Time Flying Ever So Swiftly

Even though my last entries are dated in February of this year,  they are actually from a year ago when our family gathered.
The littles have really grown up in that time.  I will just add some photos of the past year and not worry too much about their chronological order.
Mindy and Ryan's stay included Fair Days.  This at the parade with Central school in the background which is currently being torn down for new city buildings and police station.  Gloria and Dad joined us.

Christian, Debbie, Xadrian, Emily, and Kendrix.

I love this photo of Katherine Elaine and Nora Laine.

 Even great grandson Timothy was here from Phoenix.  He and Nora loved the houses.

 Too bad these two little girls can't live closer.  (Daughters of twins.)  Katherine began calling Brinlee her best friend almost at once.

Emily's photo of Katherine at Grandpa Day's.

Juchau's Utah Visit, Part 2

One of the stops my kids have to make while visiting their home town is Dairy Keen or the Train as they call it.  As many of us as were available went to lunch, had ice cream and shakes, and sat on the train for awhile.

No pictures for this one, but we had quite a bit of drama with little Jonathan.  He was circumcised by Dr- Grandpa Juchau since he couldn't be cause he was a preemie.  In the evening when Mindy went to change his diaper, it was very bloody -- Christian was there and took over in crisis-mode.  Got Mindy and baby to the ER.  Later I joined them.  They cauterized and treated it.  They waited a day or two to go home, Kirk was able to get a free plane ticket for Ryan to fly down, so they could drive back together.

The Family Meets Jonathan

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Jarrett Kirk and Jonathan Kirk get acquainted.

Mindy and Ryan moved from Utah so that he could work for Rite-Aid Pharmacy in Yuba City, California.  They found a nice home to rent in Marysville.  After a a year, Ryan got a job in Klamath Falls, Oregon, but Jonathan was in the NICU in Sacramento,  and they weren't allowed to move after he was released until just before Christmas.  Due to some rough times for them -- problems with Ryan's license, pregnancy and little Jonathan's fragile health, they were unable to come home for a visit for a year and a half.  Ryan had used all his time off during Jonathan's stays in the NICU, so in March of 2014, the first school break with Jonathan able to travel, Mindy loaded them in the car by herself after school and began the drive over unknown roads from Oregon to Heber City, stopping along the way to nurse Jonathan and take care of the kids.  The road was isolated, not well traveled, and treacherous in spots. She arrived in Winnemucca, Nevada at 2:00 and dragged (her word) the four kids and luggage into the hotel, only to find that their reserved hotel room was not made up and was the only room available.  She loaded them up and found another hotel.  I could definitely write a whole blog on her experiences over the last few years, but her life is not boring.  We were very relieved when they arrived in Heber City safely. 

Christian, Kendrix Kirk, and Jonathan Kirk

We were delighted to see little Miss Brinlee, a very animated, rambunctious little red headed Mindy.
She loved her cousins, especially, Emily who painted her nails and did art projects with her.

Xadrian and Brinlee had some fun, and Miss
Brinlee being hyper and silly.

HUNSAKERS REUNITED -- WELL ALMOST

S'mores at Christian and Debbie's backyard with Mount Timpanogas in the background.

Summer of 2014 brought the Francoms to Utah for Greg's sister, Angie's wedding and visits with both families.  The Hunsaker home almost burst its seams and with joy as we reunited.  Mindy and kids were able to drive down after school ended for Justin, so was here part of the time with everyone and stayed longer for a few days.  Early June is a challenging time for weather in Heber Valley, especially.  We had some pleasant days and some chilly days.  Not as much time for outdoor water play as we would have liked.
The family missing was Brian, Natasha, and Timothy Tracy who live in Phoenix.
Mindy and kids stayed with Christian and Debbie while the Francoms were with us sleeping in the living room (some day maybe I will have guest rooms.)  It worked well for her as she likes to get all her morning routine under her belt.  When the Francoms left, Mindy moved to our house, so we got some time with just them.

Our outings consisted of a hike near Huber's Grove in Midway, an afternoon spent at the Wasatch Mountain State Park feeding the ducks and Greg and Christian fishing, a stop at Heber Valley Cheese factory for squeaky cheese and fudge.
 Judy met the Francoms, Christian, and I at Rainbow Bay for a day of kayaking and playing on the beach.  It was windy and a bit chilly, but the kids loved it.  Judy and the boys drove up in Dan's truck loaded with their kayaks.
Later in the week, Mindy went to Utah county to kayak.

Emily and Sabrina

Another chilly day we went to Olympic Park in Park City, went to the museum, and played at the resort park.
One night made s'mores at Christian's, one night singing under the little white lights on the patio, where the kids sang "Count On Me" (Bruno Mars) with Greg's guitar. 

Braxton and Kris.





Justin

Brothers!  Ethan and Jonathan

    Sisters Clara and Sabrina at Wasatch Mountain State Park

 Cartoons in Grandpa's bed.                                                                           Water balloon volleyball.

Fishing pond in Grandpa Day's backyard,

 Grandpa Day and Grandma Gloria invited us to have a picnic in their backyard on Father's Day.  We had tutti-frutti  and just for Father's Day bacon-vanilla homemade ice cream.  After dinner, most of us sported mustache tattoos -- ironic 'cause my dad -- Gerald -- strongly dislikes facial hair.  It provided laughs and fun.

The girl cousins.

Part of Braxton's fan club -- Jacob and Ethan.

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Cousins on the swing.

The Seventh Little Princess

And so on a summer Sunday morning, our little Nora Laine Hunsaker, made her appearance.  Another almost freeway delivery (Raymond being the other).  She was kind enough to just barely wait until Dave pulled up to the door, and Judy was pulled out of the car and rushed into her room before making her appearance.  I got a text in church announcing her arrival, so Kirk and I set off for the hospital for introductions around noon.
Judy was sitting up in bed looking beautiful.  (No long labor for her -- she spent the morning walking.)  Nora was/is beautiful.  Grandpa and Grandma Bama were there as well as Cathy, Danny, and Cate.  And the three adoring big brothers.

Her name, Nora Laine takes part of each grandma's name, Glenora and Elaine.  Cute, huh?

We got cuddles from Nora, hugs from the boys, and photo ops.  Glenora and I managed to color coordinate for ours.

Kris, particularly, was charmed with her.  So cute.
Grandpas and Dad a little less thrilled with the pics, but succumbed to our pleading, as they sat on the tub.

The Fourth of July found us all at the Hunsaker home in Lehi.

Raymond has a fascination with touching all ears, and finds Nora a willing victim.

She will be one little princess for sure in a household of men.  Nevermind that David calls her "devil-child" because she only likes to be tended by Mom.