May 2008
-NEIL & MIKE- May is such a lovely time to be a grandma twice!!! May 22nd and May 23rd an angel dropped from heaven and we get to give them kisses and hugs only not very often because they live in Mississippi and Utah and I DON'T! I got to spend 7 fun filled days with the new: "Morgan Collins" (Paij's) and now I'm in Utah with the new "Bode Davis" (Haylee's) for 5 days. It doesn't get any better then this until June 25th when yet another angel will be arriving, but that's for next month's newsletter!!!. As you may well remember that after May comes June and that's the very month of the Hunter's Happening Hawaiian Holiday Reunion!!!! It's almost here and it will be worth it!!!! PLEASE COME! If you can't make it well.......I may have to take your youngest child ........or something. I'm still waiting for the numbers. Frankie is the only one I've heard from with who’s attending. Don't make uncle Neil have to call you!!!! Love Aunt Mike
-Trevor & Charmayne-With School winding down, numerous fun field trips, and after school activities ending it seems like summer vacation is almost here!!! Yeah. Our scouting program is being reorganized (meaning everyone is new but me- lucky huh?). So we will have a great summer program. I'm also getting busier with vinyl jobs that help fill in my days. Trevor is still enjoying his new job, although he just had his 6-month review so maybe not so new anymore. He is trying to build a rat rod and is in need of some financial backing so.... He is also finally getting rid of some of the excess vehicles we have acquired in the back. Race has a girlfriend (
) and seems to be getting along well. He is camping in Manchester for a class trip this week. Nick has his first sunburn of the year from Sunsplash, another class trip. Kinny just got an A on his first biography and is super excited since only 3 other kids in his class even finished it on time. So that about sums it up, see you all in a few weeks.
-Haylee & Ryan-
-Kalli & Terry- We got moved into our new house this month thanks to lots of help from our awesome ward. We are officially from Gridley now. We are scheduled to have our baby on the 25th of this month and I will still be at the Reunion, so you all have no excuse! :) We are excited for summer and to see you all. Love the Hills
-Paij & Brent- May has been an exciting month for us. Our Morgan Kennedy Collins was born on May 22nd,at 9:30pm. I was induced in the morning and after 5 hours of being dilated to 4cm with no sign of progression, they decided to do a C-Section at 9pm. It wasn’t the preferred method of delivery but it worked out and she is healthy and beautiful; so that’s what matters. She was 6lbs and 4oz and 21in long. She got the Hunter nose for sure but is long and thin like her daddy. She has been a great sleeper so far and so much fun. We are so blessed to have her. Feel free to visit our blog to see picture sat brentandpaijcollins.blogspot.com. Lots of Love,
Paij, Brent, and Morgan Collins
-Jarom- FC3 Hunter, JaromUSS Germantown, OPS/OW FPO APSan Diego, CA 96666-1730
-LAMONT & EVY-Jenna you are the queen of the hop in my book. As if life and family don't throw you enough tasks to do without doing a family news paper that requires the begging for articles from its readers. Thanks for doing it. If it were done quarterly would that make your end of things any easier? I'm sure you have thought of that but if not consider. (I REALLY love doing this monthly newsletter, but if quarterly sounds better to everyone just let me know and we can switch!)
We are getting ready to come home from Latvia in about two weeks after a lovely little tour in Riga. We have done things that we would never do; seen things we would never have had the chance to view and felt things in our hearts and those of others, that we didn't know existed. We are sorry we were not able to get home for reunion. Next year I guess it is our turn to put it on, so we will for sure see all of you there. (Wherever there is). We are going to try to take a few small trips to see you within a few weeks after we get home. We have felt disconnected to all of you for this past little while and long to get hooked back up. Family is by far the biggest sacrifice when serving a mission. But our little bit of hard isn't anything when compared to dad's dad Cyrus Rozel Hunter's mission, who was called to serve in the Chicago area shortly after he and Emma Louisa Severe were married. He was gone for three years. Ma was with child when he left for the mission field. She wrote and asked what she should name their first child and Pa's choice was Elsworth, after his mission president. You have heard of Uncle Quentin, but not Uncle Elsworth so much as he died as a young boy.
Our mission has been filled with some hard times, for us at least, but great times. If you have the choice to serve or not, we highly recommend service.
Just a quick memory of dad and mom. Dad used to wake up in the dancing est, happiest, friskiest jolliest moods in the morning after a good sleep, and those moods would drive Mom crazy. He would dance around and smile and look so forward to the new day then realize that nobody was going up there on that happy high with him and so he would come back down a little at a time to a still above normal state of happiness. That is how he usually went about his days. Happy, ready to make a joke or laugh at one, always seeing the humor in life and what it handed him. Dad was a super hard worker and gave all of us a good example of success being hard work and a happy temperament. Of course there would be things that would get him down, but after reviewing strategy with mom and I am sure the Lord, He rev ed his motor of happiness again and worked to accomplish their goals.
