Bosque del Apache

This morning, we woke up at 4:30 AM to drive down to the Bosque del Apache south of Socorro, New Mexico. We had heard this was one of the most beautiful sites to see in New Mexico.  My parents are spending a year in Albuquerque, so I figured I would give them a tour of the state while they are living here.  I asked my friend Melanie what she did for her year in Albuquerque and she sent me an amazing list.  I plan to check off as many things as we can.

This morning, it was 20 degrees when we arrived at the park.  I think the birds were frozen in place. The water around the Sandhill Cranes legs was completely frozen.  The cranes usually do a mass ascension at day break but I think it was just too cold.  Some birds did fly off, but it was in packs of two and three.  The coolest part of the day was seeing three Bald Eagles sitting on a dead tree out in the water.

It was still absolutely stunning and so quiet that early in the morning.  The best part of the day was eating breakfast at Sophia's Kitchen.  If you have a chance, stop by and order a cinnamon bun.  They are fresh made early in the morning and the most delicious treat! 

When we got home we took Edward shooting. He wanted to shoot a real gun for his birthday.  Nolen shot a gun for the first time with Stephen.  They both had a blast!!

Making Dreams Reality

I am all about making goals and accomplishing them.  I also really love dreaming!  I love to dream about what I want but I know it might never happen.  

I have been begging my parents to move to Albuquerque for years! FINALLY, my dreams have come true! My sweet parents up rooted their lives and move to Albuquerque.  They plan to live here for one year.  I am so excited.  They moved just around the corner.  Literally! I am so blessed.  SO blessed.  We have spent the last week moving them in and arranging all of their furniture. I am so happy.  I have so many plans for us this year.  My friend, Melanie, sent me a list of all the things she did while living in Albuquerque for one year.  I plan to do them all with my parents.  We are going to explore the state just like tourists!  

Edward and Nolen are so excited.  They can ride their bikes over to their house any time they want to! What a great day!  I hope they can come here and relax a bit.  I also hope they can spend some time with my boys and be a great example to them.  I want to attend the temple with them as much as possible, as well.  So many plans.  I had better write them all down and start checking off boxes as we do all the things on my list!

This last week we had sort of a busy week.  The boys had their annual Pinewood Derby with the cub scouts.  Edward came in 4th in the Bear pack and Nolen came in 2nd overall.  Such a fun night.  The boys worked so hard on their cars.  Edward make a snake and Nolen made a Mario kart car.  I am sort of sad that cub scouts will no longer be sanctioned by the church next year.  Both boys really love it.  

Yesterday, we had our first MAKO swim meet.  We joined a new swim team and they have winter swim meets.  It was a little chaotic but it was fun.  Both boys did really well.  They did free style, back stroke, and breast stroke.  So much fun!