Cookie Exchange

When I first moved to Council Bluffs, I had a cookie exchange at the clubhouse of our apartment.  Everyone brought 8 dozen cookies to swap.  We had chili the first year and played Christmas pictionary.   My favorite memory from that first year is the drawing my judge's wife did.  She drew Charles Dickens.    I put her drawing in a mug and it's been on her desk ever since.

"Charles Big Dickens"

Last year we decided to have the cookie exchange out at Doramae's because she has more room and then I don't have to worry about entertaining the boys.  Sadly due to inclement weather, the exchange was canceled last year.  This year we again held the exchange out at Doramae's home in McClelland.  We had about 14 people come this year.  Henry was very angry I was going to a party without him.  

The boys helped me make some peppermint pretzel treats.   I was amazed at what good helpers they were.

Then Sam decided he was done.

I made holly cookies the next day on my own.  I wasn't planning to make them.  I asked the boys if they remembered the green cookies that Mommy makes with the red dots.  They both said yes.  I asked if they liked them.  I heard Dave yell from the living room, "I like them!"   So I made a few ...

I brought pizza and Doramae had lots of yummy snacks. 

 I found a fun recipe for pina colada Jello shots online, so I made those as well.  They were a hit. 

 Everyone had a great time!   We had over 1,200 cookies to share.   Everyone did a great job this year.  Janette made some awesome saltine toffee and Doramae made her cinnamon almonds.  

I had to laugh when I woke up Saturday morning.  Henry said, Mom, you're back!  Where are the cookies???    Thankfully I had a few to share with him.