-Chad & Nan-
-Jaimyn & Paul-
-Molly & Aaron- -Justin & Jana-Hey all,
The Reno Hunters hope everyone is doing well and find themselves healthy.
School is out for everyone and it is fun to have the kids home. Harrison and Noah are cruising along in scouts and Jackson is getting pretty amped-up about starting school with all the "big kids" in July. (year round schedule). Kaethe is starting tennis camp and then heading into JUNIOR HIGH! When did this happen? All of a sudden we are one of those families in the ward who have kind of older kids with most of them baptized and one in young womens. Wow! Time just flies.
Tennyson has ear, nose, and throat surgery today. Literally has a surgery for his permanent ear tubes, tonsils and adenoids removal for his throat, and a sinus "roto-rooter" procedure for his main sinuses. Kind of a big deal for him, but we hope it makes him feel tons better. He is doing pretty well.
Jana is still slammed with Primary President stuff along with being a mom, I am busy with work and building a house, but we are having fun and can't wait for mom and dad to be back!
Love the Reno Hunters
-Melisa & Tye- -LAYNE & FRANKIE-This weekend, I am going to meet Emma Gene Hunter, born on April 30. It was 2 days before Caleb's graduation but her arrival didn't keep Ashley from attending. Ashley borrowed a wheelchair, left the kids with Grandma Johnson and attended the ceremony.
I was able to attend Matthew and Benjamin's graduation from BYU, the week before.
We got a new computer but it doesn't make it any easier to remember what we have been doing for the past few months.
School, church, yard work, and kids seem to keep us busy and happy as ever.
-Rachel & Rob- Hello everyone we are so excited that
reunion is so close. We missed y'all last year but we
will be there this year. Our family is doing great.
Dale has just graduated from kindergarten. He did a
great job this year and is becoming a little reader.
His arm has healed nicely. Right after he got the cast
off he wanted to learn to ride his bike without training
wheels. We didn't like that idea. We compromised
by using a brace to keep his arm safe. Now he is
trying to keep up with his older brothers. Boyd finished
2nd grade with honors. Next year they will put him in
an honors class because he can't get enough learning.
Alex has survived 5th grade. He struggled with turning
in homework but has finally worked it out and is doing
good. Hopefully he won't loose it over the summer.
Cody finished 7th grade with a 4.0. He is a hard worker
and takes his schoolwork very seriously. Elizabeth is
walking. She gets into everything. She especially loves
emptying things. My purse, cupboards, garbage cans
and dishwasher. If we catch her she starts giggling and
working faster so she can accomplish more before we
stop her. Rob has started the huge project of building
our house. I am excited we are started but I know it will
take a long time. I am still doing music in primary and
love it more and more every week. Serving in the
primary is so great. We will see you all soon.
The Fransens
-Seth and Rayanna-
-Brandon & Laura-
-Rebekah and Seth-Hooray summer starts today!!!
This last Thursday Seth had his tonsils removed
and some surgery on his sinuses so he is still a
bit under the weather but each day is an improvement.
Our school year has ended well and we look forward to a warm fun summer.
-Caleb & Ashley-
-Kara & Michael-Hello family,
We are so excited school is almost out. I wonder why I have to send my kids the last week of school. Between the movies they watch and the field trips they go on I bet I could just keep them home and have fun as a family. Oh well.
This morning was McKayla's kindergarten graduation. They sang us songs and we were able to enjoy them a few moments together. The announcer for the graduation pointed out that her class will be the class of 2020.
We are staying busy packing for our trip to California. We are looking forward to the warm sun and green grass. We have had a lot of storms this past little while. The grass is green but if you step on it your shoes are sure to be brown with mud. Yesterday we rode our bike to school but in the afternoon we weren't able to ride them home because it was pouring down rain. Once I got to the school and loaded the (3) bikes in the van the sky dried up and my kids didn't know why I wasn't letting them ride home. Oh, well we decided to try again this morning we will have to wait and see what this afternoon will bring.
I have been accepted to the University of Idaho. I am going to start taking classes in August. I hope I am able to balance my schooling that of my kids. It looks like I should be able to do quite a few classes on line so I won't need to be in a classroom at a specific time. I hope to get registered and all my unanswered questions ironed out over the next few days.
We look forward to seeing those of you we can at the reunion.
