V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N-!

Since joining the Air Force, each time we have gotten a chance to use leave, we have used it to see extended family.  This past long weekend, we actually took a family vacation.  The first in nearly 8yrs that didn't involve visiting extended family.  Before I go on, let me make it clear, we have chosen to take our vacations to see family, and we love to spend any time we can with family, especially since most of family is very far away.

However, this was a much needed time together without extra people.  And, we had a BLAST!

We had discussed going to Sedona, but the week before was that extreme weather we had that dumped feet of snow in that area.  It was going to be full of skiers, and while we have hats and jackets, and mittens somewhere around here, we didn't have snow pants or boots or really true winter gear for the kids.
We briefly talked about San Diego since it is only 6hrs from us.  However, that was farther and more time in the van traveling than we really wanted to do or had time for.  Plus, they had a mess of rain while we got the snow.
We don't have passports for the kids ( I know I know --do I dare admit that we don't even have a birth cert. for one of our kids --I'm working on it) so heading south to Mexico wasn't an option.  And currently Eric's command has issued a no travel to Mexico, at least by way of driving.  --See not much reason to get those passports anytime soon.

So we headed East.  About a year and a half ago Eric did a hurricane evac to Las Cruces NM and he suggested that it was a really nice place.  Turns out he had checked out 2 golf courses and a movie theater...but there are several things to do in the area, and key, we found a hotel with an indoor heated pool.  That ensures a great time even if we can't be outside or find something else to do.

We surprised the kids.  Only because our sweet Laurelei is so easy going.  She didn't question me packing a suitcase as soon as CJ stepped out the door for school.  We left after School on Thursday, did some swim time and settled into our room.  The pool was not really heated to a temp that Kjetil or I liked, or maybe Eric but he got in anyways, and the girls had a blast swimming each day.

The organ mts with a fresh coat of snow and fog around the bottom

Friday we woke up too about an inch of snow on the ground and we headed to the New Mexico Heritage Farm Museum.  With a big building that had hands on and a place to play, we were able to stay inside until it warmed up a couple more degrees.

 Making corn meal

 a see saw with saddles

 CJ loved milking the cow

 Laurelei was all about driving the tractor

Kjetil saw the rocking horse and made a bee line to it

 They had a school house exhibit, that contained mostly pictures of old one room schools and written information.  They had a fun photo opt for the old sit in the corner with a Dunce cap.  The girls didn't get it and thought it was a princess hat, one that was so big it covered their heads and sat on their shoulders.  So they thought Eric and I were just being plain goofy when we took our picutres

We headed outside to see the sheep, cattle and horses.  We were the only guests at the museum that day so we wandered at our own pace.  We stopped at the blacksmith shop where he made a nail for the kids.

Learning about how cold snow will make little fingers

There was a real milking demonstration at 11 that we went to.  The irony of Kjetil insisting it was time to nurse was not lost on me.  He promptly passed out and missed the actual cow being milked.

We headed out in search of lunch.  We found a local family owned Mexican place and enjoyed a good meal, and continued to head downtown to check out the area.  We tried to go to the natural science museum, but it is still located out at the mall.  It was really nice to have only a 10min drive across town vs. the 45min plus one we have here.  We got there to find out it was closed for the day getting ready for a big exhibit opening Friday night about satellites.  We spoke to Kim about the museum and since we were from out of town and not going to make it back that night, she allowed us to have a private viewing!  Not a big museum, but very interesting and funded by the city.  Once again it was great to have the place to our selves and go at our own pace.

Before we left the mall, the kids had fun playing at the train table at the book store and we stopped for  some yummy frozen yogurt.

The girls do a wonderful job in sharing and caring for Kjetil any chance they get.

I'll leave you with that for now.  The evening ended with baked potatoes and hot dogs provided by the hotel and of course swimming, that I and Kjetil managed to get out of by making a run to Walmart for a few forgotten items.