{Vacation days 3 & 4}

Day 3 – Cloudcroft, Ruidoso, White Sands NM

Tuesday morning we woke up and drove to Ruidoso. We really didn’t know anything about the town, but have always heard about it. So, needless to say, we didn’t really have any plans while there. We drove around for a bit and then stopped at a visitor center that had many statue horses. It was pretty neat and it allowed us to stretch our legs and let Mason run some energy off. We couldn’t find the little restaurant GPS was taking us to, so we settled for Taco Bell for lunch. It started drizzling while we were eating. After lunch we drove to some little shops to walk around. It sprinkled on and off, but not enough to make us leave. We went to several shops and then it came a downpour. That? Was enough to make us leave! We left Ruidoso and drove to White Sands, NM. It was about an hour and 20 minute drive. Mason napped on our way – finally. He didn’t nap any of the drive to NM!! That really surprised me. Anyhow, driving into the White Sands National Monument you really don’t know what to expect. You drive for {what seems like} miles before you get to mounds and mounds of white sand. It was the coolest thing ever! The sun was out, so it was extremely hot to walk on without shoes. But, we were determined to get to the top!! Hands down my favorite place in NM so far this trip! We played for a while and drove around the whole monument. Mason was asleep until our last leg of the park. I was happy he woke up because I really wanted him to see the sand. He was a little hesitant at first. It was bright, hot and he had just woke up. But he did play in it a bit. We had such a wonderful time. That evening we ate at a little bar and café in Cloudcroft. It was a neat atmosphere and the food was pretty good. We went back to the cabin after that and got ready for bed. Mason had pretty bad night terrors that evening and he and I ended up having to sleep on the couch. He wanted to part of our bed or bedroom. It was a rough night, but we managed.

Cloudcroft, NM

Cloudcroft, NM

Cloudcroft, NM

Cloudcroft, NM

Cloudcroft, NM

Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso, NM

Ruidoso, NM
Ruidoso, NM

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument
White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

Cloudcroft, NM

Cloudcroft, NM

Cloudcroft, NM

 Day 4 – Cloudcroft, Alamogordo, Whitesands NM

Wednesday was the day we had planned for The Alamogordo Zoo and Toy Train Museum. We ate breakfast in Cloudcroft at the same café we ate dinner at the night before. After breakfast we walked the shops of Cloudcroft a bit. Then we were off to Alamogordo!! First stop; the zoo. We knew it was a tiny zoo, but wow was it tiny. I think it cost like $12.50 for all 6 of us to get in. It was extremely hot and apparently feeding time for the animals so we didn’t get to see any of the cool ones. But we still had a good time. And? Mason made friends on the playground. After the Zoo we headed to the Toy Train museum. We did the tour and train ride combo. The tour itself was neat, but a little too long. My little two year old doesn’t have an attention span that long. He was getting bored and restless. Not a good combo when there are so many collectibles around! Finally it was time to ride the train. Mason was so excited. He said, “This is so fun, Mommy” and then throughout the ride he’d tell me, “I’m still having fun Mommy”. It made my heart so happy to see him so excited. After the museum and train ride we drove through the mountains and did a little hiking. That evening we went back to White Sands National Monument. Our pass was good for 6 days, so we went back! It was even cooler and more fun the 2nd time. The sun was down, so the sand wasn’t as hot. We had a blast!! We rolled down the hill, drew pictures in the sand, buried monster trucks and just enjoyed each other’s company. Mason would climb as high as he could and then slide down on his belly. Sleeping was a little better that evening!! I prayed and prayed for no night terrors. And? Prayers answered!!!

Alamogordo, NM
Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM
Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM
Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM
Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo, NM
White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

4 comments

  1. What excellent pictures and what a beautiful blog! It's so nice to meet you -- coming over from Texas Bloggers!

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  2. How crazy that I've actually been to ALL those cities! We used to spend Christmas in some cabins in Cloudcroft. We'd walk across the street and go shopping w/ my momma. Lots of great memories there. My dad even owned some property up in the mountains in cloudcroft!

    And white sands!? LOOOOOVED it there! We would rent sleds and stuff and just have a ball.

    Thanks for sharing. Made me remember some great memories.

    (btw not sure if you knew you have captcha/word verificiation turned on - makes it a bit difficult to comment)

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  3. Mason is TOO cute! Also, love the apple barn and that sand is SO pretty.

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  4. Your little Mason is absolutely adorable!!! What a fun trip! I grew up in Albuquerque, so I obviously love New Mexico. I haven't been to cloudcroft, but I have been to White Sands. I still need to take my kids there someday. Cute blog!! I'm a new follower. :)

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Thanks for the comments! Hope you are having an amazing day!!