Love,
Kara, Michael, Daniel, Joseph, McKayla, Karalynn and Adam
-Jeremy & Leslie--Benjamin & Megan- -Matthew & Karali- -CALVIN & DONNA-
-Damien & Kacey-
-Meredith & Bill-Hello out there all you Hunters! Here is a quick update from Bill, Meredith, and kids. First of all, I am thankful everyday, for my darling husband of 16 years (!) and my four precious children. Not to sound sappy or anything, but the older I get the more these simple blessings are what really matter. Anna is graduating 8th grade with many accolades and honors. She received 4 medals at the 8th grade award ceremony, including math, citizenship, music, and P.E. She was also chosen as honorary music director for choir which means she gets her name on a plaque that will be at display at the school and she conducted that choir for one song at the spring concert! She had an opportunity to take the high school Spanish 1 final and the high school Algebra final, which she passed, meaning she will not have to take those classes as a freshman, but can advance. OOps! I realize I was typing so fast and I am not even close to mentioning all the things parents love to brag about, but I will say she has been a very busy girl! Will is finishing up 7th grade this year academically strong. Such a different personality than Anna, but equally as accomplished. Right now he is in heaven because it is baseball season. He has played a great season and will likely be called to play All Stars for the 4th year now. He loves playing his trumpet, but wishes mom would buy him an electric guitar! Thomas is finishing up 5th grade! He plays on the same baseball team as Will and you can't imagine how proud of him we are! His 2 crowning accomplishments this year were earning his "Arrow of Light" scouting award and playing the role of "Mike Teavee" in the school production of Willy Wonka (oh, Anna had the role of Charlie’s mom, too). Thomas was an outstanding performer! Matthew also was in the show playing "Augustus Glupe". He stole the show with his pillowed stuffed "fat suit" and stuffing his face with candy while singing in some sort of European accent, "I vant more!' Matthew has had a great third grade year. He is also playing baseball, and his team is first place in the league. His coach told him today that he will probably be called to play on the 9-year-old All Stars! How exciting!
As you can tell, we are proud busy parents! We are thankful for our health. Our home, our opportunities, and living life with the knowledge of the gospel! Can't wait to see you in June, where I promise to do more listening than talking!!
Love to all
Meredith (and family)
-Hillary & Jason-
-Cayle-
-Sarah & Ryan- -Natalie & Jared- -SHEILA & LYLE-
Hello everyone,
Hope to see most of you at reunion.
love,
Aunt Sheila
-Jenna & Kevin- I’ve been gearing myself up for the “2-week adjustment period” when school’s out and everyone is home together all day. I’m happy to report that it has gone way more smoothly than expected! The boys have been a fantastic help and we have ALL really enjoyed summer thus far! We have named each day of the week to help. Mon-Museum day, Tue-Teaching day, Wed-Water day, Thurs-Friend day, Fri-Movie day, and Sat-Family day. Kaden’s (11) baseball team took 1st place and he got a huge trophy…VERY exciting!!! Hunter (10) is going to a 3-day Cub Scout day camp this week. Gavin (7) will be getting baptized in July! Holy Cow time flies!!! Kellan (4) just finished his soccer season. He was so much fun to watch! Last week he took the clippers to his hair, so I had to finish the job. When we went swimming the next day, he informed me, “I can’t go swimming because I’m bald.” Chloe’s (9 mo.) new trick is to push herself up to a standing position, throw her hands in the air and fall down. She’s VERY proud of herself that she can stand! Life is good. We are so sad to be unable to go to the reunion. I hope you all have a great time and have lots to write about in the next herald!
Have a great summer!!!!!
Love, Jenna
-Spencer & Shanille-This last little while has been pretty fun.
I have started working for dad, I manage a company of his
called pioneer Plus. I take care of all the products in the
company that are not books. On a side note if anyone has
high quality temple pictures they are willing to send me please
do. I can fill you in with the details later.
I went on a bear hunt in Montana we took 4 guys and 5 horses.
It was a great trip, it was definitely one of those vacations you
need a vacation to recover from. Unfortunately no bear though.
Shanille has recently been trained in the art of artificial eyelash
extensions she is doing very well and works hard to get better.
Wendi and Aaron are back in town. Aaron and I have been
concentrating our efforts on training hunting dogs. And raising
the birds to train them with. I have been training Tanners old
Irish Setter ³Kili² so Tanner should have a whole new dog by
the time he gets back. If I don¹t kill her first. She is older and
pretty set in her ways. If anything all this training is training
me. Our wives say, ³if we paid as much attention to our kids
as we do to these dogs our kids would be reading by 2².
