Albuquerque Trip

After Christmas, we packed up the family and headed out to Albuquerque to visit Dave, Vanessa, Briggs, and baby Felicity. My littlest niece was born October 3rd and the only chance I've had to see her was Thanksgiving week, when Ella was struck down with stomach flu. So we didn't get much snuggle time in, and that is unacceptable to this auntie. We left early Monday morning, threw the kids in the car in their pj's and headed east!


Funny story #1: We left around 5:30 so we told the kids that it was still night-night time. They eventually fell back to sleep. Around 7:15 or so, Luke woke up and said, "Can I be awake now? I don't think I can sleep all the way to Briggs' house. It's a long way." Ha!

Funny story #2: We stopped for breakfast at McDonald's in Holbrook, AZ. The kids ate pancakes, still in their pj's and coats. Afterwards, I took Luke potty before heading out on the road. When I came back there was a pile of change on the table. I asked Kevin where that came from. "It's Ella's Christmas present," he replied. "What?" Here's the story. While Luke and I were in the bathroom, a trucker-looking guy approached the table and started staring at Ella real close.

Trucker: She looks like a keeper!

Kevin: Yup.

Trucker (to Ella): Christmas was yesterday, wasn't it?

Ella: *hands over her eyes, hiding*

Trucker (puts hand in pocket, staring at Ella for an uncomfortable amount of time, pulls out a fist full of change and slaps it on the table.): Merry Christmas! (walks off)
The change totaled up to $1.29. Now, I am not sure if she was approached because she's super cute or if she looked sort of homeless with her pajamas, diva-fur coat, and mullety hair. All I know is that's not an experience we'll soon forget!

Here are some pics from our trip:

At the Holbrook McDonalds

We went to the aquarium and the kids had a blast!

Kevin calls this picture: Billy Bob and Jackie-O's Construction Co.

Hot chocolate time

Getting wild at bath time

Sitting on the trackers at Vanessa's parents' property

Love this

My little round-headed cowboy!

Luke and Briggs had matching outfits on. Little Buddies!

Ella holding her little cousin

Luke and Felicity

We took a train downtown. Ella got a marshmallow, so she was all in!

Dave and Briggs on the train

After the train ride. Apparently trains are a big deal for 3 year old boys. Who knew?

Sweet Felicity at the aquarium. She clearly loves her Auntie Sarah. Or was it the fish?

Auntie Nessa and Luke checking out the crabs

Kevin holding Felicity for the first time

On the way back home. Traveling through the snowy roads from the big winter storm.

Note to self: Next time, bring snow gear for the kids!