but where were the amber seas of grain?

Logan and I took a nice drive with the newest babies down the hill to Española today. On the way down we caught the last gasps of breath of the setting sun, and it was spectacular. It is amazing how the same landscape can have so many different manifestations, depending on light, season, clouds, and whatever else makes this the land of enchantment.

Slot Canyon!!

I went to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument today with some kids from my church. In addition to seeing some pretty sweet rock formations (from the volcanic rock in the area and way-cool erosion), we got to hike through a slot canyon.

They're way cool, but you gotta be wary of the weather... a sudden heavy rain could be deadly.

see that little crack in the rock? It's about 1/3 up from the bottom and 1/3 from the left edge of the photo. That's the slot canyon we hiked through, then hiked up to the top of the mesa, then were greeted with 360 views of NM. You can see some of the formations for which the Nat'l monument is named (they look like tents... or at least upside down ice-cream cones...) The tent rocks were interesting, but it was the slot canyon that stole my heart.

Scrunchy

James has started to make the same face every time he realizes you're taking his picture. He thinks the flash is going to go off, so he scrunchees his face pre-emptively, whether or not you have the flash on.

New Carpet!

Out with the old, in with the new. Logan's pick, but I like it too.

Helena likes to climb

maybe in a few decades, helena

sooooo... funny story. At night, Logan keeps her breast pump at the foot of our bed for easy access. In the morning, Helena and James usually come storming into our room, full of smiles or tears, depending on whether or not James has woken Helena by ripping her hair out (it happens). One recent morning, we were all hanging out in our bed as a family, I had gotten up to do one thing or another, and I notice Helena starting to take off her clothes. This isn't unusual, as she likes to play dress-up, and sometimes plays dress-down. Well, things start to get hilarious, and awkward, as she, naked but for a diaper, picks up the pump cups and holds them up to her own chest, and turns on the pump. Um, yes Helena, that's what they're for. But not for babies, for mommies.

She also loves to hold the babies, though can be a bit distracted. We hold Helena and the help her hold the babies, and while sometimes she stays focused, it's good to have your own arms as a backup when she decides that the bird outside the window is more exciting than her little brother or sister. She's so very... maternal. It's wonderful!