Mariachi in Albuquerque

I'm still catching up from the end of February so....

Here is a bit about the mariachi group's trip to Albuquerque at the end of February

We were invited for a ALDE (Association of Lutheran Development Executives) Conference.  The group played for their opening worship service and then for their reception at the Hot Air Balloon Museum.

It was a pretty cool venue for a mariachi group.

They played while people were eating and then while they were walking around exploring the museum.

Jaden had a great time.  He always does when listening to the mariachi.  Of course, having toy cars helps too!

He also had fun playing on the stairs...

...and exploring the museum himself. (balloon design by mommy, assembly partially by Jaden)

The group also played at Immanuel Lutheran Church for a luncheon they have once a month as a ministry project to the blind.

The people loved the music and enjoyed getting to "see" the group's uniforms.

During a brief free time we visited the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens.
It was pretty neat, especially one section where it is "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" style.

Here's Jaden trying to "eat" the giant carrots!

Then we played at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho.  Of course, I didn't get any pictures while everyone was in uniform but, after they began to change for a more comfortable ride home we found out that it was one lady's birthday.

So, the group played "Las Mananitas" and the pastor even got her to dance!

It was a fast but fun trip.

Want to make a little boy happy?

Build a tent!

Before and After

Before haircut

After haircut

I'm not sure which one I like better!  Either way, he's my beauty boy!

Fun Day

We are having fun on Mariachi tour in St. Louis (more to come later) but I just had to share this picture.  After a long hard day of performing for the group and a hard day of playing with new friends for Jaden they curled up on the couch of our host home for a little snuggling and a Mickey Mouse movie.

Did you notice anything unusual about the above picture ( I mean besides the fact that it's not our couch, our blanket or our house.....)

Mommy, mommy what do you see?

I see Jaden wearing SHOES!

Jaden hasn't been willing to wear anything on his feet except slippers since early November.  Inside, outside, cold weather, warm weather....SLIPPERS.  Attempting anything else only led to immense bouts of screaming and kicking.  I can only think of THREE exceptions in those nearly five months.  Christmas Eve and one other Sunday when he wore his little vest and tie with black pants that I made him wear black dress shoes and snow boots when we visited MN.

He actually liked the "Thomas puppy dog" shoes and wore them all day! (Thomas cause they are blue, puppy dog because they have a paw print).  Maybe I"ll get him to wear them again tomorrow!

Just thought I'd share our milestone!

Both Success and Failure

I was impressed with this cute and healthy lunch

too bad Jaden wouldn't eat it.  Turns out he didn't feel like beans this day.  He prefers canned mandarin oranges to the regular variety.  He only wanted the meat off of the sandwich - even if it was shaped like a train.

Oh well!

Grandma & Grandpa K

Jaden had fun playing with Grandma & Grandpa K while they were here.

Thomas the Train cards and a modified version of slap-jack!

Grandpa gets in on the sandbox fun!  What a moutain!!!

Massage

I forgot to mention that for Jaden's birthday through our engagement anniversary and a few extra days, my parents were here.  We had a lot of fun with them but I didn't get a ton of pictures.  I'll share a few in just a bit.

My parents led a servant event team from their church in MN to work at the mission during their time here so we spent a lot of time at the mission and going into Mexico with them.  One of my mom's services as a part of the team was giving roll-out massages.  Since she needed practice (or just because she loves us so much) we got massages too. 

Of course, Jaden needed his turn.

ahhhhh....