Quality Time with a Special Someone

These past two weeks have been filled with lots of family time. We were lucky enough to have Bonnie, Michael and Samara come visit us from California. We couldn't get enough of Samara. She is such a happy little girl and at 7-months old she is really starting to interact with the world around her. They arrived on Thanksgiving evening and the next day my parents hosted a baby naming for Samara. It was wonderful to spend time with our family as well as Michael's family that also lives locally. Here are a few pictures from the naming.

The kids got all dolled up for the special event

Here they are posing with the guest of honor

Bonnie, Michael, Samara and the Cantor during the ceremony

More of the ceremony

Samara surrounded by her cousins

Daniel trying to be discreet while eating all the challah

Allison, Samara and I

Samara with Aunt Melissa

And finally, the guest of honor!

The rest of the visit was pretty much spent at our house or my moms house. Since Samara still naps twice a day it was hard to go out too much. But we were just as happy to stay at home and play with her. Allison really enjoyed every minute she was able to spend with her cousin while Daniel was still trying to get used to the idea of having a baby around the house. He was so excited about Samara coming to visit but when she actually arrived I think he didn't know quite what to make of the situation. Of course, that's just his personality.

We also celebrated Hanukkah while they were here since we won't be together onl Hanukkah. We had fun eating potato latkes and lighting the candles:

And a Hanukkah party wouldn't be complete with presents! Thanks Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Michael for the Wacky Wigglers and American Girl clothes!

I love taking pictures of Samara because she is so photogenic and has such a beautiful smile. Here are some more pictures from her visit:

My mom was lucky enough to be able to watch Samara for four days while Bonnie went to London for work and Michael went back to California (he had to go back to work too). It was great to have her here for over two weeks! We won't be seeing her in person again until next June when we all meet up in Marco Island for my dad's 65th birthday. Hard to believe she will be 14 months old and perhaps walking by then. It's hard to have them so far away but thank goodness for Skype and Facetime. Bonnie, Michael and Samara - we miss you already!!