Ranch Trip

 We purchased a few days stay at a ranch owned by a Covenant family at last year's auction.  It was out East between Canton and Tyler.  Annabelle was so excited that they had horses on the property.

Nana, Papa, Jeffrey, and GF Rebekah joined us for the first day at the ranch.

Papa brought his bb gun for the kids to use.

And the kids also shot the bow and arrow.

They also did some fishing.  Both kids caught a few fish.

We had to walk through a pasture of cows to get to the pond.

Bear and Annabelle cuddling on the couch.

Annabelle liked this stuffed bear that they had.

Caden with one of his fish.

Bear saying hello to one of the horses.

One last time to pet the horses before we headed home.

When we got back from the ranch, we celebrated Christmas with Mimi and Tia.  I forgot to take a picture of the kids with Mimi and Tia, but here is a picture of Annabelle opening her gift.

One morning I was walking Bear and I saw these two vultures perched up in a tree.

Juillerat Christmas

 Bob and Rebecca's family drove up on the 26th.  So the whole family was in Dallas at our house to celebrate, which was so much fun.  Jeffrey's girlfriend was even able to join us.  A few pics opening presents.

Caden with his gift from Nana and Papa.

We borrowed a folding table, so we would all be able to sit at one table.  The set table from upstairs.

Christmas dinner.

With everyone together, we were able to take a family picture.

Christmas 2021

 A few family pictures before opening presents.

Ready for stockings!

Bear got a present, too.

Annabelle's big gift was a Cricut.  She was pretty excited.  Caden's "big" present was an empty box...with a picture of a Gabb watch in it.  Unfortunately, his gift won't arrive until after Christmas.

Bear loved his present!

Start of Christmas Vacation

 Bear is enjoying the lazy days of vacation!  He's doing great with potty training, so he has earned a little freedom.  We still have to watch him closely because he can get into trouble chewing things he's not supposed to chew.

Caden and Laura had grand plans to organize Lego's over the break.  Here's a before pic of Caden's secret room.  He wants to put some of his City sets together to sell them.

Laura took a while to decide on rugs in the master bath.  She finally chose some 4 months ago, and they arrived just in time for Christmas.

Annabelle decided she wanted to cut her hair.  It had gotten so long that it was getting quite tangled, especially at night.  We forgot to take a before pic, but this picture was taken after an inch was already cut.  We ended up cutting about 4-5 inches off.

And an after picture.

We bought a gingerbread house kit to put together.  Everything is sorted and ready for construction.

Starting construction.

Bear really wanted to help!

Papa was helping, too.

The kids worked on the front together.

Then they each had one side.  Here's Annabelle with her side.

And Caden with his side.