School Again

The 2011 school year has begun for most Hincks.  The local crew started on Wednesday, Kirsten has returned to Provo and Camille still has 2 more weeks before she begins.

Matthew begins his 3rd grade year at Adam's elementary school with Mrs. Denney as his teacher.  He describes his week of school.  "Everyday we do team activities with the other class, centers, and walk to read.  We have had no homework.  There is new people in our class.  My favorite part is team activities.  One game is to say your favorite movie when your thumb lands on the ball."  Matthew likes school.  (His favorite movie is 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2')

Spencer is at the Middle School in 6th grade.  He begins a new phase of Middle School History as there are now only two grades at school.  (It used to house 5th, 6th and 7th, but now 7th is at the newly remodeled Jr. High,)
Spencer is with a team of teachers named Mr. Bates, Miss Dick, and Mrs. Dye.  In his words he likes school because, "I like the lockers.  I like having periods.  I like the handbooks that they give us. It has lots of helps like multiplication tables, calendars, and a sign language alphabet.  I like the library."

Catherine is now in 9th grade at the old high school, now new Jr. High.  She is not to far from home.  Just a few blocks of walking and she is there.  Her enjoyable Jr. High points are:  "I like my teachers.  I love having different people in my classes not just the same class.  I just like it.  It's so fun."  Catherine auditioned for the high school musical this week and was given a dancing part for "Footloose" which will be performed in November.

Sarah has reached her pinnacle moment of her pre-college education.  She is a senior!  Sarah gets to travel across town to the beautiful new high school.  It is quite a "state of the art" facility.  In Sarah's words, "High school is stressful but it is fun.  I am busy with Calculus, playing the part Erlene in the high school musical, Footloose, being a Sr. Class Senator, being on the National Honor Society Council, and finishing up my summer job at Snoasis.   My favorite part of High School is hanging out with my friends at games and then going to the local ice cream spot."

Dave also began his twenty-first year as a high-school teacher.  He continues to enjoy his chosen career. In his words, "The summer was short, but I love what I do and I am enjoying working with the students."  He is excited about his large men's choir this year which exceeds 30 members.  Great increase!

Kirsten returned to Provo yesterday to reside in Belmont Apartments.  This is the apartment that she camped outdoors for two nights in order to get a spot in the complex.  What was the draw to this location?  I think the price.  In other ways, it will be a bit of a change from her roomy apartment at Wymount.  There she had just two roommates.  But even if the new place is small, she likes her roommates and is looking forward to a fun year.

Camille gets to enjoy two more weeks of summer.  She is working and just doing things that she doesn't get to when school is in session.  She traveled to Colorado Springs during August to enjoy time with Braden Eads, her boyfriend.  She had fun seeing the sights and meeting his family.

As for me, I spend time worrying about my children, running our home, transporting kids, preparing Primary lessons, holding scouts for the Wolves, organizing workshops for our local music association, teaching piano, giving individual attention to all, keeping peace and finding a little quiet time to keep myself in focus.  Not always done, but I just keep trying.

Here are a few pictures of our week.

Matthew's Baptism on July 2, 2011

The most important activity of the summer occurred on July 2 , 2011 in the Rexburg North Stake Center.  This is where Matthew was baptized and confirmed a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his father.  He was very excited to reach this point in his progression.  He was lucky enough to have many family members present for this special occasion.  Because a family reunion was occurring the same weekend in Island Park for the Thompson clan many of the Thompson relatives were able to be with us.  Matthew had a tricky time keeping his toes from popping out of the water so as a result he was dunked under 3 times.  Finally on the third attempt, he was given the approval of being officially baptized.  Grandpa Thompson and Step-Grandpa Wood participated as witnesses of the baptism.

In Matthew's words, he loved his baptism because "all of his sins were washed away, his family was there, and he received the Holy Ghost."  It was a special day for all of us at the Hinck household.  We are happy about his decision and hope that he will always remember and strive to keep the promises he made that day.

Thompson Family

Matthew and Dave

Matthew with Grandma Hinck and Grant

Hinck Family

Badger Creek

Yes, it has been quite some time since my last post.  I hope to update much of the summer in the next few weeks or so.  This last weekend we had a most lovely time spending two days with Kirsten at Badger Creek, her employment for the summer.  Badger Creek is owned by the church and operated with the intention of giving outdoor experiences to groups and individuals who desire experiences that will strengthen their character and testimony.  Aunt Suzanne and her children were able to join us and Saturday happened to be Suzanne's fortieth birthday.

Probably the most fun was riding horses out on the mountain trail.  Each of us had such a fun time getting to be with our assigned horse.  Matthew's horse was Banjo, Spencer had Jade, Catherine was with Oreo, Sarah's horse was Jake,  Kirsten had Pearl, Camille was with Painted Lady, Mom had Thunder, and Dad had Sugar.  It was a little nerve racking because I was unsure of the horses but they were so good and patient with each of us.

We stayed in tiny cabins with wooden bunks and wooden floors.  Kirsten helped us enjoy a giant swing which gave us quite the drop and swing.  We enjoyed canoeing and a dutch oven breakfast with a simple lunch.  All of us were able to be there and enjoy the day.  Here are some pictures.

A special thanks to Kirsten for sharing Badger Creek with us!

Canoing

Camille

Spencer on the "Giant" Swing.

Sarah is about to be released for her Giant Swing ride.

Sarah flies through the air on the Giant Swing.

Matthew swings...

Catherine just after releasing the swing.

Catherine still swinging

Kirsten making sure that Dad is secured.

Dad preparing to release.

Julie gets in on the action too!

Kirsten shows us some style!

Catherine prepares at the climbing wall.

Catherine begins to climb.

Matthew on the zip line.

Dad and Spencer canoing.

Sarah leads the tail end of a long line of horses (see below).

What a beautiful setting for a trail ride!

All of us after the trail ride.