Gingerbread houses

One thing I have never done at Christmas time is make Gingerbread houses. I love looking at them, but do not like to make them. They require too much patience and fine motor skill ability.

My book group in Kirkland had a fun December tradition that we did for many years. We all rode the Metro bus to downtown Seattle together. Then we walked to the Sheraton Hotel and looked at the Gingerbread Village. (Click here to see this year's village.) The creations are always magnificent. After we gazed in wonder at the Gingerbread Village, we had a little something to eat in the hotel restaurant, followed by their all-you-can-eat dessert bar. Then we'd ride the bus back home. It was so much fun! We did that until they stopped serving the dessert bar during the week. I don't know if they even still do the dessert bar on the weekends anymore. Seattle was always so beautiful - all lit up with Christmas decorations. FAO Schwartz was right across the street from the Sheraton, and it always had great displays that time of year.

I haven't done anything like that for a few years now. Imagine how fun it was to come home this afternoon and find a Gingerbread Village right here at home! Audrey, Joseph and the boys made gingerbread houses while Ray and I were out running errands. Here's a little tour of the Hanks Gingerbread Village. You may vote for your favorite, if you'd like to.

Matthew (age 3)

Austin (age 4 1/2)

Joseph (note the candy cane ax on the wood block, and the woodpile under the left eave of the chalet

Audrey (note the roll of toilet paper to the left of the Marshmallow Man)

This is my personal favorite. For some reason it strikes a chord. Hmmm...