The Burque

I might as well title this blog post, "Eating my way through Albuquerque." This past weekend Eric, Liam and I made the trip home to Albuquerque. We had an amazing time catching up with family, friends, and of course, eating at all of our favorites places. As you can see from the picture above, Cooper was less than thrilled by our absence.

We were extremely busy the whole trip, but it never seems like there is enough time to catch up with everybody. Friday morning we ate at our favorite breakfast place, Dos Hermanos. Eric likes to joke (I think) that if we don't eat there at least once - the entire trip is a waste.

Later that day we went over to my cousin Debbie's house for a swim play date with Liam's cousins, Ryan, Haley, and Isiah. This was his first time in a splash pool and he loved it! Although his favorite game was throwing all of the pool toys out of the pool. It is very similar to the game he has been playing in the bathtub recently!

That afternoon I met up with one of my best friends in the entire world, Stephanie. Steph is preggers with her first baby and is due in just two months. We went to the St. James Tearoom for afternoon tea. This was my first visit to the Tearoom which was phenomenal!

When you arrive you get to pick out a hat to wear for tea. Then they ring a bell and it is time to go to your private tearoom which all have these fun themes. Our tearoom was Hilltop Farm, which was Beatrix Potter's home (the creator of Peter Rabbit). The server brings you out different "courses" of tea, and corresponding foods. There are little linen napkins trimmed in lace and the sugar cubes are handmade. We felt like such ladies eating our scones, curd and cucumber sandwiches. It is just the most charming place!

I just had to take a picture of this pillow which reminded me of Chloe. A very dignified Chloe.

The fireplace in our tearoom. They had this beautiful hand-carved mantle and framed sketches of Potter's characters. We learned that the night before a couple got engaged in this room after the fiance left the engagement ring on this very mantle!

Each tier is a different course. We were so stuffed we couldn't even get to the bottom tier!

Supposedly every month there is a different theme at the St. James Tearoom. This month the theme is Alice in Wonderland. The little cakes have sugar printed designs that were taken from the original lithographs from the book. So much fun! Steph and I had a blast and are definitely planning our next trip after Baby Belle comes along!

That same evening, we met up with Eric's parents who were in town for a very short visit. We went to Flying Star (and no - I didn't continue to eat my fourth meal of the day...well...I may have had a bite of Eric's food). While this visit was planned beforehand, we were thrilled to learn that our timing would allow us some time together.

My parents recently completed a new extension on to their house, which includes this great family room. Liam loved their new carpet and would often put his head down on the floor and close his eyes. Very dramatic. Here he is playing with Grandma Gladys.

Saturday afternoon Eric, Liam and I attended Stephanie and Gabe's couples baby shower. The event was thrown by two of Steph's dear friends, Whitney and Rebecca. It is an exciting time for Steph and all her friends, most of whom have babies under the age of 1. I think I counted four babies and one of her other friends is due this week! It is a blessing to have a community of new mommies for support.

Saturday night my parents had a barbecue for our entire family. My family is really amazing because they are so close and always willing to get together on short notice. It is amazing how a BBQ can turn into a 30 person event! Everybody contributes food, etc. and we have the best time catching up. My parents got Eric and ice cream cake for his upcoming 30th birthday, which is on July 31.

After church on Sunday, we went to Sadie's for lunch (another one of our favorites). At this point I was beginning to hurt from the many meals we had been eating!

After a nap (for Liam and Mommy and Daddy) we went over to my brother, David, and sister-in-law, Gina's new home. Liam loved wandering around their backyard and throwing rocks from the landscaping into their lawn. Sigh. Boys.

After Liam went down for the night and thanks to Grandma G's willingness to babysit, we once again met up with Steph and Gabe at the Hard Rock Casino for a latte and great conversation. I also lost $2 in the penny slots. We can't all be winners.

It was a truly wonderful trip and I look forward to getting to visit again very soon!