cousins and cookies

 Last weekend, the girls and I headed out to Aunt Jill's house (Doug's younger sister.)

They live about 40 minutes from us and the kids always are excited to see each other.  I have to say that has been a highlight of living here. 

Anyway, Jill and I planned earlier in the week to get the kids together and make Christmas cookies.  Her husband was going to be out of town and Doug was working.  we thought it would be a great time to just hang out with the kids.  It was!  We laughed a lot!  No need to say, with 4 little girls and one 3 year old boy there was a lot of noise and a ton of fun...and not much sleep:)

The cookie makers lined up and ready to go!

Samuel(3), Abby(6), Emma(8) and Ella(2).

Lily was actually napping.  Can you say, perfect timing.

Silliness and giggles as they all put their heads together.

Ella really likes sprinkles.  I turned my head for just a second and she dumped out half the bottle.  (Notice the red all over her mouth.)

Jill so patiently helped Samuel and Ella decorate while I helped Emma and Abby roll and cut out cookies.  Abby and Emma actually rolled out the dough and cut the cookies out with very little assistance.  They had a great time.  Did I mention, there was a lot of flour flying around.

The very proud cookie makers and their creations.  Not quite sure where Ella and Samuel are at this moment.  Probably running through the house high on sprinkles!

We had a great time making cookies with our cousins.  Jill and I have decided to make it an annual event.

Thanks, Aunt Jill !