Let's Go Mama!

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to travel with a toddler, then you're in luck. I hope that you enjoy reading about our vacations, and that it inspires you to get together as a family, and just go.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Roswell-Where the Aliens Are




We just returned from a trip with Rissy's family (and extended family) to southeastern New Mexico. Fun times were had by all of course, despite the misty weather all weekend. We started our trip with a stop off in Rissy's old stomping grounds of Roswell, NM.


Visiting Peppermint Park, feeding the peacocks Peter Piper Pizza, and a quick peek at some of the animals of the Spring River Zoo (which is free btw).
Here's a look at Rissy and Rylee getting ready to ride the Carousel and Train, which cost a family friendly 25 cents EACH!





I am always amazed when I go to Roswell, just how many aliens there are. From the street lights to the McDonald's...aliens everywhere! Trips to "Alien-land" would hardly be complete without a stop off at Mama Tucker's for some of their yummy cookies, and of course Rissy is not missing a chance at her childhood fave Peter Piper Pizza! I also discovered the best Mexican Food since Grandma Molina's in McCamey resides at Roswell's very own Popo's Mexican Food Restaurant.





Rounding out the Roswell leg of our adventure was a visit to Donna's Ceramic Studio. Donna Oldfield started ceramics after a class at the Adult Learning Center in 1987. She was not out to start a business, but three locations (all behind her home) and twenty odd years later, Donna's ceramics are true works of art. Whether you want to Christmas shop (which we of course did) or browse the green ware looking for your favorite piece to paint and finish yourself, Donna's has it all. If you're ever in the area, stop by and compliment Donna on the painting and finishing...but don't forget that Roy "makes" everything in there, as he is the one in charge of tending the molds.

Up next we traveled the 70 miles up the mountain to Ruidoso. We stayed at the new Ruidoso Inn Best Western, which was truly a treat! They have an amazing play area, pool, and outdoor gazebos which we all enjoyed. The full breakfast, and large rooms make this a must for people traveling with their kiddos.




Finally we got to go see the horses run at Ruidoso Downs. I think Rissy won about $8, don't worry, we didn't spend it all in one place. (two different drink stops) Roy had gotten us tables under the awning, that made for a much more enjoyable experience than sitting out in the rain. The kids enjoyed it, with Rylee deciding that whichever one pooped at the start, had to be the winner. She cheered for her favorite "Go NUMBA EIGHT!" and then was nearly asleep when we left. We thoroughly recommend using the Casino's valet parking feature, as trying to get up and down those hills to the car with all of Rylee's stuff (and our stuff) would have been near impossible.


It was a great trip, a relaxing vacation, and a rejuvenating time spent with family and close friends. That's all for now from windy Amarillo, until next time....happy Tails to you...

Monday, July 19, 2010

Meet Dexter Deen




This is Dexter Deen. We got him on June 12, 2010. He was 20 lbs then, but quickly developed parvo and lost down to 14 lbs. Thanks to the wonderful vets and vet techs at Small Animal Emergency Clinic here in Amarillo, not to mention Dr. Pearson at Noah's Ark Pet Hospital, Dexter is home with us now. He loves to play with Rylee and try to eat the hoe. We're blessed to have had the means to save this little dog. A 20 lb 8 week old puppy not a "little dog" to you? Well, that's what he is to Rylee, her "yittle dawg." As in "gimme my yittle dawg back." Amazing what reference points are to children, but I guess that's what he would look like if your "big dogs" all weighed over 100lbs. Welcome to the family Dexter Deen. It may be a crazy life, but it's OUR life. Till next time...


btw: Sassee went to a wonderful home in Lubbock. She now sleeps till 10, goes on vacation, stays in hotels, and has been to the lake. Thanks to Denise for taking her, I hope she is a blessing to your family.