Payten's Christmas Program!

Today I got to go and see Payten sing in her school Christmas program. She was so cute and did such a great job! I am such a lucky grandma!

Yeah!!! They are back in our Ward!

On Sunday after church, Claude took these pictures. We got the best Christmas present ever this year!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Black Friday!

Our annual Black Friday, Patti, Me, Carrissa and Nicole. We love it!


First stop Kohl's at 3:00 am, it was dark and cold!


Oh yes, and while the girls were shopping, the boys were decking the halls of course!

Thanksgiving 2009

The best part of Thanksgiving is Family!


Uncle Jonny with the kids!


Mom, dad, Nicole, Eric, my sister Patti and me!


Searching the adds for our annual Black Friday outing (starting at 3:00 am).


Mom, Patti and Jonny relaxing after our big meal!


Claude and Jonny enjoy some father son/time!

Whoo Hoo.....they are moving back!

Yes, you heard me right,Nicole, Eric, and grandkids are moving back to Visalia!

Happy Birthday to my little sister!

For my sisters birthday, Mom, Dad, Patti and I all went to the Olive Garden!

A Drive in the Country!

Today I went for drive in the country with my mom, dad and sister. We stopped at a place called Goods goods. This is Tippy, the old farm dog that lives there.


My mom, my sister Patti and I in front of the old barn.


I love spending time with family and am so thankful we all live so close. Mom and dad are so cute!

Guns, Motorcycles and Apples!

Today the High Priest went shooting (I know kinda scary).......then Claude and Paul rode their motorcycles up to Springville and met Liz and I at the Apple Festival.

It was such a beautiful day!


The guys were so happy....guns and motorcycles all in the same day!


Love the view from Liz's parents deck!

Happy Birthday Nicole!

On October 12, 1980 our lives changed and would never be the same!


We can't believe you are 29! It seems like only yesterday you were our little girl!





You are an amazing wife, mother, daughter and sister!




You have blessed our lives so much! Happy Birthday Nicole, we love you!

Family "it's about time".

Payten by the pool!


Haley Bug!


Shelby opening one of her birthday presents!


Payten got to spend the night while her sisters had soccer games.


Payten feeding the ducks at the park!


Payten loves her Papa!


Papa, Gigi, Nicole and Josh watch while Shelby opens her present!

Family Time

Shelby opens more presents.


Lots of family........


our cutie!

Papa and Nana love sleepovers!

We got to have the Kids while Nicole had an appointment. It is so much fun to have sleepovers with the grand kids. They bring so much joy to Papa and Nana!

Nana Time!

Last week, Nicole had to be on bed rest, so I got to go down and take care of my grand kids. It was a busy week, but filled with so much fun!

Shelby got an award at school and I was so happy I was there to see her get it!

One day the school had mix/match day. Haley and Shelby had so much fun not matching.

Every night we would gather for story time before we said our prayers. This has always been one of our favorite things to do.

Oh yeah, DisneyLand Again!

We had so much fun at the happiest place in the world this week with our kids and grandkids!






We celebrated Jonny and Shelby's birthdays and just had a blast with our family!

Happy Birthday Jonathon!

The kids love their Uncle Jonny!

I can't believe you are 26. 20 years ago this week, I was walking you to your first grade class. Seems like only yesterday! Thanks Jonathon for being a great son, for always being true to yourself and for always calling your mom and dad. You are awesome, we love you....Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Shelby!

Our little Shelby turns 6 tomorrow! We can't believe it. It seems like only yesterday, that she joined our family. She had such a tough start in this world and after months in the hospital and many surgeries, was able to come home. She is such a joy and brings so much happiness to our family.


Happy Birthday to our precious Shelby.....we feel so blessed to have you in our family and Papa and Nana love you so so much!

These are a few things we love about Shelby:
* She is our cuddle bug.
* She is beautiful inside and out.
* She makes us laugh so much.
* She loves so much, loves her family, loves the Savior, and loves life!

4th of July at Lake Mead!

