Nothing can be better than to experience a country with the people who live there. I had the good fortune to have local residents generously share their homes and escort me throughout their beautiful country. Now I have the opportunity to welcome them to Chicago and celebrate the 4th of July with them.
Animal cookies for the incredible wildlife I experienced on my journey. . .
. . .and a patriotic collection to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation.
When tiny, preemie Elliot was born and Papa O saw his pictures from the NICU, he described Elliot as awesome. When he was a toddler I called him my "Little Buddy." Now he's sixteen and taller than me.
Since he spends most of his time on the field or on the ice, the theme for his cookies was an obvious choice.
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Elliot has a large fan base and it is always fun to watch his games with family! From a young age he would make sure to give everyone a big hug after the game. Now it might be a hug, a fist bump or a high five, but he is always appreciative of the support from the stands.
When he's not in season he enjoys traveling, especially if the itinerary includes a game at a MLB stadium.
I reminded myself that it's just a cookie and said "let it go." However, I realized that Elliot would not have been chosen as an all star nor would he have been awarded the golden glove if he didn't do his best, so I chose to follow his example. I unpacked the cookies and added the missing details.
With hair or without hair? I decided to include pictures of both because it reminded me of the various hairstyles Elliot has worn over the years.
Love, hugs, cookies and happy birthday wishes to my awesome, little buddy. You are loved to infinity and beyond!
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.
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.
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.
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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?
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 . . .
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!
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!
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.
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So this year he receives his first cookies from Great-great Aunt Diane!
Santa and Grinches for friends. . .
Happy Birthday and first Christmas to our Christmas baby, great-great nephew, Kolten. . .
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Love, Hugs, Cookies and Merry Christmas to all!
