Traditions and the Reindeer Farm

Since I am a bit behind on blogging, wanted to at least post a few of what now has become tradition for us at Christmas time.

First...the ever fun and amazing Reindeer Farm.

It is always colder here than where we begin in Eagle River.  Nearly 40 at our house and Amelia said "I don't need my snow pants do I?"  Yes, yes you do.  Only 10 degrees at the farm.

This has become a regular tradition for Amelia and her two friends since Kindergarten.  Two days before Christmas we know where we will be.

We headed right to feed the reindeer as if they get too full, they don't venture up to you.  Well...they were hungry.  Amelia wouldn't even pick up any food as they are pretty aggressive and those antlers...well they are scary!

Next a reindeer ride 4x4 style.

  

The good thing about the Christmas on the Farm event, unlike the Fall Festival, is there are fewer people, so you can go on rides til your hearts content.

If there is a line...well you just ham it up for some pictures while waiting.

There were live reindeer rides too.  

Elf was there.

And did snow magic tricks.

Obviously everyone had a great time and 10 degrees isn't as bad as -10.  :)

Another tradition is our romp to Anchorage and dinner at Crow's Nest at the Captain Cook Hotel with our friend Kevin.

The Captain Cook has a gingerbread display that is quite dreamy and we make sure we go a bit early to see what's new each year.

Dinner is always spectacular, but for kids it can be a challenge to find something they like.  We found the fruit/cheese plate perfect for Amelia...add some bread and you have a cheese sandwich :)

I got the blackened cod.

Amelia dressed up her fingers too.

When we headed home from the reindeer farm we had cookies to check off our holiday traditions list.

I decided to follow my Christmas card's message and make things simple so I but squeeze icing.  I figured it would take less time and Amelia's interest in decorating would last longer.  However, she declared she only decorates cookies that she leaves for Santa.  Hey wait a minute you made one special for Dad, what about Mom?!  

The icing was not that tasty and it was harder for her to squeeze than the icing I make from scratch that I put in bags with decorating tips.  Icing = fail in my book.  The cookies,  Amelia and I make every year a day before icing and are our favorites.  

Dad helped ice 6.  Six.  Do you see how many cookies there are in the bin?

And here are Amelia's cookies for Santa.

Another shortcut I took this year that I will be implementing permanently is buying a gingerbread kit!

 Was smashingly easy and Amelia did pretty much all of it.

Will try to "catch up" on Christmas this week and post daily as Christmas was yesterday and presents have been opened!