Welcome to this edition of "Meet Your Neighbor," where we have the pleasure of introducing Steve and Tonya Hyche, new residents of Augusta Pines. Their story is one of adventure, dedication, and a deep love for family, and we are excited to share it with you.

 

Steve and Tonya Hyche have two sons, Dustin and Dylan, both in their 30s. Dustin, the elder son, is married to Megan, whom he met at the University of Alabama. The couple has a daughter, age 7, and a son, age 3, and they reside in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dustin is a financial advisor, while Megan is an elementary school teacher.

 

Dylan, the younger son, is married to Dearne, an Australian he met on a beach during their family’s three-year stay in Australia. They have two boys, ages 8 and 4, and live in Conroe, Texas, visiting weekly. Dylan works in the gas compression business, and Dearne is a dedicated stay-at-home mom.

 

The Hyches moved to Augusta Pines in June 2023 from Midland, Texas, but their roots are in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Their journey has been quite eventful, with moves to various places due to Steve’s career in the oil and gas industry. They moved to The Woodlands, Texas, in 1998, then to the Fort Worth area in 2008, followed by a three-year stint in Australia starting in 2010. Returning to the United States in 2013, they lived in different locations for three years before settling in Midland in 2016. Their latest move brought them to Augusta Pines, where they have found a wonderful community to call home.

 

Both Steve and Tonya attended the University of Alabama. Steve majored in engineering, and Tonya majored in Secondary Education. Their time at university not only provided them with academic foundations but also deepened their bond as high school sweethearts.

 

Steve boasts over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, a career that has taken the family across the United States and to Australia. Tonya began her teaching career at McCullough Jr. High in 1999 when it was an 8th and 9th-grade campus. As The Woodlands grew, she helped open College Park High School in 2005.

 

Tonya paused her teaching career when the family moved to Australia, where she discovered a new passion for writing murder mystery novels. Upon returning to the States, she published six novels and eventually a total of ten. She resumed teaching in Midland, where she was a Varsity Cheer Coach and US History teacher. After retiring with 18 years in education, she has rekindled her love for writing and has written two new novels since moving to Augusta Pines. Tonya writes under her full name, Tonya Sharp Hyche, and contributes a bi-monthly article, "Let's Talk Books," for Stroll Magazine.

 

The Hyche family shares a strong love for college football, especially Alabama football. Steve and Tonya make it a point to attend at least one Alabama game each year with Dustin. One of their cherished memories is attending the Alabama vs. Michigan Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, despite the outcome not being in their favor.

 

The Hyches have fond memories of their Jack Russell, Sally. Sally joined their family when Dylan was in 2nd grade and had been requesting a Jack Russell dog. She was a beloved member of the family, featured in Christmas cards for 12 years and even making the move to Australia with them, where she learned to surf.

 

Steve and Dylan are both mechanically inclined, able to fix and repair just about anything. Dustin excels in finance and enjoys his role as a financial advisor. Tonya, the creative one, designs family games for parties and holidays.

 

Celebrating Special Occasions

Christmas is a favorite holiday for the Hyche family. They begin decorating right after Halloween, creating a festive atmosphere that their grandchildren from Alabama love. Thanksgiving week is especially joyful, with the house fully decorated for the holidays. They also host a Christmas party for friends and co-workers and had a memorable 4th of July pool party this year, complete with pool games, delicious food, and a trivia game drawing from Tonya’s history knowledge.

 

The Hyches love dining at Tailgators, a restaurant they frequent at least once a week, often with neighbors. They also enjoy dining at the clubhouse after a round of golf. While Tonya rarely cooks, they enjoy grilling on weekends, especially when watching college football. Steve has perfected the art of frying shrimp, and they love hosting shrimp boils with corn, potatoes, and garlic.

 

Steve and Tonya spend most weekends on the golf course, often paired with new people, allowing them to meet more neighbors. During the week, Tonya enjoys golfing with a group of ladies, playing Rummikube at the clubhouse, and participating in the Augusta Pines Women's Social Club. She also volunteers with Meals on Wheels and is a member of the neighborhood book club.

 

Tonya’s involvement with Meals on Wheels through the Augusta Pines Women's Social Club is a testament to the Hyches' commitment to community service. They deliver meals to seniors every Monday, contributing to the neighborhood's spirit of kindness and support.

 

Living on the golf course and watching golfers play the number 3 green is one of their favorite aspects of Augusta Pines. This summer was particularly special with their son and his family from Alabama staying for two weeks, making Father’s Day memorable. The days were filled with swimming, playdoh, movies, and popcorn. On pleasant nights, they enjoyed fishing in the pond and making s'mores, creating lasting memories with their grandchildren.

 

The Hyche family has truly found a wonderful home in Augusta Pines, where they continue to create cherished memories and contribute to the vibrant community spirit. We are delighted to have them as neighbors and look forward to many more stories from this dynamic family.