San Juan Mountains

En route to Durango

Northern New Mexico is so beautiful.

Winter in Albuquerque

A typical Albuquerque winter day. I miss those mountains!

December Sandias

I absolutely love how the Sandias look when they are dusted with snow. It makes them look so majestic!
I can't believe that I'm only getting around to posting Albuquerque photos now, nearly a month after I first went home, but life has been so busy! I'm hoping to catch up on posts in the coming weeks. Happy 2015!

Rafting down the Rio Grande

On our last Sunday in New Mexico, my parents took me, Aaron, my brother, and his girlfriend rafting in the Rio Grande. It was SO much fun! As a family, we had gone rafting through the Taos Box a few years back, but this time, we went through the Racecourse. The company we went with was Big River Raft Trips, and we had a wonderful experience. Our guide was hilarious, extremely competent, and knowledgeable about the area. He even let us float down the river outside of the raft at a few points! I would highly recommend either a half day or full day rafting trip if you are ever in New Mexico. After our trip, we had a quick picnic, then Aaron, Ethan, and Megan all jumped off this bridge into the river. Because they are ridiculous. The drive home was beautiful. Northern New Mexico is one of the most picturesque places in the world.

Hazy hike

Last night was extremely windy, which kicked up a lot of dust. The wind had calmed down by morning, but a lot of the dust remained! We went hiking in the mountains this morning anyways, and despite the hazy views, we were still awed by the beauty of the Sandia Mountains. Hiking is always such a great way to start the day!

Aaron's first weekend in Albuquerque!

Aaron being in Albuquerque is amazing. We have been having the best time! He arrived at 2:00 am Albuquerque time on Saturday morning (5:00 am Halifax time). After sleeping for most of the morning, we went for a long swim in the pool, followed by an adventure in the mountains! We drove up to the East Side of the Mountains for a picnic, then continued on to the crest. From there, we hiked along the top of the Sandia Mountains, at about 11,000 feet above sea level, to the Tram House. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and it was a perfect place to enjoy the summer solstice. Sunday we spend at the Rail Yards Market, and had incredible huevos rancheros from one of the food trucks and looking at all the wonderful local products and produce. We also swung by the Rio Grande and Tingley Beach while we were in the area! It was pretty much the greatest weekend ever. I love showing Aaron around, and he has really loved everything so far, especially the food. Every single meal he has eaten here has had green chile in it!