Christmas Tea

On Saturday my mom held her annual "Christmas Tea". Back when she owned Annie's, she often catered "High Tea" parties. Using the same concept, a few years ago she started the tradition of an evening of fun for the kids. She invites all the grand kids and my pseudo-siblings, the Hayes kids (my cousins).

The night started with a scrumptious meal: Chicken and Rice Soup, Ham and Swiss Croissants, and of course, tea! Okay, not really tea. It's actually a cider/herbal tea mixture. Pinkies were extended, nonetheless!

Here is Malia exhibiting her excitement. Note the band-aid. Earlier in the day Malia had bonked her head on the hard basement cement floor and Mom indulged her desire to "make it better".


In order to maintain some semblance of order, the kids picked partners (the bigger ones helping out the little guys). Malia and her "best friend" Andrew (turns out Malia has SEVERAL best friends!)...


Ben and Nathan...

Cassie and Adam...

Marissa and Abram...

Alex and Johnathan...

"Mom-Mom" and Nora...

{As a side note, we are in the process of packing up mom's basement. Thus the boxes and chaos...}

The whole crew enjoying some "tea"...

Fine grub was just the beginning of the fun. Next, decorating cookies!

Malia once again enjoying the addition of sprinkles to her creations... As her "buddy" adoringly looks on...

The boys got a bit carried away with the frosting...

The goal became to see who could make the tallest frosting globbed cookie...

Even Abram got to partake in the fun! He was pretty excited. Usually he can't snack on what the other kids have because of his allergies. We found one that was in the clear and he went to town...

On to story time... "The Christmas Sweater" by Glenn Beck...

What holiday activity would be complete without BINGO?!?

Malia really got into it. It helped the markers were M&Ms!

The final activity was watching a Christmas classic, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"...

A bit later the oldest Hayes, Alyssa, showed up with her man, Drew. It was nice to chat and catch up. They've been at school in Utah...

As you can see Malia wanted to dress up her pajamas with her purple tutu. Why not?

Malia showing off the goods she won in BINGO. A "Finding Nemo" jump rope, an apron (reading "Baker in Training") and chef's hat, and lip glosses. As you can see, pleased as punch with her haul...

A fantastic night of fun for the kids. I love that my mom gets into it so much. She is so thoughtful in planning out all the food and activities for the kids. I know it is something Malia and Abram will love to attend in years to come. Well, the years that we are back in Iowa for the holidays. Good time, Mom. Thanks!