Stock show!

Every February, there is a big stock show that happens in Fort Worth. It goes on for weeks, and there are always tons of animals to see. We have gone for the last 3 years. This year was the best yet, mostly because of the girls' ages. Hannah was much more outgoing and adventurous about being near the animals. She even rode a pony for the first time! And Clara loved being able to run around and see everything (last year she was still stoller bound and hated it). Also, the weather was really nice. It was a little chilly, like 15 degrees cooler than the rest of the week had been, but considering that last year I think it was only 32 degrees when we went, it was awesome!

       This rooster was crowing up a storm. The girls loved it and they both talked about it for weeks.

waiting "patiently" for the petting zoo

This is Rosie, Hannah's pony. I'm still a little surprised by how good Hannah did!

YEE HAW!!!!!!!!

Christmas day

We had a few "Santa" gifts laid out for the girls on Christmas morning, like a kitchen and easel and a box of puzzles. They also each got a few small things in their stockings. We played for a little while before getting dressed and going to Dan's parent's house for breakfast. There, they got their biggest and most beloved present, their very own trampoline. We came back around lunch time, and my dad and Steve helped Dan put it up. It took almost the entire afternoon, but it was worth it. The giggling was completely out of control. They can't get enough of it.

Christmas eve

As we've done the last few years, we got together with my family on Christmas eve. The weather was fairly nice, so the girls were able to play outside for a while before Grandpa Larry and Steve got there. They all made out like bandits and had a great time. It was fun watching their reactions (or lack thereof) to the presents.

Family pictures

In November my Mom had some family pictures taken with us and my brother's family. One of our friends from church is a photographer, and she did a great job. It was kind of crazy with these 3 girls, but she had brought her daughter along to help and she was awesome! While we took pictures she jumped up and down and danced and made faces, and then she would take them "Troll hunting" to keep them happy while we took pictures of the adults. It made the whole experience a lot more pleasant for everyone. Even with that, though, it was still nearly impossible to get all the girls to look at the camera at the same time. And Clara was just not interested at all. Here are some of my favorites.

Clara would NOT sit still for pictures!

The only one of all 4 of us looking at the camera

Off to find more trolls

You gotta love that face! So stinking cute!