Ohio

Last weekend I had the chance to go to Ohio for Alicia's baby shower. It was great! I can't believe I'm really going to be a grandma. Attached is a picture of Alicia at the baby shower (she doesn't look pregnant in this picture) and Caleb and Alicia in their home (okay now she looks pregnant/she's adorable, and he's pretty handsome too).

Carson Andrew Orton

21 weeks 6 days

Jacksonville, Florida "APA Florida"

Wow, I had the opportunity to go to Jacksonville, Florida for the APA "American Planning Association" Florida Chapter. It was great, I got to stay at the Hyatt Regency on the Riverfront looking out at the St. John's River.

The highlight of the trip was going on a tour of the Historic District. One of my favorite stops was the Theater. This theater was used during the Vaudeville days and silent films. It is still in use today. The detail of this theater is amazing. If you look at the picture there is a change in the stage. the strip going from left to right near the front is proof that this is an actual Vaudeville theater. They added this hard wood so when they danced you could hear the taps throughout the audience.

Back Together - The Ortons

It's been 4 years since we have all been together. Caleb and Kevin missed each other by 9 days as their missions overlapped. It was great being together and adding a new member to our family since Kevin left, we now have Alicia and soon to be a grandbaby that we are all looking forward too.

This is our "Cool" picture we took. We are doing our "Band Pose"

Watch out, here come, The Ortons".

Next, here they are...."JUMP"

Great to be together, we hope it will not be 4 years until we see each other again.

PS...No, Matt is not taller than Kevin but he sure does like this picture.

Kevin's Home

Kevin is finally home! He has been gone for the last two years serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Provo Utah, Spanish speaking mission.

We are so excited he's home. Next week we are heading to Idaho to see his brothers and Alicia. This will be the first time in 4 years all 4 of my sons will be together. I can't wait! Yes, I am a proud mom and very blessed.

Big News

(Caleb Andrew Orton - May 31, 1986)

Today (May 23, 2009, 11:27 am, Eastern time) I found out that one of my baby boys is having a baby, well at least his wife is having a baby.

(Caleb and Alicia Orton, August 8, 2008)

Congratulations Caleb and Alicia,

I'm so excited, I'm going to be a "Grammy"!!!!!

Wilkinson's

I was so happy that Mike and Michele decided to come by and visit. Saturday we went to Busch Gardens in Tampa with Ryan and his friend Megan. I went on the biggest ride there TWICE. Okay, I had my eyes closed the whole time but I did go on the ride.

Mom

I couldn't believe my mom was coming to visit me. Since I've been a member of the church she has never spent the night with me and only once did we have dinner together and that was after my dad passed away last year. I wasn't sure what to expect since it seems like we've only really talked on the phone and I've only seen her a handful of times in the last 20+ years. I took a couple of days off and we went to Down Town Disney, Seaworld and just kind of hung out.I took a couple of pictures when we were at SeaWorld.

"My heart belongs to daddy"

Well this has been a busy week. After a nice 2 week vacation it's back to work. There seems to be more and more work for me to do, not complaining love the job...just busy. Classes also started this week for both me and Josh so it's back to trying to get him to bed and fighting to get him up in the morning.
Matt left this morning for Idaho, he's moving in with Caleb and Alicia until he gets a job and an apartment. Sad to see him leave but he couldn't find a job here and he needs to get to school.
One year ago today my dad died. It's been hard today because I kept thinking about it and how I was at work when I was told he was in a coma and then how mom put the phone up to his ear so we could all say goodbye to him. I know he isn't feeling all the pain any more but I sure do miss him. I miss his stories and sayings. I catch myself quoting him and then I stop and think about him again.
This is me and dad when I was little. When I was two I use to say, "My heart belongs to Daddy". I guess it still does.