New Mexico

We had a whirlwind trip to New Mexico before we move this week. Last Monday we drove to Artesia to be with Leland's family. All of Sandy's sisters and a few of the cousins came in for the 4th. We had a good time visiting with everyone. There was only one other great-grandchild there besides my 3 but he and Ryland had a great time playing. We enjoyed the wonderful fireworks show there also. It is by far the best around. We had a great time in Artesia.

Raylee getting Pappy with the water hose. She was soaked after that adventure.

There are always pirate adventures at Grammy's house. She and Ryland have the outfits, the swords, the loot and the treasure box. Kyler and Ryland spent all day in their bandannas.

Several of them stayed at the hotel which had a pool. Everyone went swimming for a while. Raylee loves the water so she enjoyed splashing everyone.

On Thursday the kids and I headed to Camp Blue Haven to see my parents. They are the caretakers there and my mom is the head cook during the summer camp sessions. It was good to see them even though they were busy and very tired. The mountains were nice and cool, a nice change from the upper 90s around here.

They loved helping Grandma make cinnamon rolls.

Grandma and Raylee at the singing on the deck.

Papa and Ryland at the singing.

Raylee loves to "help" me put on my makeup each morning. She decided she would try Grandma's also.

My brother's and I spent lots of time on this tractor growing up. Raylee loved it even though her legs weren't long enough to reach the pedals.

Reese hanging out on the front porch.

My parents recently had to put down their dauschund after nearly 15 years. One of my mom's cooks had to go home for a few days and brought back Ella, a wire-haired female. She is adorable. The kids loved playing with her also.

The end of the trip was wonderful also. My good friend Lauren was gracious enough to wait until I got home to have her baby girl. :) Sunday morning at 6:45 I got the call that she was at the hospital. Claire arrived at 10:14 so the wait was not very long. I'm so thankful I was able to be here for the arrival since the due date was actually the 24th and I would have already been in Mansfield. I'm sure Lauren will have pictures up soon after she gets home tomorrow.

Baby Claire Prather