Vacation!

Yeah, vacation was almost a month ago...but better late than never, right?!
We started the morning off having breakfast in Albuquerque. It was such a nice morning even the balloons were out.
Here is Devin waiting for his breakfast. I think he ordered cereal.
This just made me giggle in a juvenile sort of way...
Meredith smiling. I think we were teasing her about something.
There aren't that many picture of Stephen and I together. It is usually one of us behind the camera taking the picture. Meredith took this. I think she did a good job.
Here is a picture of a chicken sculpture at 5th Street Public Market in Eugene.


A really great place for fish and chips...
A really good beer! We met up with some friends at this great restaurant.
This is a picture of the mountains near the Oregon/ California border.
Santa Nella, CA. They have Anderson's Split Pea soup. VERY yummy!
Yikes! The cold hard reality of the trip was gas...we didn't stop here for gas, though.
This was just a fun house to look at. It is the shape of a golf ball.
The mountains of Arizona.

We had a good time, even though it was a very quick trip. Maybe next time we can stay around a little longer and visit a little more.

WATSON!!!!

Watson is a 5 month old corgie/basset hound mix. She is full of energy and a lot of fun!

Devin's Birthday!

Happy Birthday Devin!

He turned eight yesterday!

His thing is the Star Wars Legos videogame...so he had a Star Wars Lego cake!

Here is Devin on his new scooter!

I think he had a good birthday! I can't believe my little boy is eight years old! Where did the time go...he is my little angel, devil, evil genius, and sweetie rolled into a ball of energy!

A Busy Day!!!!

My instructor canceled class today so I made the most of it and went on a ride. It was a great day. Weather was just right, and there was hardly any wind. So off I went. I rode a back route and took pictures of some extinct volcanoes!


Here is a picture I took of myself. I am smiling under my helmet...I was so happy out there on the road!

Here are some more volcanoes!


And finally meet the newest member of our family...Lanie! She is a one year old Black Lab Retriever mix. We got her from the shelter today. She is very sweet, but very much still a puppy. Aiden isn't too keen on her yet, and her first encounter with the cats was less than ideal. They will all adjust. It was a lot to have to deal with in one day...Lanie is such a good natured dog, so I think they will all do just fine.

Ruins!!!

On Friday we went to the Salinas Pueblo Missions just south of Albuquerque. It was a gorgeous day, and we had a great time!

The first one is the Abo ruins built in the 1600's.
At first we thought it would be okay to let Aiden walk around on his own, but he wanted to visit the same place over and over again.

So we put him in the backpack. We thought he would fuss a bit, but he had a great time. He hung out with his daddy and they talked back and forth.
Meredith and I hangin' out...
Walking along the path, we came across a horned toad.
Here are some more pictures of Abo...

A residential area...
Pottery...
We had a nice lunch at a little diner in town, and then went down to Gran Quivira which was established in the 1600's as well.

Meredith and Devin having a good time!

Devin making a new friend!


Mommy and Aiden having a great time!

Morning at the Venneman House

Here are a few "around the house" pictures of the kids in the morning. Enjoy!

Aiden asks: Do you have any laundry for me?
What is that thing under the blanket?!
Phew! It's Devin!
Those waffles look good, Meredith!

I hope these pictures brought a smile to your face. Have a great day!

My New Ride...

This is my bike. It is a Suzuki Katana 600. I am learning to ride it and will be taking the Motorcycle Safety Course in March. I can't wait.