Spring Break!

March 8-12th

We were so excited to plan a trip with the Vores and go somewhere, anywhere, for Spring Break.  We rented a big house/cabin in Ruidoso, New Mexico.  It had four bedrooms and bathrooms, one large kitchen/family room area.  

Brian needed to stay home and work at his new job.  He was missed.  The night before we left, we invited Holden to join in the fun.  Here are a few pictures from our week.

The girls, who were driving up with Chris and Ang, sent this picture to the boys.  They recreated and sent back.

Parker was a stud, even if he is wearing girl sunglasses.  He drove the whole 5 plus hours to get there.  It was mostly nice for me.  (It was a little stressful too though.  He has two years driving under his belt, but he thinks he is a pro.  He does not like me saying anything, and I tried not to for the most part.  A couple of times I commented on his speed and/or how closely he was driving to the car in front of us.  Way To Close)

Once we got there, I enjoyed a walk around the beautiful neighborhood.  I saw some animals and also a lovely bear warning sign.

The kids enjoyed the hot tub that afternoon and also many times on our trip.

Parker, Tanner, & Holden

Aubrey & Lauren

This is the sitting area in the main room.  We played a few games (Secret Hitler, Banana Grams, Family Feud), watched some basketball and had scripture and prayer here.

The view from my bathroom....kind of random but still so pretty.  (I had my own room and bathroom two night, and then Aubrey joined me for two nights when Charity came into town.)

Each room had one king size bed.  The three boys slept on it together, but one morning Tanner gave up trying to claim his space and just slept on the floor.

We went to the tubing park one day.  So fun!  I especially enjoyed trying out my new snow boots.  Why didn't I invest in some years ago?  They made being out in the slushy snow so much more doable.  I felt badly for Tanner though.  He was the only one in our group who didn't have waterproof shoes.  He took it like a champ.

The kids and I are on the far tubes.  They made chains almost every time.  Ang and I joined them a couple of times as well. (Park, Tanner, La, Aub, Holden, Me)

I went on several walks.  I felt so much peace and just like I could breathe deeply.  Being in nature is healing.  Ang, La and I went to a trail one morning.  I walked and they ran.  They are training for a half marathon!

We went into town and did the shops one day.  We also went horseback riding one evening.

Back row: Ang, Parker, Me  Front row: Aubrey, Lauron, Tanner & Holden

Charity and her boyfriend Jake decided to drive up for the last day so they could join in the skiing fun.  It was fun to have them and mix things up a bit.  Jake got some poker going one night.  Nobody really knew how to play exactly, but they all had fun.

Thursday was the ski day.  I am not a fan of skiing.  (I have only tried it once or twice, and it was not pretty.  Also, I hate being cold.  It takes me forever to warm up again.)  Luckily, Chris and Ang were more than willing to load up the group and go.  Chris spent the morning teaching Aubrey since it was her first time.  He also helped Tanner in the afternoon since he hasn't had much experience either.  Thanks Uncle Chris!

La, Tan, Holden & Park (Holden and Parker decided to snowboard.  It was Holden's first time.)

Charity and Jake

Aub and La

And get ready for a few of the saddest pictures ever.  We have a very stubborn boy who refused to put on sunscreen.  I asked him to before he left.  At the resort, Chris and Ang reminded him to and Chris even told him a day on the snow is equivalent to being outside on a 105° day.  Sometimes some people just have to learn the hard way.

Thursday night picture

Friday morning picture.  I called the nurse hotline and the nurse told me the yellow liquid oozing from his face was not pus but the top layer of blood called serum.  (Tanner walked around with a washcloth for a few days so he could dab his face every couple of minutes.)  

All in all we had a great time.  I enjoyed playing games, relaxing, visiting with Ang and watching the cousins interact.  As always, it was nice to be back home with Bri.

Goodbye beautiful New Mexico.