The prairie dogs were also happy to have guests. They came out of their homes and tried their best to talk to us. We also saw elk, a black bear, several different reptiles, and an eagle.

We enjoyed looking at all the different cacti on display in the greenhouse, the bobcats, who were sleeping, and the cougar, who was ready to play chase!

The next day, we toured the Living Desert Museum, a State Park.

After the ride, we went to the history Trinity hotel for a delicious meal.  We also learned the history of the hotel, which is now haunted by 2 ghost!

We bundled up for a ride down the Pecos river, enjoying the holiday lights on display along the river banks. Carlsbad is know for its program, Christmas on the Pecos.

We also had fun playing in the visitor's center.

We took the elevator down 750 ft., walked a mile along the trails in the cave, and hiked a mile out the natural entrance.  The bats had migrated for the winter, so we did not get to see any as we hiked out.

The caves were dark, but highlighted in areas to show the stalactites and stalagmites.  It was amazing to see.

 We took a trip to Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Barrow was also excited to get a remote controlled helicopter which he charged up and practiced flying around the house.

Christmas arrived.  Barrow was excited to get a Magnum 44 play gun.  He just graduated from New Mexico Hunter's Safety.  On Christmas Eve we saw Rise of the Guardians, went to church, and enjoyed some posole at the Pollard's home.  Barrow came home and wrote a letter to Santa, listing all of the gifts he would like for Christmas. On Christmas day, he said he was a little disappointed that Santa did not bring him and "M" rated game.  We told him Santa was probably waiting until he turned 18!

Barrow, Cate and Caroline helped dad knock down the playset - which had spent 10 years with our family!

Chef Barrow and Chef Lowell enjoying their treats after cooking class

The spa next to the pool was filled with concrete!

Dad showed up at practice so much, he was recruited for the role of Charlie!

Barrow did a great job as Peter Bailey, in St. Paul's UMC production of It's a Wonderful Life.

Concrete filled the dirt hole...getting closer to having our own pool!

Barrow enjoyed helping prepare food in the kitchen while Dad fried the turkey.  There was a mishap with the turkey...the turkey and oil caught on fire.  Dad quickly stopped the fire, and finished cooking the turkey.  Even with black skin, the turkey meat was delicious.  We decided that burning it wasn't such a bad thing after all!