Sipapu

 This weekend, our family drove up to Sipapu to spend the weekend with the Cougar cross country team.  We have been almost every year since 2017.  The only year we missed was due to covid in 2020.  This tradition has always kept our family together by adding a fun weekend where we always get away and spend some time in the mountains.  

Friday,  we left around 3:00 after I finished teaching some of my lessons and headed up the mountain.  This year, I didn't get to book the duplex as I have in past years.  The duplex has two bedrooms upstairs and a pull out couch downstairs.  It is right by the river and right next to the lodge where we have unlimited wifi.  This year, we stayed out in casita 1.  It was SO FAR AWAY!  We were out passed the hotel and the trout pond.  This also meant we had to walk a long way to get to all of our meals and our team runs.  

Friday we ran around the parking lot of Sipapu.  It was tough but fun.  I went more loops than normal because coach Rob as  decided we are not running enough.  We had dinner early then went back to our room.  We usually go to the smoores night but we were all so tired that we decided to go to bed.  Good thing because we barley slept.  The heater kept making a loud popping sound all night.  Stephen also had to light the pilot light in order to get hot water in our room.  I called the hotel twice but no one cared.  

Saturday, we all woke up early and ran up the ski hill.  This is my absolute favorite tradition.  I did not walk.  I have only walked a few steps up the hill twice.  Running up the hill is so incredible difficult but 100% worth it.  I feel empowered by making it up the hill every single year.  We usually run up a camping road later on Saturday, but the lightening was a little too close, so we ran around the parking lot again on Saturday night.  

Sunday, we woke up early and drove over to the camping road to run.  Why was this so hard this year?  It was tough but rewarding.  I am so grateful for this team.  We all had a wonderful time just being in the mountains.  I am sad that our time with cougar is coming to an end but grateful for the lesson it has taught my family.  

Lost Days

 As stated in my last blog, I am behind.  I have been thinking a lot but not writing a lot.  Edward told me he doesn't like me and that he intentionally tries to upset me.  Well it works.  I have found myself escaping more and more to taking naps and watching travel youtube vlogs and not engaging.  I have fallen so far.  I feel the most depressed I have felt in years.  I wonder if it because my days are numbered as a parent... or if I am just overworked and over stressed.  Either way, I am trying to get a handle on my emotions and put myself back together.  

Nolen recently unfriended his very best friend, Dylan Zaring.  They have been friends since kindergarten.  Nolen finally got sick of Dylan constantly one upping him and treating him like garbage.  Now, I am worried Nolen will not make another connection that is as strong as his connection with Dylan.  Nolen has a harder time making good friends that stick.  

Edward has been friends with Titus Carnahan since kindergarten as well.  They have such a good friendship.  For Titus's birthday, he took Edward to his favorite burger place in southern New Mexico called Buck-horn's.  He LOVED IT!!  Titus is 15 which means my sweet Edward is well on his way to growing up.  

Some silly puddy fell behind the boys dresser and melted into the carpet.  This is a forever stain!

Craig and Blair moved into their new house here in Albuquerque!  We are so excited to have them living close by so that we can see them whenever we want!!  We have been helping them move in the last few weeks. 

Just trying to get any photos of my boys these days is hard.They hid from the camera at all times. 

Sharla came to visit for the long weekend and we had fun just shopping and playing games.  

I am trying to capture some before photos of Craig and Blair's house as they change things up!

Cross County season is well under way making our lives filled to the absolute brim!!

My dad painted a visitor parking sign out front of his house and I just had to capture it to remember forever!

We went out to eat at my favorite restaurant, Los Poblanos Farm with Craig and Blair and it was delicious!

August Round Up

If I'm being frank, I have slaked majorly on this blog.  I hit a bit of a snag last year because I couldn't convert my blog to print like I normally do.  So, for that reason, I sort of lost the wind in my sails.  AND life has suddenly hit fast forward.  People used to mention to me that time speeds up as your kids get older.  Well I didn't believe them.  I should have, because time has hit warp speed and I just want things to slow down.  I am typing this blog on September 22.  So much has happened that I didn't write down.  Here is my attempt at catching back up and promising to be better as the next few years fly by.   

Chelsea came for a quick visit and we went to dinner with my friend, Jeremy Brumley, for his birthday.  We had a blast just laughing and talking the whole evening.  I love sweet Chelsea and any time I can get visit her is a huge blessing to my life. 

Stephen and I were invited to a murder mystery party and we had so much fun.  Dressing up and pretending to be someone else is one of my favorite things!  PS: I won!!  I guessed the correct killer!

Not pictured: A fun day at the wibit where I didn't take a single photo, but played a very fun game of tag with all the youth in our church.  Also, all the games we have played every night at dinner with my parents. This is a photo of the supermoon that looks as bright as the sun!

 

14.5

 It is awfully strange watching your child grow up.  Especially when he is taller and stronger within a matter of months.  Edward is now 5'6" and 145 pounds.  He is a freshman in high school and living his best life.  He is becoming a man.  I even think he is enjoying his life more now that some of those horrible hormones are under control.  Edward loves archery, roblox, minecraft, and his friends.  He still loves eating all the food.  Doesn't matter what the food is, he will try it!  I love that about him.  I love watching him grow up and I try not to be too sad about the days that are behind me.  He is becoming a man right before my eyes.

First Day of School

 And just like that, summer is over.  Don't mind Edward's non smile.  He is actually happy that school has started.  He loves his school.  That is a HUGE plus for us here at the Barnes home. 

Edward is a Freshman in High school this year.  I just can't believe I have a child in high school.  He will start seminary next week.  Am I really that old?  Nah!

Nolen is starting seventh grade and has chosen to home school for another year.  This is the start of my fifth year of home schooling.  What?! I honestly can not believe this much time has gone by.  It is INSANE how fast time fly's when you're having fun raising your kids.

Swemb Birt Day 7

 Our last day!  This was such a fun day, but also sad because it was our last day together.  We planned to tube the San Juan river in Pagosa Springs with "Pagosa Outside".  This ended up being EPIC!  We had so much fun going over the rapids in our tubes and making our way down the river.  It took us nearly 3 hours to tube the small section of the river!  It was completely worth all the memories.  

Until next year!  Good bye for now SWEMB BIRT!