Christmas in New Mexico

This year we celebrated Christmas in New Mexico, often referred to as "The Land of Enchantment". It was enchanting indeed and we had a jam-packed week full of friends, family, fun, relaxation and everything required for a great vacation. A few highlights of the trip included:

* Taking the kids to the Albuquerque Aquarium. It is a wonderful place for kids of all ages and Miss H LOVED it! The last time we went she was sick and slept through it but this time her eyes were as wide as saucers and she didn't want to miss a single minute of it!






* We were so happy to be able to partake in our annual Christmas Eve tradition of going to eat at El Pinto, a fantastic New Mexican restaurant, and then attending the Christmas Eve church service! Dinner was delicious and nothing reminds me of Christmas like luminarias and good Mexican food. The church service was called Carols and Candles and, while it turned out to be much longer than expected, Miss H was very patient. At one point during the service the lights were turned off and candles were lit so the whole church was illuminated by candlelight as we sang "Silent Night". When the song was over and the lights were turned back on, H yelled "They're on!" and everyone burst out in laughter. The kid certainly does know how to put a smile on everyone's face! Mr. B was a bit fussy during the service but no one seemed to mind. As my dad said, he was just providing sound effects for the story of baby Jesus' birth!






* We were able to see my friends Jenn, Kim, Erin, Melanie and Agatha and my mom's dear friends Diana Z., Diana B. and Bill and Ruth. We were also lucky enough to get to see my cousin Karla who was visiting from Houston and my Aunt Libby and Uncle Milt. We know we missed getting to see so many other very special friends but, as it usually does, the visit went by so quickly. We promise to see everyone we missed during our next trip!

* Hubby and I got to go on a "date night" and Granny and Papa kept Miss H! We were going to leave Mr. B with them too but he has been going through a growth spurt and needs his milk cow with him almost constantly so he was our chaperon. We had dinner at a very nice, cozy restaurant called Casa Vieja in Corrales and it was excellent! Afterward we went for dessert and coffee at Flying Star, one of Albuquerque's best dessert spots. It was such a treat to get a night out and we are already anticipating our next visit to Albuquerque so we can do it again!

Huge thanks to Granny and Papa for all of the hospitality and for chasing the kids, making us meals and spoiling us so we truly did feel like we were on vacation during our stay! We love you so much and it was so special to get to spend the holiday with you.

¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo! P.S. Huge thanks to Uncle John, Aunt Susan and Cousin Pamela who provided many of the outfits that H is wearing in these photos! You have great taste and you make sure that we have just the right outfit for every occasion!