Thursday, December 31, 2009

Introducing... Baxter!





The newest member of the McClure family. Baxter is an 11 month old Russian Blue mix that we adopted from Town Lake Animal Shelter. We went to the shelter to "look at titty tats" as Quinn says and left with Baxter only 45 minutes later. He is so sweet and social and even allows Quinn to carry him around, purring all the way. He is very curious about Wesley and approaches her and lets her pet him. After only two hours in the house he joined Mike and Quinn on the sofa, where he curled up in Mike's lap. Although he has not officially met Pollock and Boone he did catch a glimpse of them downstairs and seemed unfazed. We're pretty optimistic that there shouldn't be too many fights between them in our future.
Some of you might know that Mike is allergic to cats. Russian Blues typically shed less and are good for people with cat allergies. But, Baxter's such a sweetie that Mike has said he'll visit an allergist if his act up because Baxter is here to stay!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

After Christmas we packed up the car and took the girls on their first real road trip. We headed 10 hours west to New Mexico with our friends, the Norris family. Michelle's grandparents have an amazing house in the mountains near Cloudcroft. We played in the snow, the sand, and enjoyed the fresh mountain air. The hospitality and company could not be beat - we had a great trip!

The Tinguely Residence - once home to 14 kids!

Getting suited up for the snow after breakfast

The girls on the front porch swing

The sledding team
* More photos to come once we get some from the Norris's camera.

Christmas 2009

Quinn shows off her gingerbread house which she made at the Austin Children's Museum. Mommy and Quinn went with Linnea and Zailey Falk. It was a blast!

Quinn and Wesley prepare Santa's plate of cookies on Christmas Eve.

Enjoying a cookie near the hearth.

Santa's gifts and empty plate of cookies.

View of the living room after Santa's visit.

Wesley and Quinn with their gifts from Santa.

Quinn loves her new shopping cart!

Baby's first Christmas!

The girls and their stockings.

Wesley and her Uncle Sam at Uncle Mark's for Christmas lunch.

Julian

Mike taking it all in...

Quinn and her new cash register

Baby's first peppermint bark!