Church Program and Potluck

Our church doesn't really do a Children's Christmas Program. The first year in the Hochstatter basement they did present a little pageant for us, but in the two years since then we have instead presented a program at the Hearthstone Retirement Inn for the residents there. This year we did that on Dec. 21st, and then later that afternoon we had a congregational potluck fellowship at Howard and Laurel's house. Because they have no TV, she was concerned about an activity for the kids (since it would be dark and snowy and really cold outside). So I volunteered to make gingerbread houses for them to decorate. I made parts for 15 mini houses and two big houses this year:

At least I didn't have to decorate them all myself (one year I did 10 little ones by myself and it was too much!) Laurel set up tables in the basement and we had a great time down there with candy and frosting. You will notice Danelle here; she was the youngest down there but she caught on quickly and even demoted Shane as her helper once she figured out she could squeeze the frosting out of the bag by herself. Her first gingerbread house:
Gingerbread house making has now been suggested as an annual thing ... we'll see!

It was a great day all around with good food and even better fellowship. What a fun day! Thanks for the idea, Laurel!