Claude and I with our beautiful grandkids at Hoover Damn. It was 106 that day!

The girls at the hotel pool after a day of boating on the lake.

A shot of Lake Mead from the top of Hoover Damn

Nicole, Eric and the kids at the top of Hoover Damn on the Arizona side.

My Dad!

I am very blessed to have such a wonderful dad. He has been such a wonderful example my whole life, is such a loving man and always takes such good care of my mom.


I love you dad....Thank you for all you do for our family....Happy Fathers Day!

911 - This is an Emergency!

Last August, Haley called 911 when her sister Shelby was choking on a marble. While Haley was providing the 911 operator with accurate information, Nicole was able to perform the Heimlich on Shelby. This past weekend, Haley was presented with an award from the Visalia Fire Department for Extraordinary Actions. Brother Gildae from our Ward came and presented Haley with the award. We are so proud of her!


Great job Haley on being a quick thinker and helping mommy. Awesome job Nicole for teaching your children what to do in an emergency situation and for saving our Shelby!

Our Beautiful Grand Daughters!

Haley and Shelby got to spend 5 days with us.....So how much fun did we have?


We went swimming!


We rented videos and had a movie snack bar!


More swimming of course!


Painted our toes!


And even got to spend some time with Papa and Gigi!

FRIENDS TIL THE END WE WILL BE!

At least once a month, I get together with my girlfriend's. We always have such a great time and always have so much to talk about. We have been a support to each other over the years. They call me the mom of the group, but that is OK because I love these girls! Visiting teaching brought us together and I feel blessed to call them my friends.

Sister Act!

Aunt Patsy, Uncle Ken, and cousin Paige came to visit from Arizona this week.


My mom and her sister Patsy (they are so cute).


Paige, Aunt Patsy, Mom and me.

Happy Birthday Mom/Gigi - We Love You!

Today was my moms 71st Birthday! We all gathered at our house for a birthday celebration after church!


My dad and my nephew Josh.


Me and my beautiful mom!

My sister Patti with Haley and Payten.


My nephew Danny with his girlfriend Carissa, Shelby and Payten!


Nicole with Haley and my niece Jenifer!

Disney Land again, Oh yeah!

Yes, we are Disney Land Freaks!

N stands for Nicole.

The girls watching a show.

All smiles because this is the happiest place on Earth!

Payten and Bryant were all tuckered out by the end of the day!

A Family Affair!

Today we had a small family reunion on the Ortuno side because Claude's Aunt Hannah, Uncle John and Cousin Christine were visiting from Utah....so we got together as many as we could from the Ortuno side. It was really great to see everyone and we had a great time. Wish everyone could have been there.

Claude with his brother Kim and two sisters, Michelle and Monique.
Claude with his brother and sisters, his mom, dad, Aunt Hannah, Uncle John, cousin Christine and niece Kendall.
Me with two of my sister-in-laws, Michelle and Monique. We were melting in the 100 degree heat.
Claude with his mom, dad, brother and two sisters. His brother Jim lives in Vermont and could not make it.

Happy Mothers Day to the best Mom!

The past several months have been tough for our family,and it has made me appreciate my mom even more. I am so thankful for you mom and love you so much! You continue to amaze me everyday and are such a great example. Thank you for being the best mom. Happy Mothers Day!

Anniversary at the Happiest Place on Earth!

This weekend, for our 32ND wedding anniversary we went to the happiest place on Earth AGAIN! Yes, we do love Disney Land....This picture was taken at California Adventure outside of the Soaring over California ride (the best ride in the world).It was a perfect anniversary, we stayed with Nicole, Eric and the kids, and even met up with our son Jonathon for lunch on Friday!

"Going to the Chapel and were gonna get Married"!

32 years ago I married my high school sweetheart!


We were so in love, super young and skinny. Well at least we are still in love! Can't believe it has been 32 years! Happy Anniversary babe, I love you!

Great Birthday Weekend!

