Day 8: Albuquerque, NM

Today we got up and went down to the historic part of Albuquerque called Old Town.  They have restaurants, shopping, tours, museums, etc.  This area of town has been around for over three centuries and at the center of it all is the historic San Felipe de Neri Church which is very beautiful.   We shopped a little and had some authentic Mexican food for lunch.  Lily and I both bought bracelets from members of Indian tribes that hand craft the jewelry and sell it on the sidewalks of Old Town.  (the kids were wondering why the state is called New Mexico when everything looks so old! 

Tomorrow is Kevin's 40th birthday and we have a special morning planned.  We are going for a ride on a hot air balloon!  This is going to be a first for all of us and the kids are so excited.  I'm a little nervous but then I don't really like to fly in anything!  Kevin assures me that when these balloons do go down, it's really slow, but I'd like to stay in the air just the same!  (please pray for a safe flight!)  It will be beautiful, I'm sure, because Albuquerque is in the valley surrounded by large mountains and I know this will be a view like no other!
Here are some photos from the last couple days....

After our meal at the Big Texan Steakhouse in Albuquerque

The kids standing next to the Palo Duro Canyon in TX

Kevin and I at the Palo Duro Canyon

Hiking through the canyon

Our trusted companion!

Climbing the rocks in the canyon

I will get the photos from Albuquerque up next time! (also if you go back to my Oklahoma City blog, I have added the photos from that day as well. Thanks!)