Greetings Sam and Max afficionados! The holiday season went by in a blur, but it was a festive and joyful time. This year was the first time that the twins had enough wherewithal to understand what was going on, and they were excited to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. We attended many gatherings and events, but the photos below are just my shots of the few days around Christmas. Enjoy!

Max looking cute in front of the lights

Sam (left) and Max (right) inspecting their new book

Aunt Sarah, Mom, Max, Sam and Great Aunt Bea looking at the new jazz book

Sam holding the triangle from the box of musical instruments...

With a tambourine and maracas, too

Charlie looking dapper

Sam modeling his new boots, and giving the maracas a try

Max likes his new boots and the triangle

Mom shows off her gifts

Uncle Nick gives Sam some deserved tickles

Sam, Grandma, Uncle Nick, Aunt Sarah and Mom

Aunt Sarah is excited about her new sweater

Great Aunt Bea opens a present

Mom reads the new "Day At The Airport" book to Sam

Baba reads the same book to Sam and Max

This book was a gift from Grandma and Baba, and a really good idea. As the boys will be taking their first flight in 2023, the book might familiarize them with some of the things we have to do at the airport, so hopefully it's a little less overwhelming.

Mom prepares the candles as Sam and Max supervise

Max uses the shamash to light one of the Hanukkah candles on the menorah 

Aunt Sarah lights another candle

The next set of photos are from Christmas morning. Sam and Max were excited to see that Santa had left some presents under the Christmas tree, from himself and from various friends and family.

Sleepy-eyed Sam and Max open the big box first, obviously

It's a giant Lego wagon from Uncle Phool (Phil)

Look at that giant transport truck, with bonus trucks

Later in the day Uncle Ed, Aunt Ashley, and cousins Tessa and Nora dropped by to visit and stay for dinner. The kids had fun playing together and didn't cause too much mayhem.

Cousins Nora and Tessa sit with Sam in the new play tent

Nora gives the triangle a whirl while Sam and Max play in the tent

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year everyone!