Christmas in the Hill Country

 

Getting cozy with her aunt and uncles.

 

Bassetts Four.

 

Hayride time, a Bassett tradition. 

 

Then, the Petersons arrive! More bonding time.

 

 Christmas Eve at (Great) Grandma Bassett's.

 

Christmas day with the Petersons.  And good times were had by all.

 

 Naomi with her Peppermint Patty doll and winding down with Nina and Papaw while the rest of the family went to see Les Miserables.

Farmer in training: picking broccoli with Papaw.

One last evening of playing with Aunt Rachel's old toys. (Naomi sat on a pillow on the floor to match Papaw). In the morning, we head off on a new adventure. 

 

Enjoying a Swedish meal on Winter's Solstice - meatballs with ligonberry sauce and Jansson's Temptation (potato dish with herring). Incredible.

 

 Daisy, Nana and Papaw's cow.

 

 It is good to see your children loved by your family. 

Colleyville Festivities

We left town Friday to make the rounds, so we had to make the most out of our last pre-Christmas day at home. 

 

We missed decorating gingerbread houses with friends due to little brother's hacking cough. But our thoughtful friend brought over the house and necessary supplies to do one as a family.  

Naomi LOVED it!

 

 After a pea soup dinner to warm up, we went and walked around the neighborhood to look at lights...and take a nap (respectively).

Popcorn with a fork

...on the slippery slope before Snickers with a fork and knife, Naomi.

Monday: a cold winter's day

 

 We were in the 30s yesterday morning, so I had to bundle up the munchkins.

 Naomi comes out every morning asking after the Christmas lights. She sits in a chair as I turn on the tree first and the Christmas lights we have again strung around the living room.

 

Here, she is pointing out that the lady dancing has "no shoes." The first thing she looks for on everyone and in every book: shoes?

Leif had his 2-month check up Monday, and we are thankful that everything checked out well.  The Little guy is sleeping off the experience nevertheless.  

Sunday morning

We have been doing advent readings after dinner this month. Naomi is very interested (possibly because a chocolate follows the closing prayer). This morning she wanted to, "Read. Mommy's Bible." For the past few days she has reached for my hand while Phil looks for the passage, "Hand, Mommy." Irresistible.

 

First Sunday worshiping in our new church sanctuary. Pretty incredible. Phil and Naomi were looking dashing in their matching plaid.  

Leif is content, gazing at his Aunt Tami, as she promised him many adventures with her were to come.

My little shopping assistant

Leif working hard...

On standing and loving his adoring sister

 Tummy time...

...which inevitably becomes this...

 ...and ultimately turns into this.

Christmas time is here!

I did not imagine I would be dressing our tree this year sweating, with hot cocoa the furthest thing from my mind, but there you have it.

This was this first year Naomi was woken up to experience the tree like we were as kids. Let the traditions begin!

NOT the average day for the Bassetts

 The day started off with a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo with friends (which probably goes without saying as I wouldn't have popped to the zoo myself).

This is minutes before Naomi was scared by the huge gorilla banging on the window in his enclosure followed immediately by shrieking children all around. Did I say scared? I meant terrified and petrified.

 The, we spent the rest of the time seeking to ensure Naomi would not have jaded view of the zoo.  Success! As we were leaving, she already was requesting the zoo again. Hudson helped tremendously.

 I LOVE when the smiling and cooing stage begins.  There is nothing sweeter after sleepless nights.  Of course, sleeping through the night is super-sweet as well.

 Then, after abbreviated naps, I took the munchkins to Holly Colley Holiday which is how Colleyville rings in the Christmas season.

 There were pony rides, crafts, a petting zoo, games, and carriage rides. Naomi would not bounce or really even decorate the cookie (pictures can deceive).  We did meet up with Naomi's dear friend, Hannah, and that made the experience more special.

Bassetts Three.

 Watching for Santa to "come to town" and officially light the Christmas tree (with LED lights!!!).

I look forward to next year when Naomi may want to throw rings around the reindeer antlers or actually ride a little sweet pony. In the meantime, I didn't mind having to eat the cookie for her.