Last Day Recap

Today, Sunday, is our kids and grandkids’ last day with us.  They leave for home, Fort Collins, Colorado, early tomorrow morning.

We’ve covered the Balloon Fiesta, the Zoo and Explora.  So here are some pictures and one small video to cover a few other things we did while they were here.

The first is Juliet had her first two horseback rides this week.  Today, she rode Sugar while I led her and her Daddy, Wade Daniel, rode on Morgunn. I used a lot of what I have learned working with the kids at Galloping Grace Youth Ranch to help her feel comfortable.  I even wore my riding helmet so she would feel comfortable wearing her helmet.

Everyone seemed to have a good time – even younger sister Leah as she watched. (Great pictures by Betty)

As some of you know, at the Galloping Grace Youth Ranch auction and dinner, Betty and I bid on and won the Wells Fargo gift package.  Part of that package was one of the Wells Fargo horses – a little larger than the usual stuffed horse.

Here’s a short video of the fun that was had with the WF horse.

Finally, a picture of Juliet in her Halloween costume for this year – she’s a ‘pretend’ Strawberry Shortcake.   And a picture of a happy Papa with his little one – Leah.

A great visit and they will be missed, but we’ll see them soon when we go up to Fort Collins for Juliet’s fourth birthday on October 30.

A Rainy Day at the Zoo

Yesterday, Tuesday, if you recall, was kind of a rainy day.  So, what did we decide to do?  We went to the Albuquerque Zoo.  Actually, we got there about 10:30 AM and it wasn’t raining – yet.  It started raining pretty hard just about lunch time so that worked out well.

We ate lunch at the Cottonwood Café and, by the time we were through (remember, with a 4 year-old and a 1 year-old, meals can take a little time), the rain had slowed down enough for us to continue.

Actually, it was kind of nice.  It was cool and pleasant and most of the animals were more active than they would be on a sunny day.  In fact, as we approached the tigers’ cage, one of them let out a huge roar and jumped into the pool.  That was cool!

Here are some pictures and a short video of my favorite zoo animals.

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 2011

After watching the balloons on Saturday land around our house, we decided to head down to the balloon field to watch them take off this morning, Sunday. There are tens of thousands of people at each event, but they have a great park and ride shuttle system that drops you off right at the Balloon Fiesta park.

It was a beautiful morning with a huge crowd.  This is the largest balloon event in the world.  Close to 600 balloons participate.  It’s reported by Kodak to be the most photographed event ever and, if you watch the video, you’ll understand why.

If you’ve never seen the Balloon Fiesta, then here’s a quick overview in about nine minutes.  At the end you’ll see a balloon landing back at the field.  That’s a result of what’s called the Albuquerque Box.  The wind moves at different directions at different heights.  Usually at the lower levels, the wind will move the balloons South.  Then they’ll rise up to a higher elevation and move North or Northwest.  If the box is working properly, a balloon can descend back down to the lower level and land back at the field.

Enjoy.

Sunday Reflection–In The Beginning

Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning….

OK, this is not going to be a very spiritual post.  Our son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters came in Friday night from Fort Collins, Colorado for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.  Today was the first day of the fiesta with the first mass ascension this morning.

It’s not uncommon for the balloons to come up our way and even for some to land around our house.  This morning, however, we had about two dozen balloons land around us which is the most ever.

Here’s a video of the morning’s activities.  (In case you wonder, our horses, Morgunn and Sugar, have seen enough balloons over the years so they’re not particularly concerned by all the noise and activity around them.)