Fall Vacation 2007 / Part II / Super Saturday

Our first full day in ABQ was Saturday (October 5). My sister, Lisa, has 3 boys, Daniel, Ryan, and Brandon. All Lisa’s boys play soccer and during the soccer season the family is usually trying to juggle 3 games on Saturday, usually at three different fields! Grandma and Grandpa Middleton attend the games and help with logistics. This Saturday was special because this was the first meeting between baby Noelle and her Aunt Lisa!

Ryan and Connor Share a Moment

Blue Sky in ABQ

Can Brandon and Connor Fly a Stunt Kite as a Team?

Daniel and Connor Fly the Stunt Kite

The Boys at El Pinto

Next: Lost in Moriority

Fall Vacation 2007 / Part I / The Journey to ABQ

Several blog entries will be dedicated to our fall vacation to Albuquerque (ABQ) early in October. My relatives in ABQ include my parents and my sister’s family. We timed our trip to coincide with the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

The first entry is dedicated to the journey to ABQ. We recently acquired our first mini-van, a Toyota Sienna. So we decided to drive to ABQ as a 3-day trip. We drove to Memphis on the first day and had a nice visit with Laura's grandmother, Mama Ruth. The next day we drove to Oklahoma City and had a nice dinner with my business partner and his gracious family. Finally, we arrived in Albuquerque to stay at my parent’s house.

Is it possible for a rest-stop to be a highlight of our journey? I was so impressed with a rest-stop in Texas (after Amarillo?). The rest-stop is built underground (under a mound of earth) to serve as a tornado shelter. It has the following features: windmill to generate power for itself, a mini-museum featuring windmills, a very nice playground, and a scenic view not visible from the highway.

Here are some pictures of our journey to ABQ.

How many times have I told you to keep your gum in your mouth?

Great little traveler, at least until the sun goes down!

Rest Stop - Texas Style!

(the main "building" is under the mound in the background)

Windmills along the distant horizon in OK

Clines Corner's Billboard in NM

Connor grabs a nap

.

Finally in ABQ!!!

Goodbye Summer 2007!

At this writing Fall is in overdrive and the holiday season is fast approaching. I thought I'd take a moment to post a few more pictures taken during the Summer of 2007!

.

(Note: Some images can be enlarged by clicking on them)

.

Connor and his new friend, a green stick-bug!

.

K'nex and Connor Rock!

Fireman Stops to Visit

Let's Eat!

.

Connor's Play Setup

A (rare) Moment of Quiet Contemplation

Athena the Pillow

Groovy Noelle!

Trevor's Mission Trip to Kenya

Simply Noelle

Mike Howard Youth Football Jamboree!

.

Hamilton County Fair - Ride'em Cowboy!