Family Day at Ft. Benning started
Even Hunter thought it was a little to early to be out and about!
All though he was in true “BCT Soldier” form while running, we knew how to put a smile on his face!
This is the story of my grandson, Hunter Allan Dalton. This beautiful little boy was born on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 6:13 p.m. He weighed in at 7lbs,5.8oz and was 21 1/2" long. I was lucky enough to experience the birth of this full term, bouncing, baby boy! At less than 24 hours old, our perfect world came crashing down. Our little angel was diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). This is his story....
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A Trip of Pride & Patriotism Part 4
Family Day at Ft. Benning started
Even Hunter thought it was a little to early to be out and about!
All though he was in true “BCT Soldier” form while running, we knew how to put a smile on his face!
Monday, November 26, 2012
A Trip of Pride and Patriotism- Part 3
Webster defines......
PRIDE-the quality or state of being proud; delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>
PATRIOTISM-love for or devotion to one's country
Two words that come to mind as our trip to Georgia continues!
Excitement was the feeling running through all of us as we arrived on base Tuesday. We thought we would go early and check it out so we would know where to go that evening for the Meet & Greet with the Drill Sergeants. We did not know where Chris actually was on base yet, we just knew the general vicinity. It was exciting to know that we were so close to him again, we were checking out everyone that we could see. The funny thing was that they ALL looked alike!! We knew that we weren't allowed to actually see him or be anywhere close to him until, possibly, the following day, but it sure was fun trying to guess if we were close to seeing him or not.
After our Meet & Greet, we had dinner at Red Lobster with our new Army Family Friends, the Cottle's. Their son Vincent, became a good buddy to Chris during BCT, now there are two new friendships! :)
Later that evening, a trip was made to the airport to pick up Chris's older sister, Mandy. Because she wasn't able to ride down with the rest of the family, she flew into Columbus Airport to join us for the remainder of our visit and to take part in Family Day and Graduation. Another family member to show pride for our soldier! Our family count was now up to 6!!
PRIDE-the quality or state of being proud; delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship <parental pride>
PATRIOTISM-love for or devotion to one's country
Two words that come to mind as our trip to Georgia continues!
Excitement was the feeling running through all of us as we arrived on base Tuesday. We thought we would go early and check it out so we would know where to go that evening for the Meet & Greet with the Drill Sergeants. We did not know where Chris actually was on base yet, we just knew the general vicinity. It was exciting to know that we were so close to him again, we were checking out everyone that we could see. The funny thing was that they ALL looked alike!! We knew that we weren't allowed to actually see him or be anywhere close to him until, possibly, the following day, but it sure was fun trying to guess if we were close to seeing him or not.
 |
| Drill Sgt. Crissman and Drill Sgt. Ryan |
Meet & Greet night is designed for families to meet the leaders of your soldier's unit. They explain what has been going on the past 8 weeks and what to expect when we do get to see them and what the events are for Family Day and Graduation Day. As family members were arriving and taking their seats, the soldiers were coming in after a run. They could not stop, or look or say anything to anyone. They had to run in and go directly up the stairs. It was exciting and frustrating all at the same time, knowing that we were sitting right under all the guys up in their barracks and could not see or touch them. A few of the guys were caught peeking out the windows at people down below. Luckily, our guys, (Chris & Vincent from Alaska) did not, those that did were reprimanded.
After our Meet & Greet, we had dinner at Red Lobster with our new Army Family Friends, the Cottle's. Their son Vincent, became a good buddy to Chris during BCT, now there are two new friendships! :)
Big Sis is coming to join us!
Later that evening, a trip was made to the airport to pick up Chris's older sister, Mandy. Because she wasn't able to ride down with the rest of the family, she flew into Columbus Airport to join us for the remainder of our visit and to take part in Family Day and Graduation. Another family member to show pride for our soldier! Our family count was now up to 6!!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
A Trip of Pride and Patriotism- Part 2
The continuation...... A New Friendship
While sitting at the pool, I was keeping an eye out for someone! I was watching for a new friend and her family that was going to be staying at the same hotel and guess what, I spotted them up on the second floor, outside walkway! :)
The trip to Georgia was doubly exciting for me, not only was I getting to see my son, my soldier, I was going to get to meet a new friend, a fellow Army Mom! When Chris was preparing to leave for BCT, I spent quite a bit of time online trying to learn about his new career, how I could follow him through basic and looking on facebook for new connections. I came across a FB page that sparked my interest, so I "liked" it. A question was posted and I responded with my soldier's location info and lo and behold, there was another mom, from, of all places, Alaska! with a son starting at the same location, dates, and same MOS! She reached out to me and with that simple exchange of information, a new Army Mom friendship began! The FB page U.S Army Future Soldier Family, is wonderful for information, support to new Army families and it can also start great new friendships. As we exchanged information through FB, the coincidences were mind boggling! Seemed every conversation we had, more things "alike" came about!
