It's that Ayyam'i'Ha time of year again! And oh-- we have been busy. Even though I am in the midst of exams, there is a question of priorities. Like cookies. How can we not have cookies?
We started somewhat inauspiciously with the shortbread cookies we have been making for years. Somehow, they became this:
So yes, I moped and grumbled for a while. Different ingredients? Different oven? The tried and true did not come out so true for us this time around. But then we tried again. And again. And again. Although, not with shortbread.
We are pleased to report that the marzipan/almond roca bars, pepernoten, pecan Mexican wedding cakes, haji badam and these chocolate sugar cookies with nutella filling all came out just fine. Perhaps we may have over-compensated. A little bit. We certainly made enough to give to teachers and friends (and for my dad to give to his friends-- we'll bring them for you on Sunday!)
...and a Cookie Tower of Goodness.
We sent a parcel to cousins in Canada. Shhhhh. No cookies, though.
The children have also been busy making fantastic gifts for their friends.
Bella made these peg people with leaf beds. I almost stole one. They are wonderful.
Ana made needlefelted flower magnets. I almost stole one of these, too.
Asher made pipecleaner/wool roving caterpillars. I do not know how one ended up in my apron pocket. I gave it back. Truly.
Finally, we made Lukas and April a needle-felted flower garland for them to hang up somewhere. I think we should make more for us, too.
It was so different crafting with the children this year-- Ana needed no help at all aside from a few initial instructions, and even Asher was able to do the bulk of his work alone (although as the number of caterpillars for making grew, I did help out more so as not to spend all day supervising him with the felting needle). Such capable people they are.
Now we are off and running, excited and happy to be able to spend some precious time with one another and friends.
A very happy Ayyam'i'Ha to all of you! And feel free to come by and help disassemble that cookie tower of goodness.
Edited to add: You can find some of the cookie recipes (haji badam, pepernoten and shortbread) in the archives from two years ago here.