Into the Christmas Season

Back in the day, I used to do a lot of baking at Christmas.  It wasn't bad, I really do like to cook and the holidays are the best time to go all out and make goodies galore.  Over the years after I started on Weight Watchers and even when I wasn't following the plan, I just quit creating a lot of treats at Christmas. 
This year, while I haven't been overboard, I have baked more than I have in years.  It is all because of the grand kids.  It just seems right to make cookies with them.  I admit to having this fantasy of them telling their kids and grand kids over icing and dough how they made cookies with us when they were kids.  You can't have memories unless you make them and so I guess that is what we are doing.
I also am making cookie trees with Wyatt and Andrea's help.  I know for a fact, that they are not perfect, but the second one was a lot better than the first.  I think I will make one more.  The short first one for us.  The second one in the picture for Nicole's family and another one for Andrew and Theresa.  I am looking forward to seeing if the skills required improve with my next effort.
The non baking picture of Andrea with the reindeer is just commemorate the fact that she now can sing all the words to Grandma got run over by a reindeer, just from listening to the deer on the rocker.  Who says kids aren't listening.

Long Time Friend (Ray says I can't call them old friends)

Just before Thanksgiving, one of our friends from when we were stationed in Turkey called and told us he would be passing through Wichita.  He was invited to spend the night and we had a great time catching up on the last thirty (yes, thirty) years.
Dave Morse and his wife were in the communication squadron at Karamursel Turkey.  We had a great time together, we traveled places, and we kept in touch over the years.  Dave and his wife divorced, but we still are in touch with both of them. 
It is just so great to be able to still visit with friends from over forty years ago.  I consider it a real blessing.