Cousins

Last weekend, the cousins descended on Albuquerque. My brother Jeff and his wife Tina, their two kids, AND my aunt and cousin Tamara with her baby boy all came to visit. We had a wonderful weekend watching the cousins romp and play. (Well, baby Will didn't romp very much, but he smiled a lot -and slept very little!) About 30 seconds after they arrived, Garrett and Ryan were off in the backyard looking for sticks and rocks, and Paige and Michaela had changed into leotards. They get along so well!

On Friday we went to the Natural History Museum and had a blast looking at all the dinosaurs and artifacts. Garrett decided to be the tour guide and kept saying "come on guys, let me show you what's next." Maybe he's a future docent...although, his voice is way too loud for a museum!

On Saturday, we took the kids up to the mountains for a hike. The boys used their "stick radar" to find the biggest, pokiest sticks possible. They all caught grasshoppers (except for Paige, who was freaked out by them!) We had a little picnic and walked around some before heading back for family pictures. We got some great pictures of my grandpa with his 5 great-grandchildren!

Sunday I had the pleasure of playing music with my brother. He has started playing guitar in the last few years, and he plays for his church's praise band. Our guitarist was gone, so Jeff agreed to come play with us. It was so fun to be able to play and praise the Lord with my brother! (Plus, it's fun to brag about him...he's really good!)

I've spent the rest of my week trying to get my classroom ready...T-minus 13 days and counting! My life is going to change dramatically, but I know it will be a great opportunity. The thing I will miss the most is the ability to go grocery shopping at 8 am. Wal-Mart is a MUCH different place after 3 pm! So, in order to avoid the crazy shoppers and their screaming children, I've been going at 5:30 am. I may be the only person in the store not stocking shelves, but at least I don't have to get stuck behind the lady with 3 screaming children who is talking on her cell phone and blocking the entire aisle!

Here's some pictures from our weekend!

Cousins