All Aboard!

Ben loves trains, so while we were in Albuquerque we thought it would be fun to take the train to Santa Fe for lunch one day.

Emily, Thomas, Connor, Jaimee, Lily, Mom, and Bill all climbed aboard with us.

We had fun exploring the train and playing. After about an hour ride, we stopped for a quick lunch in Santa Fe, which I didn't get pictures of. :-(

After lunch we let the kids run around a little and burn off some energy. Is there anything more fun than bike racks? I know a few kids who don't think so....

Then we boarded again for the trip home.

Ben tried to hang with the big kids, but his first train ride proved to be too much excitement. He fell asleep on the train and was still out as we headed back to the car. I think another train ride is in our immediate future.

Check out more pictures from our train adventure on Jaimee's blog.

Bawoons!

We happened to visit Albuquerque during their Balloon (or Bawoon, as Ben likes to say) Fiesta, so early one morning we headed down to check out the festivities. Unfortunately Albuquerque had some unseasonable rainy, cold weather but we didn't let that stop us. Emily, Thomas and Connor were willing to brave the bad weather and meet up with us.

While we waited for the balloons to be inflated, the kids took turns petting a few dogs (in sweaters) that were there with a local news person.

Then it was out to the field to wait for the balloons...

Finally the balloons started to go up! Unfortunately, due to the weather, only a dozen or so were inflated, but it was still cool to see.

But the big excitement of the day for the kids was stomping on bubbles that another boy blew with his bubble gun.

Bubbles and balloons! I'd say the Balloon Fiesta was a hit.

Read more about our adventures at the Balloon Fiesta here.

Explora

On our first full day in Albuquerque, Jaimee and Lily took us to Explora, a kid's exploratorium. There was so much to do!

The biggest hit of the day was the bubble station. I think the adults liked this one as much as the kids.

The park came in second. This slide, in particular, was a favorite.

Note to self: Don't ask Mike to take a picture for you.  As I came off the slide, he told me "That wasn't a really good one." Really, not a good one? You mean you weren't going for a shot of my blindingly white ankles and Jaimee's knee? Hmm.

Lily loved the idea of going down the slide together in theory. In practice, not so much.

Ben was NOT happy that his little legs couldn't get him up this rope ladder. Time to go!

Lunch was a happier affair, especially when the ice cream was served.

Little Moments

Most days in Albuquerque we were out and about and busy (and I'll get to those trips soon), but we did have a lot of fun hanging out at home too. Here are some random moments: