep on the tramp with them. (Austin just went out for an early morning picture.)

July 24th parades

Taylor and Colton were both on floats this year during the parade. They can't decide if they like that better or being on the ground gathering all the candy that it thrown! (I personally like seeing them on the floats!)

Family Reunion 2008 in Cascade ID

We had a family reunion in June with all my family. There are 38 of us now and all but 2 were together for a WHOLE week in one cabin... together, all of us. AHHH! It was GREAT!!! I think we even all left still liking each other.

We all drove to Cascade and spent the week hanging out and playing--(there is a beautiful lake about 100 yards from the front lawn). Their were 7 babies (from 10 to 19 months) that added an extra element of fun. 22 kids in all. There was ALWAYS something going on. Taylor and Colton were in heaven getting to play with their cousins non-stop.

Trina and Thad made all the arrangements, replete with swimming, ping-pong, air hockey, water fights, baseball, a day at Roaring Rapids, movies, games, tons of good food and even a Christmas party (since we won't all be together in December). We also squeezed in some tennis and golf. Chas (brother) spent some quality time with Taylor teaching him how to pitch--thanks again Chas. We had a game of kickball with all the little kids, rode bikes, had an afternoon with just the girls walking around downtown, eating ice cream. It was just perfect. A highlight of our summer. We were able to spend a couple of days with Jeff's dad before the reunion. It was awesome. Below are several pictures of the week.

We also compiled a list of funny things about our family--with a lot of insight/input from the in-laws. Some of you may appreciate this:

You know you are a Hutchins when....

- Every event (big or small) is a reason for a family reunion

- You can tetris pack any size of trailer/back of vehicle/moving truck/storage shed

- You or one of your siblings/parents move every month

- You are an expert woodcutter and wood stacker and think it’s actually enjoyable.

- You have a nickname for anyone very close to you.

- If you say you are ‘almost’ there, you could be anywhere from 5 to 90 minutes away

- You hear the 'big news' from at least 2 family members before you hear it from your spouse.

- You are competitive with everything, from foosbal to Uno

- You antagonize a water fight

- You have Duct Tape and WD-40 in your first aid kits, 72 hour kits, and food storage.

- Your in a hurry to get nowhere

- You can't laugh without crying

- You have to clean your car before, during, and after a trip

- you think 8 pieces of toast and a glass of milk constitutes a full meal

- You think football is actually season of the year

- You think spring cleaning involves a buzz cut

- You think beans are its own food group

- When at a basketball game you say 'good grief' at least every other play

- If you are not 10 minutes early you are late

- You can spend hours watching and adjusting your sprinklers

- You have to check in with your sisters and sister-in-laws before 9am

- When a job that should take 10 minutes ends up taking 45

- If something looks bad you make it look good and if it looks good you make it look better

- There is no such thing as 'too green of grass'

My mom with all 7 of the 'babies'.

This was a lake just outside of Cascade that we attempted fishing. It was beautiful.

This is at the park next to Jeff's dad's house.
Everybody (all 36 of us) went to a park in Cascade and played baseball.
This is the lake just a block or so away from the cabin.
Austin during the baseball game. He took most of his naps in the car during the trip.

Baseball season

Baseball season was a lot of fun this year. As you can tell, Colton and Ethan took it particularly serious. (As is standard behavior for the 2 of them.) They were on the same team with Lisa and I as coaches. We had such a good time 'trying' to coach them. Our team took 4th place overall.

Taylor's team took 1st place. Hmm, wonder if he had a better coach. He he.

First Fishing Trip...

This is at a lake pretty close to us (down on the V-heart ranch). A BEAUTIFUL spot.

This is Jeff's big rainbow trout which he was awfully sad to let go. (it was catch and release---but at least there was no mess to clean up!)
We all had a great time, well, everyone except Austin! (I think Kelsi was threating to throw him into the lake LOL)

Summer buzz!

Everyone, including Jeff, decided to shave their heads for the summer. (luckily hair grows back fast!)