10 days of Family FUN!

Our days in New Mexico went by in a blur. We were busy with activities every day. Since it was summer, we found ourselves in our swimsuits quite often. We went with cousins and aunts to a pool that was freezing, but that didn't stop the kids from going crazy.

 Once again, Abi ditched the "baby" side of the pool and went to play in the deep end.

 Sariah didn't like the cold water. At least Daddy was there this time to hold her. Give my arms a break!

 The kids finally worked up enough courage to try the water slide. It also helped that the lifeguards on duty were allowing adults to slide with the kids. Abi had no trouble, of course. Zachary and Everett on the other hand.....once they saw how much fun it was, they didn't want to stop. Even the smallish cousins were brave enough to venture down the slide by themselves.

 It looked pretty high up, so I don't blame the kids for being a bit skittish.

 My mom was unfortunately in the hospital while we were visiting. She spent 6 months recovering from surgery and getting her strength back. We could only spend a few minutes with her at a time, because 5 kids, including a baby that wanted to crawl everywhere, were hard to keep quiet. We didn't want to draw too much attention to the fact that so many kids were there and get kicked out because we were disturbing the other patients. We did make it a point to visit her on her birthday and the kids drew pictures for her.

 Another birthday surprise, was to have all the sisters together. This hasn't happened in who knows how many years. More than 10 at least. We were sure to document the occasion, because who knows when it might happen again! The only one missing was our brother, Jeremy. I don't know that we'll ever have a picture including him. His situation is a bit unique.

 Missing 1 grandchild, Akira, which is Chelsea's daughter.

 What visit to NM isn't complete without a trip to Peter Piper Pizza for pizza and games?? Zachary perched himself on this motorcycle, and entertained us for quite sometime with his racing antics. Even when his tokens ran out, he was still pretending that he was racing.

 Beau is as much as kid as the kids are when it comes to these games. See where Zachary gets his game face from?

 Claire was challenging her boyfriend, Ed, to a round of basketball. I don't remember the score, but I think it was pretty close!

 Eliza is showing her little cousin how to drive. Now this could be scary!

 Again, Eliza taking an unsuspecting baby for a drive.

 Sariah thought this papasan chair at Claire's house was super comfortable. I realized that I didn't take a single, solitary picture of the kids with their Grandma Donna! How sad! I will have to remedy that on our next visit.

 Auntie Lexy was sweet to play games with Abi.

 Lexy had a graduation party while we were in town, so we were able to attend. It was held at a friend's house that had lots of fun things to do! Eliza preferred the trampoline over everything else.

 Abi and the boys tried to drown Alli in the pool.

 At Grandpa's house, 3 generations put their heads together to fix a leaky faucet.

 The toy room at Grandma and Grandpa's house can keep kids of all ages entertained for hours!

 Is that a giant baby? Or a really small pack-n-play?

 Charlie and Eliza became fast friends.

 Sariah liked being bounced like a little baby.

 Since it was July, the Los Lunas Stake had an event commemorating Pioneer Day. There was food aplenty, entertainment, and games. Abi convinced Grandpa to join her on the dance floor and participate in a line dance.

  Everyone was encouraged to dress in pioneer clothing. I whipped out my Mom's sewing machine and found some white material at her house and made 2 aprons for Abi and Eliza to wear over their homemade dresses. We had bought bonnets and hats in Nauvoo, so the head gear was covered. We made a trip to a thrift shop and spent $6 on shirts, pants, and a pair of suspenders for the boys.

 This was unlike any Pioneer Day I had been to. Usually the events have to do with the Pioneers that crossed the plains and settled in the Salt Lake Valley. This celebration encompassed different cultures. It probably had something to do with the fact that the Spanish speaking branch was in charge. That's why there are Spanish Dancers and a pinata in this picture. Of course there was complete and utter chaos when the pinata broke and about 80+ kids went scrambling for the candy. Thankfully no one was injured.

 My Dad was also present, so we were able to take this pic. I haven't seen him in several years. It was nice to see him, even if it was only briefly.

 We had to finish our visit the way it started.....with water and cousins! Grandma and Grandpa have this amazing water slide for the grand kids. Up, down, up down; these kids couldn't go fast enough!

 It was a bit much for Eliza and Sariah, so they happily played in the kiddie pool.

 I love that Eliza jumped in it like it was 6 feet deep, instead of 6 inches.

 After a while, it was nice to take a break and relax as best as they could.

 All too quickly our time in New Mexico came to an end. I wish I had taken more pictures of our excursions, but I think took enough for us to remember the highlights. It will be nice to live in Texas and be closer to family so we can visit more often than once a year.