Most entertaining was the Mountain Lion.  He was attracted to Cate, and would chase her as she ran back and forth.  We could hear him purr as he approached the fence.

We saw elk, a black bear, prarie dogs, retiles, bobcats, and an eagle.

The next day, we headed to the Living Desert Museum, a State Park.  We enjoyed seeing all the different cacti from around the world in the greenhouse.

After the tour, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the historic Trinity Hotel. We learned about the hotel history, and the ghost that continue to haunt the hotel.

We bundled up and took a tour down the Pecos River, enjoying the lights along the river banks. Carlsbad is know for its seasonal display of lights, Christmas on the Pecos.

We also enjoyed touring the visitor's center and learning from the park rangers.

We hiked a mile out of the natural entrance of the cave.  The bats had migrated for the winter, so we did not get to see them.

We took the elevator down 750 feet, then walked a mile along the trails of the "big room".  Along the way we learned about the history of the caves and the formations in the caves - with an audio tour.

The caverns were dark, but highlighted in areas with lights to display the stalactites and stalagmites that made the caves look so neat.

We spent a weekend in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Caroline and Cate spent Christmas day decorating the gingerbread house and train - using their own creative ideas.

Christmas day arrived and Caroline was excited to receive a Vera Bradley phone bag from Santa.  We spent Christmas Eve seeing the Rise of the Guardians, going to church, and enjoying posole at the Pollard's home.

Caroline enjoyed helping dad break down the playset - which she had played on, and built forts around for the last 10 years.

Caroline was also a bon bon with her friend Leah.  She rolled out from under the skirt of Mother Ginger (who one night was Ken Binkley!)

 The 2012 Nutcracker.  Caroline had fun as a party scene boy.  She was also chosen as Fritz understudy.

Tinkerbell, Wendy, Dorothy, Cinderella, Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, Alice and Snow White joined in on the fun. Wendy and Goldilocks were the guilty ones...they stole the cookies from the cupboard!

Caroline celebrated her birthday with 8 friends.  She hosted a mystery party, and she was the Queen of Hearts!

Caroline turned 12.  She was so excited to receive another American Girl doll - Caroline Abbott.

The spa next to the pool was filled with concrete.

Caroline's performance theater class performed a Christmas Play for parents.  Caroline had the role of Abigail, and did a fabulous job.

Michele's Dance Academy hosted an open house for Level C dancers.  We enjoyed watching Caroline in class.  This was her pointe class (after starting 2 months ago) where she did not get any blisters.

Concrete filled the hole for the pool.