A Walk in the (Palmetto State) Park...

As we get ready for another big winter storm here in Iowa (5-8 inches forecast--we'll see what actually shows up), I've been enjoying looking back at the photos Adam took while we vacationed in Texas.

It seems like such a long time ago!  How nice it felt to be able to just walk outdoors without having to put on boots, coat, mittens, scarf and ear muffs (and still feel cold!).  Catherine and Aaron always come up with great things to entertain us. This one was about an hour's drive from their home-- Palmetto State Park, a location where Aaron had gone camping with the 11-year-old Scouts.  There was a nice winding, 4-mile trail, with a small section of palmettos (hence the name), and Texas woodlands--no leaves on the trees, but the grass was green!

Elley and Alice did their own version of the "Sisters" fan dance and had more fun than Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye.  My favorite moment was provided by Alastair.  He came running back to where I was walking, zigzagging around aunts and an uncle to race into my arms and give me a big hug.
Then he was off again, looking at FIRE ant hills, or trying to keep up with Connor and Brenna.

We found all sorts of ways to liven up the walk. 

Kevin found a prickly pear cactus with a fruit on it, and ate it.  

Yes.  He is still alive.

We all had a great time, walking off some of the Christmas goodies we'd all been consuming!

Oh, the chocolates and the cheeses!

And Lily thought it was heaven--a whole world of new smells.  She's actually a pretty good traveler, as long as she can be in my lap or by my feet. 

Can you spot who took the second family photo?

Thanks again, Sullivans, for such a fun time!