A Grand Time and a New Tradition

Thanks for all of the hugs on Friday.  I felt better putting it all out there and I knew you all would have kind words for me.  Even though I got more upsetting news on Saturday, I decided that it doesn't matter and I'm just going to focus on my family and not let toxic people ruin our holiday.

I found the cure for the Christmas Holiday blahs. Christmas Spirit is residing in Salt Lake City at the Grand America Hotel!

One of the benefits of following people and businesses from your state on Twitter is that you learn all of the fun goings on.  I knew that Grand America had a lovely brunch on Sunday's but once I found out that they were having their 1st Annual Grand Gingerbread Village AND a Teddy Bear Suite with story time.  I knew we had to do this and that we would be making it a yearly tradition.

this little girl got lots of attention....

Let me tell you a little bit about the brunch....so much delicious food.  Lunch time items like cornish game hen and blackened fish in a sauce, quiche, mussels, shrimp and crab legs. An assortment of breads with the best croissant I've ever had.  A juice/smoothie bar, sushi station, a crepe station, an omelet station and (wait for it) a CHEESE STATION.  As if that wasn't enough....they have a short (as in low to the ground)  buffet station for the children filled with all of their favorites....mac and cheese, corn dogs, chicken strips and potatoes.

I wanted to give the DESSERT station it's own paragraph because it was the best selection of desserts ever.  I can never pass up Bread Pudding and it didn't disappoint. Calvin was kind enough to share his Hazelnut Parfait with me and it was the perfect creamy dessert.  As you can see from the picture...Mallory loved the Cherries Jubilee served in a pure chocolate cup.

The staff was so attentive, from the moment we pulled up in front of the building to leave our car with the valet...someone was always helpful and friendly.  The doorman even took us inside to help us find out what time the Teddy Bear Suite opened.  One of the gentlemen running the show kept coming over to ask the kids how they were doing and Alex shared a piece of his pancake with him.  I almost forgot to mention a band playing Christmas music that came over and asked if our kids had any requests.

that wheel really turned...and look at the stained glass windows.

We were so excited to walk around and experience this beautiful hotel.  It has an amazing classy elegance with cute little shops and amazing decor. Mallory was enthralled by the Santa-lires (chandeliers)  There were, I think 12 houses...each made by a pastry chef in the area (the kids ran through so fast that I couldn't take much time to really verify that) and they were amazing.

This one was my favorite.....

Next stop!  The 23rd floor to see the Teddy Bear Suite.  All of the bears (over 300 of them) were donated by local companies in support of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The bears were everywhere...even in the bathrooms!

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We are all ready for Christmas...packages wrapped, some cookies (by Bobbi) baked and now we will just relax, watch Christmas Movies with homemade Marshmallows and enjoy this precious time with the kids. The Young and The Relentless will be on a blog break for the next few days. I won't be blogging...just visiting. Also, working on a monthly theme for the new year. I'll announce it on Friday.

*In other news* I have my first appointment to get started on the hCG diet protocol on Wednesday. If you want to see me shrink in the next two months...then run over to my fitness blog and follow me.