We attended Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM today. We've been here once before - last November for Thanksgiving worship. It's a small but friendly congregation that seems to be growing. The pastor remembered us, and was aware through my parents of our situation the past year. A good reminder of how many people there are out there in prayer for us, and a reminder of the importance of prayer for others as well as ourselves.
After lunch we headed east and south a bit into the Sandia Mountains that border the eastern side of Albuquerque. Our parents drove us around and then up the back side of the mountain to the top, where we enjoyed a spectacular view of the valley and some impressive clouds moving in. We went for a short hike through the pines, which the kids enjoyed. I think the pinnacle of the experience was seeing a small snake slithering calmly across the trail. No rattles, or any of the other warning markings that might make us nervous. It seemed pretty much uninterested in us as well, but the kids just about wet themselves in excitement.
We headed back down the mountain just in time to enjoy a brief torrential downfall. As with desert thundershowers, you're in and out of them almost before you can turn your windshield wipers on. It was fun to drive through our second desert rain in as many days.
Back home we relaxed. Mika & Caedmon were excited to help Grandma make and decorate cupcakes. We watched Shrek the Third together while we enjoyed our traditional Sunday evening popcorn, cheese, crackers - augmented by tortilla chips & salsa. Woohoo! The kids were wiped out by bedtime - a welcome treat always! The rest of us crashed fairly early as well.
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