Friday, December 30, 2011

Gingerbread House 2011

Since Josiah was born, I started a tradition of having the kids make a gingerbread house.

 It was my first Christmas as a grandmother and I wanted to start something new.   I didn't do this with my children because they didn't have a ready made kit back in the day.  Now had I had this when they were little and I wasn't dirt poor, I would have gotten this for them to do.

I absolutely love this activity.  It sounds simple in theory.  Very few ingredients and just follow the picture.  This is were it gets interesting.  The house is always different year from year.  It has gotten messier and messier.

The first year, my kids balked at the concept but they put it together. It was the first time in quite awhile where they had to work together.  Talk about strong personalities in action.   Josiah had his first small part last year but this year was the year where both if not all three grandkids would be involved.  Or as involved as they could be and if being involved means eating the candy was your part then each had a hand in the making of the house.

I got the idea of building a gingerbread house from Acme a few years ago.  They were selling this kit.  I not only make dinner for Christmas but I am compelled to provide entertainment. 

Maybe I flash back to when the kids where younger and if I kept them occupied they would argue less. As the years pass,  I was open to new ideas to accomplish.  I see the kit and for $10 it doesn't seem like a bad idea.

I am so glad I started this tradition because if you think the years have made them improve their house making skills you are sorely mistaken. 

With so many hands in the mix, little ones eating the decorations, and the royal icing being so sticky it made for a wonderful activity. 

Jackson was looking for any little piece of candy to put his sticky little hands on. 

I truly enjoy watching this unfold from behind my camera. It brings me a smile even as I write this post. I feel like one of those wild life documentary journalist.  I stay quiet in the background and let nature happen. 

Alas, the house didn't make it past the hour after it was built.  It will live on in my memory and my pictures.

The Jane Goodall of Gingerbread House Makers Abbie

5 comments:

  1. That looks like so much fun. I have never made a gingerbread house :)

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  2. Laura - It does look like fun and when I put the camera down I will try to make one myself :)

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  3. lol that is awesome!
    these are the moments they will remember forever!

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  4. Cyn - I hope they do! If not, I have the proof :)

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  5. I love the photos! We made houses this year, but only with graham crackers. They didn't turn out so cute, but my kids loved eating them. :) Happy New Year Abbie!

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