Meet my new "Army Mom" friend, Claudia-
Claudia was there with her husband, Henry
And Vincent's twin sister, Kelsey
A wonderful family, that I am very blessed to have met and look forward to building a friendship with. I also hope to have the privilege of visiting them in their home state of Alaska sometime in the near future.
Watch for Part 3!
While sitting at the pool, I was keeping an eye out for someone! I was watching for a new friend and her family that was going to be staying at the same hotel and guess what, I spotted them up on the second floor, outside walkway! :)
The trip to Georgia was doubly exciting for me, not only was I getting to see my son, my soldier, I was going to get to meet a new friend, a fellow Army Mom! When Chris was preparing to leave for BCT, I spent quite a bit of time online trying to learn about his new career, how I could follow him through basic and looking on facebook for new connections. I came across a FB page that sparked my interest, so I "liked" it. A question was posted and I responded with my soldier's location info and lo and behold, there was another mom, from, of all places, Alaska! with a son starting at the same location, dates, and same MOS! She reached out to me and with that simple exchange of information, a new Army Mom friendship began! The FB page U.S Army Future Soldier Family, is wonderful for information, support to new Army families and it can also start great new friendships. As we exchanged information through FB, the coincidences were mind boggling! Seemed every conversation we had, more things "alike" came about!
Meet my new "Army Mom" friend, Claudia-
This is Private Vincent Cottle, her son, her soldier
Truly a Proud Momma! :)
Claudia was there with her husband, Henry
And Vincent's twin sister, Kelsey
A wonderful family, that I am very blessed to have met and look forward to building a friendship with. I also hope to have the privilege of visiting them in their home state of Alaska sometime in the near future.
Watch for Part 3!
A Trip of Pride and Patriotism-Part 1
On June 18, 2012 members of our family, including Hunter, Hunter's Mommy, GiGi ,Papaw and Sassy(Gigi and Papaw's paraplegic cat!) and myself,(Grandma) left Indiana for the state of Georgia. We were headed for Ft. Benning, Columbus, Georgia to be exact.
Because the trip was about a 12 hour drive we decided to split it up into a 2 day trip, to make it easier on all of us, but especially the little man in the back seat. The little man had the comfy ride, toys and the use of Mommy's cell phone and her Netflix!! He didn't miss his episodes of Blues Clues, Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Train and of course, his favorite, Mickey's Clubhouse!! But he REALLY disliked when it buffered, LOL!! We made sure we had lots of stretch stops for the little guy to get out and move around a little.
We drove almost 7 hours, then spent the first night at the Super 8 in Athens, TN. Nothing fancy, but for the price, it worked! We got up the next morning, and headed into Georgia to go see DADDY!! About 5 hours later we were checking in at the La Quinta on Macon Road, in Columbus, GA! After unloading the vehicles, we drove out towards the base to try and get our sense of directions for the days to follow. By accident, we ended up turning into the drive for the National Infantry Museum, where graduation was going to take place on Thursday. We decided to go into the museum and check it out.
If you are in the area, I would recommend visiting this museum. It is informative, educational and leaves visitors with an appreciation for the sacrifice Infantrymen make for our freedom. The Last 100 Yards Ramp gives you a feeling of marching through time with soldiers.
Although Hunter didn't really "learn" a lot, he enjoyed the relaxing ride through the museum!
Behind the museum is a huge parade field, where graduation ceremonies take place. It is a beautiful setting for the important milestone for soldiers.
Soldier Field-
Soldier Field was dedicated on March 19, 2009 by spreading soil gathered from the eight battlefields depicted in the "Last 100 Yards". Soldier Field is used throughout the year for a number of military related activites including graduation and changes of command. The 2100 seat stadium provides a comfortable and convienent location for family and friends to witness these historical occassions. Beyond the stadium is the Memorial Walk of Honor which pays tribute to several historical army units.
We made our way back to the hotel and found our way to dinner. After dinner, Carissa, Hunter and I decided to enjoy the pool at the hotel. While sitting poolside, I was excitedly waiting to meet a new friend for the first time!
We drove almost 7 hours, then spent the first night at the Super 8 in Athens, TN. Nothing fancy, but for the price, it worked! We got up the next morning, and headed into Georgia to go see DADDY!! About 5 hours later we were checking in at the La Quinta on Macon Road, in Columbus, GA! After unloading the vehicles, we drove out towards the base to try and get our sense of directions for the days to follow. By accident, we ended up turning into the drive for the National Infantry Museum, where graduation was going to take place on Thursday. We decided to go into the museum and check it out.
Although Hunter didn't really "learn" a lot, he enjoyed the relaxing ride through the museum!
Behind the museum is a huge parade field, where graduation ceremonies take place. It is a beautiful setting for the important milestone for soldiers.
