Because It's Never Too Late to Have Fun with Sugar

My sister and her lovable kids visited us for a few days this week. After attending a memorable musical performance about the midnight ride of Paul Revere, we headed to the local rec center for a few hours of ice skating. I'm sure I don't need to tell you just who was the most impressive skater out there, although Charlie did hold his own (his own orange pylon, that is).

The real fun began, however, when we went home and started building. Yes, for the second year in a row, we made gingerbread houses! (I guess I should really call them graham cracker houses ;) I sense a tradition coming on. Charlie has been begging politely asking to make them since the beginning of Advent (he remembered!), but somehow we never quite got around to it during the Christmas season. Well, it's not Candlemas yet...and the best part about procrastinating waiting...the candy was half-price!

Posing with their masterpieces, these happy cousins are wearing the shirts they designed during our Christmas Family Reunion. It is so interesting to see their individual personalities portrayed in all of their creations. We had elaborate houses with chimneys and birdhouses, and we had simple ones with flat roofs and sparse candy (because it had been eaten in the making, of course). We even had a stable created by my favorite horse lover, Nastia. (Poor Valya's kept falling apart, so she crushed and consumed it before the photo could be taken.) So much fun!

Speaking of fun, guess what is sitting by my front door....Yes, the annual family letter we send out in celebration of the Chinese New Year is complete and awaiting its ride to the post office tomorrow, eager to begin the journey to family and friends. For once in my life, I am early. ;)