Start New Family Traditions At Knott's Merry Farm

I'm officially ready for Christmas!  I know we're still in November and Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet but I'm itching to get my shopping done so we can focus on our annual visit to Knott's Merry Farm! I had an amazing time with my family - we didn't expect to love The Gift of the Magi show so much and can't wait to see it again this year.  Another unexpected surprise was the It's Christmas Snoopy! Ice Show.  We were blown away by the ice skating moves.  Blown away.  This year we plan on visiting Santa's Christmas Cabin where you can take photos with Santa, sample wine and craft beer and fill your tummy up with Santa's Sundae Bar.  There's also Snoopy's Tree Lighting, Snoopy's Magical Night of Lights, Calico Carolers, Lucy’s Wish List at the Camp Snoopy Theater and MORE!  New traditions made our family stronger - how do you celebrate the season?



I wanted to share this amazing deal - Knott's 2014 Season Passes with unlimited visits can be purchased online starting at $78.00 or with six easy installment payments of $13.00, for a limited time. Knott’s Season Pass program offers its members discounts, special Season Pass Holder events and more.

2014 Season Passes Include:

• Easy pay payment program (for a limited time)
• One FREE visit during the 2013 season
• Additional visits for just $9.99 each through December 31, 2013*
• Unlimited visits for the entire 2014 season with no blackout dates
• Access to Knott’s great seasonal offerings, including Knott’s Merry Farm, Knott’s Berry Bloom,
and Camp Spooky
• Discounts at select food and merchandise locations
• Discounts on Knott’s Scary Farm Tickets
• Early Ride Time on select rides during summer season
*Per Pass Holder/non-transferrable 
** Per Pass Holder /per day/ non-transferrable.

To purchase passes and find additional information on all Knott’s Berry Farm has to offer, visit www.knotts.com

A Christmas (Eve) Story 2012

We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve with the bigs and it was the best gift ever.  It was a treat because this was my first Christmas Eve and Christmas off in years.  My husband Chris planned our day - lunch at Stonefire Grill and opening presents.  Somehow we got in some shopping and thrifting.    The bigs loved their presents: a pair of shoes and clothes - they got A LOT of t-shirts, some new and some thrifted.  They aren't picky, goodness how are they so good?!

My night ended listening to Ghostface Killah, playing Basketball Mania on my Droid and watching Bob's Burgers Christmas Special and A Christmas Story with Chris.

From our family to yours - Have a very Merry Christmas XOXO

Finding Our Way On The Holidays.

My husband loves the holidays.  When I met him, I was at a point in my life where the holidays were just ehhh.  I mainly did 'em for the kids.  He made me fall in love with Valentine's Day, Halloween and Christmas.  With a deep love for these special days, we don't have traditions.  Sometimes we celebrate Valentine's Day the day before or the day after and we're okay with that.  We never have a set plan for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas either.  We have ideas in mind but thats about it.  Its not that we're spontaneous because we are both planners by nature but I think its because our families are in Texas and we just leave it up in the air and try new things.  We're still finding our way.

This Christmas we'll be doing it "A Christmas Story" style.  Lunch at our favorite Japanese restaurant.  No duck.  No turkey.  No roast.  I'm excited about it.  We're thinking about venturing up to LA.  One of the best things about living in Southern California is that we cater to tourists.  Disneyland is open.  Area hotels have restaurants that are open.  Chinatown is open.  The Lakers always play on Christmas so LA Live is bound to be open. (I tried to confirm via Twitter but haven't heard back)  And of course movie theaters are open on Christmas.

I won't be taking a break from blogging and social media, I admire those of you that are... I like being connected and so do my husband and the kids.  I have to admit, it is pretty liberating to be non-traditional.  We're cool like that.

Are you traditional or non-traditional?  What are your plans for Christmas?

Breaking tradition in 2009 with our bacon wrapped turkey.

Restaurants that are open on Christmas Day:
Canter's Deli on Fairfax in LA
Keno's on La Palma in Anaheim
All Downtown Disney Dining
El Torito, Marie Callender's, Shakey's, Del Taco, Sizzler, McDonald's - Please call ahead to make sure your location is open.

Send Me Cookies!

I didn't know what I wanted for Christmas... turns out its cookies.  Homemade cookies from my friend Jessica.  6 varieties.  Made with love.  I know if my mailman knew what was in this package, he would've stole it.  My happiness at this package is immeasurable.  She made us magnets and coasters too.  If its the thought that counts, she loves me A LOT.

Don't buy me stuff.  Make me stuff!

These sugar cookies... nom nom nom!

Chocolate Chip, Sable, Ginger Snap and Lemon Sugar

Oatmeal Raisin didn't survive the trip... or my husband's hands!  So good!

My babies!!!

These are amazing pieces of art!  Jessica should totally sell 'em!


I LOVE YOU SO MUCH JESSICA!  You are an amazing baker and crafter!  XOXOXO

Knott's Merry Farm Is Pure Magic!

We really enjoyed ourselves at Knott's Merry Farm on Sunday.  It was gloomy and rainy but with great company and with awesome things to do... good times simply happen.

First stop: Private viewing of "Gift of the Magi" in the historic Knott's Birdcage Theatre.
One of the actors in the play gave an introduction and made jokes about mommy bloggers and us live blogging during the play.  I thought it was hilarious.  We all really enjoyed "Gift of the Magi" - even our 7 month old baby was captivated by the singing and dancing.  I didn't hear one kid cry or whine.  Shocking, I know! but thats how good it was!  Duke said it was his favorite part of our Knott's trip.  It is a beautiful story.  This is a must-see.

Duke says he looks like The Once-Ler from The Lorax (I agree!)

