We took the kids to the circus. .and agreed we would buy them nothing. We never realized how much marketing they did towards the kids. . "we want that. .and we want this". We decided next time we would pay extra for seats in the "no sell" zone. . kind of like the check out lane without the candy. Do you think that exists? Finally, PaPa gave in and bought all the kids a ticket to ride the elephant. It was worth it. .they all thought it was pretty neat.

This elephant act impressed us all. .who would think you could get an elephant to sit down?

and then stand up on a little platform?

and then lift his hind legs? Amazing!

A great time was had by all!

Celebrating Chloe's 4th Birthday party at the Princess Palace. She was in her glory dressed as Ariel.

Getting ready for her nails to be painted. . blush to be applied and 'wip' gloss! Wow!

The final product. . .don't we look like a princess?

The Queens enjoying the show. Isn't it nice when you can still pick your kid's friends? Mommy loves that she can invite the kids who have parents she like spending time with. . someday, that won't work!

Yummy birthday cupcakes!

The Princess. . Diva. . .Birthday Girl!

All the girls ready to go to the ball!

Ms. Michelle was sprinkling princess fairy dust on Chloe for her birthday!

A few shots of her friends on the cat walk. . .

Princess Avery before she hit the catwalk

Princess Tiffany

Princess Maggie

Princess Sophia

Princess Addy

Princess Lili (our youngest princess. .but she did great).

Princess Sarah (our oldest princes. .that set a wonderful example)!

Ms. Michelle is giving the girls a lesson in manners.

Ms. Michelle reading the book Chloe picked out

Time to sing Happy Birthday

Posing for a final princess picture. . . .

and a silly picture!

It was fun watching the girl's have a great time.

Celebrating Baby Meyer. . oops, we mean Big Boy Meyer's 2nd Birthday!

More Christmas Chaos in Texas. . we flew back to Houston and arrived around 2am. The next morning, we all had more Christmas celebrations. Mommy was very fortunate this year. . .she received a painting by a dear family friend (Pat we love your work) and a necklace that she had seen at the Armadillo Bazaar (thanks Kimmie).

Don't you just love Chloe's styling hat. .thanks Grannie! She wears that one frequently to play at the neighbors!

Miss Chloe received an American Girl doll (that looks just liker her). The best part is she has dance clothes (just like Chloe's) for dance class. Ms Christine (her dance teacher) thought it was pretty cool when she brought her to dance class. Chloe was very proud!

Grannie and PaPa asked Zachary if there was anything that Santa Claus forgot this year. . he goes on to describe this cleaning cart. Now who would think that a 5-year old boy would want a toy that mimics cleaning? It was the biggest hit with all the kids!

So after celebrating our FOURTH Christmas, we got in the car and headed back to Austin. It was New Year's Eve and we had plans to see Bob Schneider at the Paramount! What a show. We were functioning on no sleep. .but it was well worth the trip.

More budling up to go outside. .this time Mallory and Audrey shared some of their warmer clothes.

Celebrating Cousin Mallory's 4th Birthday! We had given all the girl cousins in New York the same dress. . and they all wore it for the birthday celebration!

Here's what the ladies do at the parties. . .

and here is what the gentlemen do!

The birthday girl getting all the presents (and assistance) she ever needed/wanted.

Happy Sweet 4th Birthday Mallory!