The Wedding!

Before I even blog about the wedding I have one question:  "HOW DO PEOPLE LIVE HERE?" It was so hot you couldn't breath the air. The kids got back into the car and started stripping. Anja was down to her undies, Carter was in Boxers and Jensen stayed semi-modest. Wow, it was hot. A nice 114 degrees!

Anja cooling off between takes.

Rich's family getting ready.

At the reception his niece Crystal sang during the ring ceremony

Jensen playing on my phone to stay busy...

Anja giving them advice?

So the bottom two layers of the cake were fake which made for some very fun entertainment after the reception. Anja and Alta played "roll the cake down the hall." Such fun.

Jensen, however, took hope the top part that was real and ate it for breakfast the next morning.

Last day in New Mexico

Sunday we went to church with Heiner's. Keeping with tradition, Anja offered to help with the talks and Carter helped pass the sacrament because their ward doesn't have enough young men to do it.

When we got home, the girls went to work making necklaces.

The boys got to work on a Lego game.

And final plans were made for the caravan to Arizona the next day.

But it wouldn't be a trip "home" for Rich if his mom didn't make him some of her amazing rolls. The dozen or so he ate made it worth the drive...almost! I tried eating one but, alas my palate is not as fond of bread as his is. But, boy did they smell wonderful!

Then all the kids slept on the roof. In NM you don't do sleep outs--well outside--due to the bugs. But the roof is awesome! The stars were amazing.

It was a great way to finish our visit to New Mexico!

New Mexico-Nik's birthday

How do you celebrate your 24th birthday with 25 of your closest family members? Movie and pizza!

All 25 of us headed over to the theaters. Grandma bought a lot of candy, popcorn and drinks for everyone. As she walked away from the counter, the concessions guy said, "I've never seen one person buy so much popcorn!"

Then off to the pizza place where you watch the toss and throw the dough.

This was a turkey with green chili's pizza Rich and I bought--it was so good!

The bride to be made an appearance...

..and so did the groom.

But they sat by themselves!

Anja helped the birthday girl unwrap her gifts.

And then we had a toilet paper roll fight in the family room. Well, you can't tp outside because the spiders will get you!

New Mexico--White Sands

One of the most memorable things we did in New Mexico was hit White Sands. It's a naturally made sand dune area created over million of years by the breaking down of crystals. It is an amazing sight. I was truly in awe.

Jensen, Kamden (cousin) and Carter

Uncle Bryce was kind enough to sit at the top of the dune and waxed down our disks to make them SUPER fast!

Sometimes they were a little too fast.

And sometimes you can just do it on your butt.

The real trick was learning to "surf" New Mexico style.

Anja is a beach babe--she loved the sand.

I wanted a little action--the most I got out on the dune.

Grandpa and Coda (cousin) sat at the bottom to retrieve any kids who went to far and hand out cold drinks.

So I made the best of my non beach vacation and put my toes in the sand. I must admit, of all the beaches I've visited the sand in New Mexico was one of the softest I've ever had between my toes.

Old Towne!

 We ran away with Rich's parents for a quick visit to Old Towne. It's Spanish flair reminded us of our honeymoon to Mexico.

The city's claim to fame is the fact that the sheriff arrested Billy the Kid.

While we were gone--the girls got all girlly!

and a little silly. Shouldn't everyone have a mustache? 

Little Eden who's only three decided she needed to be on Rich's lab all the time. So sweet.

On to the critters. This "little" guy was wondering across the road. Yep, they were EVERYWHERE!  Jensen loved to aim the four-wheeler toward the spiders and SPLAT!

And this was in the grass. Safe to say we will never move to New Mexico!