We also enjoyed seeing elk, a black bear named Maggie who sold her art work in the gift shop, prairie dogs, and eagles.

The cougar was very attracted to Cate.  He purred very loud, licked his lips as he came up close, and ran back and forth following her as she moved.  Cate's 2nd grade secret animal is a cougar, so she was happy to see one in person.

The next day, we headed to the Living Desert Museum, a state park.  We loved the indoor greenhouse displaying cacti from all over the world.

After to tour, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the Trinity Hotel.  The hotel is a historic landmark in Carlsbad, and is known for being haunted by ghosts!

We took a tour down the Pecos river, enjoying the many light decorating the river banks.  Carlsbad is known for its seasonal light display, Christmas on the Pecos.

The cave was very dark, with areas highlighted with lights to show the features of the caves.

We learned about stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the history on the huge caves under the rolling hills of Carlsbad, New Mexico.  We rode the elevator down, walked the mile of trail through the caverns, and hiked a mile out the natural entrance.  The bats migrated for the winter, so we did not get to see them as we hike out of the cave

 We took a trip to Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Cate and Caroline spent Christmas day decorating a gingerbread house and train - adding their own unique details.

Hard to tell by the expression on her face, but Cate was very excited to receive a horse for her American Girl doll from Santa. On Christmas Eve we saw Rise of the Guardians, went to church, and enjoyed homemade posole at the Pollard's home.  Cate came home and wrote a letter to Santa letting him know that she believed in him.  She asked him how he named his reindeer, and was surprised to find that he wrote her an note and answered her question.

 For her last lesson of the year, Cate took Charlie for a ride through the pecan fields.

Cate enjoyed helping dad break down the playset - to make room for a backyard remodel!

Cate won the raffle at the Nutcracker's opening show.  She received a nutcracker, signed by all of the members of the Las Cruces Chamber Ballet.

Full of Christmas cheer!

Cate made a family tree of cupcakes...including all pets in the family.

Caroline turned 12!  Cate decorated the table, and helped make dinner "for the girls" - Caroline, her new doll "Caroline", Cate, her doll "Sara" and Mom.

Next, the spa was filled with concrete!

The big hole, was filled with concrete!

Cate enjoyed helping cook the sides for the Thanksgiving meal while dad fried the turkey.  Due to a little mishap...the turkey and oil caught on fire. Dad immediately stopped the fire, and continued to cook the black turkey.  We decided the meat was more tender than usual, and it was very tasty.  Maybe a burned turkey isn't such a big deal after all!

For Thanksgiving, we met Mimi and Dick Daddy in Red River.  There was a good bit of snow along Middle Fork Trail, but now in town. Instead of skiing, we decided to enjoy the cabin and visit with Mimi and Dick Daddy.

Barrow decorated his scout cake in a Gettysburg theme for the annual contest. Cate helped with the design and final decorations.

The Nutcracker Tea was sponsored for Junior LCCB members. Cate enjoyed some yummy food, fun crafts, and getting autographs from LCCB members.

While the lake's dragon was being refurbished, they enjoyed a calm ride around the lake.

 We enjoyed going to the Renaissance Fair, a Las Cruces Tradition. Cate ran into her friend Marisa and they enjoyed watching the presentation on hawks and owls.

 A big hole was dug in the ground, the beginnings of a pool!

Mom went to a meeting in Albuquerque and was away for 2 days.  Cate said that she missed her so much, she made her a cake to celebrate her coming back home!

Halloween...Cate trick or treated with her bee (Rosie) and her friend Madison.

According to the Rangers, this is the busiest time of the year at the Guadalupe Mountains.

Cate sat on a stone bench...that fell. Luckily the Ranger was close by, and came to her rescue.

We stopped to rest along the way, had a picnic lunch at the Pratt House, and enjoyed learning the history of the area along the way.

This was Cate's favorite tree, with green leaves with beautiful red berries. Many trees had leaves that had turned yellow orange and red.

We found some great trees to climb!

We started the next day early, heading to the Guadalupe Mountains, just east of El Paso.  We hiked into McKittrick Canyon, known for its beautiful fall colors.

They also enjoyed the go-cart races.

The hamster run was a new ride.

First stop...the pumpkin ride. We found a field of pumpkins, and picked our favorites to bring home.

We finally made it to the Maize Maze before it closed.

Rosie joined Cate...dressed as a bee!

The next day, Cate changed into her beekeeper outfit. Her friend, Siri, joined her at the Chihuahuan Desert Park for storytelling, crafts, and games.

Halloween festivities started with the Mesilla Park Community Church Fall Festival.  Cate dressed as a bumblebee, while Caroline was Cleopatra.

Chef Cate, fixing treats for the family!

Back to school. Cate started in style with her new reading glasses!

We drove by mom's old home, visited the campus, saw Pop's old office, and shopped at Judge Keller's store.

Before heading home, we went to Clemson, South Carolina, where mom grew up.

We were joined by Nana and Pop's close friends, Farrell and Ann Brown (our old neighbors) and Bob and Susan Brown.  It was a fun evening.

We had a girls day, then dressed up for a special celebration - Nana and Pop's 50th wedding anniversary (about 2 months early!)

The next morning, we were up early, for family pictures at the waterfront.

It was a great day to play at the beach!

Mom, Dad, Caroline and Barrow met Cate in Charleston after her trip.

Before heading home, she also played at Hollywood Studios.  Within minutes of getting in the car for the ride home...she was fast asleep!