The great outdoors

Here is a spontaneous outdoor excursion where we are simply enjoying the porch.

 

Regular planned field trips include: a) Taking a morning walk. b) Picking up the newspaper.  c) Watering Basil. d) Throwing away particularly offensive diapers. e) Checking the mailbox. f) Meeting Daddy at the crossroads after work.

 Naomi's excitement for each of the above 'outings' is mimicked here in the thrill of putting the lens cap on the camera.  

This was an unexpected treat: a new recycling trashcan!!! Given that it will never be this clean again, Naomi took a moment to sit on it and watch a passing car. 

 "Now, give me a second..."

 "There.  This is the best I've got."

Eating

We do a lot of it in our house, and Naomi joins us in the festivities nicely.

 Dutch saying: Hunger makes raw beans sweet.  Naomi is checking it out.

 Now, activity is required to continue constant, delicious eating.

 Labor day: last day to swim in the Woodland pools.  

 Phil's 1st French masterpiece: crispy, crackly almond-apple tart.  [Un]Fortunately, we were warned by Dorie Greenspan not to let any last until day 2, so the four of us ate it in one sitting.

 When breakfast isn't delivered quickly enough, Naomi becomes resourceful.  

 Checking out a new phenomenon: looking down at Opa.

 Remember the raw beans saying? Enter raw potatoes.

Phil's French masterpiece #2. My 28th birth year may be where I gain 28 pounds.   

Practice run for November 16th.  Thank you Jones family!

A little post-dinner laughing (or a lot) helps with digestion.

Undeniable proof as it were

What an excellent day - a brisk early walk, three hour morning nap, and then another hour and a half nap after lunch.  I accomplished hours of uninterrupted work, and Naomi woke up giggling.

 After admiring many amazing baby pictures, I thought I would do my best in our backyard. I have been in the backyard five times in the 4+ years we have lived here, so we are both exploring.

 Interesting, dilapidated structures are scattered around the dying yard.

Naomi searches for the perfect pose. 

"Is this edible?" Followed by a taste.

Look carefully as this is a picture of the end of an era.

Naomi has gone mobile - vertically!  The camera was thankfully at the ready.  She will no longer be measured in length, and shoes are no longer an accessory.  We are nearly as pleased as she is. 

Afternoon nap??

Naomi down for her afternoon nap.  I am back to work.

Only, I start noticing a foreign clicking sound that I can't place.

Off to investigate...

This also explains why we would sometimes find picture frames in the crib: 

Naomi has elastic arms.