The Fearsome Pirate Ben-Ben!

Arg, Matey! Too bad the picture doesn't show the rolling pin in his hand that he uses for a sword!

Make-Under

SO I had finally had enough of Abby wanting to play make-over and coming out like a french maid! I had to take matters into my own hands and teach her what a make-under was! Enough over-doing it with crazy little girl make-up! Time to under-do it and show her what it means to wear make-up!

P.S. Isn't she beautiful!

New Mexico 3

Are they not the most precious things you've ever seen???

This one's for Beth

We did finally see one hot air balloon...on the way to the airport to go home

The Sandia (watermelon) Mountains at the point in the evening when they actually begin to turn pink.

New Mexico 2

Sky City, properly named

La Ventana, a natural arch in El Malpais

The lava fields, El Malpais (The Bad Country) 1 hour west of ABQ

New Mexico 1

My favorite "cheesy" pic from vacation

Our one and only family shot

Yes, it is REALLY that bright there!!!

Our favorite arroyo to run the dogs in and go rock hunting.

At the airport getting ready to go to ABQ

Bend it like....Benji????

Ben breaking the cardinal rule of soccer...

My life has been fulfilled.....Some may think it "small"- or have the opinion that "lack ambition"- but I have had this one ultimate goal in life. I have dreamed of the day when I would sit on the sidelines and cheer for my son in a sporting event! I don't care what sport- anything- well ok, anything except golf. I have dreamt of it my whole life...fourth grade was the first time I remember it when Mrs. Sedlacek wanted us to make a portfolio of what we wanted to be when we grew up. I told her my parental ambitions to which she replied (and may I state that she WAS a mother), "Well that's not a career, a JOB, Marla". And to Mrs Sedlacek I very respectfully say, "HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" But moving on...

Ben played in his first soccer game in the Vestavia league with none other than our dear friend, Geno, as his first sporting coach! (No pressure, Geno) The weather was beautiful, Ben had a blast, and we hit DQ for a celebratory ice cream cone afterwards. On the way to DQ Ben kept saying, "Momma, I didn't just have a little bit of fun, I had a LOTTA LOTTA LOTTA bit of fun!"

And on along those lines, the #1 rule for the team is "HAVE FUN!" Mission accomplished!

Last Sunday was the best day of my life. And I don't know who was more excited, me or Ben!

More snow fun!

Daddy taught Ben how to make a snowball and then got pelted with one! (See his shoulder? Good job, Abs!)

They also made snow angels on the trampolene

and a snowman who lost his head!