A quick update and backtrack...

It is about time I started blogging agian... so here I go. I always think oh I should really blog about that and then I never do. This is a little backtrack on things that have been going on in my life for that last little while.













The first picture here is Angel, holding Banks. The cats came to school for a little show and tell episode. That is my class holding the plants (Nasturtiums) that we grew. Very exciting project.











Here Cara and I are hiking outta the cracks on the Crevice hike, and a picture of the amazing red rock.



Christian Hunter, Tim Bruinius (our neighbors, as well as fellow teachers), Cara, and I, at Canyon De Chelly. One of my favorite little coves to hike to.







Christian, Tim, and I - out hiking in our backyard.







I love these sacks of flour. They come in these awesome cloth sacks, and they are huge. I never run out of flour.











Cara and I out on a little shopping trip in Old Town Albuquerque.




The soccer team.

We lost in the semi-finals, poop.

So yeah, I don't know what else. This is it for now. I am still alive, still loving it here. I now pledge to blog more often.

The Ballloon Fiesta

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is home to the largest Balloon event in the world. Hot air balloons from all over the fricken place come down. In the mornings they do these mass ascensions where up to 800 balloons take off at relatively the same time. They go in waves starting at one side of the field and working across, and then restarting again. Balloons are everywhere and it is truly unbelievable. The sky is just littered with the little balls of colour. I headed down to Albuquerque to stay with the Shumate's the opening weekend of the Fiesta, and then again the following weekend when I actually was fortunate enough to be able to go in one of the balloons (Thanks Mark and Donna!!!). I was basically in awe of all the balloons and the crazy amount of colours everywhere you look. Cara can attest to my annoyingness at 5:30am (this is an early morning thing), I felt like a 5 year old, I couldn't shut up, didn't know where to look, and ran around like a crazy person. Balloons are everywhere, all around you. You can basically walk anywhere, touch the balloons, walk in between the rows, and feel the heat from the flame. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is also the most photographed event in the world... so here is a selection of my pics from the glorious event.



Cara, Donna Shumate, and I - bright and early in the morning of our big flights.

Cara and I very quickly volunteered to help set up the balloon. I don't think I have ever raised my hand so fast. That is our pilot Darrel giving us the low down.

Almost ready to burst with excitement!

View of the skyline from our Balloon.

Two of my favorite pictures from the first weekend.