Gingerbread Houses

My kids look forward to decorating gingerbread houses every year...and I must admit I do too!

Radio City

This year we took the kids to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the city. Shannon took the day off work and we all spent a fun filled day enjoying New York at Christmas. When the show was over Daniel said "That was GREAT!" so... I think they had fun.

Nora was so cute during the show. She loved seeing the Rockettes dance. She kept kicking her toes around while she was sitting in her chair trying to "dance" like the Rockettes.

The Rockettes as the reindeer

There is a nativity at the end with live camels and sheep which Daniel thought was SO COOL!

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

We went into some toy stores so the kids could look around. Daniel loved this lego Santa.

Gotta have some roasted chestnuts when you're walking around the streets in NYC at Christmas!

Decorating the Tree

Daniel made these "hats" for Nora and himself out of wrapping paper.

We have a tradition from my childhood of sleeping under the Christmas tree one night. So fun!

Books with dad

The Christmas Tree

This year we decided to go to a tree farm and cut down our own tree. Dad was still in town with us so that was great. We got some recommendations from several friends out here that go to this particular farm and we loved it. I'm so glad we did it.

Climbing up the hill.

All bundled up.

Way to go guys - cut down that tree!

Sitting around the fire enjoying some hot chocolate before the drive home.

Writing letters to Santa.

Thanksgiving and Parade

This year my dad drove up to have Thanksgiving with us. We were so glad he made the drive! We took the kids to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for a little bit in the morning and then headed home and finished cooking!

Nora watched the parade from Grandpa's shoulders.

Spidey making his way through the streets of New York.

I'm glad we went - the weather was cold but not too bad and the kids had a lot of fun.

Bringing a thermos of hot chocolate helped keep everyone happy and warm.

Daniel's spot to watch the parade.

Kung Fu Panda was a new float this year I believe and Daniel loves that movie so he was pretty excited.

Back to the house to finish cooking: My dad with the turkey "dancing" which he used to do for us when we were little on Thanksgiving. We always thought it was so funny. Daniel thought so too.

On the Menu we had:

Stuffed Mushrooms

Ashley's Cheese Balls

Turkey

Mom's Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes/Gravy

Parker House Rolls

Aunt Emily's Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Asparagus

Grandma Jensen's Fresh Cranberry Jello Salad

Grandma Anderson's Sweet Potato Casserole

Apple Sour Cream Pie

Berry Pie

Ashley's Chocolate Ice Cream Pie

We were happy to have the Dillingham family over for dinner as well.

The thing my kids requested on the menu was asparagus and Nora ate so much asparagus it was insane. I'm surprised she didn't have a tummy ache.

Happy Thanksgiving!