ruidoso trip part one

We had such a fabulous time on our anniversary getaway trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico!! I'm going to break the recap down into a few posts, so below is post #1! Enjoy!

Friday, August 14
We left Abilene right after work, and drove to Post, TX. We stopped for a quick dinner at Pizza Hut, and then continued on our way to New Mexico. We got into Ruidoso around 12:30 MDT and proceeded to find a hotel room for the night. But only after a quick stop at Walmart for some Benedryl…something had my allergies flared up! We found a room at the La Quinta, and slept hard…

Saturday, August 15
Chris woke up early for a run, and then we had breakfast at the hotel. We took a short stroll down the main road, Sudderth, where all the quaint little shops are. There were a few cute stores, but nothing we needed to buy. From there, we headed to Ruidoso Downs Horse Race Track. We were both very excited to experience the horse races, because neither of us had before. The experience did not disappoint!!!


The big sign for the race track and casino...

The stands nestled in the beautiful mountains...

We both had a great time, minus the sunburns we acquired! We didn’t do any betting (neither of us enjoys gambling) but the races were fun! There were longer distance races that ran on the inside track, and those were a bit difficult to see because of a divider. But the sprint races were run on the outer track, closest to the spectators and I was able to get a few great photos! The sprints were thrilling, the noise of the pounding hooves getting louder and louder as they approached you was just so impressive. Those horses were amazing machines. And the jockeys were so little! We ate some junk food, bought souveniers at the gift shop (a hat for Chris and his sunburned head, and a cute tshirt for me), and just enjoyed the day of racing immensely.

The starting gates...and they're off!

The jockeys rode the horses out before each race, and it was amazing how small the men were! And the way they sit on the horses is so crazy...all curled up and barely on...

During one of the sprints...

The sound they made as they sped past was amazing!

Kelley at the race track, wearing her new Pink Pony Ralph Lauren shirt (anniversary gift)...

I am a lucky woman to be married to a man so cute!!

From there, we went and checked into our cabin nestled in the pine trees…a cute, tiny little cabin, but perfect surroundings. And only a brisk walk to the main street. A perfect location, near a creek with deer.

West Winds Lodge...

We walked around the cabin area for a bit and saw some beautiful scenery...pine trees and a creek and flowers...so peaceful...

The deer were obviously very used to having people around all the time...this beauty didn't care that we were close by at all...she continued with her day and finally walked away...

And then Chris had some surprises in store for me!! We decided to open our anniversary gifts, and what fun!! For Chris, I bought the funnest t-shirt…now, if he’ll actually wear it is another story! I also bought him a one hour massage and some soft Ralph Lauren pj pants and the softest white sleep shirt. My gifts were amazing, as always. I am a spoiled girl!! First up was a Pink Pony Ralph Lauren shirt…long sleeve black with a huge pink horse (see horse race photos above, what better shirt to wear to horse races!!) He also bought me a beautiful garnet necklace that I love! I did not know, but apparently the stone for second anniversary is garnet. I just thought it was cotton or china. Who knew! My husband, of course. Love it.

Classic, isn't it?? :)

My beautiful necklace...I'll try to find a pic of it online so you can see it close up. It's gorgeous.

Chris looking like Mr. GQ on our way to our fancy dinner at Willmon's...

For our anniversary, he took me to Ruidosa’s finest dining establishment called Willmon’s. Very delicious and classy. We both dressed to the nines and enjoyed lots of yummy food…Chris had the salmon and I had some shrimp. Mmmm mmm. And Chris found a new wine that he loves, and luckily the sell it here in town! We enjoyed some ice cream cones, and then from there, he told me he was taking me dancing! Anyone who knows us knows we don’t do much dancing…in all the years we’ve been together, we’ve probably danced two times. We walked back to our cabin and changed clothes, then headed back to Ruidoso’s #1 bar Win Place Show. It was a country bar, and Chris gave me a quick two-step lesson (very quick) and we got out on the floor. I think in all we did three dances, and let me just say…I was no good! All the dancing I did growing up was by myself…not in couples. I don’t know how to dance like that and let a man lead!! I felt like I was all over the place, and we ran into multiple people! I hope I didn’t embarrass him! J I think it was a fun time though, even though we definitely need much more practice…or I do, anyway!!!

It was a great first day in Ruidoso, we loved it there. And more importantly, just being the two of us is always a welcome experience...stay tuned for the next installment :)