10.31.2011

Happy Halloween!

We've had a fun Halloween week this year. Lea seems more excited to trick-or-treat and understands that people are dressed up in costumes, too. We got her costume last year, after Halloween when everything was on sale, so I'm very happy that she likes it. Actually, she loves it! She keeps the hat on, too because it's her "costume hat".


Last weekend we went to a local Trunk-or-Treat and last week we went to a Halloween party play date. So, Lea's been sporting her Garden Gnome costume a lot! Several people have asked if she's Juliet from Gnomeo & Juliet.... but we've never even seen that movie. Looks like it's rated G so maybe we should watch it this week.



Unfortunately, we had to skip our Halloween play date this morning because my little gnome got a nasty cold. :( Of course, now mommy & daddy are getting it, too. Lea handles her colds very well during the day, but at night, it's a different story. I think we're on the up side, though, so hopefully we'll all start to get more sleep!

This past weekend we painted pumpkins and I made "Bloody Rats" for dinner (just large meatballs shaped like rats). Lea got a kick out of that! lol



Tonight we'll be getting ready for Trick-or-Treating around the neighborhood. It will be cold and might drizzle on us some... but that's not going to stop us. There are a TON of kids in our neighborhood. It's a lot of fun to watch them all running around in costumes. It's like a movie scene or something. I grew up in a tiny neighborhood out in the woods so there weren't that many kids running around.

Anyhow, we hope everyone has a great Halloween!!

10.25.2011

Fall at the Beach

After our busy trip to NM, Lea and I immediately (like the day after we got home) headed to the beach! My parents rented a place right on the water so I wanted to take the opportunity to enjoy it.

Lea had a blast! She loved playing in the water, even though it was freezing. She loved playing in the sand and collecting shells. And, she still loves chasing the seagulls. ;)

Our first day there was super windy, but that didn't stop Lea from playing outside. The next day was warm and breezy but then.... it got cold. Our last few days there were pretty chilly and rainy. We still had a great time, though! Here are some pics...





"What's this button do?" Playing on Papa's boat.
 
Watching the seagulls.
 


10.23.2011

My Little Hiker

Finally, here are some pics from our last couple days in New Mexico!

My favorite little French Creperie in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe architecture.
 
Shopping in Old Town Albuquerque.
 


Watching the Sandia Peak Tram come down the mountain.
 


It was COLD up there! But Lea kept on hiking. :)
 
She was so excited to find snow!
 
  
Tent Rocks
 
Super narrow in the base of the slot canyon trail.

Lea LOVED hiking and just kept going!
 
Taking a snack break in the shade.
(Doesn't she look like a 19 yr old, smoking a cigarette! lol)
Like I said before, it was such a fun trip. I had a great time bonding with Lea (even as exhausting as it was!).

10.14.2011

Good Bye, New Mexico

As our mommy/daughter trip comes to an end, I am excited to get back home and anxious to finally get some "alone time"... but I am also happy looking back on the new experiences I was able to introduce to and share with Lea.

Who knew she was such a good hiker?! Or that she likes spicy food (but not too spicy!)? Or that she would  do so well in a toddler bed?

We've had a great trip and Lea has really enjoyed spending time with her Uncle Dave and Aunt Sarah. On our final day here, we are heading up to Santa Fe for lunch and some window shopping.

Here are some pics from the past few days...













I should be able to post pics from our hike at Tent Rocks and Santa Fe this weekend. Tomorrow morning, we'll get up bright and early to head home. We're both very excited to see Daddy and Bailey!

10.12.2011

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Last weekend we went to the Balloon Fiesta. We had to get up at 4:30 Saturday morning so we could make it through all the traffic, parking lots and crowds in time to see the balloons inflate and take off early that morning. It was amazing! I have never seen something like that before. We could stand right beside the balloons and even touch them. As they slowly left the ground and lifted into the air, they literally went just above our heads. It was freezing outside, but if you stood right beside the big flame of a balloon, it warmed you up. Sunday morning, Lea and I headed back out to see them one more time. Uncle Dave was working that morning, filming from the news station helicopter. There were many more balloons Sunday morning. I guess the weather was a little better. The weather conditions have to be practically perfect in order for the balloons to fly. Otherwise, they just inflate and stay on the ground.

Here are some pictures... which don't do it justice at all. If you ever have the chance, you should try to make it to this event!


Lea took a little nap.




Balloons and mountains in the background.

As the balloons inflate, they bump into each other.



This is a "Zebra". They help all the people move out of the way just before a balloon takes off.


A Bumble Bee... one of the "special shapes".

Lea loved waving at the people in the baskets as they took off! "Bye bye, people!"