The morning after they got here, we went for a drive to the Pueblo of Jemez for a picnic. On the way there, we stopped at the Walatowa Visitor http://www.jemezpueblo.com/. It was fun to tour the small museum and learn a few things about the people in the Pueblo. 
Kaitlyn and Chloe wanted to be part of the family photo.
Matt wanted to be the missing father. :)
Cute girls having fun.
Josie is quieting all the kids and trying to get their attention for the picture.
All 6 kids are finally cooperating. As the kids were walking over here, some lady asked them if they were all brothers and sisters. Kaitlyn was quick to let them know who were brothers and sisters and that they were all cousins. This little thing they are sitting in front of is called an horno. You can read more about it at the following link. http://www.jemezpueblo.com/food.htm
This little house is called a field house and it was used by the Pueblo during the spring and summer months as basecamps for hunting, gathering and agricultural activities. You can read more about them at the following link. 
These are rocks that the Pueblo kids did their traditional dancing on...just kidding. But the Kear kids were having fun dancing on them. :) 
We tried to have a little picnic in a couple different spots. We quickly realized that we had a very "sweet" bunch because there were lots of bumble bees following us around. They wouldn't leave us alone, even after we loaded up and moved to a different location. They were everywhere. It was crazy. They didn't seem to bother Matt, until we were all right next to him. Even Chloe ended up throwing her sandwich, when a bee tried to take a bite. She didn't think that was very funny. Anyway, we eventually gave up and ate our sandwiches in the Suburban while we drove back to the tunnels.
Chloe and Kaitlyn were always good to pose for a picture.
We love to go camping in the Jemez area because of the beautiful mountain range and scenery.
On the way to and from our picnic spot, you pass through 2 tunnels that go through the rock. You can see one in the top left of the picture.
Chloe and Kaitlyn really concentrating on something...not sure what.
Beautiful little stream.
Josie enjoying the ride, with a smile as always. Look at her cute little teeth.
Finally holding still for a picture of the nice and sturdy guardrail. :)
Don't let go Mason, it might fall over.
I love the colors in this picture. The leaves were just starting to turn their beautiful fall colors.
Here is the one side of the tunnel.
Here is the other side of the tunnel and if you keep going, you will go right through the other tunnel. We had to roll down our windows and holler.
There were lots of pretty little wildflowers.
Matt and I pretending like we like each other. :) Or at least "they" say thats what you're supposed to do when you pose for a picture. I didn't think this one turned out too bad. Oh, and I really do like him! :)
Josie needed a picture outside of the backpack, and she looks so cute next to these pretty wildflowers.
A very happy girl, with a beautiful smiling face!
Four kids that could pass as siblings.
We have 5 avid rock climbers in this shot.
When we returned home that evening, we had lots of fun talking, eating pizza, playing with the rabbits and chasing one of them around the yard. We also had a fun movie night relaxing and watching movies. It was nice "hanging out" with Mike and Kristi...we haven't done that in so long.
The next morning, we got up bright and early to go to the kids school for the "Balloons Aloft" to bring in the Balloon Festival 2008. We were in Rio Rancho at Cielo Azul Elementary School and it was freezing cold. There was a cold breeze and the kids were nice and chilled. Kaitlyn and Chloe borrowed Matt's vest to help them keep warm. Cute girls...they get along so well. Kaitlyn is like a big sister to Chloe.
Josie is peeking out her warm blanket.
Carter was freezing and he is not a happy camper when he is cold. He was born with Arizona blood and I wonder how long it will take him to climatize to the cold.
Chloe has a little thicker blood and knows how to move around to keep herself warm.
Mason wasn't feeling really good over the weekend, but he was a pretty happy camper. :)
This is the balloon that FINALLY showed up. We were there about 6:15 when they told us to be there for the lift off...and when we got there, there was no signs of a hot air balloon. As we were getting ready to leave and go to another school, the truck finally showed up and we decided to stay. It was fun to watch from close up and feel the heat of the flame. That helped warm up our freezing appendages.
After waiting for the school balloon to lift off, which it never did, we realized our hunger and drove on to find something to eat. We ended up at IHOP and remembered why we don't go there very often. They stuck all 10 of us in a back corner, crowded around 3 tiny tables and left us there. We didn't have any menus, and there was no sign of help coming our way. Eventually we were able to order some "patience" thanks Kristi, and get some food. Mason kept us on our toes all morning long because he didn't feel like sitting still. Thank goodness for Matt, Mike and Kristi finding lots of "hidden games" in the kids menu. When we returned home for the day, the kids played outside most of the day riding bikes, scooters, and playing kid games. Chloe and Kaitlyn of course never tired of dressing up like princesses. Here is a picture of the 3 princesses.
Kaitlyn was a great help with Josie. I don't think Kaitlyn would ever tire of playing and helping the 2 little ones. She will be a great babysitter. She is such a sweetheart. We also realized that she and Josie look quite a bit alike.
That evening we splurged and went out to a fun New Mexican Restaurant called El Pinto. It is lots of fun and a great atmosphere. We were haunted by bees there also towards the end of our meal when we opened the honey to eat with our sopapillas. Go figure...we saw the "Bee Movie" and know that bees get irritated when they see us humans eating their honey. We don't appreciate the hard work that goes into making it! :) Ayway, we went early and beat the very busy rush that came as we were leaving. It was another fun time spent together.
Mike and Kristi's family, minus Justin (we missed seeing you Justin! Hope we can see you next time.)
These are some hot and spicy kids just like the salsa.
Our little family next to a ginormous bottle of salsa.
Again we had a great time with Mike, Kristi, Kaitlyn and Michael. It was fun having them for a visit and the kids had so much fun playing together. Chloe was the first to start the tears as they left. She is so sweet and sensitive. She is usually the first to remind us how much we miss our family and wish we were closer. She and Carter both told us that we need to move back to Arizona because they miss their cousins and friends.
Thanks for coming and we hope to see you again soon! Love you all.
