Gingerbread Houses 2013

It's Christmas.  I placed this little train that was among Grandma's things on my mantle.  It makes me happy.  I even love the little shadow behind it.

This week we made gingerbread houses.  Several of them were baked a couple weeks ago and the rest on Saturday.  Candy and other decor was picked out (sorry Kate we couldn't find neccos)  and then....

Sunday after church we started by playing games while Richard took a nap.   Kate and Meg (with a smattering of Kiersten) played break the ice, while Trudy and the other kids played The Case of the Missing Mummy.  The big kids all rolled their eyes, but ended up having a lot of fun even though the game was a bit too easy.  We have come up with some alternate plans to make it more difficult the next time around.  Then Richard played Chris's favorite game, Quests of the Round Table with him while preparations were finished. At some point he ended up on the phone with his parents.  Hi!

 

Kate and Sariah helped me assemble the house walls and then helped Meg and Kiersten decorate their house.  They loved it and it was literally the best idea ever to have them do theirs first.  They felt so special. They are pretty special.  When Kate was ready to be done helping them and wanted to get to work on her own house she announced "you're done,"  and started clapping and dancing.  They joined in and declared the house done.  Genius!

 Then the rest of the kids got to work.  I was surprised that even  those who seemed ambivalent about making gingerbread houses were involved and loving it.  It melted my heart to see them all loving each others work. There was a little drama.

We had Christmas music going and at one point Richard grabbed me, threw my arms around his neck and started dancing.



Chris was horrified.  And embarrassed.  I am not sure which was the primary emotion. And when Richard kissed me.....



...he fled.  I managed to convince him that we were normal and let the little girls have their turn dancing with dad and he was able to bring himself to stay.  I think he may have liked it a little; just look at that blurry smile.  He might no mind the way we (mis)behave sometimes.




 And now for the masterpieces.

Sariah's was the most intricate. Red hots everywhere, on the roof fences and paths.  Is it because they are pretty or because they are her favorite candy?

 

Trevor had a river a bridge and torches by the front door.  Love it.  And the glasses.  He is so cute, I just want to be an annoying elderly aunt from the storybooks and  pinch his cheeks.

Chris really wants to eat his.  And just look at his forest and gardens.

Kate had a well, mint cobblestone sidewalk and a fully decorated interior with a fireplace, tree, presents and a family.

 

The babies loved their house.  It started out with a full roof, but they wanted to be able to put their gingerbread people in and out so they took half off and made a backyard.

 Here is the whole village.