A much needed break!

Our Mini-Vacation

I must say I always welcome Spring Break but this year - it is ESPECIALLY welcome! As stated in my earlier post on Chaos...we have been going, going, going. So, a break was needed to say the least!

Well, as is often the case we were short on money and short on time so decided to combine picking up Hannah at the Albuquerque airport and a mini-vacation into one. Tuesday morning, Joel and I loaded the 3 younger kids up and headed to Albuquerque.

First stop - my friend Jennifer Baca's business Red Light Green Light. This was a play area with educational toys and play centers. The kids had a BLAST and I so enjoyed seeing Jennifer - she and her brother Ricky were like another sister and the brother I

never had as a kid!!! Here is Tyler at her place -

Next it was to my Grandma's house - I just LOVE her so much! I was able to share my Africa album with her and to share stories about my trip...great time!

Then - we headed to the hotel and just let the kids rest, relax, and SWIM!!! Following that was a wonderful dinner at Texas Roadhouse - I must say it was hard to decide where to go eat with so many options - which we don't have in Bayfield/Durango!

The kids enjoyed both the peanuts and yelling YEE HAW with the servers when there was a birthday! Joel and I enjoyed the steak and the rolls and the smiles on the kids' faces!!!

Finally at about 10:00 I left to pick up Hannah from the airport! Her flight was a bit delayed but by 11:20 I had her and we headed back to the hotel where Dad was eagerly waiting!

Today we hit the Rio Grande Zoo and the Albuquerque Aquarium! I must say this was the BEST family day we have had in a VERY long time!!! The kids were amazing and the animals were all out and about since we got there right after it opened and got to most right at feeding time!!! The gorillas and the polar bear were big favorites at the zoo and the sting rays stole the show at the aquarium!