Happy Birthday Zoe (Hershey's Party)

Zoe turned eight in December!  And to celebrate, we basically had an all you can eat sugar fest.  It was great fun!  Actually, the background story is this:

I applied on Hershey's website to host a Cookie Exchange Party.  I never really thought I'd be accepted, but I was!  We found out at the end of November.  That meant, that at some point in December, we needed to host a party.  As I thought about it, I just couldn't think about planning yet another party when we were already planning two birthday parties, not to mention celebrating Jesus' birthday.  When my box came from Hershey's with all the goodies, I asked Zoe if she wanted to have a cookie party for her birthday.  She was super excited and readily agreed.  We decided to make it a mom and daughters party to include some adult types (which would please Hershey's I'm sure).

So, my party box included:  three bags of Hershey's kisses, an apron, recipe cards, boxes for guests to take treats home, Hershey's cocoa (which I think is the best, and no, they didn't tell me to say it, I've just tried others and theirs is way better), and a pack of sugar cookies.

Zoe told me later that this was her best day ever.  So, I think it was a success.

Pre party posing with our creations.  I made it a point to make sure Zoe stayed with me and helped me with each of the recipes.  We did three from the Hershey's box and two non-chocolate ones (since I thought that much chocolate may be overkill...as much as I like chocolate).

And some preparty snuggles!  Zoe's not much of a snuggler so we take them when we can get them...even if we have to hold her down.

Party favors:  Included were cookie cutters, Hershey's recipes, Hershey's kisses.

Cookies all boxed up.

 The girls were able to cut out cookies and after they cooked and cooled, decorate them.

They also dipped some of the toffee bit cookies in chocolate.

 All the girls enjoyed eating as much sugar as possible including apple cider and hot chocolate.

Bryant partied so hard he passed out on Aunt Tracy.

Decorating sugar cookies.

In the spirit of cookies, I made a fudge covered chocolate oreo cake with Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate chocolate cake recipe (which is quite yummy).

And the day before, we celebrated with cake and gifts at Ge and Granddaddy's house:

Not sure if we can top this birthday next year!

*Disclaimer:  Hershey's provided various foods/aprons/treats for the Cookie Exchange Party (but I provided the cooking).