Hinckley Harvest 2011

The Lon Hinckley Family 2011 •  A Brief Review

Uncle Lon & Aunt Steph 

Lon (Grampa)—hosted a remarkable summer party for ALL Hinckley siblings & spouses, drives a big truck (Dirty Devil Disposal), serves in the Salt Lake temple (ordinance worker & sealer), teaches ward High Priests, finished Gramma’s “bonus room” over the garage (complete with TV, Wii, & Hexbug Habitat), grows a BIG garden, cooks squash & eats it!

Stephanie (Gramma)—70 years old, wonderful surprise celebration from her family, ward choir director, Bicenntenial Book Club, Treasurers’ Club, organ lessons, Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity, Salt Lake Area Chairman UFMC (Utah Federation of Music Clubs), UMTA (Utah Music Teachers Association), piano teacher to 11 grandchildren & 22 neighbors, loves Facebook & chocolate!

Jonathan & Audra (reported by Audra)

Jonathan—facial therapy (looking good), improved balance, scouter (committee chair, 11 yr-old scout leader), hard-working, handyman around the house, happy.

Audra—Activity day leader, family cook and homemaker, bookkeeper (DDDisposal), afghan crocheter, school volunteer, busy mom.

Stephanie (14)—teenager, Mia-Maid president, 30-point gold cup winner (NFMC piano festival), Wii champ, reader of good books, many friends.

Rebecca (10)—15-point gold cup winner, anxious for snow, budding flutist, composer (1st place in school Reflections contest for musical composition), Harry Potter, member of Girls on the Run (school program).

Rose (8)—baptized, beginning pianist, avid reader of fairy books, 2nd Grade French Dual Immersion, ant farm enthusiast, spelling genius, artist.

Bryant (6)—Kindergartener, growing like a weed, expert Wii player, legos, Spiderman, Dad’s helper, all boy, killer smile.

Jaren and Jane

Family— travelled to beautiful British Columbia where Jaren & Vince (Lissa went too) performed; enjoyed visiting Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Aquarium, Qualicum Beach, riding ferries, exploring Capilano & Lynn Valley suspension bridges, beautiful Vancouver Temple, watched a heifer running loose between lanes on the Trans-Canadian Highway; hosted Afton Holzer & Camille Humphries while they attended BYU Music Camp, presently living in Vienna Austria for four months. 

Lissa & Vince (reported by Lissa)

Alex (13)—plays piano and DRUMS (rock band recitals are a kick), loves his new mtn bike, loves camping at Tahoe, has good buddies, enjoys every privilege of being the youngest!  

Spencer (16)—uugh! another driver—but he’s good, new Bach Strad trumpet, always has the most text messages per month, actually goes by the name BOB!

Camille (18)—senior at Bountiful High, 4.0 student, loves Davis Youth & Utah Youth orchestras (cello), loves piano (60 pt. gold cup winner), ward choir accompanist, scored 32 on ACT, scholarships coming in, fun, delightful.

Stephen (20)—missionary in Managua Nicaragua, loves the people, loves the work, loves the language, was incomprehensible on the Christmas phone call, completes mission in June 2012.

Jason (22)— junior in Electrical Engineering at the UofU, works in Systems Engineering at L-3 Communications, loves his iPhone, Costa Vida, dates occasionally..

Blake (22)—nephew, completed mission to Brazil, student at SLCC (Salt Lake Community College), employed at Red Bell Real Estate (Joel is his boss), loves all sports, dates often.

Larissa (young)—primary song leader, passionate about road biking w/friends, teaches 18 cello students, loves book club, always smiling, not intimidated by her big tall sons!

Vince (old)--gospel doctrine teacher, Design Engineer at L-3 Communications, remodeled the main bathroom (finally), still loves piano and cello, never misses a program or concert of his kids (now that he’s released as bishop).

Joel & Kim

Joel —basketball/soccer coach, webelos leader, triathlon owner (racetri.com), backyard ice rink builder, flatliner (flatlinerrelay.com).

Kim - squash cooker, gardener, child herder, primary presidency, runner, and swimmer

Andrei  (11)—home-run hitter, 3-point bomber, goal keeper, piano player, boy scouter, 6th grader, 5k runner, triathlete, almost as tall as mom.

Mack (9½)—age-group skipper, slashing driver (bball), catcher, wide receiver, soccer scorer, 5K runner, triathlete, piano player, tutorer, giant robot, almost as tall as Andrei.

Tea (8)—ice skater, soccer shooter, piano player, swimmer, activity day girl, new church member (baptized).

Maddie (6½)—ice skater, 1st grader, soccer player, fast reader, swimmer, paper painter, journal writer.

Nate (3½)—brother wrestler, no training wheel bike rider, book lover, ice slider, go- getter, fast talker.

