It's Leann's Day to Shine

 

Congratulations to my great-niece, Leann, who is graduating from Resurrection College Prep High School, the home of the Bandits.

After two years of commuting 11 miles southeast to Jones college prep, she switched her route and traveled just 4 miles northwest for her final 2 years of school.  An easier commute for her and much more convenient for her fans to follow her athletic pursuits!    

Soccer has been her sport of choice from a young age, but at Res she added swimming to the mix.  It was fun to watch her compete on the field and in the pool.

In addition to adding a swimming cap to her wardrobe, Leann also participated in a special welding program offered by Chicago Public Schools and now owns her own welding hood.

Between the soccer field and the pool, Leann found the time to participate in a variety of school and church activities, while pursing a rigorous academic schedule.

 Since Leann is my cookie puzzle lover her collection included a few bandits for her guests and a puzzle version just for her!  A simple puzzle for sure, but it's tradition. 

 Congratulations to my sweet niece as she leaves her high school experience behind . . . 

 and looks forward to the years ahead at the University of Iowa.

As Leann travels the miles from Chicago to Iowa, I hope she will always remember the loving family that will be supporting her every step of the way.

Behind you, high school memories. 

Before you, all your dreams.

Around you, all who love you.

Within you, all you need.

 

Love, hugs and cookies to an amazing young woman! 

 

 

I was 6 now I'm 7

 

Who knew that 6 7 would be such a cultural phenomenon that it would be selected as dictionary.com's word of the year?  This trend may not last, but the timing was perfect for great-niece Avery's birthday!

Since Avery has started to choose the theme for her birthday party, I try to anticipate what she will select.  I thought it would be 6 7, or possibly Taylor Swift, but then I learned about her love of Labubu collectibles and thought for sure that would be it.  Definitely NOT!  She chose Wicked.

Let's just say that she has had a "wickedly" interesting year. 

Her first day of school sign showed a significant change this year.  In preschool and kindergarten she said she wanted to be a doctor, but this year she wants to be a teacher.  

I wonder how many careers we will see on that sign in the future?

Avery loves school and definitely appears to prefer working on homework projects that include a partner to all of those individual assignments.

This year  Avery experienced many "firsts."  She lost her first tooth, added a balance beam to her play room, appeared on her school's social media page, had her ears pierced .  .  .

 .  .  . and was featured as a design critic in Chicago magazine.

Avery can still be seen hanging around with Lincoln, her best pal.

However, she LOVES cats and seems to find them everywhere she goes.

Love cats?  Why not get a job at the local pet store?  Another first for her this year.

On my birthday, Avery sent me a very sweet video and told me that she hopes she will make me birthday cookies some day.  She is a good baker and has already learned the problem with black food coloring that I had to use for her Halloween cookies.

Avery was 6 now she's 7, but no matter what her age she continues to be wicked sweet.

             Love, hugs and cookies to a very special girl! 

 

 

 

 

6 7 Easter and More

Avery's 7th birthday coincides with Easter this year so 6 7 cookies for her.

A repeat from 10 years ago.  The kids like creating different designs with the mini cookies and candies.

 Some simple minis to add to the dessert table.

Finally, Leann joined me this year to decorate the lamb cake. She added some new touches and chose to name this creation Hillary.

 

                                                                  Happy Easter!
 

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas Birthday!

 

Last year we received a special gift a month early!  Great-great nephew, Kolten arrived on Christmas Day and has brought laughter, joy and smiles to the entire family.

 

 

So this year he receives his first cookies from Great-great Aunt Diane! 

 

                                HAPPY  CHRISTMASAURUS! 

Merry Christmas!

 

Santa and Grinches for friends. . .

Happy Birthday and first Christmas to our Christmas baby, great-great nephew,  Kolten. . .

 and traditional minis for the family.

 Love, Hugs, Cookies and Merry Christmas to all!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Our Thanksgiving celebration was also a birthday party, acknowledging the numerous milestones reached in November.  Brother-in-law, Marty celebrated 80 years . . . 

Niece Wendy reached her 50th milestone, and great niece Chiann celebrated her 30th.  

Finally, a turkey with a party hat for my Irish twin.  It may not be a milestone for Rita this year, but she is the one family member with a birthday that was actually on Thanksgiving Day!

 

 

 

Marty's A Survivor

 

The invitation said, "Marty's Survived a lot. . ." and that's an understatement!  As the saying goes on the TV show, "fire is life," so I hope he embraces each and every candle because he's earned them.

                      Cheers to 80 years for my brother-in-law!