Gotcha Day

Every year we celebrate the day (October 21) that Jamie's adoption was finalized. We call it "Gotcha Day" because it is the day that the judge officially made us a forever family.

This year Jamie decided that he wanted to go bowling. We had a great afternoon celebrating our family.

Balloons...full of hot air

Those of you who know me know that I am NOT a morning person…AT ALL! Only two things can get me out of bed before dawn…Jesus (Easter Sunrise Service) and the International Balloon Fiesta held in Albuquerque, NM every October.

We arrived early to watch the “Dawn Patrol” but because the winds were blowing north and the few landing areas in that direction are difficult to find in the dark, they remained tethered, did a mini “glow” show and then finally lifted off right before dawn.

We ate breakfast burritos as the sun rose over the mountain and the field exploded with inflating balloons. It was amazing when they all filled the sky!

This was a fun year to go to the Balloon Fiesta. Jamie was old enough to appreciate the colors and shapes of the different balloons. We also met up with some Alamosa friends which gave Jamie some little people to hang out with. (We each knew that the other was going to the Balloon Fiesta but figured there would be too many people to try to meet at a specific time & place. So, we walked in the south gate and they walked in at the park and ride gate and we walked right into each other! We truly could NOT have planned it any better!)

Fall Colors on the train

My mom has been here visiting for the past week. Today we took advantage of the "Valley Special" (half-price tickets) and rode the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad to La Veta and back. This was my third trip on the train but the first for my mom. The aspens were a few days past prime, but the colors were still amazing. I took this same trip last year and took over 200 photos, yeah...I took another 200 today. Absolutely gorgeous!!!

One happy mama

Jamie has never before shown an interest in basketball, although he loves baseball, soccer & football. I have always been a huge basketball fan. Jamie's birth father played semi-pro basketball so I have secretly hoped that Jamie would pick up on the vibes and develop a passion for hoops. I was SO excited today when he said he wanted to shoot baskets. I even called Parks & Rec to get him signed up for the youth basketball league. Yep, I'm one happy mama!