03 Aug Red, White, And A Memorable Hike

This weekend was definitely one for the books.

About two weeks ago, my brother Jordan called me saying, “Kay (his wife) and I are coming to Santa Fe next weekend.” I’m pretty sure I joyfully shouted in response.

Kay and I at El Rancho de las Golondrinas.

 Jordan joined the U.S. army at age 18. My first day of college was his first day of boot camp. Almost five years, he’s travel worldwide and established his own home just north of New Mexico. Last weekend was my first time seeing him in a year, and meeting my sister-in-law for the first time. Honestly, no words could truly express how elated I was to see them. Now there was another surprise I was not anticipating and her name is Isabel. Isabel decided to road trip to Santa Fe for the weekend. She and I met almost eight years ago at the Hispanic Youth Institute. Since then, our lives have managed align in similar directions. We’re both Maryland gals and live less than 30 minutes away from each other. We chose universities that were less than hour apart. Truthfully, we just thought this was simply coincidental.  Then we both became LHIP interns. So, maybe fate is really in our friendships favor? I’d like to think so.

 El Rancho de las Golondrinas.

Downtown Santa Fe 4th of July Festival.

If there is anything I learned from this unforgettable four-day experience, is to always appreciate good company. Our weekend consisted of New Mexican cuisine, laughter, and a memorable hike at Santa Fe National Forest. Luckily, I remembered to blog our hike and here it is: