Sum...Sum...Summertime!

This summer has been such a HUGE blessing. Chelsey and I taught my dad how to ride. The whole family flew up to Alaska to visit Tanner in his final weeks of the Air Force. Tanner moved home. We went to Big Bear for the 4th of July. My cousin Lisa had a fun surprise Casino party for her hubby, Cardamon. Chelsey, Tanner and I spent many days at Zuma Beach running and swimming. The Mattox family visited (the family I will be living with in Cyprus). I visited my friends Crystal and Leon a few times in Encinitas and saw the kids I used to tutor. My good friend Cortney got hitched. A group of us from church went to the Ventura County Fair. My dad and I taught a guitar class. Our friends Alex and Stephanie came over with their adorable children, and we went camping at San Clemente State Beach...

Here are some pictures of the festivities:

My dad on my beautiful horse, Molly. With his great balance from surfing, he's a natural! Also, he just got brand new Tony Lama boots - a cowboy surfer - I love my daddy!

The whole Hutchinson family in Alaska at an air show on Tanner's base. Behind us is the F-22 Raptor. My favorite were the Thunderbirds...wow!

Tanner, Uncle Marty, Grandpa Lew, Jonathan (back), and Uncle Greg in Big Bear. Retired or currently serving in either the Air Force, Army, or Marines, our family has strong military roots. Not pictured are more of my military cousins, Amy, Daniel, and Jarrod.
My stunning sister and my gorgeous Grandma Betty. Chelsey made flower arrangements from all the empty beer bottles for the tables...she is an incredibly resourceful and talented designer.

Me and Chels in Big Bear.

Tanner, Chelsey and I at my cousin Cardamon's Las Vegas Casino theme party. Tanner is an FBI agent. Chelsey...need I say. I'm a 1950's paparazzi, wearing my great grandfather's hat - the real deal.

Emma Mattox on Chelsey's horse, Libery Belle. She and Abby will be my little sisters in Cyprus.
Abby, Emma's older sister, also on Libby. I'm wearing a beautiful garment of a white shirt, plaid shorts and mud boots - perfect for the corral. I've been known to clean the corral in flip flops.
The Mattox family in our front yard. Abby, Darlene, Tim, and Emma.

Me and Crystal Sandoval at San Elijo State Beach - my surf buddy in Encinitas.
Leon, Crystal's funny husband. These guys are my second family. We met when I signed up to go to Fiji with the short term mission program through Point Loma. They led my trip in 2001...the rest is history.

Robbie and Katie are two kids that I used to tutor while I was still in school in San Diego. Robbie was in 8th grade - Katie 6th. We met for lunch (after not seeing eachother for 4 years), and it was so great to see them. Robbie is now a senior and Katie is in 10th grade - they are my favorite tutorees EVER!
Cortney and Curtis Bohling. I was blessed to be able to play guitar and sing their communion song - what an honor.
Cortney and I were math majors together at Point Loma Nazarene University, and we spent a 5th year in college studying for our teaching credentials...needless to say, we've been through a lot together. I'm so excited for her new adventure of marriage!
Ventura County Fair! I can't even remember the last time I went to the fair. We had so much fun! In the picture with me is Celinn, Jesse, James, Jordan, Lisa, Brooke, and Jen.
Guitar Workshop at church - my dad and I had fun teaching everyone. James, Jim, Jamie, and Sarafina did such a great job (so did everyone else not pictured). God is raising up worship leaders...I think the guitar is the best instrument ever...but maybe I'm biased :).

Okay, so how cute is this picture? This is Bridget, Evan, and Madison Gaddis. The Gaddis family is so near and dear to my family's heart. Their mommy should have a new little one by the time you're reading this. The kids are in my dad's '51 Ford pickup truck.

That's a quick re-cap of summer. Next week begins the back to school and work regime for the fam, but the adventures will not cease. Love you all - see you in the next update. Love Linz