Rio, Reconnoitering, and Mmmmm

This past weekend was our first in the new home without boxes, and so we thought a few simple excursions might just be in order.

On our way to a farmer's market in Sunland Park, NM, we crossed the Rio Grande.  I was expecting something, well, a bit more, ummm, grand.

First Viewing

Carrying our treasures from the market and slurping down some Sonic slushes, we made our way to McKelligon Canyon (part of the Franklin Mountains State Park).  We scouted out what will most likely prove to be our first hike and also chuckled at the "helpfulness" of the park rangers..

First Hike

First Appreciation of the New Green

Following church the next day, we lunched at our very first Mexican restaurant since arriving in El Paso.  In our defense, we have been somewhat busy with the moving in and the unpacking and the ... OK, there is no defense.  In fact MY defenses were so weakened that I fell prey to the advertising command

First Mexican Restaurant in El Paso

and ordered the machaca!

First Yum!

Desert Blooms

Since our recent transplant, we have discovered a few things...

This is a big city, and the lights are bright.

                                                     

At times, the wind can gust ... and not only do they "plant" wind-farms, they also post warning signs about said wind gusts.

                                                     

You may view the mountain from the same window, 

but the view is never the same.

And, most importantly, it may take a while 

(and there may be sweat and a bit of blood), 

but God grows beauty in the desert.

feliz cumpleaños, Isaac

From early on, we had a fuzzy picture of this ... "And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him -- a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

And then the threefold cord became fivefold...

Isaac, you strive to show grace and peace to your siblings. 

Your love and care for them is evident.  For this, we give thanks. 

Over the past 17 years 

you have heard and read these words ... "Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching..."  

Whether it be your earnest pursuit to excel in your studies and in athletics or your desire to grow in your relationship with God and others, we have been thrilled to be a part of what our Heavenly Father is doing in your life.

"The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;

he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.

Let your father and mother be glad..."

This will continue to be our prayer for you... 

"My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.  Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ISAAC!

Saludos desde El Paso

Here we are on the southern end of our travels, and I thought I'd take a moment before the first day of school to record a glimpse of our adventure.

Landscapes of New Mexico

Our evening in Tucumcari, NM ... along Route 66

Franklin Mountains
(I can see these while washing dishes!)

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the second week in our new house AND the beginning of our tenth year of homeschooling.  

Big Day!