Merry Christmas!

We hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season. Our Christmas was particularly special this year because, of course, it was Charlotte's first. And, let me tell you, she made out like a bandit! Clothes, books, toys, and lots of hats. Here are some highlights...

Exersaucer time.

Almost ready to start opening presents.

This cute little hat was a present from Aunt Seiko. Thank you!

Christmas morning at our house. Keep your eye on the baby (in other words, not on me!)

A present from Daddy...

And from Mommy...

And a new monkey for Piper...

She's still learning the subtle differences between eating and opening a present.

Time to play.

First Trip to New Mexico, Mommy's Home State

On December 27, Charlotte and I flew to New Mexico to stay for a week with friends. (Let me warn all of you to do your homework before you go to the airport!!! Southwest was a nightmare--no pre-boarding with babies and kids. What? Apparently they changed their policy...) Charlotte did fine on the flight and was mostly interested in eating and sleeping (thank you, God!). But those of you who know me can guess how I did...I don't think I embarrassed myself too badly...only a few hysterical tears on the initial take off...you think I'm kidding, but...

We arrived in Albuquerque to SNOW! Luckily, it was flurries and after a quick bite to eat, we headed to Santa Fe for the week. We stayed with my childhood friend Amy, her husband, and her dogs Toots and Fleur. The first afternoon, I thought it would be fun to take Charlotte for a walk in the snow with the doggies, but after ten minutes I realized that she was turning into a Popsicle and we were better off inside by the fire. Amy called her husband, Frank, to drive down the street and get us (unnecessary really), but they wanted to make sure we didn't get frostbite the first day we were there. :)

Over the week we were able to relax, catch up with old friends, and see the sights. I chose to go to Santa Fe over the holidays for several reasons including that I wanted to see the city decorated for Christmas. Downtown and Canyon Road (art gallery row) are particularly beautiful with all the luminarias and holiday decorations. I wish I had taken pictures of these places! We also found time to visit the little town that I grew up in part of my childhood, Cerrillos. It's a small town off of the old highway about 25 miles south of Santa Fe. I was able to take pictures there! Unfortunately, it was Sunday when we visited and many of the places were closed--but it didn't matter that much. What I really looked forward to was seeing what was different, what remained the same, and to visit with Charlotte. Mission accomplished. And, last but not least, we shopped. If you know my friend Amy, you know that she and I cannot be in each other's company for more than a few days without dropping some money on clothes.

Enjoy the pictures and once again, we hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

The local store where the neighborhood kids went to buy candy and sodas. Notice the pay phone--where we called boys. No cell phones in the early 80's.

This was my daily walk from the store to my babysitters' house. It's across from the church.

My babysitters' home. It has not changed much except they no longer live there. They were elderly when I was a kid. John was a retired coal miner and his wife Frances was going to be a nun before he lured her into marrying him and having eight kids. I was friends with their grand children and after hanging around so much, they formally watched me after school.

The stoop outside a an old friend's house. We sat there often doing a whole lot of nothing.

The church across from my babysitters' house. They have definatley redone the front--I don't remember it looking so nice.

There was a local guy who declared himself to be the town mayor. He has an enourmous curio shop, a petting zoo, and I'm sure a lot of stories about the 60's, man.

View of the arroyo from the petting zoo, curio shop, 60's relic.

With Aunt Amy in Santa Fe.

Childhood friends.

Soakin' in the tub (or sink).