The Bowles Family!: December 2010

Bowles Family Christmas

Cousins!

This was not Harley's first Christmas, but it was the first really exciting one. She is really saying a lot of words, can run like the wind, and seems to love candy canes!

Tearing into their gifts from Grandma and Papa!

Jack got a double bug set from Jake - a chance to raise both ladybugs and butterflies. He is really excited about this but he told me he needs to wait until the weather is warmer (which I'm sure is a good idea). AnneMarie got a scooter from Mason and she has been riding it all around our front room. She is really getting good! The kids were also really impressed that Jake drove himself to the party in his own car (he turned 16 a couple weeks ago).
The Bowles Family Christmas on the weekend before the holiday has been a great tradition for a few years now, I hope it will continue! Thanks so much to Ben and Kelly for hosting.

River of Lights

We checked out the River of Lights downtown again this year. They had made obvious improvements and there was a whole new section way in the back by the Heritage Farm. The kids really love this tradition. It isn't an easy event to photograph, though, these photos hardly do it justice.

Crowded, but not too cold. A great time! A true Albuquerque tradition.

Zoo Visit

AnneMarie reminded me that the zoo pass we received as a gift last Christmas was about to expire. I checked the date and it expired the very next day! So, we planned a trip to the zoo. Luckily, the weather cooperated, it was dry and about 55 degrees.

The kids brought crackers to feed the peacocks and ducks. A couple of male peacocks were close enough to touch, they have no fear, especially if snacks are involved!

Posing in a little cave.

Can you see Julia's new teeth? Believe it or not, she lost another tooth on the drive home from the zoo!

The girls posing as "bad cats!"
We loved being able to visit the zoo and aquarium any time we wanted to this year. Jack and I had more opportunities to go than the rest of the family, but we all made great use of the pass. Thanks, Grandma Nancy & Papa Bob!

The Rio Grande zoo just got a wombat, they say it is the only one living in North America. He is so cute! The kids loved that he had a "stuffy" and he was actually cuddled up sleeping with it. He just woke up long enough to pose for this picture. Another time we went by his enclosure he was running around and playing. Adorable!

Gingerbread Houses

Our friends invited us over to decorate REAL gingerbread houses! Rebekah baked these herself, they smell delicious. The kids had a lot of fun, and the result was a beautiful decoration. I was nervous about transporting it home, but it arrived safely. Thank you for such a fun time!

Apparently all second graders find "bunny ears" hilarious.

Bella peeking out!

Benedict did not approve of AnneMarie & Jack removing candy to nibble so soon! Frankly, neither did I. :)

First Snow

A few pics from the first snowfall of the season. School was cancelled, which was kind of a disappointment, because it was supposed to be the last day before winter break. The kids were looking forward to holiday parties and giving their teachers gifts. Oh well! We made a snowman in the backyard and then baked cookies at grandma & papa's house instead.

Abby loves the snow! Julia came over too but she had very little tolerance for the snow. She went inside before I managed to get a picture of her!

Santa & School Pics

AnneMarie wanted a "blue dress with snowflakes" this year, we found this one on eBay. Jack got a fair isle sweater to match, Nathan didn't love it but I think they both look cute.

AnneMarie at age 7 in 2nd grade. Her best school picture yet, first time we didn't do retakes.

Jack at age 4 in PreK.

Thanksgiving in Rio Rancho

Due to many unusual circumstances this year, we stayed in Rio Rancho for Thanksgiving. The kids were disappointed, they love going to Roswell, but we had a great time. It was my first time to have Thanksgiving dinner with my parents since 1995! Nathan also experimented with a gluten-free Thanksgiving. Overall, it was a fun year.