We left home on Saturday, Dec. 20th and headed out on our road trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico. The drive is 12 hours straight through so we decided to break it up and spend the night halfway in Abilene. This was a smart idea! So was the dual screen DVD player that Craig picked up at the last minute. We could not have the made the trip without it!! We arrived in Ruidoso late afternoon on Sunday the 21st. Jacob was so so excited to see the mountains again and also to hunt for Grandpa's elf! It only took him about 2 minutes once we got there to spot him sitting in the Christmas tree! On Tuesday, the Zooks arrived and we celebrated Angel's birthday that night. We had a nice pasta dinner at the country club and enjoyed gifts and yummy chocolate cake afterwards. Cheers!
The next day was Christmas Eve and we spent the day at the snow tube park. Angel & Craig were in charge of taking the kids down the hill while the rest of us watched. They had several different hills to go down but unfortunately it was packed full of people and the wait was long. We eventually convinced Will and Jacob to try out the "kiddie hill" and it turned out to be a great idea! The hill was small, they could do it on their own and there was no wait! Instant gratification!! While the kids were tubing, Olivia and I took a mini train ride in the park. Even though she couldn't tube, she wasn't going to be left out of the fun! That evening we did our usual family tradition of opening family gifts. Believe it or not, I did not even take any pictures of this! I did have the video camera out filming, but never thought to take any actual pictures. So, you'll just have to take my word for it that wonderful gifts were given and received by us all! After such a busy day, the kids did not protest to going to bed that night. Besides, Santa couldn't come until everyone was fast asleep!!!
Christmas morning the kids woke up around 7:00 am to find all sorts of goodies that Santa had left!! Some favorites among Jacob's list were his Remote Control Chevy Monster Truck (and yes he specified it exactly that way to Santa!), a digital camera, motorcycle, Hot wheels, and Kung Fu Panda! Olivia's loot included a shopping cart, pretend food, plastic dishes and a tea set. Maddie and Will got matching pairs of roller skates as well as a Leapster for Will and new bedding for Maddie! Santa did good :) We spent Christmas afternoon at the nursing home visiting with Grandma and showering her with gifts. I think we looked like a tornado all coming in and stirring up the place! But it was a nice visit and great to be able to spend this special holiday with her!
The day after Christmas was fairly low key. Olivia was not feeling well so I opted to stay home with her while the rest of crew went into town for pizza. Later that evening, Angel, Alex and I took the kids to see The Tale of Despereaux movie and when we came out of the theater, it was snowing! It snowed/sleeted off and on the rest of the evening and when we woke up the next morning, this is what we saw...
The kids had been waiting and wishing for snow all week so they were PUMPED! After breakfast, we got all bundled up and headed out to play! The kids had a blast making snowballs, riding on the sled and going on a hike! It was the prefect snow day! Here are a few pix and a short video from my new Flip camera. I finally took the time to figure out how to use it and I love it!
After our fun in the snow, the kids were worn out. The parents (and Chris) decided to take advantage of Grandpa & Suzy and enjoy a free night of babysitting! We started with drinks at a local bar and then headed to the casino. We had a lot of fun being together even though none of us had any luck gambling! We hardly ever get the chance to go out together since we live in separate states, so it was a rare treat!
me with my brother Chris
so happy to be having an adult nite!
Chris & AngellaOur last full day there was Sunday and we decided to do girls vs boys time. Football games were on and the downtown shops were calling our names! So, Angel, Maddie and I went and had lunch at Chris's restaurant and then headed to a few shops for some post holiday retail therapy. After shops, we picked up Olivia and headed to the nursing home to see Grandma one last time. Grandma was very happy to see "her girls" and we enjoyed a pleasant afternoon visiting with her. It was a wonderful way to end the trip!
We spent our last night packing, sorting, and collecting all our stuff. Monday morning both families packed up and headed out. The Zooks drove all the way back to Phoenix and we made it to Abilene by dinner time that evening. FINALLY, Tuesday afternoon (the 30th) we pulled into the driveway after being gone for 10 days!!!
We had an awesome trip and are grateful for the family time we had in the mountains! The cousins had so much fun playing together and so did the sisters (love ya Angel!)
Thank you Grandpa and Suzy for letting us all come and crash your place! I know your house was probably eerily quiet once we were all gone :)
Whew, ok that is it! That might possibly be the longest post yet! Or at least it feels like it!!!!
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