December Daily-Day 21

I swore I was not doing a gingerbread house this year. In the past, they have been a lot of work and I always get stuck finishing it alone. I have been tempted many times this season to buy a kit, but the memories of frustration kept coming back. Finally, At toys R us, I caved when they had a Willie Wonka one. Wow, actually good candy! I was sold.

I decided it would be an advent calendar gift, and Sunday was just right. However, we got off to a rough start... NO lie, every piece was broken. Thank goodness all that HGTV watching had taught me some superior grouting skills.

Of course, the extra step of repair work just meant that the kids ate more of the decor while waiting. Grady was crazy for the Runts bananas.

While waiting for the icing to dry, the girls drew out their designs for the house and came to a few compromises.

A very sugary-sweet kiss...

And then I just basically let them go at it. They took the job very seriously and I think were shocked that I just "let" them do it. And ya know what? They did great.

It lasted about 30 minutes before it was a pile of ruins. Ah well, the best $10 I ever spent.