This weekend we celebrated three birthdays, Haley's 9th birthday, Payten's 3rd birthday and Bryant's 1st birthday (all their birthdays are in a two week period). We had grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, cousins and friends, it was so great to see everyone).

Nicole and her beautiful girls!


The Nana's!


The Great-grandparents (it always amazes me when we get all 4 generations together).


Bryant and his 1st birthday cake.


Me and my girls.

Payten turns 3!

Payten's Birthday is this Sunday, May 3rd (she was born on the same day as her great-grandma Regine).


Payten is such a joy to be around, we are always laughing!


Happy Birthday Payten...You are such a funny girl and have brought so much fun and laughter to our family. We love you so much.

Happy Birthday Bryant!

Our Grandson turns 1 year today! We can't believe he is already one. Happy Birthday Bryant, Papa and Nana love you so much!

A Celebration!

My dad kissing my mom on the top of her head!

A picture with my mom as we look forward to happier days!

My mom with two of her nephews, Josh and Dan.

Today was my Nephew Josh's 18th birthday. We had a birthday dinner for him. It was great because it was the first time since my mom was diagnosed with cancer over 5 months ago that she felt really good! It was a really nice night. Happy birthday Josh! Mom, I am so glad you are feeling better, I love you!

Gotta Love the Pool Boy!

I love my pool boy!


He keeps my pool so clean!


He is the best pool boy ever and is such a nice guy! A little crazy though because the water was only 70 degrees ... brrrr!

Happy Birthday Bug!

Happy 9th Birthday Bug. We are so proud of you. You are so talented and such a loving girl. Happy Birthday! We can't believe you are already 9!!!

Birthday Bug!

Today is Haley's 9th birthday! I can't believe it. It seems like only yesterday my first grandchild was born. Happy Birthday Bug - we love you so much!

Easter Flowers for Grandma and Grandpa!

On Sunday after church, we went to my grandparents grave site to put flowers on their grave. The first two pictures were taken at the orchard in Tulare where my grandparents house use to be and where my mom grew up.




My mom was feeling really good today and this last picture is of her sitting on the bench dedicated to my grandparents next to their grave site. It was a beautiful Easter Day and I feel so blessed!

Easter Egg Hunt!

On Saturday, we went to Nicole's Ward where they had a Easter Egg Hunt for all the kids.





It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun with the kids!

Ahhhh - just what I needed!

A trip down to see the kids and get a grandchild fix was just what I needed! They are so much fun!

Goodbye Chemo

Today was my moms last chemo treatment! This miracle drug that they injected into my mom every week for the last 8 weeks, made her so weak and so sick, but killed the cancer. She has just one more week of radiation. Thank you to all the wonderful doctors and nurses. Thank you everyone for all your prayers and thoughts. Goodbye Chemo, we will definitely not miss you!

Oh No Tagged Again!

My good friend Ginny tagged me about a week ago and I am finally getting to it, so here goes ....Give one word answers with no explanation, then tag five bloggers:

1. Where is you cell phone...purse

2. Where is your significant other... work

3. Your hair color... blond

4. Your mother... amazing

5. Your father... loving

6. Your favorite thing... bed

7. Your dream last night... weird

8. Your dream goal... mission

9. Room you're in... office

10. Your hobby... eating

11. Your fear... failure

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years... paradise

13. Where were you last night... parents

14. What you're not... skinny (due to my hobby)

15. One of your wish-list items... cure

16. Where you grew up... Pleasanton

17. The last thing you ate... Fish

18. What are you wearing... Jeans

19. Your TV... large

20. Your pet... three

21. Your computer... obsessed

22. Your mood... grateful

23. Missing someone... grand kids

24. Your car... paid

25. Something you're not wearing... shoes

26. Favorite store... Target

27. Your summer... grand kids

28. Love someone... family

29. Your favorite color... blue

30. Last time you laughed... today

31. Last time you cried... yesterday

and now I tag... Nicole, Melanie, Amber, Emily and Lori

Country Drive!

Today Claude and I got up early and went for a drive in the country.

