Quick Trip to the Southwest

     I'm not going to lie. . . I REALLY miss traveling. We'll get back to it one day, but for now, this little trip will have to suffice. So, Adam needed a truck with a back seat so that he could take Sara Beth everywhere. We usually just go in my car, but since I'll be starting back to work soon, we thought it was important that Adam have a functional vehicle. Lucky for us, his friend, Nate, was selling his Toyota Tacoma in New Mexico. Sure, we could've bought a truck in town, but where is the adventure in that? :) So, while SB spent some time with the grands, we took a one way flight to Albuquerque, had some adventures while we were there, and then drove the new (to us anyway) truck back to Shreveport.
     Day 1- We purchased Nate's truck and then hung out with him and his fiance, Mary, at their home. They treated us to a delicious home-cooked dinner of ribs, corn on the cob, and some seriously yummy mashed potatoes. They graciously allowed us to stay with them while we were in town too!
     Day 2- We ate breakfast at Frontier Restaurant where we had our first, but not last, experience with New Mexican chile. Then, we worked off all those calories by doing some hiking. We explored petroglyphs in Piedras Marcadas Canyon and then headed over to hike among extinct volcanoes at the Volcanoes Day Use Area. We had lunch at Flying Star Cafe in the Nob Hill neighborhood. The food was overpriced, but really good. They pride themselves on using local produce in all their dishes. After lunch, we shopped at the farmer's market that was going on around the corner. It was a very different experience than the Shreveport Farmer's Market. It was teeny tiny, but so interesting. There were lots of little lettuces, currants, carrots, and breads for sale. I was dying to buy something, so we bought a big loaf of brioche to give to our sweet hosts. Dinner that night was pizza and cannoli at Saggios with Nate and Mary.

Petroglyphs at Piedras Marcadas Canyon

I thought this one looked like a kangaroo.

Hiking up the first volcano. Obviously, I was working hard! :)

I was amazed at how completely flat the landscape was right up to the volcanoes.

     Day 3- We took at sunrise hot air balloon flight with Rainbow Ryders. It was beautiful, despite the smoke from the nearby fires! Then we explored the Natural History Museum. I think the dinosaurs were my favorite, but doesn't everyone love a good dinosaur? Lunch was at 2000 Vietnam Restaurant (a recommendation from Mary's son). We adore Vietnamese food, and this restaurant did not disappoint. We ended the meal with an avocado tapioca shake. I know it sounds disgusting, but trust me, I'd order it again in a heartbeat! We spent the afternoon at REI and Performance Bicycles. Why do we torture ourselves by looking at cool stuff that is WAY out of our price range? Then we window shopped in the Nob Hill area and had the best coffee at Satellite Coffee. I had a "Dirty Chai" which is chai tea with a shot of espresso in it. Sounds weird, but tastes awesome! The day came to a close with a New Mexican dinner at Sadie's with our friends.  

Adam got to help inflate the balloon.

Up in the air

Two kissing balloons

Our shadow on the not so Rio Grande.

Adam enjoying the slightly smoky view.

     Day 4- On our last morning in Albuquerque we treated Nate (Mary was under the weather a bit) to a plate of blue corn pancakes with homemade butter at Sophia's Place which was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives on Food Network. After we filled our bellies with deliciousness, we hit the road, on our way to Palo Duro Canyon in Texas. Four hours later, we arrived to EXTREME temperatures. Did you notice how I wrote that in all caps? EXTREME. . . like 125 degrees in the shade and over 140 in the sun. So what do you do in heat like that? Well, you hike, of course! We are stupid sometimes, I know. This was one of those times. I made it about a mile on the trail before we had to turn back. I really felt like I was going to pass out. I can't even explain how hot it was! I'd love to visit the canyon again one day in cooler weather. It's a beautiful area to behold! That evening, we had tickets to see the show "Texas". It's a musical about the history of Texas. Sounds cheesy, right? Well, the stage is right in the middle of the canyon so the background is beautiful. It was fun for all and a great way to spend the evening. We stayed overnight at a hotel in Amarillo.

You heard that right. . . 125 degrees of hotness!

