Family Time

Last weekend we snuck out of Albuquerque for some much needed family time in Colorado. We arrived Saturday afternoon and were greeted by the most fantastic weather that we have ever seen in South Fork. It was clear and sunny and wind-free. We immediately jumped on the river with our friends and had an amazing evening float. The next day we hiked at Million Reservoir for the first time. It was kind of a challenging hike, being that parts of the trail were washed out and it was a good fall to the water below. After managing to make it all the way around the water, we discovered a water fall that the kids and Tonka loved. It was a fun and relaxing way to spend the afternoon. We capped it off with a picnic lunch on the tailgate of the truck and headed back to the cabin for naps. On our way back to ABQ, we stopped at Treasure Falls and hiked to the top of the trail. AJ is finally getting to the point where he can walk unassisted for quite a distance so these little trips are fun for all. No more whining and complaining that it's too far...now he wants to lead the pack!

This weekend Cienna cheered at her first soccer game. She was so adorable with her little uniform and pom poms. She really likes cheerleading (unlike tee-ball) so we are excited that she is sticking with it!

And if that wasn't enough for Ms. Fancy Pants she also had a dance recital today. Lord help me. I need to build a stage in my house so that this girl can stay in the spotlight!

In Action

The Prima Ballerina

With Her Biggest Fans

Easter 2012

Easter 2012 was full of fun. From the Easter bunny leaving the baskets in the washing machine to AJ finding more eggs on the hunt at Mimi and Papa's house, it was a holiday to remember! We began the weekend with the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the retirement community. My kids don't know how easy they have it...as hunting for brightly colored eggs within desert landscaping is WAY less hard than searching through lush California yards. AJ really got the hang of it this year, and had there not been a limit to how many each child was allowed to get, he would have found 99% of them. He ran around like a mad man once he realized there was candy inside each egg!

My darling Cienna was as graceful as ever, navigating zeroscaping in high heels and a dress, bending down ever so ladylike each time she discovered an Easter egg hiding in the rocks. Next year I am going to suggest she wear shorts and tennis shoes so that she can get her allotment of candy (although I already know that she will say no and pick whatever she feels like wearing instead.)

After a riveting candy hunt, my mom flew in from CA to spend the week with us. The kids were thrilled to see their "Ganny" (as AJ likes to call her). We immediately hit the mall where Cienna convinced my mom to buy her a bunch of stuff that she doesn't need. But I guess that is what Ganny's are for! We made our traditional Easter basket cupcakes (OK, maybe they are not tradition but it's been two years in a row now!), dyed eggs and prepared for the Easter bunny's arrival.

Cienna and Granny

The next morning the Easter bunny played quite a trick on the kids. Instead of their baskets being in their normal spot, all they found was an empty cupcake wrapper (they figured Santa shouldn't be the only fictional character who got a treat) and a note. The note had a clue where they could find another clue, and then another clue and another. After running around the house like crazy (AJ just followed sister wherever she went) they finally located their baskets...in the washing machine!

We then had yet another Easter egg hunt in the backyard and then headed back to Mimi and Papa's house for a wonderfully tasty Sunday brunch and...you guessed it....another hunt! This time for little presents stashed all over the house. No wonder my kids like Easter so much. It never ends!

The rest of the week was spent visitng the zoo (we saw the crocodiles get fed for the first time ever!), going to the aquarium, soccer, cheerleading, Gymboree music class, Costco, Walmart, Bank of America, Starbucks, A Child's Garden, Tingley Beach, the park and probably the gas station. My favorite memories of the week were when my mom fell flat on her a** at the park trying to show off for us (LMAO!) and when she fed the ducks with the kids at Tingley Beach. I love my mama. And I miss her already!