I just uploaded all these pictures backwards. I am unaware of a simple way to reverse them, so we'll just review backwards too.
CLEAR back in October, during Balloon Fiesta, Gary's parents came out to visit and boy did we have fun. Of course, like the great hosts we are, we make sure to take EVERY visitor to Dion's. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I LOVE Dion's. And pretty much everyone who comes to visit ends up liking it too.
Ice Cream...he loves it. Shouldn't have had it, but he did. It was a special occasion, Grandma and Grandpa were in town. Let us all hope he has long since forgotten the goodness of that treat.
We also stopped for a visit to a Mormon Battalion Monument. I've driven by it a handful of times and always wanted to stop. We finally did.
We also went up to Santa Fe, and took a ride on an old old train. It stopped in Lamy, NM. Never been there before, probably will never make it back. But the train ride was a once in a lifetime experience. Really fun!
One of the sights on the train ride. Some artsy lady wanted to build a house right there and decided to make it fit into the scenic mountainside. Had to get a shot of that.
Still on the train. It was about a 4 hour train ride.
Just about to get on the train. (Remember how these pictures are backwards?)
Balloon Fiesta...you'll see. So, they have Tom Thumb doughnuts. No one here really understands how fabulous these are. Seriously, I knew this little doughnut shop was around NM at various rodeos and other events, I'd follow it! They are at the Calgary Stampede...all over! And I remember having them every single year as a kid. Yummers.
Yes, you need to come visit this coming October during the Balloon Fiesta. You just walk all around the field right up to the balloons as they are blowing them up and getting ready to launch. This really is another one of those once in a lifetime experiences you must experience. (If you are counting, that's two now)
We went REALLY REALLY early and each morning a few take off while it is still dark to check the wind and weather up in the sky. Such a pretty sight to see them all lit up in the dark sky.
Here we are arriving at the balloon fiesta park.
Walking around Old Town. Another place we like to take visitors.
Home of the red and green chili peppers.
Sam and Grandma.
This is Gary's Mom, Sam and I up at the top of the Sandia Mountain. The Worlds Longest Tram (I believe that record actually was broken since this picture was taken) belongs to Albuquerque and is another one of those "once in a lifetime" experiences! (make that THREE!)
Sam spotted some HUGE horses at the Balloon Fiesta park and wanted to go pet it. I was seriously nervous the horse would bit his hand off!
Yes, we went to Balloon Fiesta twice. Why? Because it is just that neat...and because MY parents came out to see it too! The day my parents left, Gary's parents arrived. It was so fun to have back to back guests!
My parents and I.
I thought this shot was really neat. All these balloons set up right next to each other in rows and start blowing up...and they all just squish each other and then start taking off a few at a time as they get ready. Its so neat to watch.
This is just after Sam woke up and pulled the blanket off of him to see what all the commotion was going on around him. He loved those crazy balloons.
Here we are arriving at Balloon Fiesta Park.
My parents and I also took a trip to the Zoo one day. I love the zoo!
Another once in a lifetime experience. Five Star Burger. No, seriously! Voted best burger in New Mexico and it totally has my vote!
While my parents were here, we also took a trip down to Las Cruces, NM to watch my Sister play soccer. It was fun to see her and fun to see her play.
But not without a small adventure. We ran out of gas on our way down there. Ooops. What's new? Gary can't even count the number of times he has ran out of gas...you'd think a person would learn. Nope, not this one.
Sam's first horse ride. Maybe a little young to get an opinion on this one.
And his first helium filled balloon...thanks to Sunflower Market, a place I frequent especially now because of the free balloon! :)
Introducing the Rubbermaid Reveal. Yes, its so awesome I had to blog about it! I hate those yucky sponge mops that just collect gross germs. I don't like to get down on all fours and clean my floor on a daily basis and I really don't like the amount of waste that the Swiffer creates and the money that continually has to be put into it to buy new solution and wipes and batteries, so I never bought one. When I saw the commercial for this new baby, I was pretty sure this little guy would contribute to a long lasting relationship! So far he has not let me down!
