Naomi's first time at the counter, in awe of my astute knife handling.

Having taken the time to observe, she is ready to help me stir the soup mixture for chicken divan.

Break from the kitchen for a breath of fresh January air.

 Back in the kitchen, my sous chef graduated herself from observing and stirring to tasting.  Brownie batter is an excellent choice of where to begin, I think.  The apron is courtesy of Naomi's great great aunt, Tante Roos.

 Sunday afternoon walks are the best!

 Out to wait for Daddy's much-anticipated return from work.  

Sous chef now taking the liberty of trying the onion soup mix.  Six tastes later, I ascertained that she approved.

Naomi giving her full repertoire of words.  

Warning - you need pretty good speakers to hear any of it.

After the dust settles...

We still look for fun now that the holiday season is past and we are home again.

So, we have broken out the crayons.  No writing on the walls yet, so I consider it a success. (The marks on the scanner came off).

Quick trip to see the Caravaggio paintings at the Kimbell.

Visiting Daddy at work, and getting super-excited to be sitting at a desk.

Wearing moccasins and inspecting the heater...with the remote control.

Taking sweet pictures with Mommy.

Trying on Mommy's hat against my will while Daddy tries on jeans.

My most thoughtful Indian coworker brought back this amazing ethnic-wear for Naomi.

She can't help but strike a ballywood move. (Sorry for the blurriness; I had milliseconds to react!)

 

Naomi strolling around the yard with her dolly.

Can't you see the nurturing spirit coming out with her baby doll thrown over her shoulder?

Both how we are learning to count and how we burn off the last bit of energy before bed.

A review: Christmas and New Years

Finally, we meet Luke, the newest cousin.  Just over four weeks old.

All the grandkids!  Naomi is still warming up to all the little people.

 Grandma (and Opa!) gave Naomi a sweet baby doll and stroller for Christmas. 

 

The Christmas Luke Survived Naomi.  She wanted to hug and kiss him and give him toys.

These pictures rarely see the light of day...but they're some of my all-time favorites: Prep for the big family picture.

Christmas Day 2011 - just hours before Neil and Rebecca arrived.

Ice skating the day after Christmas. Keeping the festive spirit alive!

Hey! There are Dad and Neil.  Proof that Neil was here.

While waiting for dinner, a quick trip to the park.

And then waiting for Opa to get home from work.

 

Shopping the after-Christmas sales in Old Spring, with Luke tucked cozily away.

They look so natural!

 

Time out for bowling...no need to say who was the top bowler.

Yin and Yang dessert fondue night after the grandparents graciously taking on all 5 grand kids!

The birthday gift that keeps on giving. Phil made us the cover chicken recipe from the French cookbook he gave me for my birthday.  Followed by the orange almond tart.  Marvelous!!

Wild night at the Incredible Pizza Company. All-you-can-eat buffet followed by spinning.  What's not to love?

Naomi thinks the horseback riding is a little more genteel. 

Uncle Phil reading My Little Pony to a rapt audience.

New Years Eve dinner: quite the delicious spread as always.

 Opa making oliebollen with grandbaby number 1, Kate.

Number 4 taking her first bite of the New Years specialty!

Number 5 is the closest to making it to midnight. So close and yet so far. 

Happy 2012!!!

Thanksgiving: In Review

We spent Thanksgiving in Boerne, TX with the Bassett (and Peterson) side of the family.

Here is Naomi with Nana going down the steps off the new back porch.

Daddy pulling Naomi down the driveway towards S. J Dive.

Naomi and Nana checking out the neighboring bulls.

Naomi greeting her father in the New Zealand natives' way. 
(Amazing what she picks up!!)

First time on the piano, doing her grandmother and great-grandmother proud.

Adjusting from suburbia to country living is not as easy as Naomi makes it look. 

The dinner was dimly-lit but still delicious (Giada's lasagna).  Hooray for a meal with all the siblings!

Naomi and Papaw are checking out the creek bed, wishing for it to be flowing rather than dry.

"Walking stick?!  We're both too young for that, Papaw!"

Thanksgiving feast: complete with Packa and Geemaw (Peterson grandparents)...

....the David Peterson family and Grandma Bassett. And good times were had by all.

Thanksgiving evening.  Going to see if the Boerne lights were lit.  

See, we can still have a good time without Naomi!

Papaw and Nana showing Naomi more of country living.

Here we are having "Christmas lunch," on Thanksgving Friday before we open presents, taking advantage of having the family all under one roof.

Can't keep her away from the piano now!

An annual tradition: (great)grandchildren photograph.

So as to not delude anyone into thinking Naomi never cries...

Daddy demonstrating there is nothing scary about Packa. In the least.

Thrilled with a puppy for a present.  Thank you Nana, Papaw, and Aunt Rachel!!

Checking out the excitement in downtown Boerne at Dickens on Main.

On Saturday night, we went out for Mexican.

These Philadelphians were going through good-Mexican-food withdrawal.

And, while we were in the vicinity, we took a quick (!) jaunt through the Riverwalk. 

Naomi with her Aunt Rachel.

Naomi was like the Queen of Sheba being pushed or carried.

To close out the family visit, we had a milk chocolate taste test. 

Ultimately...I don't remember which candy won.  The differences between Herseys and Ritter Sport (cheap vs pricier) were minimal.