Gingerbread houses

This is the first year we've ever made gingerbread houses together as a family. Pretty fun!
We invited Tyler's sister Emily and my cousin Ben over for the occasion. Don't you think they would make a cute couple? I thought so. Dark hair, beautiful smiles, olive skin, sparkling eyes.....

Oh, and Sammy and Ben's was a "castle not a house".

This Old House

Our new abode is in the detached home of my only living grandparent. It's perfect for our needs right now. We moved here in early April and I am just now getting to write about it. I haven't put up pictures on the wall or decorated the kids rooms completely so I am waiting to do that before I post photos. But don't hold your breath because it could be a few months.

Here are a few outside portraits. You've already seen the garden.

I love this location because we have a loooong driveway so the kids can ride their bikes and not get near the street. It's secluded and private and quiet. It's shady and green and wonderful. The smells remind me of visiting grandma each summer. The Japanese trees, apricot, walnut, lilac, sycamores, pine, etc. I don't even know all the varieties. And the chorus of birds we hear each morning and throughout the day just adds to the peace. I never thought, growing up, that I'd be living here! It's such a blessing.