Cookies and Houses

 We started the baking holiday with a batch of gingerbread.

 Then we invited some cutie cousins over and got to work. This three year old uses a LOT of frosting. 

Don't worry though, the 11 year old was game to eat the frosting mountains, with a little financial inducement. 

The older children were a little more careful with their designs. 

Regardless of their decorating style, a good time was had by all. 

A few days later, not having had enough sugar, we decorated gingerbread houses. We decided to forego having extra company and just decorate as a family. It's pretty rare we have all the children in one place anymore, so we rejoice when it is possible. 

Sometimes it is very hard to get the houses to stand up. Grace's collapsed half way through, and she decided it was actually a crack house and continued decorating it. 

Libby was so proud, she even signed hers. 

My masterpiece.

Ethan's masterpiece. 

Sam's piece. 

And Grace's pile. 

Michael was content to take pictures of the sugary mess. For reasons he can't fully articulate, the mess and cacophony of gingerbread houses cause him untold stress. He enjoyed being a spectator and recorder this year, rather than a participant.