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.

Cozy Thanksgiving at Grandma and Opa's house

Movie night on the street, so Leif is introduced to the moby wrap. Then, temps drop,so Naomi and Grandma cozy up by the fireplace.

Thanksgiving!  Pie first, of course!!

 What a feast!  Followed later, of course, by more pie! 

Leif fitting right into the family...of good sleepers!!

Naomi's big day

Naomi did not have all the hustle and bustle of turning one this year, but she certainly had plenty of attention nonetheless.

Papaw and Nana visited for the weekend adding to the fun.

Good times were had by all, particularly the little munchkin.

Aunt Tami, Uncle David, and Justin came over for the two-year-plus-one-day celebration.
Good times.