New Mexico

Early in July, RJ and I got to take a week off work and traipse over to Las Cruces, New Mexico to see my sister, her husband Brian, and their three little kids - Jack, Kate, and Maggie.  Maggie was just born in June, so it was our first time meeting our precious little niece!  She is wonderful, of course, just like the other two.  Lis had her camper set up for us next to the house, so we got to have our own little home away from home.  

Some of the highlights of our trip:

Dance parties with the kids in Kate's bedroom

Going to the local 4th of July parade

Eating my sister's delicious cooking

Visiting White Sands and playing in the sand with the kids

Going to church with my sister

Holding little Maggie

Taking a side trip out to Ruidoso and Cloudcroft

Eating at Chope's (New Mexico Mexican food is quite different than Tex-Mex)

Visiting the Farmer's Market and trying some yummy green chile cheese bread

Watching the two older kids share the responsibility of saying grace before every meal - Jack does most of the talking, but Kate mumbles along with him and occasionally says "Uncle RJ" in the middle of the prayer

RJ's fun birthday celebration

Kate and Jack wanting to be wrapped up in wrapping paper and blankets

Relaxing, hanging out, and just getting to spend time with my sister and her family

And here are a few fun pictures:

Kate and her new microphone

Jack and Kate having a boxing match

Quiet Maggie and Silly Kate

Jack dragging Mommy & Maggie around at the Street Fair

Proud Uncle RJ

Enjoying the Street Fair

My brother-in-law Brian with the kids at White Sands

Me & my hubby

Frosting the birthday boy's cake

"Wrap me up"

A budding musician