Being Grateful for Spontaneity

We had a memorable Thanksgiving season this year. Chase had a 2-week break which we decided we'd spend together at our home with a possible road trip to a fun destination.  Our break started a week late because of a nasty stomach flu we all took turns contracting. It was not our idea of starting off our break.  Yet, we did spend a good 48 hours on the couch together, watching movies, & taking turns napping....family time at it's best.  Of course, we all got over it and back to feeling pretty normal, and by that time we were all ready to get out of the house (after a good sanitation with BLEACH and a couple days of airing out the apartment :) ).  The Monday before Thanksgiving, we decided to pick up a copy of "The Polar Express" because that night we bought tickets for Wednesday ride on "The Polar Express."   Then, the next day while we looked at the map we decided, heck lets spend the day at the Grand Canyon first then head over for the train ride.  This is usually how we plan things around our house...all spontaneous and at last minute.

Because we fly by the edge of our seats, there are usually a few things that slightly interfere with our plans.... like I volunteered to feed 2 families Wednesday night!

Nothing I can't handle, right?  Oh yeah, did I mention that I thought I might be taking pictures for someone on Tuesday evening as well? Serves me right for being a procrastinating planner.

 Luckily (for me) the photo shoot didn't work out for various reasons, so I didn't have to worry about that.  As for the meals for the next evening I decided to make some chicken pot pies and take them over to the families Tuesday night so they could cook them whenever the following day.  Sailor was able to make her very own mini- pies with the little bit of leftovers.  The pies were incredibly cute!  She rolled out the dough, spooned the filling in, and pinched the edges to be nice and wavy.  This was easily one of the cutest things I've watched Sailor do in a while- her little fingers working so intricately..hahaha. love.  Sailor made two little pies: one for herself and Ser.

We left early Wednesday and drove up north towards Flagstaff and then further on to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The views were incredible.

I was very close to the edge.  I panic a little thinking about how close I was.

"The Polar Express"

Sailor got her ticket!

Poor Ser.  She was feeling a little under the weather.  She cuddled with either Chase or I the whole evening.  I can't help but love those times. 

Hot chocolate---minus the tap dancing chefs.

Santa came aboard and handed out jingle bells to every passenger.  The whole experience was memorable, not so much because of the train ride or Santa, but because we spent a wonderful day out together as a family. I am forever grateful for days like these!

Thursday rolled around which meant we were headed to Mesa to my cousin's house for a fun evening.  She lives there with her husband and 3 daughters- ALL the girls get a long so well.  After Thanksgiving dinner, we wrote Santa our Christmas lists, stamped the letter, & attached it to a helium balloon.  The kids took them outside and released them into the air, hoping it would find it's way to the North Pole. 

  ...some letters made it there...

 ...and others took their time.

 We are so grateful for the friends and family that we have in our lives.  The love and support we receive is so overwhelming at times. I love this time of year when reflection becomes a pattern and gratitude increases as we get to spend our precious time with loved ones.