We saw this thermometer after our hike

Scenic overlook from the top of the canyon.

Day 5- Driving, driving, and more driving. That's all folks! We made it back home and were sooooo happy to see sweet SB again after 5 days apart! She probably had so much fun at Nonni and Opa's and then at Nana and Papaw's that she forgot to miss us much.

Camping Weekend

     I am way behind on my blog posts, I know. I'll have to go back and post about some of our other summer fun, but for now, here is a little about our first camping trip with the little girl. It was a short trip, only about 24 hours total, but one night in a tent with a 13 month old is plenty for now. We headed over to Lake Claiborne State Park, about an hour's drive from our house, Saturday afternoon. When we got there, Adam set up camp while SB and I watched. It was more work than Adam expected since we hadn't touched our tent in a while. Apparently, we loaned it out and the poles got broken. There were replacement parts, but they were too long. So poor Adam was sitting on the ground, shaving down tent poles with his pocket knife for a long time. Eventually the tent was up, but then we realized that all the waterproof tape was peeling up. Um. . . I think we need a new tent! Thankfully, no rain was in the forecast.

     Later on that evening, we took the kayaks out on the lake. SB rode in Adam's lap and "helped" him paddle. She did great for the first 5 minutes, but then she started trying to get out and worked up quite a loud cry/scream. So, SB's first kayak ride lasted a total of 15 minutes, but it was fun while it lasted

    
     Next, we walked over to the swim area where they had a beach. SB loved the water and called it a pool. Yep, it's just like a pool, only bigger and dirtier and full of fish and shells and bugs. Can you tell I'm not a huge fan of lake water? The sand wasn't as big of a hit, though. I guess Sara Beth isn't used to getting dirty (my fault, I'm sure). At first, she cried. Then, she started to get comfortable. She kept saying "dirty" and wiping her hands on her swimsuit. It was fun watching her figure it all out!

     Back at camp, we had dinner and then got ready for bed. Two hours later, SB was still running around the tent, climbing on top of my face, and having all kinds of fun. Adam and I were pretending to be asleep, thinking maybe she would get a clue. Needless to say, it was a very rough night! On top of that, I've been sick for a week and I woke up with pink eye on Sunday morning. Fun times.

     The next morning started with breakfast, breaking down camp, and then meeting up with some of Adam's mountain biking friends for a get-together at the pavilion. Adam rode a lap on the bike trail while SB and I went on a hike. It was pretty short, only about 30 minutes, but in this Louisiana heat, that was plenty for me! The state park is really beautiful! The last time we visited was for my 30th birthday when I was pregnant with SB. That was in the fall so we didn't get to explore the lake much. We really enjoyed it this time! Here are a few pictures of our family camping trip:

Exploring the tent with Daddy

The first of many rocks that we had to keep her from eating

Bedtime? What's that?

Bedhead at breakfast-- yummy almond butter sandwich!

Bananas are my favorite!

Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear

Ready for our hike

Kayaking with Daddy

Where are my feet?

Building sandcastles

Dirty!





Canton

     My friend, Diana, and I took a daytrip over to Canton Trade Days for the first time a couple weeks ago. Little did we know that bringing two 10 month olds along for the experience wasn't the best idea. Tristen and Sara Beth did so great despite the freezing cold windy day. We couldn't have asked any more from them. Sometimes they played together in the wagon. Other times they napped in the stroller. Still other times they were on their mama's hip. I didn't buy very much at all. The scale of that place is unbelievable and it was overwhelming for this first time visitor! I would love to go back on a slightly warmer day and sans children to explore some more.

Heartbreak Duathlon

     I don't usually post pictures from Adam's races, mainly because they would all look the same- guys and girls in tight shorts captured in mid-run or mid-pedal stroke. . . You get the idea. We got some good shots this past weekend in Tyler, TX at the Heartbreak Duathlon though. It was (I hope I get this right) a 2.5 mile trail run, 10 mile mountain bike ride, 2.5 mile trail run. Adam did a great job and finished 5th overall and 1st in his age group. Go Adam! The weather was beautiful so SB and I came to cheer him on and hang out with our friends, the Reneaus and the Skyles. After the race, we all joined in for an easy hike on the trail. Enjoy the pictures!

