That was the theme this year. It was very fun. I’m giving up on my cookie cutters though. The kids’ houses always collapse. The roof needs a flatter pitch and the sides need to be higher so that the big, heavy roof pieces don’t have to be so big and crush the rest of the house. I guess I’ll have to make up a pattern.

But we had a good time,

and my internet shy friend scored loads and loads of cool candy/decorations for us to work with, highlighted by the edible snowflakes.

Nate’s was my favorite this year

But Dennis was by far the most creative. Full on pretzel chairs, fire pit, outhouse, wire spool table and all…

Clark had fun sticking candy to his house before it collapsed

and Veronica and the daughter of my internet shy friend made a house

Abby and Olivia had their own house, and I thought their idea was brilliant.

They wanted to make the house from “Up”, complete with Dum Dum balloons out the chimney. We colored frosting, and they were doing a great job but it imploded before they could finish.

Yay, team! I spent the night running around helping everyone, trying to rescue falling houses, making frosting and refilling the decorator bags. My internet shy friend held a rather fussy Maxwell.

I’m plugging along down my list of things to finish before Christmas. Doing rather well. Clark’s stocking needs 16 more rounds before I can start decreasing the toe, and that won’t take long. I’m not sure if it’ll have stars on it before Friday, but it should at least be functional. I made a gift for my brother this morning. Most everything is wrapped already…

We’re trying to think of something small we can give to the 17 or so cousins (I lose count) this year. Any ideas? They range in age from 18 months to 11 years old. We’re currently thinking about baking something.