Sam (1½) - fast grower, big eater, growler, good sleeper, brother tackler.

Uncle Lon & Aunt Steph (reported by Aunt Steph)

Tender Mercies: The birth of grandchild #19---Samuel Gibb Hinckley to Kim and Joel on March 25th. ~ The return of #1 grandson Jason from a wonderful mission to Texas Fort Worth on May 27th. ~ The departure of #2 grandson Stephen on June 16th to serve in Nicaragua. ~ Another quick recovery from knee-replacement surgery for me--Dr.Momberger said I sailed through it like a teenager! I was able to attend the Humphries’ brothers’ joint homecoming/farewell on June 13th. ~ The continuing recovery of Jonathan following brain surgery on September 29th to remove a large benign brain tumor. Church ServicE: Lon continues his service in the SL temple as an ordinance worker two early mornings a week (Tues. & Fri.) and as a sealer on Friday evenings. In our ward he is presently an instructor in the high priests’ quorum. ~ I was released as Relief Society President after three years and two sets of wonderful counselors. I am now serving as a teacher in RS. I find it challenging. OUR BUSINESSES: Lon’s business—Dirty Devil Disposal—keeps him hopping and busy. The way he solves problems and deals with people is amazing. It has been a good year! I teach 41 students—nine of whom are my grandchildren. [Although you may not be a “baby-sitting Gramma,” you do other things that more than compensate.--Joel] I am also the Vice Chairman of the Utah Federation of Music Clubs Piano Festivals, Salt Lake Area, which means I will soon be the Chairman. What was I thinking!

Fun stuff: Lissa, Cami & I attended Jaren’s classes at BYU Education Week on August 27-20 at 9:50 a.m. His series was titled: Making Sense of Classical Music: Becoming an Educated Listener. It was a real thrill for me to be in his classes and watch the reactions of the attendees—they loved it! ~ In late summer I had a luncheon for “The Treasurers Club,” which consists of Mack Wilberg (director Tab Choir), Bonnie Goodliffe (Tab organist), Klint Day (owner Day Murray Music), & me (the founder of the club). Klint & I study organ with Bonnie and so we meet every two weeks at our lessons. Mack joins us at least once a year. You can also see the photo of this “unusual” group on display at Day Murray music in the choral section. ~ I think we did more preserving of the produce from Lon’s big garden in the field behind our house than ever. Now I think its fun as we are enjoying it, but “preserving” is not my favorite activity. We froze corn, beans, and raspberry jam. We canned peaches, peach jam, pears, grape juice, grape jelly, tomatoes, chili sauce, beets, & pickles—and Lon is still digging up carrots whenever we need more! It’s amazing! ~ Our entire family’s “Pioneer Trek” in Wyoming in August! So…our family had just finished hiking over Rocky Ridge in Wyoming. I was tending 3 little ones & drove the truck to meet the trekkers & drive our sons back to the starting point to get their cars so they could come & pick up their families. When I described to Lon the time it had taken me to get there and the condition of the road—washed out, deep ruts, rocky beyond belief, scary, with my 3 little companions thinking they were on a roller coaster, etc.—he made the decision to put everyone in the truck and take our chances. The kids loved it, but it was a mini-miracle that we didn’t blow a tire or something worse ~ A new ping pong table for our heated garage. Jason is our family champ--undefeated! ~ The Hinckley aunts’ & uncles’ trip to Cove Fort and Hinckley, UT. & every time we get together! ~ And, you could be my friend on Facebook. I love it!

Jonathan & Audra (reported by Audra)

Jonathan was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma brain tumor on September 1st. Due to the large size of the tumor, it was removed within the same month. We were very relieved that it was benign and that the surgeon was able to remove it 100%. Thanks to the many prayers of family and friends, Jonathan is doing well. He has regained most of his balance and is experiencing more feeling on the left side of his face. Jonathan is going on his 5th year as a member of our Stake High Council. He is also busy with work at Intermountain Print Finishing. I was released in July from the Relief Society presidency and started a new adventure as the Activity Day Leader for the girls ages 8-11 in our ward. I’m having fun working with our daughter Rebecca and her friends. Stephanie just celebrated her 13th birthday on New Year’s Day. Instead of having gifts to open, Stephanie chose to go on a shopping spree for new clothes. It was even more exciting to go with her cousin Camille. A few days later, Gramma Steph took her to the mall to have her ears pierced. Stephanie loves going to Wasatch Jr. High. She has made many new friends and loves her French class. Stephanie’s hobbies include reading and collecting Playmobils. Rebecca is in the 4th grade at Morningside Elementary. She joined the Jump (rope) Team this year and is learning how to do several different tricks. Rebecca loves to write and illustrate stories. She recently made a movie from her book The Lost Continentusing Playmobil people as the actors. Creating things out of paper and boxes are also hobbies of Rebecca’s. Rose started 1st grade this year in the French Dual Immersion Program following in the footsteps of her best friend cousin Cate. She amazes us as she walks around the house singing songs and speaking in French. Rose loves to collect Smurfs, write stories and do crafts. She has also proven to be an excellent reader. Bryant turned 5 on September 21st, so he missed the deadline for Kindergarten. He enjoys going to Miss Wendy’s preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays and to speech school on Wednesdays. Bryant loves to help me bake cookies and create his own recipes which can be very interesting. His biggest thrill though is working alongside Daddy with tools. He recently received a tool bench with his own (plastic) tools.