We came across these beautiful horses in a pasture.

A real California Cow.

It was a beautiful sunny California day.

Happiest place ~ happy day!

We went to the happiest place on earth for my birthday. It is so much fun to see Disney Land through the eyes of my grandchildren. I even got to visit with Jonny that night. What a great birthday - thank you family!

ANSWERED PRAYERS!

Needless to say, I have had some extra prayers lately, especially for my mom. We are more than half way through the radiation and chemo treatments and considering all, she is doing pretty well. We do have several really bad days each week, especially after the chemo, but for the most part it has been better than I expected. She is back up to 91lbs and has the most positive attitude. I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father loves us and hears our prayers. I am grateful for my parents and the strength they have shown through all of this. And, I am so grateful for all the tender mercies that our family has been blessed with. Thank you for your love, support and prayers.

This is the mask mom has to wear for her radiation treatments.

If anyone can cheer mom up, it is her great-grand children!

Then and now!

Our engagement picture in 1976, and our little family in 1984.

Our wedding picture on May 7, 1977. And here we are now, we haven't changed too much!

Well it was fun going through all the old pictures anyway.

Snow on the Mountains!

I just love it!

The BEST Home Teachers Ever!

We are so blessed to have the best home teachers! Not only are they great home teachers, but they are dear friends! We love you Kathy and Gary, thanks for all you do!

A day at the movies!

The snack bar.....

The movie theater.......

So what do you do on a rainy day in California? You go to the movies. Claude even watched a chick flick with me.

Tagged again!

I was tagged by my daughter Nicole to post the 5th picture from my 5th folder. This is a picture of my Son Jonathon and his two best friends. Lori lived next door to us and both Lori and Chantelle were in our Ward in Livermore. They were the funniest kids and did the funniest stuff. I miss those days! Thanks Nicole for tagging me because this picture made me think of how fun it was to have teenagers! Now I tag Cyndy, Laura Lee, Liz, Amber and Lori (hey Lori what's the real story behind this picture?)

A visit from Aunt Mary and Uncle Mickey

Uncle Mickey with my sister Patti.

My Aunt Mary and Uncle Mickey came all the way from Idaho to visit us. They wanted to especially see my my mom since she has been ill. It was great to see them and catch up on old times and share family memories.

Mom was having a good day today! Aunt Mary with my mom and dad.

GRANDCHILDREN

Make the world a little softer,

a little kinder,

and a little warmer!

And that's what it's all about!

BORN TO RIDE!

Even the fog and cold couldn't keep these bad boys away from their ride today!

WHAT I AM THANKFUL FOR!

During some recent difficult times, I have had time to reflect on what is truly important and to remember all I have to be thankful for:

1) I am so thankful to be married to my best friend, such a good and caring man, my Eternal Companion.

2) I am so thankful that I have been blessed with two wonderful children who have turned into wonderful caring and loving adults.

3) I am so thankful for my grandchildren who teach me, make me laugh and remind me of what is really important.

4) I am extremely thankful and full of gratitude for my parents and their example of pure love.

5) I am also so very thankful that I have such wonderful in-laws who raised such a great son.

6) I am grateful to know that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father and that he hears my prayers and loves me.

7) I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

8) I am grateful for my sister, Patti and love that we live so close to each other and to our parents.

9) I am so grateful for all our friends who have loved us through all the good and bad times.

10) I am grateful for Temples and for the knowledge of knowing that I can be with my family whom I love so much for Time and all Eternity.

11) And finally I am grateful and thankful for my trials for they remind me of what is really important and that I am truly blessed!

Update on my beautiful mom!

The feeding tube was a success. My mom is getting all the nutrients that she needs, gaining weight and already looking better. This week she started radiation and so far is doing well with no problems. Next week the chemo starts. Thank you so much to everyone for your phone calls, e-mails, blog posts and prayers. Please continue to pray for my mom and our family.

VERY TOUGH WEEK!