And they're off!

Good job, Adam!

All the girls with their babies: Sara Beth and me, Tristen and Diana, Ryder and Katrina

SB walking with Tristen's alligator push toy

Adam with 2 little cuties-- Sara Beth seems to be a little jealous. What do you think?

Peek-a-Boo! I see you!

Sweet, sweet kids- Tristen,  Sean, and Brianna

Adam's cheering section!!!!!

Post-race hike- All the guys with their babies: Rodney and Ryder, Adam and SB, Justin and Tristen

It's Sara Beth's Half Birthday

Sara Beth on her 6 month birthday

     I can't believe 6 months have gone by so fast! It seems like yesterday that we were waiting for her to be born and now she's half way to her 1st birthday. Crazy! Sara Beth is getting sweeter every day. She is so interactive and vocal now. We love playing with her and making her laugh. Her laugh is contagious!
     She went to her 6 month check-up with Dr. Ritch yesterday. She weighed in at 15 pounds 14 ounces and 25.75 inches long. She's still measuring in the 50% percentile in weight and height. It was vaccine time again. Yuck! She did great, as usual, and afterwards, even stayed at the hospital all day (and night) waiting for her cousin Charlie to be born. He's finally here, by the way, all 7 pounds of him. We are so excited for his mom and dad, Carie and Travis! He and Sara Beth will be close friends growing up, I bet!
     Here are some milestones from Sara Beth's sixth month of life. She. . . . .
- can sit up and play for long periods of time now.
- has great control of her hands and feet. She can grab exactly what she wants and then put it down and pick up a new toy (over and over again). We think it's funny when she plays with or grabs things with her toes too!
- goes to the nursery at church on Sundays now. So far, we haven't had any problems. She seems to enjoy it!
- has recently discovered our dog, Zilla, and our cat, Sasha. She loves to get licked by Zilla and grab her fur. But her favorite is to watch the cat slink by. She'll stop whatever she's doing to see the cat.
- has been quite the party girl this month-- 2 Halloween parties and a birthday carnival. So fun!
- had fun on her first Halloween, dressing up as Pebbles Flintstone and trick-or-treating.
- went on her first road trip without Daddy. My mom and I took her with us to Dallas for a couple of days when Zilla had to have surgery. She also went to IKEA and stayed in a hotel for the first time on that trip.
- is trying to get used to wearing shoes and socks now that the weather is getting cooler. Right now, they look like toys to her and I can't get anything to stay on her feet.
- went on a fun trip to Arkansas where she had her first experience staying in a cabin and watching us rock climb.
-loves, loves, loves to ride in the baby backpack! She's been hiking several times now.
- likes to make the /b/ sound and blow raspberries. It's too cute!

Here are some pictures from this month. Enjoy!

Swinging with Opa

Play time at Eli's birthday party

A family of silly monkeys (at Eli's party)

Precious cutie pie!

Trick-or-treating

Hiking in Arkansas

Patty Cake with Nana at the hotel in Dallas

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

With Daddy at Waffle House on the way there

     Earlier this month, we took a fun trip up to northern Arkansas to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. We stayed in a cabin with three other couples, Diana and Justin Reneau (& Tristen of course!), Rodney and Katrina Skyles (& their baby, Ryder, who is still a bun in the oven right now), and Emily and JD (friends of Rodney's from church). It was quite a long drive (6-8 hours depending on how many times we had to stop with SB) for just a weekend, but it was well worth it. We had a great time rock climbing, hiking, and hanging out with friends! Rodney even led us in a Bible study Sunday morning on the porch of our cabin. The weather was perfect and so were the babies! Who would have thought you could take two 5 month old babies rock climbing? So fun! Here are some pictures of the weekend.

In the backpack, ready to hike

Me, climbing

Sharing toys!

Adam lead climbing for Justin. Scary!

All that hiking put her to sleep

Justin climbed up and took our picture. Emily is MIA.

Beautiful view at the ranch

The Harts

Hiking

Love the leg! Chilling out on the long ride home.