We’re back in San Francisco and getting all settled in from a long trip.  I wanted to get the tree up quickly since we’ll only be here a short bit before heading to Arizona.  I’ll admit, I was pretty reluctant putting up the tree: I didn’t think Sam would be into it, it takes up a lot of room in our little space, and I’m too cheap to buy a real tree for a short time–and aren’t real trees ten times better?  These stipulations usually don’t stop me every other year.  But this year, I just have too much going on to stress me out more.

Turns out I was wrong about everything.  Sam is way into the tree and lights, having a big-extra-thing in our house isn’t that bad, and real or not–Christmas trees are beautiful.

Isn’t Christmas awesome?  It’s a time we celebrate and focus more on Jesus Christ.  Songs are sung about peace on Earth.  People are giving, and loving, and cheerful.  It’s a time we’re with family and friends.  Here’s to Christmas!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with Hagens.  Lots and lots of food.  I don’t know if it’s from all the food I’ve been eating, but my belly sure has popped while here.  I’m really starting to look the pregnant part.

I’ll start with the crying picture: another screaming Sam.  To quote Mick, “He really didn’t want to put on that pilgrim hat.”  And indeed he didn’t.  Nor did he want to sit with all his other cute Indian and Pilgrim cousins.  This was our family attempt to get all the cousins for a pic.

But we did have some pretty cute little happy Indians…

And when Sam’s not being forced to sit by humans dressed up, he is a tad bit cooperative for our family pic.

{Here I am thinking my belly was too big to cuddle in with my boys.  Still pretty big though…}

It’s amazing how much malls cater to moms and kids these days.  It’s actually a really good idea.  Carousels, indoor play places, trains…all perfect little breaks in-between the moms’ spending spree.  The only spending spree I had yesterday was on the kids activities (and in reality, my BFF kept spotting me since they only took cash.  So embarrassing).  I love old friends.  Libby’s mom and my mom are best friends, we are best friends, and our sons are surely to become best friends.  I mean, they really do look a lot like each other–they could totally pass as brothers.

***”Look mama! Buttons!!”

***Before Colin arrived Sam was in heaven: car, dog on the shoulder, and plenty of buttons to push.

***Hitler Ketchup Stash.  Can’t really drink ketchup Sammy boy.

***Cute little BFFs

***Aunt Libby took the boys on a train ride through the mall.  So sweet.

***Not so sweet?  The moms forcing their kids to take a pic with Santa.  Picture of the century. This one is going down in the books.

I know it’s Thanksgiving week, but Sam’s grandma keeps nagging asking me to post these.  Although the hood didn’t stay on very long, Sam was still the cutest little monkey on the block.

Speaking of blocks, we went trick-or-treating down the most festive, beautiful Halloween-spirited street in the Bay.  No really, I think we did.  People drove from all over to go in this area.

After going to a handful of houses, we stopped by our friend’s place (who happened to live on the block) for chili and treats.

It’s funny, Sam was always drawn to my favorite candies…

Sam and Shrek had an epiphany…

An afternoon at the park turned out to be a bit chilly.  But then as the sun started to set, it warmed up and was so beautiful.  The leaves were golden and the mountains a majestic purple/gold/and everything in between.  I’m glad I had my sweet mother in law and camera to capture some fun moments.

Sam’s first BYU basketball game was such a proud moment for the Hagen family.

We even got to meet Cosmo! Although Sam was a bit apprehensive…

In Cosmo’s effort to get Sam to look at the camera, he threw a cup of popcorn in the air…unbeknownst to me.

Having about half of it fall down my shirt.  We’ll have to work on that one Mr. Cosmo.

In addition to our wedding anniversary, there was a celebratory Zinch party that brought us to Utah earlier than planned.  It was fun celebrating with everyone that helped make Zinch what it is today.  And what would a Zinch party be without kid-friendly grilled cheese and hired babysitters there to allow the adults to mingle?  There was a fun hip-hop band there that Sam had WAY too much fun dancing to.

You know it’s a good party when cupcake is left on the lips all night…

When Sam gets high on cupcakes and hip hop his dance moves result to The Carlton.

Oh Sam, I love how it’s the simple things in life that make you *so* giddy and excited.  Doggies, balls, and fresh air.

We made it to Utah! And surprisingly enough, I was able to get everything checked off my to-do list.  Now I can spend these next two weeks (hopefully) relaxing with friends and family.

We are lucky enough that there are still a few tress with their beautiful fall leaves on them.  On one of my morning runs I felt so invigorated breathing in the crisp, fall air and hearing the crunchy leaves under my feet.  The fact that I didn’t have to run up any steep San Francisco hills was a huge plus too…

We celebrated our five year anniversary with a small little getaway to Park City.  And boy was it needed!  It’s amazing how two days together away from any responsibilities really does recharge oneself and subsequently our relationship.  We may have overindulged ourselves with dining and spa treatments, but it’s part of the experience. Right? I can’t tell you how I’ve been longing for a relaxing, romantic weekend with my honey.  Here’s to another five years!!

Hellooo!! We are alive, just suuuuper busy.  And sometimes the blog gets pushed to the back burner when things are crazy.  I hope to be back blogging soon.  In the meantime, head over to The Color Issue where I guest posted.

And did you know they’re giving away a HOBO wallet?  The easiest, cutest mommy-wallet out there?  Perhaps you should enter their giveaway too. :)

Love ya!

Be back soon.