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!