The Icing on Top

We have a long-standing tradition in our family . . . of creating gingerbread houses for the holidays. 

On Thanksgiving Day, in the evening after the feast had been cleared away, Erin and my Mom and I gathered around my dining room table to create this year's masterpieces!

Some of us get coaching and assistance . . .

Some of us get moral support . . .

(I think my Dad was a bit worried about my Mom and her gingerbread house.  If you read my blog last year, you might remember that my Mom took a tumble off my counter stool at a gingerbread decorating party I held for some of my friends.  She ended up with a broken ankle, surgery, and a not-very-pleasant holiday season.  My Dad did NOT want a repeat performance.  He may even have suggested tying her into her chair.  Just sayin'.)

And some of us just get glasses of wine . . .

This year, it seemed to take extra-long for the houses to "settle" and hold up well enough for the true decorating to begin.  I will admit that, for a while, I considered a "Blitzkrieg" theme for my house. . . just bombed out walls and no roof at all.

In the end, though, I went with a chocolate theme.

Mmmmm.  Chocolate goodness from rooftop to foundation!

My Mom was inspired by peppermint.

And despite several wall/roof collapses, she remained safe, seated, and unscathed!

Erin went with color-coordination. . .

coconut. . .

and inspired, artful flourishes!  (Thanks, Keith!)

We had a great time kicking off the holiday decorating season.  (And . . . so much more fun without a call to 9-1-1!)

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Thanks for your warm healing wishes for Jenny yesterday.  The surgery went very well, the vet was able to repair the ruptured ligament, and we will welcome Jenny back home later today.