Tennessee

We went to Tennessee two weeks ago and returned yesterday.  One of my favorite parts of the drive on I40 east to TN is crossing the Mississippi River into Memphis. My least favorite part is when you cross the Mississippi from Memphis into West Memphis, AR -- it's like cold water in your face.

I really try to take better pictures, but I'm not a photographer like Mike.  Either that or it's my camera. 

The boys love to splash around in the creek behind Nana and Papa's house.  Getting there is half the fun!

Grandpa Kenny and Karen came from Indiana to see us, too. One day, Great-Grandpa Clo (Poppy) had to check on something at the golf course, so Gaby went along for the ride and did some driving himself with Grandpa Kenny.

We had fun seeing the tractors, too!  

We went with Nana to see 'Toy Story 3' (it brought a huge lump in my throat). We also went swimming at her friend's house -- a most beautiful house on a hill.  Nana also prepared many home cooked meals and Mike and I both gained some weight!  What I love about Nana & Papa's house is the deck with her blooming flowers, the deer in the yard, and the fireflies at night ('lightnin' bugs'). 

Nana and Papa also had friends over to visit.  One night we went to Nashville to see our friends Jeff & Karen along with other old friends Bryant and Linda.  The kids had so much fun jumping on the trampoline (all three got over their fear and bounced away for most of the evening).  But what was most exciting was watching 'Meet the Robinsons' outside on the huge screen.

Last weekend Nana and Papa kept the boys so Mike and I could stay the night in Nashville.  We met up with our friends and went to Printers Alley and other fun places to hear great live music, something I've been craving for awhile.  We also got some much needed relaxation. Later that evening Mike asked me, "Do you hear that?" I said, "I don't hear anything. What is it?" And he said, "Silence." 

The Stogie Boys

 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...

Sleepy Jojo's foot

I wish I had taken more photos of everyone.  We had a great time and can't wait to see everyone soon.  Nana and Papa will be here for the Balloon Fiesta in a couple months and we're looking forward to their visit.

Summer Break Begins

Christian 'graduated' from kindergarten last week!  Watch out first grade -- here comes Christian!  His class had a nice party and they sang a song for all the parents and siblings who came.  Gaby is sitting next to his big brother along the back wall.

Grampa, Yaya, and all of us went to the cabins in Colorado Springs last Friday.  Here is the welcoming bear at Marillac cabin.

We took the kids to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on top of the hills of Colorado Springs.  It reminded us of the zoo in Roanoke, VA, close to where we once used to live during our early years of marriage (pre-children).  Now it's so much more fun bringing the zoo to the zoo!  They were able to pet the tall giraffes who stuck out their long blue tongues.Mommy rode on the train with a cautious Jojo.

We hiked the 1/3 of a mile up to the top of Helen Hunt Falls.  Jojo made it, too!  Mommy did not wear proper shoes, though.  Yaya stayed behind and people-watched.

Daddy took the boys to City Park in Denver where they harassed/ honked at (Gaby)/ fed the geese and rode the paddle boat on Ferril Lake.

We visited the Air Force Academy and the Cadet Chapel.

And the weekend came to an end all too fast.  Summer break has begun!

Phoenix Trip

Last month we took a trip to Phoenix; it's where Mike and I met each other through our friends, Lisa and Troy.  They now have two boys named Ethan and Justin. 

An old mining town in Apache Junction

Phoenix has changed quite a bit since we moved away 11 years ago.  I also got to see my dear friend Mary.  What a fun time, and hopefully we'll get to return soon.

Christian & Gaby's Excellent Adventure

Daddy, Christian, and Gaby went to Utah and visited Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Muley Point, and Gooseneck. I grew up in the southwest and I have yet to visit these sites! The scenery is straight from the animated movie, 'Cars'.

Beautiful view of Monument Valley

Here's the view from their hotel room located in the park

Muley Point overlooks Monument Valley in the distance

Cattle crossing along the way to Muley Point

Gooseneck

Valley of the Gods

They weren't too excited to play out in the bitter cold and wind.

The two boys slept well together both nights

The boys had a great trip, and someday I hope to see these fun sites myself. Christian, Gaby, and Jojo are lucky to have an adventurous dad.

Happy New Year

Jojo and I just returned from Mass this morning, and Mike, Christian and Gaby are on their way to Utah. I look forward to a quiet couple days spent mostly with my parents, who are a lot of fun and company for me. I enjoy late night visits with them, and I will take advantage while I stay at their house over the next two nights. We are still debating whether or not to try and catch a ride on the Railrunner train which has a newly opened line to Santa Fe. The rides are free through this weekend, so we may have to wait until the trains are less full.

In the meantime, Daddy is taking the two older boys to visit many exciting sites in Utah! Gaby did not forget his beloved garbage truck, and Christian is taking along his Bakugans and assorted critters. We'll post pictures soon from their first road trip of 2009.

Jojo still has somewhat of a stomach virus and has been living on G2 Gatorade; minimal dairy; and eating only bananas, lean meats, and dry foods, and yet we are still having trouble returning his intestines to normal. Each time it seems he's better, I insert a little dairy or non fiber food into his diet and his stomach becomes out of whack again. He will be better soon, and I am fortunate to have a good pediatrician and nurse who return calls when there are problems.

As I take stock of this past year, I cannot help but be hopeful about the future. We have our health, Mike has a job, and we are close to my family. It was the year that I finally started writing regularly through blogging. It was also the year of Facebook and some pretty wonderful connections with old friends from over 20 years ago, to more recent friendships. Facebook has been such an exciting, innovative way to keep in touch with everyone from here to Spain (even throughout the day), and also with friends from other places that I used to live. It was also the year of reconnecting with friends here in my hometown who I had not seen either since I had left Albuquerque or for a few years in between. In addition to being able to see my regular close girlfriends, I also made a few new friends with some special neighbors. This time last year we had just moved back, Mike had yet to find a job, and we moved into the home that my parents found for us, for which I am eternally grateful. And the three boys went through some extraordinary growth and development. Jojo is no longer an infant; Gaby is talking, full of energy & soon to be potty trained, hopefully by the time he's three next month (ok, maybe it'll be earlier with Jojo); and Christian is a sweet boy who is into learning, puzzles, and games.

In the upcoming year I have some resolutions that I hope to follow through with, as always. I'll share some of those in the coming days or weeks.

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year filled with peace, joy, and love. I pray that our new incoming President will have a peaceful administration, one which respects life and all that it entails for the sake of Goodness, not Choice. For the sake of peace, not offense. For the sake of humility, not pride. Amen.

Road Tripin' through the Snow

They gassed up...

They tested the excavator near the state Capitol...

They made merry...