Last Thursday, my dad had knee surgery so my sister Patti and I spent all day in Fresno at the hospital. Then on Friday morning my mom got her feeding tube at Kaweah Delta Hospital. My dad came home from the hospital on Saturday, and since my mom can't be left alone and my dad just had surgery, my sister and I have been staying with my parents to care for them. It has been kind of crazy, but the feeding tube is, well, let me say it like this "I am definitely not a nurse"! Both my parents are doing as well as can be expected, but please pray for my mom because she is down to 86 lbs and has a tough road ahead with the chemo and radiation. Oh, I almost forgot the icing on the cake, was on last Wednesday before all this started and while I was worried and anxious about both my parents procedures, I got laid off from my job that I have had for the last 5 years. Like I said, tough week! I love my parents and feel so blessed to be so close to them. I know these trials will make me stronger and my family even closer! Thanks to all of my friends and family that have called to check on us...I love you!

Another great performance by 2 (oops I mean 3) little angels!

Nicole an the kids came home this week for a visit and for Papa's birthday. Here is just one of many performances we were blessed with. Payten refused to be left out!

Happy Birthday Claude!

Today was Claude's birthday and the girls made him a birthday cake.

This cake was made with a lot of love and some other stuff! We love you Papa!

~ Happy Birthday Babe, I love you!

A very sad time for our family!

My parents have been my greatest example of love! My mom needs your prayers now.

New Years Eve was a very sad day for our family as we got the devastating news that my mom has cancer again. I sat in the doctors office with both my parents while we got the news, my dad looked so sad. She will get a feeding tube and then start chemo and radiation. At only 95 lbs now, it will be a tough road ahead. She is an amazing woman, wife and mother and we love her so much! Through this trial, I know our family will endure and be even closer.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Our Niece Jenifer and her husband Mike came from Sacramento.

Jonny enjoying time with the family. We loved having him home.

Haley opens another gift.

Shelby helps Bryant open one of his presents.

My dad (isn't he so cute?).

The girls singing for our traditional family Christmas program.

Me and my sister sit with the kids for dinner.

Christmas Balls!

Santa Claude and Mrs. Santa Claude.

My mom and dad (aka: Papa and Gigi).

Claude's parents (aka: Papi and Nana) with the great grand children.

When it's all said and done...the most wonderful part of Christmas is remembering and celebrating the birth of the Savior with the most important people in my life, my family!

Merry Christmas from the Ortuno's!

As we reflect over the last year we feel especially blessed. We are so grateful for our children and grand children. We are so grateful that our parents are all doing well. We feel blessed to have such a wonderful family and such great friends. We are especially grateful for this Season as we remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May your homes be filled with much love and joy and may you be blessed with the true Christmas Spirit!


HOPING YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS

AND A BLESSED YEAR IN 2009!

Claude and Rhonda Ortuno

Christmas Angels!

Nana, I'm tired!

White Christmas (in Visalia?)!

This is Visalia' s version of "A White Christmas"! NO IT'S NOT SNOW ~ IT'S FOG! It is so foggy here that I can't even see my neighbors house....

These are pictures of our house ~ ~ CRAZY & COLD! So for all my friends in Utah and Colorado enjoying a snowy Christmas, this is our White Christmas!

Deck the Halls (and everything else at the Ortuno's)!

Claude and Jonny hung the lights on Friday. Great job guys!

I just love Christmas!

BLACK FRIDAY - CRAZY - FUN!

OK, so my sister Patti and I got up at 2:30 on Friday morning and were at Kohl's by 3:15.

The line at Kohl's! Then we were off to Gottschalks, Target, Walmart and K-Mart.

Hey, we did pretty good this year and we had a blast!

Thanksgiving Day 2008

We had such a great Thanksgiving. I love it when my whole family is together and we can take family pictures!

Haley, Shelby, Payten, and Bryant love being with their Uncle Jonny!

We love Thanksgiving, being with family, great food, an awesome day! What more could Claude and I ask for?

My mom and dad with their three dogs.

