El Paso, Texas

Joe went to El Paso Texas for our nieces 16th birthday bash. This is Norbert and Nica's beautiful home in Texas. Wow!


The whole gang hanging out in the pool. Most of the neices and nephews and aunts and uncles also went out for the celebration.


Joe's hotel was a a stones throw away from the border.

This is what El Paso looks like for miles... and miles.... and miles...


Joe's brothers Luis & Norbert, Joe and his sister Mena


Our nieces Vanessa (the sweet 16 year old), Sonia and Carolina


All the nieces dolled up for the big bash, Carolina, Sonia, Vanessa, Maria and Bianca


Group niece and nephew shot: Bianca, Victor, Maria, Luis, Vanessa, Andre, Sonia, Marc and Carolina


All the proud parents, Joe, Luis, Lina, Mena and Norbert

Fall is in the Air

Fall is upon us. We came across this picturesque scene driving along Carson Pass. A couple of days later this same picture was in the San Francisco Chronicle comparing it to New England.

We discovered an adorable place called Lake Kirkwood. A small community of about 20+ cabins that border the lake. No electricity or road access. You either bring it in by boat or by foot. That's how they were built too! Everything comes over on a row boat.

Eli leads the way around the rocks that circle the lake.

Joe, Eli and Alfredo, the great outdoors man!

A lone tree grows on a rock at the shoreline.

One man had his house for sale. We couldn't resist and asked him how much he wanted for the place ($287,000). We got to take a look inside too. Very cute but a bit pricey for a glorified tent!

Eli and Alfredo toss some rocks in Lower Blue Lake.

Cross #1 off the Bucket List

Well, after 30 years of wanting to learn how to ride a dirt bike, I finally did it! Our friend Matt taught me how at the Prairie City ATV Park. He was very patient and a great teacher! Thanks Matt and all of the support of his family, my family, the Mitchell's and the Budish's for coming out to watch me that day. Yahoo!


Trying to figure out how to turn without falling over (which I did three times)!

A happy camper!

Eli and Brady in full Motor Cross gear.

Stud muffin!

Matt, Brady and Eli take the big quad out for a spin.

Learned a bit from the ranger on quad requirements. Turns out anyone under 14 has to take an ATV class before riding one. Good to know!

Everyone hanging out in the shade.

Ron, Eli and Brady take another spin.

Isabella and Callie take a turn with Ron. They wanted to go faster than the boys!

Truckload of cuties. Ava, Callie and Isabella watch all the ATV activity from the truck bed.

Matt takes Eli for a spin on his bad boy dirt bike.

Packing up all the gear after a fabulous day!