Calvary Sign

Hey everyone! This is Erin...You usually don't hear from me because I have found that I'm incapable of saying anything clever or funny. But, I knew Damon wouldn't put this on here, so I am so that you can see it.

If you live in Lubbock you have seen the big sign that Calvary has when you drive by the church on 82nd street. I wanted to show you what was there this week:

We were both really excited, and as our friend Ty said, Damon is now a celebrity! :)

Ruidoso - Day 4

This was our last full day in Ruidoso. As you'll see, it was way different than what we expected...

Avery had to stay put on the beanbag for breakfast so she didn't get cereal bar everywhere.

Cayden wanted to sit in the 'tall chair' at the bar.


Avery LOVED her snowboots, and wanted them on all the time.

So we're kicking it in the living area, Erin reading a book to Cayden, and I see this out of the kitchen window.

There ended up being three deer total; this was the best shot of two of them. While you're here, notice also the thin covering of snow on the ground.

Mid-morning, the snow started up again. The window isn't blurry or foggy, that's really how white it looked outside.

We decided to get out and get lunch and bring home something for supper. The cabin is just enough up a mountain that a lot of snow would be trouble for us in terms of getting in and out. Erin and Cayden had an appetizer first, though, off of the front of the car...

After lunch we got out and played in it some more, even getting a decent sled run going. This picture is next to the garage, where the snow wasn't blowing right on us. We didn't get many pictures because it was so thick we were afraid it would ruin the camera.

The neighbor came out and offered to take our picture.

Remember the picture of the kids on the porch in their snow gear on the 2nd day? Yeah, same porch.

Even after her nap, Avery was worn out.

We had a ton of fun, and it was such an unexpected surprise that we got to see so much snow. We were even concerned we might have a hard time getting out, but the city came and plowed the roads before we left the next day. A big thank you to Caroline and the Kopp family for letting us use their cabin!

Ruidoso - Day 3

Our day began with a hearty breakfast on the bean bag chair. Cereal bars and milk!

We tried to go shopping, but it was cold and windy and also cold. This was in one of the stores.

We gave up on getting out that afternoon; it was just too cold. So we played in the cabin instead!

The kids closed out the night in the bathtub. The first night, the whirlpool jets made bubbles out of regular soap in the water, so I just had to get some real bubble bath and see what they could do. My dreams of bubbles as high as the shower head were ultimately dashed when the kids weren't up to it. Oh well, maybe next time...

He's trying to get her to smile. I think.

Momma made a bubble sculpture.

Ruidoso - Day 2

Cayden's main aspiration in going to "the mountains" was to find some snow. We told him we were pretty sure we could find some, but made no promises. We figured if nothing else we'd go to the ski mountain and play in some fake snow, but then (in a strange story that would just bore you but is indeed strange) we talked to someone who told us about a sled run on the way to the mountain. So we put the kids in their snow gear and headed in search of the fabled sledding slopes.

These are our little snow bunnies. Bundling them all up here felt a bit like Noah building the ark with no water in sight.

We found the sledding slope (in all it's manufactured-snow glory) as well as a double-innertube for both of the rugrats.

Since Avery sometimes struggles with walking on carpet, we figured snow would be a challenge for her, but she did pretty well.

Notice the complete lack of snow behind them. It was weird.

Cayden conquering the snow mountain

At one point, Avery just gave up and lay down. But if you know her, you know she didn't stay down for long...

Momma and Avery played with sunglasses when we were done.

This is what a baby with no pants and a winter hat looks like. Because so many of you were asking and all...

So we get something to eat, head home, and all take naps. After naps, Cayden comes in and looks out our window, and says "It's raining!" It was a freezing rain, and in about 10 minutes had turned to snow. Keep in mind, the forecast for Ruidoso we had looked at before coming had highs in the 50's and as much as a 30% chance of rain.


Cayden couldn't wait to go walk in it!

He loved catching it on his tongue

Avery stayed warm...

What little boys are made for

And little sister just had to follow him up

Avery loved knocking the snow off of the branches

He was easy to keep track of

Erin wanted me to tell you that she was wearing my coat here. And Avery looks like she's about to turn 360 degrees in a split second.

The little hikers eventually wore out

Cayden in front of the cabin

More to come soon!

Ruidoso - Day 1

A couple of weekends ago, we packed up and headed to the Kopp's cabin (friends of ours from Plainview) in Ruidoso. I realize it's surprising, but we took a few (!) pictures along the way. One side note: this was also the cabin that Erin and I stayed at on our honeymoon and went back to for our 1st anniversary. Needless to say, the dynamics of the trip were just a tad different...

We stopped at the Bottomless Lakes State Park near Roswell. Between that little wall up ahead and the huge red rocks is a round (presumably bottomless) lake. In another life we would've taken the time to read stuff about it, but on this trip there was waaaay to much exploring for little feet to do.

Incidentally, the weather was 67 degrees and obviously sunny. We wouldn't see that again, as you'll see in the days to come.

Driving the cars at Farley's in Ruidoso