Lissa & Vince (reported by Lissa)

I continue to teach cello-about 15 cello students a week. After four years teaching Beehives, I am now back to the best calling in the Church—Primary music leader. I am addicted to biking and bought a new road bike. I rode in three 50 mile bike rides—for fun! Vince was released as bishop of the Bountiful 36th ward in November, having served 5 years and 3 months. He loved serving and is awaiting his next calling. He is amazed at Lissa’s biking prowess. He has worked at L-3 Communications for over 5 years. Jason (6’5”) returned home from his mission to Fort Worth, Texas, hung out with his brother Stephen for almost three weeks and then sent him off on a mission. Jason is now an engineering major at the University of Utah. Stephen finished a year of college at the U. as a Jazz saxophone major. His preparations for his mission to the Nicaragua Managua North Mission included the removal of his wisdom teeth and solving four subsequent infections. He still managed straight A’s. He is now in Nicaragua and I’ve included Gramma Steph’s favorite picture at a baptism with everyone in white with flip-flops on a beach at the ocean. Camille is in her junior year at Bountiful High School where she is enjoying choir and playing cello in orchestra. She is also in Davis Youth Symphony. Spencer turned 15 in December and finally got the cell phone and learners permit that he has wanted for years. He enjoys being as tall as his dad. He plays trumpet in early morning jazz band. He loves to read and is a great student. Alex transitioned smoothly from elementary school to Millcreek Junior High. He loves playing drums in the band and having seven teachers. This Christmas he got a Roland TD-4 electronic drum set with which he can already impress his mom. Vince, Camille and Spence enjoyed Youth Conference at Snow College and were baffled by the nice Baptist kids who ride buses up from other states to bash Mormons at the Manti Pageant. Lissa and Camille loved girl’s camp at Camp Piuta. Vince, Spence and Alex backpacked in to Ryder Lake in the Uintas with the YM. The whole family went with the Humphries side of the family to Lake Tahoe. Alex had a broken hand for both trips and managed to keep his cast relatively dry and clean. Vince got to fly with brother-in-law Jaren to New Hampshire to play a few concerts as “HduO.” We had a grand trip with the Hinckley family to the Handcart pioneer sites in Wyoming and hiked over Rocky Ridge with all the little cousins. Putting the entire family in Grampa’s truck was memorable.

Jaren and Jane (reported by Jane)

Emma is 9 years old and a 4th grader at CAS (Center for Accelerated Studies), where she studies with fellow enthusiasts of science, math, reading and Latin (see Jane below). This year Emma learned to ski and got her ears pierced when we visited Grandma and Papa Gardner in Marin, CA. Emma is in a new clogging level, her softball team went to state, and she still loves to play the piano and climb trees. As of this Oct., Emma is no longer the only one in her class who hasn’t been to Disneyland.

Cate is 8 and a 2nd grader in Edgemont’s French immersion program. Cate has caught the reading bug and is in the gifted science program at school. Now the big sister at school, Cate collects Ian from Kindergarten and watches out for him while waiting for Mom to show up. Cate started piano with Gramma Hinckley and has overcome her shyness: she now willingly performs on the piano or on stage with her clogging class. Cate was recently baptized in a neighbor’s hot tub.

Ian is 5 and a kindergartner; he wasn’t very excited about school at first, but P.E., treats from classmate birthdays and parties have made education more palatable. Ian is learning to read and is passionate about drawing. Ian had his top front teeth and an extra tooth above extracted. Though Ian loves to play with boys, he continues to be a favorite with many girls (e.g. a female classmate needed to run back and give him a hug before she left).

Janny is 3 and attends a creative dance class, a music class with Dad, and 4th grade on Friday afternoons (see Jane below). This year Janny has learned to communicate more clearly, to wear underwear, and to handle her oncology check-up procedures with maturity. Janny loves playdates, her “fat Chihuahua”, dressing as a princess or cat, and doing whatever her siblings are doing.

