Trip to Utah

I want to start this post by saying a big thank you to Jake. He is such a selfless husband and works so hard in every way. All I had to do was mention that my whole family (except Mikalyn) was getting together in Utah for three weeks, and I suddenly had a plane ticket. He knows how important it is for me to spend time with my family (especially nieces and nephews that I don't get to see often- which is all of them now). We tried to work out time when Jake could come too, at least for a few days, but he wasn't able to get any time off of work. He spent three weeks alone in North Carolina while I took off to party with my family. Thanks Jake, and thanks to the Lowrys and Hubbards for trying to take care of him for me.

The day I arrived in Utah my eyes dried out (I felt like Spongebob when his eyes shrivel up and sizzle...), I had a bloody nose, and my lips and hands started cracking! How can anyone live in that dry place??

My parents went a little nuts this year in order to make this a fun trip for all of us. Thanks Mom and Dad. There were all kinds of activities going on during these three weeks. I apologize once again that the pictures are out of order. It will only matter to you if you were there I guess.

The kids didn't know what to do when Grampa only shared teeny tiny slivers of his Father's Day cake... But of course, they wouldn't let him get away with it.

Can you believe that's the Gramma? (And yes, I do know how to spell Grandma and Grandpa.)

I let the girls get me ready for "the party." This is what the next generation is coming up with: collect all of the barrettes and hair things possible, and stick 'em in wherever you can find and empty space. I like it.

One of the many attractions at Gramma and Grampa's

Alva and Clora Orton Fam Reunion in Oregon. Wearing our shirts proudly (Mckay designed them). I just love these two pictures. The kids got all kinds of treasures in the fish pond. Backward hats+lots of bling= gangsta.

On our way back to Utah, I rode with my parents. My dad grew up in Oregon, so it was fun to listen to his stories and see places he lived and where he wrecked his first car, etc. For at least 6 hours on our way home I listened to his little memories and short stories. I had heard many of the stories before, but I have a little different point of view at this point in my life. I grew to learn a lot about him and my mother. This is one of the best memories from the trip. If you haven't sat down to listen to your parent's stories lately, do it.
We stopped to get gas literally in the Middle of Nowhere. Although it turned out to be closed for the holiday, we stopped anyway to take a few pictures of their main attraction:

While Mardee and Spencer went on a date, Cadence, Campbell and I went on our own. We got all ready for our date (using my make up) and went to dinner (Gramma's Kitchen) and a movie (Gramma's Basement).

Lemonade, 25 cents!!
These kids made a lot of money! I would hire them. It didn't matter how far away the car had driven, they would not give up on it until it was completely out of site!

Here are some of the "improvements" Gramma and Grampa have made:

Swing set: I have been asking for one of these for years. I leave Utah for three months and this is what happens. I may have enjoyed it more than the kids...

My dad found these little cars on KSL (for all of you non-Utah people its like Craigslist only better). The batteries didn't work, but the next day he came home with new ones. They were a hit! Especially for our little guy. He is just like Grampa- they love their cars!

This is amazing. My had has been building a little playhouse cabin for the grandkids. It's not finished yet, but they did not let that stop them from enjoying it! Inside there are little kitchenettes, table and chairs, rugs and a loft in the making. They moved right in.

All of the grandkids together on the teeter totter.

To my family: I will post more pictures on the fam blog soon.

It was so fun to spend time with my family. I love them and I am grateful for their good examples, love and friendship.
By the end of the trip, however, I was definitely ready to be home to my own family. I had two layovers scheduled for my trip home: in Denver and in Atlanta. When we arrived in Denver there was a crazy lightening storm. No planes were moving, and we were stranded on the plane for a little over an hour. I was anxious because I didn't know if my other plane had left or not. Luckily it was also delayed. When I got onto that plane I began to pray that I would make my next flight in Atlanta. The pilot came on and said, "I have just talked to the connecting flight going on to Raleigh. Because there are 25 passengers from our flight that are scheduled for that one, they are going to delay the flight!" FEW! I was relieved because I was already late as it was. My flight was scheduled to get in at 12:35 am, but now it wouldn't be til about 2 am. I didn't mind because I was comin' home! Or so I though. To my dismay, and to 24 other passengers' dismay, the pilot decided that he actually wasn't going to wait... and he wasn't going to tell us either.
Stranded. Stranded in Atlanta. The next flight they could get me on wasn't until 7:35 the next morning. I wasn't about to try to navigate around this city all by myself in the middle of the night. It was a very long night. I was so tired but could not sleep. I watched the sun rise and then hopped on the plane. I slept most of the 45 min plane ride, and finally I was HOME!

Jake, being the thoughtful and excited husband that he is had all kinds of welcome home surprises! Balloons, signs, and a beautiful necklace and earrings set. It's good to get away, but it is so good to be home.