Thanksgiving in Rochester, NY

This year we decided to spend Thanksgiving with Spencer & Kristin in Rochester, NY. Everyone understood that Kristin's notoriously good cooking was a big persuasion on our decision of where to spend Thanksgiving this year. We are happy to report that we were not disappointed!
We had a fabulous Thanksgiving meal with all the traditional foods-- turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and she taught us a new sweet potato recipe too. We made them chopped up with apples and brown sugar with marshmallows on top. They were delicious! We also had homemade rolls, and of course pie. Kristin helped me make a homemade pumpkin pie that was tasty, and we also had homemade apple and store bought pecan pie. Yummy!

Mom making the sweet potato dish

The boys played football while the girls cooked 

Dessert Time

In addition to eating excellent foods, we had a wonderful time hanging out with the kids. We took the 4 oldest back to our hotel one night for a sleep over. We let them watch a little TV, and then we took them swimming in the indoor pool. The next morning we ate at the breakfast buffet and the kids thought that was really fun.

Knox in the swimming pool at the hotel

Grandpa Tutu and Sam working on swimming lessons

Mary was having fun with Aunt Natalee--she outsplashed all her brothers

J has become a very confident swimmer

The kids were all in the "zone", as they watched Mythbusters on TV. We thought it was funny so we snapped this picture. I think Sam was the only one who even noticed we were watching them. Hahaha

The following day was Spencer & Kristin's 13th anniversary, so we tended the kids while they went out to dinner and did a little shopping. Dad and I took the oldest 4 kids to see "The Muppets" and out to dinner, while Mom stayed home and tended Baby Lea. We were also treated to a lovely family concert! Each of the kids has an instrument now (J--drums, Sam--bass/french horn, Knox--guitar, Mary--violin, Lea--jingle bells), and they have a real family band! We were very impressed by how good they sound!

J on the drums

Knox on the guitar

Sam on the bass, Mary on the violin, Knox and Spencer on the guitar, and Lea doing jingle bells

Kristin on the violin and J on the drums

We also took the kids to "Powers Market", a local pumpkin patch that was decorated for Christmas. The kids got to feed the animals in their petting zoo, and we all had a doughnut around the fire. 

Lea and Mary were very good helpers 

Everybody at Power's Market. It was cold that day. 

Lea at Power's Market. She did not want to wear her hat and gloves, but she was still a good sport. 

Homemade Doughnuts in front of a warm fire

On our last day in Rochester, we had an early Christmas celebration. We played Christmas music, decorated the tree, and even did a gift exchange! It was so fun and it really felt like Christmas that day.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Mary opening the first present

Knox and Grandpa Tutu

 

 

 

The boys liked their puffy jackets

 

Grandpa Tutu and the girls

 

 We had such a wonderful time visiting with Spencer & Kristin's family. Thank you SO much for the delicious food, your impressive musical talent, and for opening your home to us. We love you guys!