Christmas Visit from Aunt Melissa and Uncle Ben

Baking Brownies and Washing Dishes

Sam's new favorite pastime is cooking.  A few days ago, we made brownies.

 But Sam also loves cleaning up.  He will literally whine if we don't let him help wash the dishes.

Hanukkah Part II

Sam's also having fun playing with his presents from Mommy and Daddy.

Duplos,

 Play-Doh,

 Mr. Potato Head,

 and a wooden train,

among other presents.

Hanukkah Part I

Sam had a very fun Hanukkah.  He enjoyed lighting the candles and opening presents, and this year the presents were equally as much fun as the wrapping paper.  In the week since Hanukkah ended (yes, I know, I'm delinquent on posting pictures again) he's been playing with his favorite presents daily.

Sam particularly loves his presents from his family.

From Grandma and Grandma, a train set.

From Nana and Papa, a kitchen.

From Aunt Melissa and soon-to-be-Uncle Ben, a car (which was almost as much fun directly out of the box with the wheels off as it was fully put together).

Sam Plays with Olivia

Olivia is Melanie's friend Lucyann's granddaughter.  She's just a few months older than Sam.  Sam had fun playing in her ball pit on our last visit, and had fun again at her community playground on this trip.

Sammy Loves Limes (for Real!)

We went out with Nana and Papa to their favorite Mexican restaurant in La Quinta.  Sam, completely unprompted, took the lime off of Mommy's margarita and tasted it.  He made a face much like you'd expect... but then went back for more!  He continued licking the lime throughout dinner.

Sammy Loves Driving (and Filling 'er Up)