Trip to Alabama...Fun with Friends (November 2008)

In November, we were able to take a trip to Alabama. We had not been back since we moved in 2005, so we were really excited! To top it off, we made it in time to go to Woodland Forrest Elementary School's (where I used to teach) Fall Festival. It was so much fun to see some of my previous students. I even saw a couple of kids who were in my very first kindergarten class...who at the time of our trip were in 9th grade!

While there we stayed with our wonderful friends, Brad and Andrea Schlomer. It was so much fun to hang out with them and their two daughters! Detroit and Joaquin had so much fun with Olivia and Ella!

Ella

Joaquin & Olivia

Detroit & Olivia

While there, we also got to see some more of our favorite people and Detroit got to hang out with her very first best friend! Detroit and Emmie were born only a month apart and since her mom (Katie) and I worked at the same school, they were destined to be best buds! It was so fun going back and seeing these two girls pick up where they left off three years earlier!

Emmie, Jack & Detroit

Diaz Family
(What family portrait is complete without Jared in it?!)

Pablo & Jared
(Not sure what else to even say about this picture!)

Barnett Family
(Notice that my family enjoys being in other people's family pictures?)

We also got to sneak in a little visit to our favorite Indian food restaurant with two more of our awesome friends...Amanda and Tobi!

***ROLL TIDE!!!***

Although we didn't get to catch a game while in Bama, we did get to hang around the quad for some game day fun. Wow! We sure do miss living in Tuscaloosa and going to Bama games!



Cutest BAMA fans ever!

Of course, no trip to Alabama is complete without a visit to our favorite BBQ place!

***Birmingham***

We were also able to take a day trip to Birmingham to go see the Civil Rights Institute. It is truly an experience and a real eye opener for Detroit.



16th Street Baptist Church





***Cousins***

On our way home, we were able to swing through Dallas, and Detroit got to hang out with her cousins for a few hours before we headed home.

(Detriot, Allie, Riley & Josh)

Halloween

This year I decided to re-use the costume I made for Joaquin last year. Detroit was a good sport and agreed to be a carrot and I was a tomato. Jared was supposed to be the farmer, but he had to work late, so he was a farmer in a suit. We went to a couple of trunk-or-treat activities in town, and the kids had a really good time and got lots of candy.

A cute little pea pod:

A cute little carrot:

This is how Joaquin felt about putting on his costume:

...and this is what Joaquin looked like after he got a hold of some chocolate:

This is what Joaquin's costume looked like at the end of the night. I don't even remember how many times he fell down. Apparently it is difficult to run while wearing a gigantic pea pod.

October Fun

Crazy Hair Day:

Detroit had crazy hair day at school and we decided to try and do her hair like they do at the Corvette Diner in San Diego. We couldn't quite figure it out, so we just made it up. It turned out really cute.

Vacuum Hose Hair:

Joaquin found it very funny to use the vacuum hose on his hair. Of course, Detroit and Jared had to have a turn too.

Joaquin and Detroit:

Joaquin at 17 months:

Joaquin

I love this picture of Joaquin. He was talking on his phone.

(Sept. 15)

I still find Joaquin's hair to be extremely humorous. It is really fuzzy and coarse in the back and then long at the bottom. (And this was taken in September, so it is even longer now.)

(Sept. 19)

Cloudcroft, NM

In September, Jared had to go to Cloudcroft to give a presentation for New Mexico Legal Aid. He got to stay at a resort there called The Lodge. We decided to take the family and spend some time there since he would only be needed for the presentation. It is beautiful there and we hope to go back some time.

We were able to climb up into the tower and get a view of the city. It is in the mountains and the view was beautiful. Unfortunately, the picture doesn't do it justice.

Detroit and Joaquin in the tepee in front of The Lodge.

(Joaquin did not want to be in the tepee.)

(September 13)