Elder & Sister Hatch's Missionary Homecoming

All seven children, their spouses (two of which are pregnant), 16 grandchildren and 2 dogs headed to Southeastern Idaho on the weekend of August 13-14th for mom and dad's missionary homecoming. It was a whirlwind of noise, laughter, work and pictures. Mom and Dad bought Grandpa's house while in New Jersey so they had only been in it for less than a week before we all descended on the new homestead. It felt right. I mean, the house really felt right. On Saturday, while I was getting something in the basement, I had this feeling like this was my new home in Idaho; a place where my children would grow up coming to and enjoying in the years to come.

The little cousins played together beautifully! McKay and Jessica put together the most clever scavenger hunt for the kids with candy bars at the end. We also took on the task to having family pictures. Under the circumstances, I think they turned out fantastic.

On Sunday, we enjoyed being back in the ward where so many wonderful family and friends welcomed us back. Mom and Dad's talks were excellent and we could really feel the love they have of the Latinos in New Jersey and of missionary work. I felt inspired to live and love more fully.

I love my family so much and am grateful to have been born into this special family. Love you all eternally-
JODY

A Quick Trip to the Historic Store

The kids are trying to figure out what they can buy for 50 cents!

Jenny's DARLING sons, Patrick and Pierce

WE LOVE CANDY!

We drove to the cemetery to see Grandpa and Grandma Hatch's headstone.

Jenny with Justin's new baby girl.

Yes, Brandon, we know you are here!

Two of my cute nieces!

McKay and Jessica (the oldest of the cousins) put together the most entertaining and witty scavenger hunt for the younger cousins. Seriously- I was so impressed! They rhymes were superior.

Dan lifting Taylor up to retrieve the next clue!

Running around the house!

Jenny's 3rd son, Preston!

How TENDER is this? We love you BrinLee!

My sisters

Jeff and Nicole

Dan, holding the baby girl for good luck!

Austin with Grandma Rae Rae

They're Back! Our Missionary Parents Return WIth Honor-

On August 6, 2011, we drove to Justin's house for his new daughter's baby blessing. We were particularly excited because my parents, Elder and Sister Hatch, had just returned days before from their mission in New Jersey. It was so much fun to see them---the perfect reunion! The kids looked older to them and Alyssa and Austin? Hardly recognizable! We are so happy to have them back and journey into this next phase of their lives with them.

Brittney Ties The Knot!

Our niece, Brittney, got married on August 5th to a handsome kid named Brandon. She was a beautiful bride and we enjoyed the day with her.

Taylor was her flower girl. She looked incredible!

Carson was the "ring bearer" and was incredibly handsome in his tux!

At the reception, Uncle Bob and Dale were visiting and I suddenly HAD to get a picture of the two brothers. Handsome men!

Our Family 2011

Our family with the Lindsays

Poppie and Grandma Barbie with the grandkids

Aunt Cindy and Carson with the grandparents and Lindsay kids

How DARLING are these kids?

Dave's cousins were so awesome. What a fun family!

Jimmy and Amanda

Alyssa LOVED Jimmy's son Spencer.

Dave and favorite cousin, Michael.

The Lindsay Boys!

Dave and Aunt Dawn

The Lindsay Men and Boys

Fun Uncle Steve and Aunt Cheri!

A Visit To The ER for Alyssa

It was Sunday evening and all four kids were playing in the basement. Suddenly, we heard crying from the baby and they all came upstairs. The kids reported that they had been spinning Alyssa around on a chair and apparently the baby went flying off and landing on her head. Well, Alyssa was holding her head and screaming. I couldn't see a bump so I just gave her a sippie cup and rocked her. About 5 minutes later, she started throwing up and I saw the bump. It was HUGE! Dave said, "We are going to the ER." I called Meredith, who dropped everything to come down and get the oldest three, and we were off to the ER.

The doctor checked her out and said he wanted to do a CAT scan on her because the bump was quite enormous. Alyssa did awesome! We were so grateful that she was able to hold still.

Luckily the results came back perfect. We heard ourselves expressing to the doctor that we might have overreacted and gone to the ER too fast. He shot that down quickly and reaffirmed that our decision was indeed the correct decision; he had seen smaller bumps which had resulted in hairline fractures and rushed off for surgery etc so in the end, we were relieved and grateful that Alyssa was okay.

Breakfast at Tiffanys...uh, I mean Kneaders!

It was just a little over an hour, but we got to see her....our Jen! She was in town for a wedding and got into the AF Half Marathon. So we met for breakfast at Kneaders after her 1 hr 51 minute triumph. Great times again with the DuJardins and a member of the Johnston tribe!