Naomi's birthday, part deux

 Naomi's birthday breakfast of choice: kolaches. In our family, there is an understood side item of donuts that goes along with this.

 This birthday was full of super-fun gifts from the fam and friends. Here are some favs: an owl backpack along with her owl N shirt.

 Lunch: Dutch french (?!) fries complete with paper sack, wooden spear fork, and Dutch mayonnaise.

 Next activity: merry-go-around.

 Naomi certainly a bigger fan than Leif. Perhaps you have to be three to understand.

 Another birthday request following Dutch macaroni and cheese for dinner: strawberry cupcakes.

 Really, Naomi only liked the ice cream. I don't think she had one bite of any cupcake. But she did blow out the candles twice.

The backpack pretty much goes everywhere - imaginary journeys (where we stay in the house), doctor's office, church. Here we are saying hi to the miniature horses that live a stone's throw from our old Colleyville house. 

The celebration pretty goes on all year round. As soon as Naomi's birthday was over, she wanted to know whose birthday was next. Well, Daddy's. But not until March. "Mommy, what do you want for your birthday?" This is usually employed as a stalling technique, so I don't have to really answer the question nine months in advance. Good times.

Fall in review

 

 Back in October, this is us getting the first taste of cooler weather.  What a relief!

We started to visit the ducks regularly, feeding them and helping them get that extra layer of fat in anticipation of the cold months with sparse food.

 It was sacrificial work, but someone had to do it...well, Naomi really did it on her own. Leif still was under the impression the bread was a snack for him.

 

Fall means football here in Texas. And we four finally made it to the a game towards the end of the season.  Leif may try for the coveted male cheerleader spot (ABSOLUTELY NOT), and Naomi enjoyed some quality time with her dear friend.

Naomi has gone outside to sew leaves together, wash them, jump in piles.  On the whole, Naomi has enjoyed a whole lot of outdoors time.

 Leif too...though for other reasons.

 Traumatic experience of the season: Leif's first haircut. 
Recovery: letting him brush his teeth. For a long time.

And this was fun for me: a work trip to Little Rock, Arkansas. Who knew AK was so nice! We had a great time. Nice to leave, really nice to come back home.

Naomi turns three and gets a...

bike with training wheels!!

Thank you, Nana and Papaw!  

More celebratory pictures to follow.

Happy Veterans' Day

Decided to make use of our flag pole.

Naomi was pretty excited to help me figure out the process.

 Then we took a picnic lunch to the "red rooftop park." Though really it was more of a study in static and sliding than eating.

 Leif was a great fan of exerting his independence from me and mimicking Naomi's moves.

Leif communicates

Like Naomi, Leif never took to signing anything to me (I only attempted done and more, figuring these were most essential to meal time enjoyment).  Thankfully, like Naomi, he has grasped the concept of communication rather quickly.  I love it!

One-year doctor appointment: no tears!

Leif logged 31 inches which puts him square in the 90 %ile.  He weighed just over 20 pounds (possibly less since he was wearing his boots) which puts him securely...in the 10 %ile. 

He's happy though, he eats well, and the doctor was pleased.

Here are the kids ready to leave for the appointment: Naomi set with coloring equipment, and Leif with his new John Deer lunch box, filled with toys. Tea for two as well.

Leif turns ONE

 My little sweetheart is ONE!

 The kids came out to enjoy streamers and balloons.  

 Thank you baby shower leftovers!!

Leif finds and unwraps his first present. 

 Next high point of the day: the Red Roof Top Park.

 Leif's King of the Path.

 The kids come for swings...

 ...and watching the older kids.

Big sis included.

 

 The real festivities: Leif has never seen anything like this. But he likes it.

 Leif likes little spaces.  He won't fit in there forever, so we are letting him run wild with it!

Splashing in the rain

And even the snails came out to play:

 Leif was fascinated.

And Naomi liked the reference to Frog mailing a letter by snail to Toad. And three days later it arrived.