My sister Patti, brother-in-law Dave, nephews Josh, Danny and his girlfriend Carissa.

Date Night!

Claude took me out tonight on a mystery date. I had no idea where we were going (I assumed where ever it was, we would be going on the motorcycle). I was wrong. He told me to dress casual. He then took me to dinner at the 225 club on Main. It was wonderful! Afterwards, he said we were going out dancing (ha ha! Claude dance). As we were leaving the restaurant, I said "so where is this dance place"? He said "don't worry, we will be there in a minute"! Moments later we drove up to our house. Needless to say, I made him dance with me at home ....

Slumber Party at Nana and Papa's!

Nicole and the kids are back in Visalia for a couple of days - - Yeah!!! Sleep over with the grand kids. Our most favorite thing in the whole world! Now, if only Payten will leave Bryant alone so Haley and Shelby can sleep (NOT)!

Happy Birthday Patti!

Today I went out to lunch with my parents and my little sister Patti, for her 47th birthday. Happy Birthday Patti! Boy, are you getting old or what!

Empty Nest!

So, when you become a "Seasoned Couple" (I'm not sure if that means old or spicy) and all your children have flown the nest, you are called an Empty Nester. We meet once a month for Family Home Evening.

Last night we met at the Ward's house for a Halloween theme dinner. It is so fun to get together with all our friends from the Ward. We had a great time!

This is the super scary "ghoulish" chocolate cake I made! Happy Halloween!

You guessed it!

Another trip to see the grand kids this weekend. And of course when girls just wanna have fun, we go shopping!

Shelby and Haley on the Merry-go-round at the Mall! Doesn't every mall have a Merry-go-round?

This is the beautiful view that Nicole, Eric and the kids get to see every time they walk out their front door!

Tag, your it!

Ok, so I was just tagged by my friend Cyndy...I am supposed to post the 6th picture in my 6th folder. This is mine, it is a picture from Haley's birthday party a couple of years ago. Haley, her sister Shelby and two of her school friends got their nails done and then dressed up for this picture. It was a fun day and go figure my picture of course has something to do with my gorgeous grand daughters! I tag Elizabeth, Amber, Melanie, Heidi T., Lori and Jodi.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE!

We can't believe you are 28. It seems like only yesterday we were taking you to the pumpkin patch!

Nicole, you are an amazing woman, daughter and mother! We love you!
There is nothing better than a trip to the pumpkin patch with our precious grand kids!
This is Papa punching out the scary monster. Needless to say, the monsters didn't bother us the rest of the day.

Does Nicole look happy that Eric is home?
Pumpkins for all and sunflowers forever and ever and ever! It was a great day!

It's a dogs life (oh, and one cat)!

This is our cat Miley (yes I even name my pets for my grand kids!) OK, so now that all my kids and grand kids are in Southern California...Jonathon in Long Beach and Nicole & Eric, etc... in Newhall, my life is consumed by my pets. Hey, I am even starting to worry about me. I know they understand me when I talk to them, but it's the funny looks they give me when I sing to them... MY NEST IS NOT EMPTY!
This is our Doxi Sadie, and that is the look she gives me when I sing (is that one of her ears turned out?)!
This is our foster dog.... Her name is Abby (used to be Abby Ball but I think it is soon to be Abby Ortuno). Oh well we are off to see the grand kids tomorrow and I think the pets are happy to see us go!

I enlisted, did you?

My mom is an such an amazing and positive example... Thank you mom, I love you!

In honor of my mom who is a breast cancer SURVIVOR, I enlisted.... find out how you can enlist and join the army of women today!

http://www.armyofwomen.com/

GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66

So after another weekend of moving, unloading, hanging, unpacking, etc.... we all went out to dinner to a really cute diner called Route 66.
The girls pose for Nana in front of an old car.
Again, we could not have done it without my sister Patti! She is wonderful!

The Big Move Day!

