California or Bust Part VII :: Making Friends

After our terrible, awful stay in OKC we took off for Albuquerque, NM to visit some of Mike's good friends from his earlier days in the Army— and fellow members of the RRT— The Abruzzos. I was especially excited because I had never met them, but felt like I already knew them from everything I'd heard about them. Every single person I know who knows the Abruzzos has the most wonderful things to say about this family. Since Mike and I started dating, I began hearing about Ben and Tasha from not just Mike, but from the whole bunch. Everything said was wonderful; the kind of things you hope people would say about you. Needless to say, I was so excited to finally be meeting them as it was way overdue. 


We arrived too late (thanks to the punks in OKC) to go eat at the "really awesome mexican place," which bummed me out because for those of you who know me, know that I could eat mexican food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack! I love it! It's okay though, because we're going back in March. I finally met Ben and Tasha and their two precious boys Wyatt and Bode.

Bode (17 months)

Wyatt (3)

How could you not love these cuties?!?!

Let's just say all the wonderful things I have ever heard about the Abruzzos were spot on. It was a short and sweet visit, but we loved every minute! I even made a new BFF:





Wyatt was very sleepy when we arrived to town Wednesday night and wasn't really in the mood for socializing, but he promised me we could be friends in the morning. He didn't forget his promise, and it wasn't long before we were best buds. When we left, he asked if he could go with us, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted to snatch him up and bring him with us! 

Amelia and Andy made themselves at home and made a new friend too

Snuggling with Ben

Ben, Tasha, Wyatt and Bode :: Thank you so much for allowing Mike and me to stop and visit with you on our venture to California! I'm so happy I finally got to meet you, and look forward to skiing with you in March! 

The day we left was Thanksgiving Day. Though they had plans to eat two Thanksgiving meals with both Ben and Tasha's family, they wouldn't let us leave with empty bellies and treated us to a meal at the Cracker Barrel! Thank you SO much! 

The view leaving New Mexico entering Arizona