Jane is finally using her bachelor’s degree by teaching Emma and her classmates Latin as a parent volunteer. Another first is Jane’s coaching of Ian’s soccer team (and with a broken toe). This summer Jane said goodbye to her childhood home in Larkspur, CA; a bittersweet experience since she’ll miss visiting the bay area, but is very happy to have her parents nearby. On a sadder note, Jane’s oldest brother, Steve, passed away in March; she is grateful she was able to visit with Steve before he died and was honored to deliver the eulogy at his funeral.

Jaren, in addition to becoming a published composer (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAnZ5BgNQ04) and a televised lecturer (www.byutv.org/watch/306-1511), Jaren is adding German to his list of talents (very slowly). This is in preparation for a BYU Study Abroad in Vienna, Austria (Winter 2012). On the musical front, Jaren and Vince performed at the International Clarinet Association’s Clarinetfest in Austin, TX, and at two venues in New Hampshire.

Joel & Kim (reported by Joel)

Our family started off 2010 extremely grateful to have an ageless Grampa Lon remodel our basement. For Joel this was very similar to Grampa Arza remodeling our home on Camille St. 28 years ago. The kids loved having him in our house especially Nate who constantly asked, “Grampa, are you fixin’?” Also, like Grampa Arza, Grampa Lon can outwork his children and grandchildren. He seems like he’s 25 and he’s really like 70-something. Our neighbors who are the same age as him often ask if he is available to work around their homes and yard. Andrei (10) continues to read like a fish. This year he has started on some classics and has done book reports on both Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. He loves baseball and most mornings in the summer he would call every boy in the neighborhood and play all day at our local ball field. All the practice paid off in the championship game as Andrei rallied his team from behind to win by hitting two triples and driving in five runs. 2010 ended remarkably as his Webelos Scout leader took the boys (and Dad’s) Hot air ballooning. Mack (8) was baptized in March 2010 and his cousin Stephen was able to participate in the confirmation just prior to leaving on his mission. He loves school and loves to write and illustrate stories -- his latest being “Rise of the Underworld” -- and was voted by his classmates as the “most likely to attend an Ivy League school”. His dad says only if he gets a scholarship. Mack and Andrei tag along on almost all of our Scout Troop’s campouts; including some rather grueling backpacking trips. This summer - the High Uintas. Teadora (7) started piano this year with Gramma Steph and tends to be drawn to the piano more than the other kids, particularly while Sam is napping. She loves school and soccer, but her new love is knitting - Joel has already put in a request for a Norwegian Sweater. I’m sure she’ll have it done in a week or so. Madelyn (5) just started Kindergarten this year and loves “Marvelous Monday Math Rotations”--whatever that is. She paints, she draws, she crafts--she just doesn’t clean up. Both Maddie and Tea swim like worms and go swimming every week and ask to go every day. They love diving and like to see who can make the biggest splash off the diving board (that would be Dad). Nathan (2) is the family Terrorist/Comedian/designated prayer. After a recent visit to the Living Planet Aquarium, when Nate volunteered to say our family prayer he asked for a blessing that his brothers wouldn’t throw him into the shark tank. He leaves a trail of playmobil guys wherever he goes and is willing to make friends with everyone he meets--the lady behind the bakery counter, the lifeguards at the pool, or even the policeman that pulled over his dad for driving 39 in a 25. Samuel Gibb Hinckley was born March 25, 2010; 9 lbs 21 inches. Sam’s a happy kid with a great “vampire” smile (two front teeth haven’t come in yet, but the ones on either side of those have)- serves us right for watching “New Moon” in the hospital while waiting for the Pitocin to kick in. He is also our most injured child as he was born with a broken clavicle and broke his jaw on both sides a few months later. Hopefully this will prepare him to play for the Pittsburgh STEELERS someday. While Sam’s first name was chosen for the first Hinckley to come to America, his middle name is Kim’s maiden name as she comes from a family of all girls with no one to carry on her Dad’s name. This became all the more meaningful in May, when Kim’s dad unexpectedly passed away from a Heart Attack at only 60 years old. Thankfully we were able to take the whole family back to Pittsburgh for the Funeral. Even though we moved away from Pittsburgh over five years ago, we felt greatly blessed that our old friends and ward members not only attended the viewing and funeral but provided much needed love and assistance throughout a long hard week. Burt is our dog - he is awesome.

The Joel Hinckley Family is pleased to announce
the addition of four new family members:

The Salem Spring

The Utah Half (Half Iron Distance)

The Herriman Escape from Black Ridge

&

The Camp Yuba

In October, Kim and Joel became the new owners of RaceTri, INC., a Triathlon event company based in Utah County. We own, promote and organize the four races named above and will likely add to the list over time. A couple of years ago, Joel ran his first Triathlon and this seemed like the next logical step. Family discounts are available. “Making Hinckley’s faster one race at a time.” www.RaceTri.com