Next:  Visions of Sugarplums Reception.
Oh my.  We walked in to the Wilderness Dance Hall (I always wondered how it looked in there) and the sweet smells tickled my nose.  There was hot chocolate with all the fixins, fresh maple syrup lollipops, made-to-order filled churros, bread pudding and pretzels.  And we could make gingerbread people with real gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies!

My husband Chris swore about the hot chocolate and helped himself to two cups.  Now he's insisting I make hot chocolate at home but I bet it won't be as good as Knott's!  We both fell in love with the filled churros.  I went for a boysenberry churro and got him a strawberry one.  SO GOOD!  My friend Tee of ThatsITMommy.com & I watched the Chef doing something with syrup and ice and decided to try the maple syrup lollipops.  Messy but addicting!  You need one.

My son Duke and Tee's daughter Teagan!

See what happens when you encourage the hashtags #uglychristmassweater and #merryfarm on Twitter - a contest happens!  That's Alma of fieldtripmom.com's ugly Christmas vest that everyone tried on.  It won the contest!  YAY!


After the reception, it was raining and we took the kids to Camp Snoopy where they rode Air Mail three times!!!

Last:  "It's Christmas, Snoopy!" Ice Show in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre
This show is phenomenal!  The skaters are first class!  I really didn't expect to see so much amazing ice skating (We've seen other ice shows)

These snowmen made me laugh.  So funny seeing them wobble around!

AMAZING!

I thought the falling snow was magical...

Until the live doves flew out and gathered at the Christmas tree!  PHENOMENAL!

Knott's Merry Farm is pure magic.


"A Peanuts Holiday Parade" was cancelled because of the rain.  And I had to rush home to take an exam so we missed the "Calico Christmas Tree Lighting" - It was so good hanging with blogger friends and their families, so thankful for Knott's for inviting us to experience their Holiday fun.  There is a lot more to see, do, eat, ride!  Create Holiday memories with your family this Holiday season!   

Knott’s opens daily at 10 a.m. The park closes December 25 to allow its employees to spend Christmas with their families. For information about the day you plan to visit and available discounts, call (714) 220-5200 or click on www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app for your smartphone.

Disclosure:  This is not a compensated post.  I was invited to a media event.  All thoughts are my own.

Knott's Merry Farm Coupon!

Knott's Merry Farm is from Thanksgiving Day to January 6

Knott’s Berry Farm is filled with the magic of the season as it transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm and celebrates “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with seasonal entertainment, spectacular decorations including a 65 foot tall Christmas tree, and a colorful Christmas parade.

Now a holiday tradition in Southern California, Knott’s Merry Farm is proud to present the holiday ice spectacular, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” The show, performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz Theatre, is hosted by the famous skating beagle and his PEANUTS friends as they look for the true meaning of Christmas and features Knott’s ensemble skaters, dazzling sets, colorful costumes and plenty of surprises!

“A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the PEANUTS Gang and accompanied by students from Orange County Song and Dance Company. Children and adults alike will be able to get into the holiday spirit with the Peanuts Gang as they get ready for the holidays.

Children and adults alike will enjoy “A Peanuts’ Holiday Parade” which offers seven elaborately themed floats featuring the PEANUTS Gang.  Join CHARLIE BROWN, LUCY, SALLY, SCHROEDER and of course SNOOPY as they partake in all the holiday festivities including cookie making, tree trimming, and even toy building.

Knott’s 1880s Ghost Town is transformed into Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, inviting mall-weary guests to explore one-of-a-kind treasures created by more than 100 artisans in a Victorian holiday wonderland of strolling carolers, musical groups, community choirs and lavish holiday decorations.

Adding to the unique Village atmosphere are live performances of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and O. Henry’s “A Gift of the Magi” in the Bird Cage Theatre. Additionally, the world famous Timber Mountain Log Ride is transformed into Elf Mountain giving guests an up-close and-personal view into the world of Santa’s Elves.

Guests can also experience the wonder of “Snoopy’s Magical Nights of Lights.” Hundreds of thousands of twinkling white and multicolored lights merrily light up the nighttime sky accompanied by a festive soundtrack that bring the Christmas spirit alive from dusk to Park closing.

My Readers Save Big At Knott's Merry Farm Running Nov. 22 - Jan. 6 - Only $37.99 Admission to Knott's Merry Farm with this coupon
Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.

Kroger Cart Buster Savings Event 10/7-10/20 #CleverCartBuster #Spon

The beginning of Fall signals the start of Holiday season in our home.  That means I need to kick it into high gear and start getting my Christmas shopping done.  Holiday shopping isn't only shopping for gifts but stocking up on everything from Bounty Paper Towels to Duracell Saver Packs!  Bounty to help me clean during the many hours I'll be slaving in the kitchen and Duracell batteries for the gifts I'll be giving or the kids will be receiving.  I learned my lesson a few years ago when Duke got a remote-controlled car for Christmas from a friend and we didn't have extra batteries.  He was so bummed that he had to wait till December 26th to play with one of his new toys.  Now we make sure we're stocked up during the Holidays cause you never know what someone might give you or the kids.

What do you stock up on for Fall?  

Download a digital coupon for a different product each day straight to your shopper card at the Cart Buster site for great deals on your favorite products at the Kroger Co. Family of Stores.

Kroger Co. Family Stores include:
Kroger
City Market
Dillons
Food 4 Less
Food 4 Less Fremont
Fryís
Gerbes
Jay C
King Soopers
Owenís
Pay Less
QFC
Bakerís
Fred Meyer
Ralphs

Disclosure: I was selected for participation in this campaign as a member of Clever Girls Collective.