christmas cookie tradition!

Every year since the boys were very small they have gone to Grandma's to make Christmas cookies with their cousins.  Last year Tyler and Chad weren't there.  I'm not sure why Tyler wasn't there but Chad was in Iraq.  This year Becky wasn't there because she had to work...we missed you Becky! 

There's Kiely...in her cute little hat!

Evan is so glad to see her...but not half as glad that he has now passed her in height!

Yep, it's true Kiley!  Hard to believe that we were worried that this boy would never even catch you:)

Yay!  Heeeeeeerrr's Tyler!

Grandma had everything layed out in their "stations" and ready to go.  After all these years, everyone knows what cookies they like to make.  This station is mine...I make the yummy date balls!  They have lots of butter, sugar, dates, rice krispies and coconut.

Here is the finished product! SWEET!

With his minature coke (which grandma always has just for him) he is the first one to start working at his "station".  Graham, Evan, Tyler and Chad do all of the sugar cookies.

Here is a sample of the fine decorating job that the boys did.  They love the red hots and sugar! Although, I'm not sure about the placement of the red hots on the gingerbread man...? Boys!!

Look who emerged from his work in the Master Bathroom...Grandpa!  Grandma gave him permission to stay and play awhile! Ha!

I know that it looks like Kiely isn't working in any of the above photos but she is always in charge of the Noel Nut Balls.  These are NOT mexican wedding cakes!  They are bigger and much tastier and no one does them like Kiely Erin!

The natives have become restless!  Come on guys...Tyler still needs you!

Here are some of mom's Christmas trees.  The topiary tree looks like rosemary.  I saw it at Pottery Barn while shopping with mom and said, "Oh, you have to have this in your hallway.  It just makes a statement!"  So it is known as the "statement tree".  The glass tree is 59 yrs. old and used to be my grandma and grandpa Hites'.  I have always loved this tree!!  When I was little I used to just stare at all of the colored lights!  (I hope that someday it will be mine...hint, hint!)  And the last tree is mom and dad's Christmas tree all done up in gold!

I just love these carolers and how they stand in front of the light.  Mom has them in her kitchen on the counter.

Stocking's are hung by the chimney with care! (in hopes that Marjorie Kay soon will be there with us on Christmas Eve!)

Thanks mom for an awesome day and for keeping the Christmas cookie tradition alive!  One more thing I wanted to mention.  In the first picture of this long post, there is a candle cookie cutter near the top. This is one of my favorite one's because I love the size of cookie it makes...you don't have to break it to dunk it in your milk!  Well, half way through the sugar cookie making it came up missing.  We looked everywhere...trash, drawers, cookie tins you name it and we couldn't find it anywhere.  I just have to laugh and say that I am glad that Lori was able to join us today!  She knows that number one it was my favorite cutter and two that it is driving me crazy as to where it is at!  There are Angels among us...and I'm glad:)