The Sams Family: Christmas 2009

What a wonderful Christmas we had this year with our new little one and Mason. It was quite busy, but enjoyable time spent with our families. On the 23rd, we headed to Barb and Chuck's for a visit and Christmas Eve. Uncle Tim was home from California and got to meet Chloe and spend time with Mason. As Mason gets older, he loves "guy time" -- throwing a ball with dad or uncle Tim, rough housing and building things with legos. Mason got some quality "uncle time" this trip and loves his new Chargers jersey from Tim and Dani. We went to Christmas Eve services at St. Gabe's (the church where Andrew grew up attending). Before the service started, they asked for volunteer kids to help with putting straw in the manger. We thought Mason would pass, but as soon as he saw other kids get up and start walking to the foyer, he got right up and joined them. We felt he was such a big boy and were so proud.

Our big boy with his hay heading to the manger (unfortunately he didn't want to leave it there)

Here are some family pics that we snapped on Christmas Eve including some of the kids all dolled up in their outfits and PJs.

Mason with his new bear from Dani and fancy hair

Uncle Tim and his nephew/niece

Christmas Day we woke up to presents from Santa and an excited Mason eager to open gifts. We actually think he got more joy from the gift opening this year, but was appreciative giving hugs and saying thank you to everyone as he dug into the paper. After a yummy breakfast, we headed off to my parents for Christmas Day with my grandma Carmen and great aunt and uncle (a.k.a. Mimi and Unk). It was another wonderful meal, and Mason, as usual, served as the source of entertainment for most of the day. We feel truly blessed to have such great family who love us and our kids so much. It was a great ending to a crazy and momentous year for us!