"Thanksmas" Vacation VI

On the afternoon of November 17th, we loaded in the car to drive to Mimi and Papa's house.  As we drove in through the hill country, the kids were enjoying the "roller coaster" hills with their arms in the air...

and squeals of delight.

We went out on the deck first thing...

and Everett was very impressed with the spa!

The next morning, we went out for a walk and while Emily pushed, Everett pointed out exactly where he wanted to go.

The rocks!  Emily obliged and got him rocks all along the way.

After that, it was time for our first swim.  Everett was eager to get in (even though Mama forgot to pack and swimming gear)...

and it did NOT disappoint.

We spent more time outside later in the day drawing with chalk.

And that evening, as Emily sat crying in time out, Everett went to check on her and sat down right next to her.  It made her giggle and cheered her up right away though it didn't save her from having to complete her time out.

The next morning, Monday the 19th, started with a game of cards... 

and then Emily went along to Mimi's haircut where she was given free reign over Mimi's camera.

She took 135 pictures during a very short time and was totally delighted.

That afternoon, Mama and Daddy went out to run errands and then off to a date night so Emily and Everett stayed home with Mimi and Papa.  During that time a fox came up on the patio and everyone was able to see it up close!

Then, they went down the back hill to mark trees (some to be cut, others to remain) and Emily found the old, forgotten tree house...

big rocks,

and a beetle.

It was probably about that time that Mama and Daddy were bidding farewell to our great friends in San Antonio before joining a couple others for dinner!

After our dinner, we went back north and stayed in Lakeway thanks to an overnight gift from Mimi and Papa!  We were on the other side of the lake...

from where the kids were getting up and Emily was helping frost a carrot cake.

Then, they dined al fresco and Emily took control of the camera again...

(including this shot of the deer bones she had found on the hill the day before)

and even got a swim in the "pool" before Mama and Daddy returned and everyone was reunited.