spring break in New Mexico

We had a lovely, restful four days in the New Mexican desert with our friends Micky and Celeste and their two adorable boys, Kenzie and Sebastian. 

 Here is a corner of the big hacienda we rented, complete with wide sky, eerily silent desert, mountain views and...

...this insanely beautiful (and huge) private library! We found out the owners are professors (in film and literature). Wow!

We feel so blessed to have met this family back in September through the boys' school. They are truly special people--vibrant, fun, soulful and kind.

Off on one of many nature adventures!

 

Back home for board games and home-cooked meals. Celeste, who is originally from Venezuela, made the most delicious arepas! Mmm.

One morning our family drove to nearby Santa Fe to admire the New Mexico Museum of Art, the central plaza lined with Native American vendors selling jewelry, and all the stunning adobe Southwest architecture. It truly feels like another world and culture there. Love it!

And of course we had to stop by the famous Cafe Pasqual's for brunch. I got the Trout Hash, which was delicate and yummy, but Daniel ordered something so incredible I could barely keep myself from grabbing his plate--Huevos Motuleños (Eggs Over Easy on a Corn Tortilla with Black Beans Topped with Sautéed Banana, Feta, Green Peas, Roasted Tomato-Jalapeño Salsa, Green or Red Chile or Tomatillo Salsa with a Side Corn Tortilla). Whoa, Nelly!

A statue of the first Native American Catholic saint, Kateri Tekakwitha, outside the St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral.

inside the Cathedral

The kids can only take so much strolling and admiring of art and architecture, so we came back home to make dinner, hang in the hot tub, and chill in the long slanting shadows of late afternoon light.

The stars were breathtaking! One night we bundled our sleepy boys in blankets and carried them outside to stargaze. Their little faces turned up with awe to that vast expanse. Then Daniel made a (tiny) fire in the outdoor kiva and we grown-ups searched for constellations and satellites while listening to the spine-tingling sound of coyotes howling. Notice the shooting stars? 

Off for another nature hike with the dads while the mommies do some yoga (led by the AMAZING yoga teacher Celeste)!

 So fun!