Soldier Field-
Soldier Field was dedicated on March 19, 2009 by spreading soil gathered from the eight battlefields depicted in the "Last 100 Yards". Soldier Field is used throughout the year for a number of military related activites including graduation and changes of command. The 2100 seat stadium provides a comfortable and convienent location for family and friends to witness these historical occassions. Beyond the stadium is the Memorial Walk of Honor which pays tribute to several historical army units.
We made our way back to the hotel and found our way to dinner. After dinner, Carissa, Hunter and I decided to enjoy the pool at the hotel. While sitting poolside, I was excitedly waiting to meet a new friend for the first time!
Friday, July 13, 2012
The Big ONE!!
Sunday, May 19th
It was one year ago that our world was totally turned upside down and felt like we had been pulled through a knothole backwards and had absolutely no idea what the next day, let alone any longer time period, would bring. But just take a look at our world one year later! Hunter celebrated his FIRST birthday in grand style!
This beautiful, very blessed little guy was just having the time of his life playing in his sand box, and his little pool at his party!
There were many family visitors to help Hunter celebrate his big day! A great, great grandma, great grandparents, grandparents, all kinds of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Then the real fun began!!
It was one year ago that our world was totally turned upside down and felt like we had been pulled through a knothole backwards and had absolutely no idea what the next day, let alone any longer time period, would bring. But just take a look at our world one year later! Hunter celebrated his FIRST birthday in grand style!
This beautiful, very blessed little guy was just having the time of his life playing in his sand box, and his little pool at his party!
There were many family visitors to help Hunter celebrate his big day! A great, great grandma, great grandparents, grandparents, all kinds of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Then the real fun began!!
Hunter was in to reading his cards! LOL
What's in there Mommy?
Cousins Lydia and Abigail were there to help Hunter celebrate!
Hunter playing with one of his gifts.
I would say ONE was a good number!!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Memory Miles for Active Heroes
Saturday, May 19
Another beautiful morning to participate in Memory Miles, a walk to benefit Active Hereos. Our friend, Jerry Vest, organized a group of family and friends to help raise money for this great cause. Although it was his first year participating and putting this event together, there were about 15 people who walked a 3 mile loop, as well as made monetary donations. The walk took place in the beautiful Pioneer Park in Mooresville.
Another beautiful morning to participate in Memory Miles, a walk to benefit Active Hereos. Our friend, Jerry Vest, organized a group of family and friends to help raise money for this great cause. Although it was his first year participating and putting this event together, there were about 15 people who walked a 3 mile loop, as well as made monetary donations. The walk took place in the beautiful Pioneer Park in Mooresville.
Active Heroes helps Military families in need. It helps provide services where other funding leaves off. It is a volunteer-led non-profit charity with thousands of active individuals, like Jerry, that fundraise to help Veterans, Active Duty Military and their families. They help with financial assistance, such as mortgage payments, utilities, car payments and also accept wish lists. Monetary assistance is not given directly to applicants, instead the organization will pay the bill.
Jerry, retired Master Sergeant, Airforce, is a wonderful example of this great organization at work. His wish is to make this a larger, more oraganized outing next year and we wish him the best of luck and look forward to participating in next years memory walk with you!
To learn more about this organization, click this link-Active Heroes
Pioneer Park has several paved forest trails, an aquatic center, playgrounds geared to different age groups, ball fields, volleyball, baskeball courts, various picnic areas and shelters. It would be a great place for a family renunion or summer outing.
This is Hunter and Mommy enjoying watching the creek running through the park.
And enjoying the playground....
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Mommy's First Mother's Day 2012
Sunday, May 13
A family tradition, thanks to Great Great Grandmother "Nanny", is to gather at the Bluebird Restaurant in Morristown for Mother's Day luncheon. They have a great homestyle buffet with a wonderful large salad bar, fried chicken, ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, lima beans, rolls, several homemade desserts and an ice cream machine. They are packed from the time they open to the time they close. Reservations are a MUST for Mother's Day, usually need to have them made several months in advance.
Here are a couple of shots from their FB page of their buffet items.....mmmmm
Hunter with Great, Great Nanny and 2nd cousin, Victoria Olivia
Having fun with Aunt Vicki on the big wheel!
A family tradition, thanks to Great Great Grandmother "Nanny", is to gather at the Bluebird Restaurant in Morristown for Mother's Day luncheon. They have a great homestyle buffet with a wonderful large salad bar, fried chicken, ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, lima beans, rolls, several homemade desserts and an ice cream machine. They are packed from the time they open to the time they close. Reservations are a MUST for Mother's Day, usually need to have them made several months in advance.
Here are a couple of shots from their FB page of their buffet items.....mmmmm
After we all get our bellies full, we go over to Nanny's house to visit for a while.
Pic added 9/5/12, Victoria Olivia's adoption day!
Happy First Mommy's Day, Mommy!! :o)
If you would like to try out the Bluebird, here is their information:
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