American Thanksgiving in Canada

Matt and I determined that this was one of the more memorable Thanksgivings for several reasons. First, this is the first time that I've been the "matriarch" of the family and hosted Thanksgiving. I would have much preferred that my mother were here to do all the cooking and planning. Luckily I had Megan, the master chef, to guide me (and cook most of the meal, thanks Megan!!). Second, it was in Canada. Third, everyone got sick. First Bennett threw-up twice on Wednesday, then Lincoln threw up three times on the way the way to the gondola and two times on the way back. Nick and Matt both got sick Saturday night, and I threw-up on Sunday. On top of that, the boys, Minnie and I all got colds. Happy Holidays! Despite all of that, I think we managed to have a good time. At least I did. Here is our American Thanksgiving in Canada in review:

The Utah road-trippers hit the road for Canada Tuesday at 2 PM or so. Unfortunately the border crossing they went to closed at 11 PM so they had to go back 2 hours and head up towards a different border crossing. They arrived on our doorstep at about 6 AM Wednesday morning. They were able to sleep for a few hours, but I couldn't keep Lincoln and Bennett quiet much longer than 9 AM. Nick, Megan, the kids and I went for a stroll around the neighborhood that morning while Laura, Bobby and Minskies showered.

The rest of Wednesday was spent lazing about, buying food for the feast and making what we could ahead of time. Here's Lincoln "helping" Laura make a pumpkin pie. He asks me all the time now if he can help me make a pie. If only we made them every day.

Nick captured me being annoying as usual and taking pictures while Megan slaves away at the meal.

Thursday, we lazed about in the morning, then spent the rest of the day making food and eating it. Here is the Thanksgiving Party:

The Bird.

Megan's "rustic" stuffing.

Megan's fab salad, the orange jello Matt HAS to have, and candied yams. YUM!

 The centerpiece.

Everyone loves candid shots!

Skyping with President and Sister Mecham

Friday, we hit the road for Banff. Here's Baby Angel Ben-Ben. He slept through all of Lincoln's "episodes" on the way.

Pretty, huh?

Ben-Ben getting pumped up for the gondola ride.

Of course Matt's eyes are closed.

Take two... also not great.

Mom and Ben-Ben.

Managed to smile despite the upset belly.

Gorgeous river valley.

This is what we observed at the observation tower at the top.

Minnie Mouse.

It was steeper than this looks!

Everyone looks like they're ready for a nap.

Snuggles and Tiger's Christmas Photo.

Or maybe this one? Gotta have some soft focus!

This is the best the Adseros could do.

The Collards. Minnie was having a fit.

Minnie spent most of her "vaycay" like this.

We saw this guy on the way out of Banff.

Robert said, "The Candian Rockies are a lot Rockier than our Rocky Mountains". Wynne, you were right, OK?

Saturday, we tried to do everything else we possibly could. Started the morning out going to the YMCA, then we hit Heritage Park, then the Tandoori Hut (which did everyone wrong), then the Christmas lights at the Zoo. We were beat. Here are some winners from the photo shoot at Heritage Park:

Snuggles doing what she does best.

The Collards II.

Again, the Adseros couldn't get the job done.

Cousins. Lincoln would constantly ask Laura if he could "hold" Minnie, and one second into the hold, he'd be done and push her away. So funny.

Wrestle Time!

Auntie L.

Megan was trying to be happy enough for Bennett and herself.

We had a great time, and are going through a little depression right now. The morning the Utahns left, Lincoln came downstairs asking where the were and when informed that they had gone "bye-bye", he burst into tears and couldn't be consoled. He loves his aunties and uncles, not to mention Minnie. He tells me all the time that he wants to go to Minnie's house, although we got news today that there was a big wind storm that blew over a HUGE pine tree at Minnie's (actually Grandpa and Grandma's) house which hit the garage which hit the house. So maybe now's not the best time to visit Minnie.