We recently attended the Senior Olympics in Albuquerque as part of an epic week with family. It was an incredible gift (literally), staying in a nice hotel, spending time with family and getting to see Ross’ dad compete in the Senior Olympics!

Ross’ dad arrived on Tuesday, my birthday. After he checked in with Ross (while I switched all of our belongings with Ross’ dad because we’d been given the wrong rooms!), and after I got my free Starbucks birthday item, we all went out for a celebratory birthday dinner at El Cotorro. Craft tacos, my first ceviche and craft ice cream – perfect meal, right? We also got incredible margaritas – seriously, they might be my favorite I’ve had! Both the tacos and ice cream were outstanding, and this was our first glimpse at a neighborhood we are now seriously considering a move to in the future.

On Wednesday, Ross, Stephen (Ross’ dad) and I all took a trip to Sky City, the ancestral home of a Pueblo Indian tribe and now a museum and cultural center. It was one of those experiences that you’ll truly never forget. All of the people were warm and welcoming, and we learned so much about a culture we’d known so little about. Ross also got his first frybread (and a tasty stew) in the cafe here. Later that evening, we got to watch Stephen represent NH in the Parade of Athletes – very fun, though the sound was atrocious!

Thursday was practice day for Stephen, was competing in bare bow, recurve archery. I got some work done during the day, taught a lesson and said hi to Ross’ mom Robin before all of met up with Ross’ aunt and uncle for dinner at Pueblo Harvest. Again, we had a stellar meal here, and they accommodated gluten-free really well. After we returned to El Cotorro for ice cream.

Friday was the first of two days of competition for Stephen. Besides a break for me to go home and work for a client, we spent most of the day under a canopy on a blanket in the grass. After that, we went out to Restoration Pizza. Ross and I split an incredible salad and got a gluten-free pizza (and he shared with family too) and I think I got a hard cider and most of the family went with beer. (Later we grabbed frozen custard at Freddy’s.) Another delicious spot, thanks Ross for the recommendation!

Saturday was the final day of the competition. Ross and I picked up a few food items to share and joined everyone for another day, followed by the awards ceremony for archery. Stephen placed fifth! We are so proud of all he’s accomplished in less than two years participating in the sport.

After a long day, we refreshed at the hotel before going to Sixty-Six Acres for outstanding veggie appetizers and, for me, shrimp and grits! We had tasty desserts too. Amazing meal and drinks. I had Palomas. Such a treat!

Sunday Robin has to leave, but Ross spent the day at the zoo with everyone else while I worked. I did manage a quick nature walk. They had a great visit, and after we all met up at a tasty Mexican restaurant for dinner, drinks and dessert.

Monday it was just three of us remaining, so Ross hung out with Dad and I until late afternoon, when we all took a gondola ride to the top of Sandia Peak before Mexican at their restaurant on-site.

Tuesday I took Stephen to the airport, packed us up and treated myself to Tia Blue’s for amazing blue corn waffles and Mexican veggies. After we checked out, Ross and I spent more time falling in love with Nob Hill, a sweet vintage-y hipster area in ABQ that we can’t get enough of. Finally I got more ice cream at El Cotorro and we headed home.

This may not have been a vacation for me, but it was the closest I’d had in a long time. We were so spoiled by family and truly loved getting to see everyone. Let’s do it again sometime!

Hope you enjoyed my diary of our week. Have an amazing week yourself!

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