Joey's 2nd Annual Ruidoso Trip

This weekend, we went to Ruidoso for Joey's birthday. I did it last year for his 40th, and although his 41st isn't a "milestone" birthday, it's what he wanted. At Christmas, while talking to Angel and Carrie, Joey's cousin and husband, they offered to go with us and we could stay at their cabin. Great! We had also planned to take Estradas and the Hayes, but at the last minute, Chris and Shawn both had work commitments come up they couldn't get out of. So we and the Reyes family headed up. They got to leave earlier in the day, though, so we met them there.

As we passed the check station on the way up, like we always do, the Border Patrol agent asked us to roll down the back window. It was dark, and I'm sure he was just checking. As we drove away, Blaine said, "I don't know why he did that, like we haven't been here before. He must be new!" I laughed all the way to Alamogordo.

Before I go any further, let me explain Angel's job. He takes care of Troy Poe, Dick Poe's son. Dick Poe owns several car dealerships here in El Paso. Troy has cerebral palsy. The only thing not handicapped about Troy is his mind. I was a little concerned about how my kids would react to him. I'm not sure I've even been prouder of these kids. He was one of us, period. They loved him, and he loved them. Of course, Kylee was all about Cole, the baby, but Blaine totally treated Troy like his bud.

Saturday morning, we got up and had breakfast. The kids played and laughed with Cole. Kylee even took him on an adventure outside the cabin. Blaine was checking everybody's mood on an app on his iPod. You put your thumb on the iPod, and it tells you what mood you are in. He took it right over to Troy like nothing and Angel helped him put his thumb on it. It showed he was excited. When Blaine asked him if that was true, Troy agreed.

While Cole took a nap, Joey and I took the kids sledding. We were going to sled with them, but when we got there, they asked if they could go alone. Since we could see them always, we let them. They LOVED it and thought they were so big.

When we were done sledding, we met Carrie and Angel at the bowling alley. Troy bowled with the ramp and so did Cole. All the guys had bets going, and Troy was not to be left out. When he got a strike and Blaine walked over and fist bumped him, as if nothing, my heart totally swelled.

After bowling, we ran to the grocery storeto get some stuff for supper. While we were cooking, Kylee showed off her babies to Cole.Blaine wanted to play I Doubt It with Troy, so we played. Troy and Angel were a team, and they beat us all.

The next morning while I was getting ready, Angel called to the kids that there were deer outside. Kylee took the camera and got some awesome pics.

Before we left, we had to hit the candy store, doggie treat store, and, of course, the go carts.It was supposed to be Joey's weekend, but we all had a great time. Joey hit the casino at night. We've been contemplating a house that is REALLY expensive but perfect for our family. The kids were convinced since Joey came back from the casino $200 ahead, that would make up for what we need for the house. Ah, the innocence of children. What would I do without them?