An Austin Christmas

We spent the week after Christmas lounging around with my family at a house on the shores of Lake Travis. It wasn't easy getting everyone's schedules to mesh, but for a day or two I think we were all together at the house at the same time.

(Dad-behind the camera, Mom, Evie, Jocelyn, Matt, Trevor, Ali, Penelope, Me, T.J.

Opening presents (for the fourth day in a row). Penelope pretty much had the hang of it by then. 

Cousin Evie lending a hand

Penelope's favorite present was the doctor kit from her R.N. Aunt Jocelyn

Listening for Baby Mary's "ba-bump" heartbeat

Penelope made everyone line up for their checkup.

Penelope's other favorite gift was the cookware to compliment her new kitchen. "I'm gonna cook" is the phrase de jour at our house now.

My favorite gift is this cute little fabric doll house.

Penelope is particularly fond of the toilet.

Penelope and Grandma exploring the back porch of the lake house. 

The EXTREMELY dangerous back porch of the lake house. (The house sat atop a cliff by the edge of the lake, and I was constantly scared that someone wouldn't lock the gate to the stairs and Penelope would decide to navigate the stairs down the cliff by herself.)

Lounging on the porch with Aunt Ali

Evie chewing on Evie

We took it upon ourselves to dress the cousins alike just as often as possible. (I now question the logic of this.)

The plaid get-up

Complete with matching bows

Hey little E!

The jammies ensemble, with complementing pacies.

More matching dresses.

And matching birthday suits

Penelope had so much fun spending time with family, especially Grandma and Grandpa.

Grandpa always tells such exciting stories.

Climbing trees with Grandma