Exploring Sante Fe

So one might think after the crazy and tiring week we had this week, that the Steffen family might do some relaxing at home this weekend......not so much! The sights and culture here are just too magnificent to not explore. Nick took Nora to work with him bright and early this morning to finish up some last minute reports while Mum Mum (that is what baby Nora calls me) caught up on a bit of much needed sleep and packed up the car for our little outing. Although Santa Fe is only about 60 miles away, anytime you are traveling with a little one, there is some prep work to be done. This is quite a change that Nick and I have had to adjust to, as we have always been on-the go people and just up and leave for an adventure anytime we want. 

Sweet Nora has become quite the little traveler these days. The car is full of all her noisy toys and we try to time our departure times around her nap time (when she decides to grace us with one of those). We had no set plan but just pointed our GPS in the direction of Santa Fe and hit the road. We like traveling this way best. Me, being the talker I am, can always ask the locals once we arrive, about  the town hot spots and attractions to see. After a very breath taking and scenic drive, we ended up in the Santa Fe "Plaza" area which was absolutely stunning. I could barely wait to get out of the car to wonder around all the shops, jewelry vendors and historic buildings. Below are some of my favorite pics of the day!

After browsing around, buying some neat artifacts and eating lunch at the pizza joint named Santa Fe's Best Pizza of the Year, we took another leisurely drive through the mountains and saw where all the skiers during the winter time. Nora was able to take her afternoon nap during this time so I actually got to sit in the front seat with my husband, where most of the time I had my head hanging out of the window taking pictures :) We had a fabulous time and will definitely being making a return trip (or two or three).

Living in the Mountains

I have yet to get a picture that does the mountains justice. It really is beautiful here. This is the walking trail that goes by our condo. (side note: you really have to watch for creatures while taking your stroll)

 The playground next to the condo. The only grass we can find nearby so Tripp gets a walk here nearly every night :)

 Outside of the condo. Looks kinda spooky at night but the mountains are literally in our back yard!

 A few inside pics...of course Nora's toys have taken over! It was very important to me to make this place feel like home to help ease the transition for her.

 Dining area...

I am most impressed by the bathrooms, lol. The condo leaves a bit to be desired but they sure outdid themselves on the updates here.

BACK STORY>>>


I have to admit that when Nick first approached me about the job opportunity in Albuquerque, I was a bit hesitant. Not only did I love Ft. Worth, but I was nervous to move somewhere that I had never even visited!! The first thought that popped into my mind was, why would you want to live in the desert?! However, after spending many late evenings on the internet doing some research and talking with others, I was beginning to change my mind.We had to make a very quick decision so I left this one to my husband. I truly believe that you can be happy anywhere as long as you have each other and a positive attitude to go along with it :) Every city has new restaurants to try, scenery to see, attractions to visit and new friends to be made.

Although I was not fond of the idea of Nick leaving in only two short weeks and leaving me to care for the baby, dogs and house by myself, we didn't have much of a choice. I will tell you though, that in a month apart, I did learn that I am capable of being a very independent woman! Not only did I coordinate everything for the move, from appraisals to realtors, I mowed the lawn, kept the house clean and organized, attended all our regular scheduled activities and even managed to make a nearly 12 hour road trip back to Kansas all by myself. All of these chores are no easy task when also trying to manage a very busy and energetic 9 month old who does not like to sleep! I don't usually brag on myself but I do feel mighty proud for this one...

During our month apart, I did give Nick the reigns on searching for us a new home. Of course I would not let him make the final decision but I did let him help weed down the list. I would search the internet nearly every night after Nora went to sleep and send listings to the realtor. Then Nick would spend his weekends with her getting to know the area. Luckily after I made a quick overnight trip to ABQ at the beginning of June, we found a house we both loved! (I will post more pics of the new house once we move) We are praying that everything goes as planned and we should close on it, July 19 and move shortly after.

I am realizing this is getting pretty long so I guess I should make sure I save some for future posts and not bore you to much. At least now you know a little of the back story on why we decided to up and move even farther from our families :)

New Mom Takes on a New City

Howdy Y'all!
I guess I can still talk like that even though I can no longer consider myself a Texan...
My purpose for starting this blog is to update, inform and hopefully entertain those friends and family we have near and far. It is hard to pick a starting point as most of you already know me, and I  have lived quite the busy life for my 30 short years now :) Most of you would probably describe me as energetic, outgoing, social, happy go lucky, stylish, bossy, and opinionated but open-minded. To add to all these personal qualities, above all else, I can now add "Mommy" to list of my character traits.

When meeting my husband  (almost exactly 4 years to the day), I knew right away that entering into a relationship with him meant also becoming bound to his career. Being raised in a small town, (which I loved) I was ready to venture outside of those boundaries and explore what the world had to offer. Needless to say, moving was a must for him so I decided to join him in the adventure! We spent 3 amazing years in what I would consider the best state in the US, Texas. We met so many great friends, enjoyed numerous outings and road trips and the list goes on with fun....Honestly in my heart of hearts, I believe I could be a Texas girl for a lifetime and hope that eventually our path of life will lead me back there for retirement :)

The biggest accomplishment of my life so far (aside from completing my Bachelors and Masters degrees) has been giving birth to the most precious baby girl I could of ever asked for! You will find that most of my blog will revolve around little Miss Nora Cate Steffen. Our little surprise/miracle baby has brought joy to us that no one can even describe. I am so glad to have her as my sidekick on this awesome adventure we call LIFE!

Throughout my next posts, I plan to share pictures and notes on how we are adjusting to our new city of Albuquerque and also share my thoughts as a way for me to stay sane, lol. I would love for you to follow along and comment whenever you feel like it! We miss you all and think about our roots often.