pics coming soon they won't download for some reason :(

Laguna Beach California

We are on vacation. We are in Laguna/Newport Beach California today. The kids had a great time at the beach. We have the 4 younger children with us on this trip and they are having fun and didn't have as many complaints in the car as we expected. We sang our family vacation song once along the way (here is a link to the song so you know what I am talking about.)
http://www.heartrisemusic.com/Downloads/Music/05%20Family%20Vacation.mp3

When they would ask us how much longer we would always say 3 more hours. It kept them guessing :)

Here are some pics from the beach.
Happy Summer Everyone
Love the Hinksons

Happy Birthday Alisa

Alisa is now officially a teenaber. Here are a couple pics from her Bday Party

End of School Awards and Apple Pies

Here is a picture of Vitaliy with the ESL award that he was given at the end of school. His ESL teacher chose him out of all the ESL kids to recognize. He was so excited to come home and tell us all about how she praised him and even cried at the assembly in front of the whole school.

We have a tradtion at the end of school that we have been doing for years. I thought it would be fun to share it with my blog friends. I make apple pies (or buy them) and give them to our favorite teachers with this poem. I think they feel a little of the appreciation we feel for all they do for our children. Here is the little poem:


An Apple for the Teacher
A tradition of the past
In gratitude for teachings
That last and last and last.

You have been my teacher
And I have learned from you
Things I will remember
And use my whole life through

You have shown me sweetness
And made me feel I'm fine
You have added spice
And made your teachings shine

A simple apple all alone
Simply wouldn't do
And so I bring an apple pie
To show my thanks to you.

CRH

Prom and Graduation

Here are the pictures from Devin's Prom and Graduation. We are proud of him and the fine young man that he is becoming. As far as HS graduation goes we as parents are half way through. 5 down and 5 to go. Congrats Dev!!

Happy Birthday Blake

Holly and Brian had a very fun family birthday party for Blake who turned 2 on Monday. Here are some pictures of the cute birthday boy. He is such a sweet heart. I always wondered why my Grandmothers kissed us several times when we would go to visit. It always seemed enough when people gave us one kiss but i NOW UNDERSTAND! for Grandmas you just can't help kissing those cute chubby cheeks a number of times.