Sam and Max meet Großtante Inge... and more!

I fell behind in my posting, so I'm declaring photo bankruptcy and this entry will contain everything up until now. First, one photo from Halloween

Vampire Sam (Sampire?) and Construction Worker Max

I'm not totally sure how the boys decided on their Halloween costumes this year, but they turned out great! Shortly after Halloween, Sam and Max's großtante (great aunt) Inge came to Seattle for a few days. She greatly enjoyed meeting the boys.

Großtante Inge and Sam playing on the ground

Sam, cousin Nora and max reading on the couch

Sam showing off this Spiderman toy

Großtante Inge reading some Dr. Seuss to Sam

The boys show off their puzzle skills to their great aunt

Dad, Sam, Großtante Inge, Max and Mom

Dad, Großtante Inge, and Uncle Ed

Max, Dad, Großtante Inge, Uncle Ed, Cousin Tessa, Cousin Nora, Aunt Ashley, Mom and Sam

In the above photo we all went out for our last night together before Inge's trip ended, and also to celebrate Uncle Ed's 40~somethingth birthday! I'm glad for the time we all got to spend together, even if it was brief. It was wonderful to see my aunt in person after so many years apart. I was impressed with how active, sharp and positive she was. I only hope that I have the same abilities when (if) I make it to her age.

Shortly after the visit it was time for Thanksgiving. Similar to the past few years we've hosted Thanksgiving at our house, having over Amanda's family.

Uncle Josh

Mom and Aunt Sarah

Mom, Sam, Dad and Max

The boys really didn't want to cooperate with taking a family photo. Out of about a dozen shots the one above was the best.

Mom and Uncle Nick digging in

The chaos

Baba reading to Sam

Sam, Great Aunt Bea and Max all reading

Uncle Josh telling a story

Aunt Sarah, Cousin Levi and Great Aunt Diane relaxing after dinner

And of course, once Thanksgiving is over Christmas officially begins. The very next day (Nov 24th) we put up the lights and Christmas tree.

Sam examining an ornament

Max surveying the options...

... and placing something on the tree.

This year was the first (annual?) Seattle Winter Christmas Market. It was a new event that replicated a German Christmas Market at the Seattle Center. There were lots of little shops to buy cider, glühwein, holiday treats and other overpriced knickknacks. We bought "season tickets" so we could freely come and go to the market, and we made great use of the carousel.

Dad, Sam, Max and Mom riding the carousel

Every year, Amanda's best friend from childhood's mom has hosted a cookie-decorating gathering, a tradition which Amanda has always loved. The tradition continues now with all the kids in mix, complete with a visit from Santa.

Sam decorating a cookie, before stuffing it in his mouth

A whole lot of kids met Santa Claus

Max asked Santa for a remote controlled car

Mom, Max, Sam and Dad in front of the Christmas tree at the Fairmont Hotel

The Fairmont Hotel in Seattle puts on an elaborate Christmas display in their lobby every holiday season, which makes for a nice family outing and photo opportunity.

Mom, Max, Sam and Dad in front of our tree at home

That's enough for now. I'll try to do a better job of staying on top of my blog posing in 2024. Either way, the photos will make it here eventually. I wish everyone a belated happy 2024 and new year ahead!