Camp Casa Rio wrap up

We had another great trip to Santa Fe this summer. We went a little earlier in the summer than usual, which meant it was a little warmer than we anticipated. June is their hot month. But I can't complain. As hot as it was there on some days (mid 90's), it can't compare to the TX heat. My car read 110 the other day! It did cool down some at night, which makes the daytime heat MUCH more bearable. It was very dry though, and as I'm sure some of you saw in the news, there were fires burning all around Santa Fe. This put a damper on our hiking plans. We were only able to hike one day. Some trails were closed due to smoke hazards, but others were closed just to prevent more fires. At least we got in one good hike. The kids did great. Almost 3 miles in the mountains with only one meltdown from Henry.

We had to find other ways to entertain the kids, which wasn't too hard. I took them to see Cars 2 (Henry's first movie experience), we ate some great meals at some of our favorite restaurants, and the kids played for hours in some containers we filled with water. I think the highlight for the kids was riding the train from Santa Fe to Bernalillo (just outside of Albuquerque for breakfast. Brian was able to join us for the last part of the trip, which is always so fun. Sure wish we were there now. I am done with this heat!

GiGi had the cutest shirts made for the kids, and herself. Camp Casa Rio is awesome!

Up bright and early to catch the train. Those clouds are actually smoke from the fires.

Waiting, and waiting for our train home. We were there by 8am, done with Breakfast by 8:45, but had to wait until 10:30 to catch the train back. Despite the absolute lack of things to do at that time of the morning in Bernalillo, the kids did well.

Cooling off with the hose. The river was dry!

Story time. My mom had bought a book in New Orleans called Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. The kids LOVED it. Especially because you could download the music/story on your phone and listen along with the book. I highly recommend the book. Nothing like hearing your 3 year old answer the question (Did Pete Cry?) with... "Goodness No." Note to self...I must remember to record his voice.

My parent's recently added a "Bunkhouse" to their property. This is the beautiful living room. It also has a bunk room for the kids! They LOVED the bunkbeds.

I spy a butterfly

Aubrey and Grandad. I love this photo.

Why so angry?

Aubrey really wanted to buy a necklace from the Indians down on the plaza.

Great choice!

One morning we drove up to see El Santuario de Chimayo

and eat lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo. People come from all over to visit the church in hopes of curing what ailes them. Long story short..."It's widely believed that the soil is blessed, and can bring miraculous results to ailing believers who brew and drink the dirt (like a tea), or rub it on diseased parts of their body." So, I said a little prayer and rubbed some of that dirt on my back! I also left a special prayer request for my friend Bridgette who is battling breast cancer. I have more faith in the prayers than the dirt!

On one of our last nights, Brian and I put the kids to bed and then went up to a higher elevation to watch the sunset. Really, it was for me to take photos of the sunset. You can see the smoke from the Los Alamos fires.

Henry loved this harmonica. He and Aubrey, with a hula hoop, were fantastic entertainment at the neighbor's 4th of July party. At 5:30 am the next day, when we were loading up to leave, he asked where it was. I said it had to stay. About an hour into the trip, as I'm trying to sleep, I hear this little peep. Sure enough, Henry had swiped it!

Thanks again GiGi and Grandad. Can't wait to go back.