Goodbye Visalia! Thank you to the Visalia III Ward Elders Quorum for helping us load....
And we are off, Newhall here we come! Nicole, I still can't believe you drove that huge U-haul over the Grape Vine and through that canyon, you truly amaze me!
Here we are at the new house! Thank you to the Newhall Elders Quorum for helping to make Nicole and here family feel so welcome and helping unload. A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to my sister Patti, we could not have done it with out all your help!!!
After all is said and done, I am so happy that my sweet little family is in such a beautiful place!

Sleep over at Nana's

Only 2 more days til the Ball gang move! I am so sad, but for the next two days we get to have a sleep over at Nana's. I love my grand kids so much and am looking forward to making even more lasting memories after they move.

Best Primary Program Ever!

We are so proud of our girls....their new Ward is so lucky to have them!

OK, so we know that I am super crazy over my grand kids, but today was the Primary Program and two of my granddaughters Shelby and Haley were in it. They were simply amazing, both memorized their parts and Haley had a solo part in the final song I Am A Child Of God. It was a great program and a great day. It was also the last day that their precious little family is in our Ward since they are moving to Santa Clarita next week. I am extremely sad they are leaving, but very happy at the same time that they will all be together with their dad.

My friend Donna!

I just heard from an old friend, Donna, from the Bay Area.... So great to hear from you but I can't open your blog. Please e-mail me I would love to catch up!

Goodbye Jonny!

I am crying and Claude is laughing at me!
By mom, bye dad..... Thanks!

Jonny left tonight for Long Beach to go back to school... We will miss him!

Ortuno Family Reunion!

So we had the Ortuno/Martinez family reunion today. It was so much fun to see all the cousins and everyone. Not everyone made it this year, but for those that did, we had fun just catching up on what everyone was up to. Some of us hadn't seen each other since our reunion cruise a couple of years ago. Families are Wonderful!!!!

Mom, Lindy, Liz and Rochelle... Oh and dad sneaking in for a snack!
Frankie slaving in the kitchen over the Payaya. It was wonderful...Good job Chef Frankie!!!
Rochelle, Monique and Liz just hanging out!

Our niece Kendal, Claude, me, Jonny and our brother in law Dennis.

Jonny and his Auntie Monique... "Jonny, please don't go back to school"!

Monique, Jonny and me!
Jenny, Jonny and Danny.... Boy do these cousins have some stories to tell!!!
How many cooks do we need? "wait, add that"! "No, it's better this way"!
The Payaya! An Ortuno/Martinez family tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Claude and his cousins Frankie and Steve, just thinking about the good old days!

Jonathon's Birthday! He turns 25 on September 9th! Can you believe it?

Jonathon has been home for the summer from Long Beach. We have really enjoyed having him home this summer... He is healthy, happy and an awesome kid. He leaves this weekend to go back down to Long Beach where he will be a Senior at Long Beach University. Jonathon's birthday is September 9th, so we took him out for an early birthday celebration at Brewbakers! He will be 25 on the 9th - can you believe it?

Jonathon we have loved having you home this summer!!! We love you and are really going to miss you!!! And so the nest is empty again.........

Shelby turns 5

On Saturday we celebrated our little Shelby's 5th birthday. There were lots of kids, some from Shelby's church class and some from school. Lots of family and lots of fun!!!!

PIN THE TALE ON THE DONKEY!

MAKE A WISH!

The girls swimming with Uncle Jonny! Man was it hot here today! But we are so COOL!

Jump are you kidding me?

I think our family has the most fun just hanging out at home and swimming. I can hardly believe that summer is almost over. We have really enjoyed having Jonny home this summer and of course we love having my grand kids over. In just a couple of weeks, Jonny will head back to school and the nest will be empty again. I love my family and the greatest joy in my life comes from spending time together, making lasting memories and laughing together. What a great blessing that has been to our family! Claude and I have so much to be thankful for!

Even Bryant had fun at knott's Berry farm!

Pioneer Day!

Wayne, didn't we come over with the Pioneers?

Pioneer Day!

There is nothing better than starting off your day celebrating with your family!