Probably true. Quenton made it through the first grade. He just finished up
an 8-month wrestling season. He ended up with 4th and 5th
places in state in two different styles. It was his first full
season working out with “the big kids” it was tough for him
being the youngest, and being expected to keep up with a
very high level of training. The club he is in is the best in the
state. He did very well. I am proud of “my boy.” He is starting
baseball this week.
Sage our oldest daughter (5) broke her arm last Saturday.
She was climbing around on the balcony, when one of the
banisters broke loose and down she went. She was very
tough. “Tougher than nails” is what I always say. She
really lived up to it this go round.(no tears) She says its
her lucky day. Because of all the attention and treats she
got, not because she didn't get hurt a lot worse from a 10
foot fall. She is signed up for kickball. Shanille and I are
the coaches. She is also doing a cheer clinic.We have two cannibalistic rabbits. By the fourth eaten litter
I couldn¹t take it any more I took the two surviving babies,
(out of seven) into the house one was pretty well done for,
and did end up dying. The other came out of the initial
onslaught virtually untouched. That little guy I have been
keeping warm under a light and bottle feeding every couple
of hours. Which really not like me. I must be going soft in
my old age. It’s kinda embarrassing.
Our two little ones Emeri, and Talmage are both walking
now and both in diapers. Both compete for mom’s attention
constantly. It is a full time job to keep up with those two. Well sorry so long winded. I haven¹t wrote for a while.
Gotta cram it all in. We love you all. We are very sad we
probably won¹t make it to the reunion, unless I can do
some serious convincing in less than a week.Spencer -Wendi & Aaron-
-Adam & Moana-May was filled with tons of fun. We changed 50 diapers a week. Tried to watch a movie, in the movie theater, with the twins. Like I said, tried. We got a jogging stroller and Adam runs with the boys in the mornings. Moana gets to catch up on her sleep during that time. The highlight of our summer is putting the boys in the baby contest! We love you all and hope you have a great summer too.
Adam, Moana, Kenneth & Chandler
-Bryce & Jessica- Jenna, I’ve been in LA for a week.
Dad and I are exhibiting at the BEA (Book Expo of America).
We’ll be here for a week.
Jessica and I are doing great! We’re working hard to save
all the pennies we can find for a house. (Cardboard box with
a couple holes for windows) Hopefully we can keep
scraping and get by.
I’m in school. I started 3 weeks ago and I’m already past
mid-term. This schedule is killing me. I’m working full-time,
in Young men’s, trying to get my pilot’s license, taking
math and English, starting my own business, and running
a website. I know everyone else’s lives are about the same.
Anyway, I hope you’re doing well. Have a good day. Hope-
fully we’ll see everyone at the reunion!!!
-Tanner- Mission Address:
Elder Tanner Boyd Mortimer
Peru-Arequipa mission
Edificio El Peral
Avenida El Ejercito 710, Oficina-703
Cayma, Arequip
PERU
-GREG & LISA- Hi everyone! Well the month of May was very busy for my parents. It flew by, but it was a very fun month. My Mom has been busy with her business. She has 3 weddings scheduled in the month of June so that will definitely keep her busy. My Dad is done working with aqua and is now back to his same old line of work. My Mom was recently put in as young women’s mia-maids leader. She loves it. She is also going to girls camp as the destiny teacher on June 16 right after the reunion.
SUTTON AND CLAIRA- School almost OUT. Sutton and Claira are so excited! Sutton is excited about going to scout camp. He’s going to be a Leader. Claira is going to girl’s camp this year as a 1st year! She can’t be more thrilled!
-Beau & Shannon- Beau is working hard on his finals from his first year at OSU. His birthday is on June 15 (Also fathers day, so we all need to sing to him or something at the reunion!:) He’ll love it!) He’s turning 26! Shannon is still working hard cutting hair to support their family. They are both currently serving in the nursery and are having so much fun playing with all the precious kids. Also it was their 1-YEAR anniversary on May 14. Very exciting!
-Zachary & Kaylee-Zachary is still in the academy going in his 6th week. He is working so hard! He also just graduated from Chico state on May 24! Olive Pearl is now 14 months! She is getting so big! She’s running all over the place and her vocabulary is emerging. Kaylee is home and loves being a mom!
-Shae- Last Month was so fun! On the 17th I turned 21! Whoot whoot! And my amazing roommates threw me a huge surprise birthday party! It was so fun! But life is so good. I am loving school! I’m so excited to see you all at the reunion! Can’t wait!
Except that we have a dog, okay it looks more like a rat. After all, it is some sort of Chihuahua. That might not be a big deal to you but after years of allergies and all the excuses for not having one we got one. The children love her. It is very cute, the dog and the love they have for her.
