Home from Alaska

We returned from our family 7-day Alaskan cruise late Sunday and I've been recuperating ever since! 

We had a fabulous time and saw gorgeous scenery, had beautiful sunny weather, ate lots of food and made many memories that will last a lifetime!  If ever you have a chance to go to Alaska, don't pass up the chance!

Here are a few photos to give you a sense of our adventure.

Family Camping and Hiking

Last weekend our entire family met in Albuquerque and went to Bandelier National Monument to hike and camp. It was to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday and my son's 40th birthday, both of which were earlier in the summer.

A little back story: My husband goes to Albuquerque every fall and hikes the La Luz Trail up Sandia Mountain. It's a rigorous hike and he calls it his "proof of life" hike. Our kids decided that he shouldn't be doing this alone any longer and everyone agreed to accompany him this year as part of his birthday celebration. They did that on Sunday, but since we were all together, we went camping Friday night in Bandelier.

The little boys all enjoyed being in the mountains. It was Carl's and Mitchell's first camping experience and they loved it, especially the tent, the campfire and the s'mores!  Being Texas boys, they were not used to the cold (temps dropped about 35 degrees over night) but it warmed up when the sun rose.  We hiked from our campsite to the ruins - approximately 4 miles, some of which was tricky switchbacks, and the older boys were troopers (the little guys rode in backpacks and slept mosts of the way). We had gorgeous weather - a nice respite from the Texas heat.

Here's a little glimpse of our adventures.

setting up tents with a lot of "help"

Dana and John, Drew and Grant

Kelly and Josh, Carl and Mitchell

at the end of the trail

in camp

Grant and Mitchell

s'mores!

Grant and Mitchell exploring

Carl and Mitchell exploring

goofballs!

this was supposed to be their "best" smiles

Life Happens!

I'm back after a few week's hiatus. Lots going on here. We had 5 immediate-family birthdays within a week, babysat in Albuquerque, the kids from Austin surprised us with a visit one weekend, and we joined Dana and her boys in Austin with Kelly's family last weekend. 

On Sunday before we were to leave, my husband was taking photos of the boys in the bathtub and twisted his back. Within an hour, he could hardly stand up or walk. We spent 6 hours in the local hospital's ER and couldn't drive home until Tuesday. With no improvement, we then went into the Dallas VA ER Tuesday night. Still no improvement so went back today. After driving over there (almost an hour) and waiting for awhile, they sent us to the Ft. Worth VA Clinic. After waiting several hours there, we had to leave without seeing a dr. We were hoping for an x-ray or something but now will have to wait until after the holiday weekend. Very frustrating for me, but much more so for him!

I'll leave you with a few pics that we tried to get of us and the four boys. The first ones with the girls and I are ok. Then we took some with all of us and those were ok. But then we tried to get one with Bill and I and the boys and everything went downhill! The little ones were done and wanted their moms. Have you ever tried to hold on to a squirmy 18-month old? 

Back from a long birthday weekend!

We spent Thursday thru Monday in Austin celebrating this little guy's first birthday - I can hardly believe that he is already one!  (Sorry, lots of photos!)

My five kids, their spouses/significant others and the four grand boys were all together for a fun, boisterous, crazy busy weekend. Loved every minute, but it will take a few days to recuperate!



COUSINS

Grant and Mitchell

Drew and Carl

Grant loved riding the rocking horse

Visited, picnicked and played on playground at Treaty Oak Distillery

Sand and water table

Four boys in a pool

Out for a drive

Fun with water pistols

Just hanging out

Four boys in a tub

Killing ants

AT THE ZOO

Train ride

Feeding the goats