A Merry Christmas in Texas

We fed the ducks at a nearby pond. There were
tons of ducks and they got so close they would
take the food right out of your hand and let you
pet them. They were also pushing the kids around
and in the water, but the kids loved it.

Sam and cousin Shane went up to their waste
in the freezing cold pool. Hannah later joined
in on the fun, but none of the adults went for it.

Later at night we all enjoyed the hot tub

Hannah loved all the dogs. Especially Rebel, the
biggest one that let her ride him.

Making Christmas cookies. The boys did great
even though Shane made only candy cane cutouts.

They even did a good job frosting the cookies.
Notice Shane frosting his candy canes.

The tree before the kids got up. There were a
lot of people, there fore a lot of presents.

Hannah loves Blue's Clues. She did not get that
into unwrapping though, she preferred playing
with all the presents.

Shane with his cowboy boots and Sam loved
the nerf gun.

It was a nice little vacation to visit with family, and the kids got many presents which they are enjoying very much. They have a lot of stuff now to keep them busy in the house, which is good for us because they are better playing with toys than getting into trouble. We have also learned to buy 2 of pretty much everything which cuts down on the fighting. The joys of having 2 very active children.
Anyway, the kids are doing great. Sam is loving playing with our neighbor's 4 yr. old girl, playing computer games, and is wanting to do everything "by myself." Hannah is getting really good at talking and is able to put a couple of words together to get her needs known. She also loves any kind of animal, and they love her. Even the animals that won't let anyone touch them, comes to her and she pets them, hugs them, and is very gentle with them.