Taos for the 4th with the Liffords

We spent a lovely week in Taos with the Lifford. It was difficult getting there as the La Veta pass was closed due to a terrible wildfire, but we made it eventually. We listened to old comedy shows to pass the time in our rental car and the kids were brilliant in the back. (We had Graham and Sam in our car.) The dogs came along and we all did just fine.
We arrived in Taos and after a brief hiccup (we forgot our keys) we were in the house and happy. We went to the Gorge and had dinner and when we got back, Cheris had met Rob in Santa and Fe and had returned and we were a complete party.
I had picked up a paper in town and realized that the entire Carson National Forest was closed due to wildfire danger. Nooooooooooo! All my dreams of hiking came crumbling down around me. We had to come up with new fun.
Michael and Cheris and Rob all had work to do, but we partied around it. On Sunday we went white water rafting and had fun even though the water was SO LOW. That evening we grilled and hung out at the house and the kids made funny Donald Trump parody videos. They all still love each other and consider each other their very best friends and I am so pleased.
The next day I discovered a great little trail to walk with Sookie through the sage brush by the house. That became my daily walk/run. Later, we went into Arroyo Seco and I got the most amazing little pottery wine cups. We poked around in the shops and the kids got ice cream from Taos Cow. That evening we played at KTAOS for happy hour and tried the new menu.
Tuesday I took the kids to town and we explored the plaza, played at Twirl, ate at my favorite noodle stand (Marshall's), bought chocolate, checked out the knitting store, and bought two shirts at Seconds for Michael. That afternoon I took Violet and Davis back to the knitting store and Davis got his first knitting lesson! He is hooked. That evening we played Catan, pingpong and I cooked supper.
Wednesday was the 4th of July and everybody had off from work. We started at the Arroyo Seco parade and got great seats. After the parade we stopped at Val and Chris's house for an open house party. It was so nice to see them and taste the delicious food! After a while we headed up the mountain for the rubber duck race but only caught the tail end of it. The mountain party was a bit of a bust because the closures of forest had forced it all into the little area by Rhoda's. We didn't stay long, but headed back down the mountain for a rest. After a rest, we went to the Taos Mesa Brewery to see the Red Elvises play. I had seen them back in LA in college on the street and remembered buying their CD and really enjoying them. There was a free concert downtown Taos with lots of bands, but we all thought it would be more fun to go see the Red Elvises and we were right! They were so much fun and even got Davis dancing. We headed home in time to see the fireworks from he car and stopped at the entrance to the neighborhood to watch the finale from the wall. It was really magical.
The next day, everyone had to work, but I played lots of olly olly oxen free and cooked posole for dinner. Cheris ran out and bought tamales from Leonel's and we had a feast prepared for dinner. Marcie and Ann brought the kids that evening and we had a great time visiting with them. There was lots of laughter!
Friday was our last day and though Cheris and Michael had to work, Rob and I took the kids into town and walked through an art festival, played at the playground with them, visited the plaza and watched the world cup game at the Adobe bar. The kids made fairy houses that afternoon and then we went to KTAOS for one last happy hour in happy place. It was absolutely lovely.
Saturday morning we watched the world cup before packing up and driving a gorgeous way home. I was sad to leave Taos, but I hope to go back later this summer when I can do some hiking.
It was so nice to spend the week with our best friends in such a beautiful place. I know how lucky we all are.