For the first time we celebrated Thanksgiving at the cabin in Flagstaff! Anyone who knows my family knows that we thrive on well planned activities and a schedule packed with fun, yummy food, and quality time. Every year my mother makes a Ho Ho Ho Holiday Calendar that is full of Holiday traditions that we look forward to all year! Thanksgiving is the kick off and this year it was an Extravaganza!
On the way up to Flagstaff Ed informed me that we had to make a "quick" stop to pick something up. Immediately I think, the schedule, I still have 8 pies to make, we are already running late due to a last minute trip to the pediatrician, not going to make 6 o'clock dinner, and the fact that my kids are growing increasingly tired of being in the car. He told me it was a surprise birthday present for me and we just happened to be pulling a 30 foot box trailer! Now, I was worried...
He parked the car and told me he would be 5 minutes. Realizing that he is a Patterson, I was planning on it being at least 30 minutes. Well, an hour later he comes flying down the parking lot in his, I mean my Ranger equipped with 5 point harnesses and a sound system wit a sub non the less! Wow Thanks Honey! Happy Birthday to You, I mean Me!
Thanksgiving was a wonderful day with Dad and Mom, Katie, Drew and Jessie, Sy Vin, Cammi and Niles, Logan, Hayden, Canon, and Granny D. The cabin was packed to the max but full of love and yummy food! This year I tried a new recipe for Pumpkin pie and a new pate brisee crust recipe, I know brave! It was a Martha Stewart recipe and turned out fabulous! I even used my whipped cream maker that was a gift from our great friends Rhett and Jessica! Thanks guys it was tasty whipped cream! I decorated the adult table and Kendra decorated the kids table. She did a fantastic job!
Kingston was busy woking away! Such a gentleman to shovel the driveway!
We got a really cool surprise... It snowed!!! All the planned activities were put on hold and we all geared up and headed outside for some fun in the snow! The Ranger was a blast! We trailed all over the mountains for days. We couldn't drag the kids off! Kingston called shotgun and if anyone tried to get in his space he threw a fit! Niles was relentless with the snowball attacks!
The kids had crafts each day to fill their time. I think their favorite was the gingerbread houses! It has been my favorite tradition since I was a child. My mom used to bring them to school for my class to make using graham crackers and icing! I still love to make them with my kids!
The final night we headed out to the Polar Express! The kids were very anxiously awaiting this event. When we got there we boarded the train and took our seats. There was a conductor and two chefs who entertained us with the animated story of the "Polar Express," Christmas Carols, and cookies and hot cocoa from Mrs. Claus! When we arrived at the North Pole Santa boarded the train and gave each child a special gift, a bell, which represents the magic of Christmas!
Kennedy whispered her Christmas Wish List into Santa's ear!
I told Santa I wanted a pressure cooker and he told me I have been a very good girl and will be getting one ; ) !
