Family Above All Else #ThankFALL

Just like that, Thanksgiving came and went.

Upon reflecting on the things I am #ThankFALL for, I noted the following:

• Family is THE most important thing to me
• Visits with loved ones are always too short
• Traditions and creating memories are so important (especially when you have little ones)
• I LOVE having a full house
• Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is as easy as pie
• As long as I have my family, I don’t need much else to be happy

Family is THE most important thing to me

My youngest brother, my cousin and her husband, and another cousin, his wife and their two little ones made it up to the Island to celebrate Thanksgiving with us.  It’s always a special visit, but this time it was even more special because it was my first time meeting the newest member of our family.  Little Gummy Bear and Big Bro drove all the way to the Island from Montreal with their parents.  The epic journey took them to Toronto for an overnight (they got to visit Ripley’s Aquarium!) and then to the Island next.  I recall the drive to and from Toronto when Little  One was an infant! We had to make the drive regularly (as in every other week) because she needed to have follow-up visits at Sick Kids Hospital.  Before we had Little One, the drive took us less than 6 hours.  When she was an infant, it took us 9 hours because I had to stop to nurse her and change her diaper.  I can totally relate to my cousin and his wife when it comes to making the long drive. With a 3 year old and a 4 month old, the drive from Toronto to the Island took them 12 hours! What troopers they all are!

Time well spent –  We had a lot of fun together over the past few days.

• We went to Kagawong  and had lunch at Main Street Cafe, followed by some treats at the Manitoulin Chocolate Works.
• We had a campfire.
• We had games night.
• We had a Thanksgiving feast.
• We enjoyed some good ‘ol quality time together.

Visits with family are always too short

I am extremely close with my family.  My cousins and I grew up together, so it’s like I have 12 siblings.  To this day, we are still all very close.  Parting is such sweet sorrow.  I always look forward to our next visit and often feel like part of me is missing when I’m away from my family.

The importance of traditions

I want Little One to experience family as I did as a child.  We are a tightly-knit family and I want her to know what that feels like.  Holidays and traditions are important.  The gift of family is one I really want Little One to know and appreciate.  Little things like celebrating Thanksgiving together and making epic road trips just to see each other are part of creating memories.

I love a full house!

Maybe it’s a cultural thing. I don’t know. I’m used to a  house packed to capacity with love and laughter.  My filipino side of the family always has parties with loved ones and the more the merrier.  This has translated into my life now.  The more the merrier and everyone is welcome.  Friends often think I’m crazy for hosting HUGE dinner parties all the time.  The truth is, I love it.  A house filled with laughter and loved ones is a happy house.

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our farm is as easy as pie!

Okay, I don’t know where the saying “easy as pie” came from, because I’m the worst at making a flaky, perfect pie crust!  I can make delicious pie fillings, but pie crusts? Not so much.  Well, that might change now that I have my fabulous new Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer!!

On the menu:

To host Thanksgiving dinner that is hassle-free, I just made the desserts ahead of time and started early in the morning (the day of Thanksgiving) and got all the side dishes done.  The turkey was put in the oven at noon and out by 4pm and had an hour to rest.  Easy peasy!  The Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer I got at Target was so helpful.

I don’t need much more than family to be happy

It’s the truth. All I need is my loved ones.  Time together is the most important thing to me and the best gift.  I am thankful for family and time together.

Speaking of the family, how cute are these pajamas I got for the littlest members of the family?  I found them at Target.

Target has a great selection of children’s items and household items.  I found everything I needed to host a great Thanksgiving.

Nothing says holidays and good times like great family, friends, food and fun.

Check out these CHEEKS!!!

Disclosure: I am part of the Target #ThankFALL influencer program run by The Influential Network.  I am compensated for this post but opinions are always my own!