We were all happy to get an invitation to a dinner and cookie-decorating evening at the Grote's early in December. Abby and Callie had been club soccer teammates for several years and they in part bonded over the fact that almost all of their teammates were in a grade above them. So most of the girls in this picture were seniors and no longer played soccer. It was a special opportunity for the girls to get together and also for the parents who no longer saw each other with regularity on the sidelines or at tournaments. This was a good group of individuals and we enjoyed kicking the holidays off with them.
Kelly and Sarah decided to shift their chocolate dipping Christmas tradition to cookie baking with the help of the illustrious Susan Buhrow, baker extraordinaire. Typically the girls are not involved but this year we wanted to try something a little different.
We knew it was going to be intense when Susan brought over a multi-page document of instructions and recipes. She had everything all laid out for at least eight different cookies and each one had its own special twist. This was not going to be a day for lollygagging in the kitchen. Reese was not amused and at times looked like she was being tortured.
We took the divide and conquer approach in order to keep up with Susan's schedule. The kitchen probably looks a bit chaotic in this picture, which led to Sarah's role of constant cleaner to make sure each baker had the utensils and equipment they needed. You will notice John is not present in these pictures and it is not by chance.
In the end each party went home with an incredible collection of baked treats and we hadn't even completed all that was on Susan's list at the beginning of the day. Callie was a trooper throughout and showed off her culinary skills and work ethic. We'll have to see if next year brings back the chocolate or if the baking makes a return.
And of course during the holiday season we had to get in the winter-themed Cotillion as well. Reese was especially excited for her Christmas dress which would be playing double duty for Cotillion and Christmas Eve. It is no secret that this is her absolutely favorite time of year for so many reasons and Cotillion just added to the fun.
Sarah, Sharon, and the girls were asked to light the Advent candles one Sunday at church which was a wonderful recognition of the relationship and love between our families. It is kind of amazing to look at this picture and know that Sharon has known the girls since they were born, from bringing us fresh pineapple at the hospital when Callie was born to hosting Callie and then bringing her to meet her new sister with a bag of dark chocolate Reese's cups. We are so very lucky.
In a wonderful twist to the holiday season we got to see the Hannens for a day when they were in the Cincinnati area visiting Brian's sister and family. We met up for pizza and beers in Newport and then walked around to see the Christmas decorations.
We are glad that we were able to make this happen since the Hannens were not going to be making it to Connecticut after Christmas this year. The girls always enjoy getting more time with Zoey and Abby and we also had the opportunity to explore parts of Newport we hadn't been to before.
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