Bandelier National Monument Fun

The scout troop got to camp at Bandelier National Monument this weekend.  The boys went for the weekend... E- and I opted to go up for the day on Saturday.  This is a fantastic park with so much architectural history and a gorgeous fall day to boot!  

We started with a little historical movie and a quick museum jaunt.  Then off to the loop hike and some history from one of the Troop Dad's.

Cool - this rock formation looks like a tree!

You can even climb up in the kivas!  Too much fun!  

E - and some of the Venture Crew (top and bottom)

Here's M- and his "cool" patrol

E- and some of the crew

Bandelier was super fun - the only problem was that E- and I had to leave earlier than we would have liked to make it back for mass!  Also, some longer hikes would have been great.  Oh well - just leaves time for more exploring in the future!

On the ride home E- and I took the scenic route and stopped at Battleship Rock for a quick side hike.

I'm in the picture - can you find me?

The evening sun coming down on the cottonwoods was amazing.  Honestly, the photos just don't capture the beauty!

Fun weekend!  I just wish we could get out and hike this area more than we do!  

Fall Fun

We enjoyed a great family hike in the Santa Fe National Forest a few weeks ago.  Just in time to see the beginnings of the fall colors of my favorite tree - the aspen!

Enjoyed lunch and coffee at the top and fed the very tame Gray Jays on the way back down.  Enjoy the photos!  Who knew you get such colors in New Mexico!  So pretty:)

My sweet boy!

My sweet girl!

Being a goofball

Happy Fall!

Belated Balloon Blog

 When October rolls around in Albuquerque it is all about the balloons!

 This year was a spectacular show with the "box" working to the advantage of the balloonists nearly every day of the Fiesta.  Seriously, for 10 days the balloons were up in the skies and they drifted towards our neck of the woods on more than a few days:)

This is an early morning view from Matthew's school.

I really should not be allowed to drive during this time of the year - ask the kids!  I am a distraction - and you can see why!

One day I detoured to  do some balloon chasing.... found a sweet spot near the Fiesta Park and the balloons all started drifting and landing by my car - so fun.

Another day I took Dad to balloon chase and they were all landing at our church!

Dad and I even got to help deflate one... yes I really do get this excited when I see balloons!

We opted to stay off the field and paid a little more for tickets on the museum grounds.  Great decision - less crowds, easy parking and fantastic views.  Still have to get up really early though:(

This was the second to last day of Fiesta and it was perfect - every balloon went up.  Special shapes and all!  

My excited face again!

Then they started landing on our field - kids and Michael helped with the Wells Fargo wagon and Darth Vader:)

The next day - the balloons landed in Mom and Dad's street.  I found Dad celebrating with some champagne and some of the balloonists:)

Such a beautiful week to celebrate Fiesta!  Something everyone should enjoy at least once in their lifetime:)