Hinton Family Reunion, 2010

Last weekend was the Hinton Family reunion in the mountains near Flagstaff, Arizona at Rick and Sherrie's cabin. Over 100 people attended. It was great to renew love and friendship and to "bond"- the theme of this year's reunion.

Some of the activities included: music trivia game and group singing (by Jim and Leslie), the absolutely essential softball game (somehow every year it ends in a tie), Women bonding time (the men tended the kids and played kick ball while the women gathered and answered great "getting to really know you questions" hosted by Nan. For instance, did you know Cindy never takes the 1st of anything off the shelf- she always digs for the 2nd or 3rd?, or that Micole once danced her heart out at a Garth Brooks concert?) Then it was male bonding, which started fun, but ended in disaster. The men divided into teams, got pvc pipe and shot miniature marshmallows at each other all over the hills (it must be a male thing!) But several of the little girls participated, too, including ten-year-old Hadley. Hadley got turned around, trying to return to camp. Once it was discovered she was missing, the Hinton family went into action to find her. By then, we were eating lunch. Lunches were left, a group prayer said, water bottles distributed (it was pretty hot), search teams formed, and the search began. Bryson (who, by the way spent the entire reunion saving people. He spent the morning helping Mark Grant who had locked his keys in the car, spent the afternoon setting up the walkie talkie system for the search parties and searching, then spent the night at the hospital with David Udall who was severely dehydrated) set up a fabulous walkie talkie system so the searchers could communicate. Aunt Sherrie had the little kids surround the meadow, shouting, "Hadley, Hadley!" Neighbors with ATVs were enlisted. Finally, she was found by kind (thank Heavenly Father) people who took her to authorities at Mormon Lake. It was a scary, but very bonding experience for the family. Some of the previously planned bonding experiences had to be cancelled, but all agreed that nothing could have bonded us more. When Gina (who was manning the walkie talkie system through their car) called, "they found her!" the whole camp errupted in cheers. Amber immediately gathered all the children and a prayer of thanks was offered.

That evening was the auction and talent show. The highlight of the talent show was the Hinton family band. People blew the dust off their instruments, replaced mouth pieces and formed a band to play two numbers. It was great.

A highlight for me was the devotional held on Sunday morning. I felt bad for those who had to leave early and missed it. The Don Hintons sang three songs. They were SO good. The spirit flows freely in the mountains anyway, and when you add good talks (Darren and Accalia) and beautiful music- well, wow!

Early morning softball game

Mandy (home from her mission)

Micole

Judy (Caleb and Gina's)

Sister bonding

Dividing teams for Marshmallow wars

Heidi shows off her new hat

Making hats (the little kids during the marhsmallow wars)

Sporting their creations

Bryan and Noel

Preparing Food for 100+people for five meals is no easy task. Luckily, everyone is willing to help.

Hadley tells her story to all the Hintons gathered after a beautiful prayer of thanks offered by Ken for her safe return.

Adrienne sporting her new hat purchased in the auction (made by Stacey)

The Hinton Family Band

Don and Ada's family singing at the devotional

Thanks, Don and Ada for a great family reunion!!