Vacation from a Vacation??

View of Beautiful Taos Ski Valley
Mason Hiking..notice he REFUSED to take off his T-ball uniform
Madeline generally ended up on shoulders...
Lame Idea, seemed good at the time (trying to "grab the mountain")
We ended up driving to downtown Taos to force them both to nap..didn't take long!
At the Gorge...

We went on our first vacation of the year... Pre-children, vacations meant relaxing, sleeping in, little actual "work" and alot of sight seeing...it also meant pictures of Steve and I in front of, back of, next to any major monument or landmark. Vacations sure have evolved......now we plan them to accomodate 2 little ones and have the pleasure of seeing it from their eyes, they now contain few pictures of at least one of us (usually me, since I am the crazy mother with the camera always in hand), and generally require a vacation upon their commencement. It made me realize however, that family vacations are about giving your children the experiences of the world around them....and are A LOT of work for adults, but worth every bit of stress they may cause. We went to Taos, New Mexico to the Ski Valley...it was amazing to see that NM actually was green in the northern part of the state, and gave me deja vu while driving up there. It actually reminded me of Idaho, and made me miss my home state.

The trip took 3 + hours, and contained several potty breaks along the way. We met several families up there, many of whom also taught with me. The weather stayed in the 70's and allowed us to really enjoy being outside. Packing for 2 children with all of the accoutraments is never an easy task, especially when you add on your own things...of course, in true Miskee style, I forgot the video camera (no biggie) and managed to pack A shirt...as in 1, shirt, which also happened to be a tank top..I think I may have really thought I was headed to California. This was a departure from my usual forgotten toothbrush, pajamas, underwear..all of the important items, so actually I didn't do so bad this time.

The kids had a great time, and with 10ish other little ones to run with, I also realized it wouldn't matter where we went, they would have fun running with each other regardless. Less the lack of sleep, over "adult "beveraging it, and occasional "out of our routine" tantrum, we had a blast...I did karaoke for the first time (something I can't imagine how I didn't get suckered into before :) and laughed more than I have in a long time.

Madeline entertained by shedding her clothing virtually the entire time. I could easily find her by the trail of socks, shorts, shirt and occasional panties....we are so proud. The kids hiked, ran, played, ran, played, ran played...and did a little more hiking.

By the last day, we were worn and the kids were in need of a routine again...or maybe it was me who needed a routine again..or another vacation :).