Aw, this sounds amazing! Such wonderful memories. I too wanted "family friends" like this for my kids and it never really stuck. Aw. I am so glad you have such great memories. I could feel the excitement in the way you wrote it too.

I am SURE you are great mom. I can tell..because you want to be. That alone means your kids will know they are loved.

Now you made me want peppermint ice cream... :)