I had way too much fun with my family this past week.  Already miss them like crazy.  I FINALLY got some good QT with my cute little niece Claire.  She and Sam hit it off SO WELL! It was so fun to see them interact and play together.  Sam would play with a toy, Claire would take it, and promptly give it back (even though he’d already move onto something else).

Sam and Claire just chillin at Alamo Square.

They thought they’d see the Tanner Family, but were too busy chatting away to look.

Taking a bath together.  I don’t know what it is, but cousins bathing together is just too cute.

I’ll be sure to embarrass the both of them with this pic once they’re older.

(sam is such a modest little fella, isn’t he?! momma taught him well.)

Sam Bam helping me garden.  Or should I say weed?  Is weeding still considered gardening?  Just trying to get things ready for Spring! Yes, perhaps I’m jumping the gun a little…

Notice the teeth! Lets hope his cranky/demanding /neediness will now wear off.

One of my new favorite pictures.  Thanks so much Trevor for capturing one of my favorite expressions of Sam.  I love his excitement when he sees something new.

Probably not the smartest tactic: glass ornaments stored in a brown bag.

In typical boy fashion, Sam only gives kisses when his dad’s not looking.  Nor will he give his dad any.  He will, however, sneak in a few smooches in front of other adorning moms.  Go figure.  These boys, I don’t know what to do with them.  Although, I will take being sandwiched in between any day…

A tradition Mick’s  family (Latin side) has is going around caroling and delivering hams to people in a local trailer park.  The group is usually pretty big, and we have fun getting all bundled up and singing “We Wish you a Merry Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad.”  Most years Mick’s aunties are there as back-up percussion.  You know, banging the traditional Guatemalan noise makers.  Sadly (or maybe not sadly, dinner was waiting when we arrived:)), they were back home preparing the Christmas feast of tamales and candied ham (for the gringos).

Christmas Eve started early with an intense competition of gingerbread house decorating.  {funny how no winner was chosen…} Then the traditional caroling, followed by dinner, followed by a talent show, followed by the reading of Luke, followed by gift giving.  Yes, I know what you’re thinking.  Those Latins know how to party.  I agree.  We were so lucky to be able to spend Christmas with family, and miss them already.  Even though Utah was FREEZING, it was still fun!

Better late than never!  There’s something magical about Macy’s at Christmas time.  They really live up to their “Magic of Macy’s” tag line.  This is one of those parenting moments I’ve dreamt about.  Santa was charming as ever, and Sam is just young enough to be the perfect amount of curious.  {Even though next year I’m sure he’ll be screaming his head off, I still can’t wait!}  The weather was fitting (rainy), and the hustle was there.  Downtown at Christmas time is so fun.