Fabulous Army Life

         

Enjoying a fabulous pre-show dinner at La Masseria in the Theater District. Trey and I chose the "Black and White Pasta" ... dyed with squid ink. Nate went with fish ... a literal fish. Wicked is just amazing the second time seeing it! The boys thoroughly enjoyed the show.

The boys and me in Roswell, New Mexico on our way home from Ruidoso. Alien footprints all over town!

Severe drought conditions ~ along with continuing fires across the state of New Mexico ~ kept us from being able to enjoy a firework show this year, but we had a great time all the same. We spent part of the day at a local Apache Indian ceremony, the Dance of the Maidens, but were not allowed to bring cameras so I have no photographic evidence. We also stopped for some good ole All-American ice cream afterwards and attended a local rodeo as well. The boys absolutely loved it and were happy to stay around for the final event, bull riding. They even got to participate in their first-ever Calf Scramble! Fun times. Ice cream and checkers on the 4th of July. The boys participated in the Calf Scramble at the 4th of July rodeo.  Here, Trey chases after the calf (although he admitted later he had no idea WHY everyone was chasing the calf or WHAT he was supposed to do if he did, in fact, get close to the calf).  Love that boy! Joshua follows the calves' progress too, althou...

There are always tons of hummingbirds on the mountain in Ruidoso where my mom and stepdad spend their summers.  My boys love watching them but are always careful to not get to close and never to touch the tiny treasures. We found a broken hummingbird on the side of our walking trail.  It was breathing shallowly but could not fly.  My tender-hearted firstborn insisted that we try to save the tiny bird.  We used my iPhone to look up how to save a hummingbird and started every-30-minute feedings.  Here, Trey takes the first feeding time. Joshua follows the online advice of keeping the bird warm and close to your heart. The boys even created a soft bed for the bird when it was time for "torpor."  They worked so hard and tried with all their hearts to save the little bird. Time for another feeding ... the hummingbird really perked up each time he was fed.  Unfortunately, the bird did not make it through the night.  Despite the best effort...

Boys are ready for another hike on the mountain. Silly kids in the camper. The boys were vigilant about refilling the hummingbird feeders.

And they're off!  At Ruidoso Downs! Cute kiddos ready for the next race. Trey and Jacob check out the Winner's Circle. Congratulations to Horse #3! Love these kiddos!

Our first stop on our summer road trip to New Mexico was Carlsbad Caverns! The fun begins before we even make it to the caves. Our speelunkers are ready to see the caves! We all created a handmade post card to send to our Soldier. The kids also worked together on some puzzles and other fun things before we headed into the caverns. Finally!  We're headed into the cave! The kids are loving the caverns, but are amazed at how deep we're going underground. My little spelunker Jacob, the Bottomless Pit Love these little cave-dwellers! Joshua points out another fascinating part of the cave.  We loved this place!