Newman's Castle

I enjoyed "The Nutcracker Ballet" with Emily's Girl Scout troop - all the girls dressed up in their cute Christmas dresses. They earn a special badge by learning "theater etiquette." Unfortunately, the rules book made no mention of not giggling at the male dancers "bum" in his tight leotards!

Judy and Marilou arrived in Houston Thursday night and this is what they brought with them.....

Heather took Samantha to school and several kids, teachers and even the principal were out front having a snowball fight. Poor Samantha with her crutches was a non-threatening target!

We had a fun family day yesterday at Newman's Castle, in Bellville. It was built by a rather eccentric man that owns the local bakery. You make a reservation for the tour but have to stop at the bakery in town to get the directions to its secret location. Brilliant marketing! The tour includes his story telling, lunch and time to wander around and explore the castle and grounds. There is a drawbridge, a courtyard, a dungeon, a great hall and of course a bell tower. He actually lives there. The kids were all given swords to slay the dragons and he gets some of the tourists to participate in the stories. It was a pretty day to be out and about.

Kyle helping to raise the drawbridge!