Springtime in the 505

February and March were such busy months for me at work that after my last big event, I decided a little family time was in order.  The weekend after we came back from Kansas, we hopped a plane to Albuquerque so that we could finally meet our rapidly growing niece. Because we were only going for two days, we decided to split the time with each of our parents.  We never feel like we get to spend enough time with everyone, but it is always so great to catch up with family.  

We were thrilled and surprised when upon exiting airport security, we saw my brother, his fiance and my new baby niece, Joanne!  She was so tiny and sweet.  Truly a happy baby and a real cuddle bug.  She is the perfect blend of my brother and Jennifer, and I just love her to pieces!

Baby switch! Uncle David loves on Ansley while I get some quality snuggle time with baby Jo.

After a great breakfast at the Range with the Pates, we headed over to Corrales for some outdoor time on a gorgeous day.  The kids greeting the neighbor's horses.

Eric's parents new kitchen.  Proud of my hubby for designing the kitchen.  Proud of Becky for handling the process like a complete pro.  The result is just lovely.

Ansley and Liam trying to find lizards in the lavender bushes.

The happy grandparents.

After helping Grandpa flood the field (irrigate), Liam took a break to sit on the "Holly" branch.

Liam is obsessed with the Pate's doorbell.  He loves to ring it and listen for the chimes. Over and over again.

We love sitting on the porch swing on these lazy days.

It was actually warm enough for the kids to play with the hose. 

Have a drink.

The next day we woke up and had a leisurely morning with my parents.  My brother, Jennifer, and baby Jo came over to hang out before our big family lunch at one of our staples, Sadie's. Just a small lunch with us and 24 of our closest cousins...

Uncle David and Ansley.

Sweet baby Jo.  Funny enough, Liam kept calling her "Baby Aunt Jolyn."  Um, not quite.

Ansley has become quite fond of saying, "No, No" and waving her finger with authority.

Liam and his cousin, Haley, were born on the same night within two hours of each other. Since we were all together we celebrated with a birthday cake for all the April birthdays - 5 in all!

Whenever we are in town, we are blessed with the rare luxury of having a free babysitter.  My parents watched the kids on our last night so that we could have a double date with my best friend, Stephanie, and her hubby, Gabe. We went to Chama for great burgers and beer.  Did I mention that I totally need to detox after this trip?  Because I do. 

We had the best time in Albuquerque and we look forward to seeing our families again soon.  The trip ended on an awesome note when both kids fell asleep on the airplane.  A first, and probably a last!  

I had to include this last funny picture.  This is as good as it gets with family pictures.  Baby Jo wasn't thrilled about being away from her mama, Liam was showing off his new Cars watch from Uncle David, and Ansley is just being Ansley. This was the best picture of the ten I took.