December 29, 2009. Harper, Texas. Cousins.

We drove into the driveway at the ranch to see Samantha and Allison racing to greet us.  Actually, they were racing to greet Kate and Mary Frances, who they have not seen since our 50TH in Nova Scotia in August 2008.   All yesterday and today those six girls played.  They played all together and they played in pairs.    They even got a good night's sleep.     This morning it snowed and they all made a Texas sized snowman, about ten inches tall!!  Mary Frances drove the Mule when she was out on an excursion with David, her first time to drive the Mule and she reported to me that she drove very well.  Today when it was raining,  they made the bedroom into one gigantic fort.  Their bedroom has three bunk beds which meals they all sleep in the same room.  They love it and were so tired last night that they were asleep by ten.   The same thing tonight.

Tonight we had a party at the ranch.  Five friends from the ranch along with Marilyn and Richard who are visiting from Houston were our guests.  With the ten of us and our seven friends we made up a lively party.    It turned out that Richard when he was a Doctor in Fredericksburg deliver three babies for Royce Anne who was at the party.  They have not seen each other for many many years.  Jan is a widow who runs her  ranch on her own and is an interesting feisty lady.  David and Suzanne enjoyed getting to know our friends a bit better.  The little girls helped to serve and talk and were an asset to the party.  David and Suzanne with their energy and friendliness and helpfulness are a huge help at any party.  The evening started out with cocktails and appetizers in the ranch house.  The main course made by Ken we served at the Top House with dessert and coffee back in the ranch house, so the girls could make sa'mores by the fire.  It was a fine party, enjoyed by all.

Tomorrow morning we will serve breakfast for all at the Top House.  The girls love to come up to our house for breakfast, so Ken will cook bacon and pancakes  to six girls wearing pajamas.  The adults will not be in their pajamas but we six will enjoy breakfast at the Top House.